Maybe you’re here because you want to find out what the scuba divers found in the Mount Waldo quarry pond. Maybe you’re here because you want the link to the story about the Treat Peirce house in Frankfort, Maine. Maybe you’re just here, like I am. Whatever brought you here, hello.

First, for those of you who are only interested in the Mount Waldo quarry…

All things being equal, my story about scuba divers at Mount Waldo quarry should be in the August issue of Down East Magazine. (🤞) No spoilers here but I will share what some people think is under the quarry water.

Here are the results of the survey I put out a few months ago:

Hearing everyone’s stories about the quarry as well as hearing about what a potent black hole many folks believe it to be, I’m excited to keep writing about it. There’s always so much more research that goes into a story than what ends up in the final copy. Stay tuned for more.

If knowing about the quarry’s contents is your ONLY interest in this newsletter, I suggest purchasing a subscription to Down East or signing up for their newsletter to find out when the story is live. (Chances are the quarry won’t be the only thing I write about here or elsewhere. See below.)

New Work in the World

Here are a few pieces of mine that recently made their way into print. (Online versions will presumably exist at some point in the near future.)

“Roadside Attraction: A writer investigates a deteriorating Frankfort landmark-turned-yard-sale-spectacle.” Maine Homes by Down East (Summer 2022 issue)*

*This asterisk is here to share the hard news that Dana Geel, the incredible human at the center of this story, passed away just a week or so after it was published. I learned so much from Dana during the many hours I sat with him on his porch during his yard sales over the years—he was a magnanimous human, a showman full of generosity and hospitality, who filled his home with eccentric items so that everyone who came to his yard sales would leave with something. He was kind, gentle, hilarious, and brimming with ideas for projects and a deep appreciation for spontaneity. I continue to learn from Dana (and his family and friends) even after his passing and am grateful for all he and the Treat Peirce house have given me to think about.

“Nicolle Littrell: A Renegade Rower’s Favorite Things” Maine Women Magazine (June 2022 issue)

Currents

I’m listening to the new Sharon Van Etten album “We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong”, Connie Walker’s incredible podcast “Stolen”, “Abalele” by Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa & Ami Faku. I’m reading Bill Roorbach’s new novel, “Lucky Turtle", which I picked up after hearing him talk at Left Bank Books in Belfast recently. Also, Hannah Brooks-Motl’s new chapbook, “Still Life” from arrow as arrow and “Star Lake”, Arda Collins’ new book from Song Cave. I’m re-reading “Juniper” and “Wise Child” by Monica Furlong—I adored these books as a kid and recently found myself wondering if they’d be appropriate for my niece. It seems they have withstood the test of time. Phew.

Housekeeping

I missed writing a May newsletter for reasons but I hope to be back on track for monthly missives come July. Thank you for reading.