Life on an Artistic Island

Islesford is probably the most creative place I've ever been. The moment I step off the mailboat, I want to make something--write, Paint, crochet (what?!?), build a birdhouse--whatever. Today was the first session of our poetry workshop. Rick Benjamin, who teaches at Brown, vacations here and graciously conducts a workshop for 10-15 islanders and summer people several times a year. It's amazing what can come from the minds of people who are lobster fishermen, potters, housewives, and others. By the time two hours had passed, each of us had produced at least two pretty good poems. Mine are too personal to share in a blog; close friends will read them later. Suffice it to say, Rick knows how to give us poems and prompts that send us places we need to go to find the good stuff, often completely unexpectedly. We'll meet again tomorrow afternoon.
One would think that life on an island is quiet and boring, but there's little chance to become bored. There are meetings to attend, get-togethers to plan, and trips off-island to make. Grocery shopping can take either most of the day or one phone call, depending on what you want and how much you're willing to pay.
Michael decided to go off-island while I went to the poetry workshop, so he left on the 8:30 boat and won't be back til 2:30 or later. He was going to hit the Northeast Harbor farmer's market and then the grocery in Bar Harbor. The weather's been gray the past two days, so we're not inclined to go into the park. We might have to light a fire in the wood stove this afternoon if it cools off any more. The thermometer says 63 right now, at 12:45 in the afternoon.
Michael is going fishing around 4:00 for mackerel with a couple of the guys who are working at the Boatworks--Phin and Tony. If all goes well, we'll have a fish fry--more likely a fish broil--for supper. If not, Plan B is pancakes and bacon. Either will be followed by peach ice cream I'll be making this afternoon.
I'm trying to decide whether I should work on my syllabus this afternoon or just do crossword puzzles; I like having this time to myself. I've already finished one novel since I've been here--Kindred--and am looking around for another. I thought I had brought two, but apparently not. The library is pretty well stocked, so I'm sure I can find something to finish before we leave.
Time to make the ice cream!