Thank You!

Before I tell you about the gorgeous mail we've been receiving, I must tell you about a funny thing that happened today. In the fall Portland is visited by many, many gigantic cruise ships. An especially large ship was docked in the harbor today as we drove into town to do an errand. We both noticed that, although it was a really lovely warm day, many folks downtown had on winter coats. What in the world is going on, we wondered. Were we going to get out of the car to find a strange pocket of cold air had enveloped Portland? Then we realized that the people we saw were tourists, or shall we say, guests, from the ship. Where could they be from, we wanted to know, that this warm, sunny day seemed cold. The answer? Texas. Or at least that's what we were told. Yes, of course. In Texas this must be cool, autumn weather. For us, today's warmth was a reminder of summer's passing. As I sit here I'm thinking that those folks must be really chilly now, as even I have grabbed a sweater for the evening. Or, perhaps they're already gone. Quite often they stay in our port for just a visit, waking up even farther up the coast the next day. I can only imagine how cold they will feel in the morning!

But, back to the mail. We received mostly hats this year. Mittens, scarves, a sweater, and a few shawls, too. But mostly really, really gorgeous hats. Some hats were made from the softest merino handspun. There were hats for babies and children. Hats for adults. Striped hats, and hats with buttons and ribbons. And before long we'll all be needing our hats. There is nothing quite as comforting as a warm handknit hat when Maine's winter winds really get going. So, we thank you for sending your beautiful hats to Maine. And for the kind words that I so often find tucked into your packages. Quite seriously, every time I collect a package for Nest I am reminded that there is so much goodwill in this world. Thank you for sharing yours with all of us.

Tomorrow morning all of your contributions will head home with Laura, to Ft. Kent. I'm sure that mornings are getting frosty in northern Maine and that all that lovely work will arrive just in time.

Peace,
Jean

September!

The donations for Nest are starting to arrive daily. This is such an exciting time. Your amazing work and kind words give us so much hope. So, in advance, we thank you.

A quick note to let you know that nothing needs to be sent Priority Mail! Please, please, please don't spend extra money on postage. We will not be meeting with our Ft. Kent connection until the beginning of October, most likely, so you still have plenty of time. And, if your package arrives after the clothing has gone north, your donations will be distributed in southern Maine. There is so much need, north and south. We can always find a home for them.

Peace,
Jean

Nest :: 2009

Although midsummer is just around the corner, with a bounty of wonderful things to eat and do, autumn is on my mind. Shhh....I don't say that too loudly. It seems to disturb my friends and neighbors. In truth, it brings me joy to think of hats, mittens, and socks, even as days grow warmer and warmer. And hats, mittens, and socks are at the top of our list for Nest this year.


Last year most of the donations we received were distributed in the Ft. Kent, Maine, area. They were given to children and adults at schools, hospitals, and day care centers. Laura, our contact in the Ft. Kent area, tells us that children's hats, mittens, and socks were the most popular items. Especially in unisex colors. So, more please! Some of your donations went to an elementary school in southern Maine. We also spoke to the coordinator for a refugee resettlement organization who is interested in accepting clothing for new members of our community.


We are setting a deadline of September 1, 2009. But no worries if you send it later. We can always find a home for donations, so the P.O. box will remain open all year. Although we are asking for rather basic items, feel free to send along other projects, too. We will accept small blankets, scarves, cowls, even sweaters and vests.

Enjoy your spring and summer. Keep that traveling basket stocked with yarn, needles, and hooks. Is there anything more wonderful than creating for others in the company of loved ones? I think not.

We hope to hear from you in the fall!
Peace,
Jean