Our Story

It was a perfectly innocent idea, I only wanted to go for a ride on one of those adorable little lobster boats. That’s all.  Well, that is not entirely true. In fact, I lie.  I didn’t just want to go for a ride on a lobster boat; I wanted to go for a ride, pull a trap, paint a buoy, and ask about a million annoying questions.  This is a particular trait of mine; I am very curious about people and their lives. So much so that my family has a running joke about it.  “Who is that guy? Where is he going? And why is he riding that bike?” is my family’s shorthand for this endearing trait. They think it is funny. I don’t get it.

Well, last October I found myself in Maine. I was supposed to be helping David Middleton teach a photography workshop in Acadia National Park, and I was, until  along the dock I happened to be standing on, walked a  bearded character with a twinkle in his blue eye and a lobster trap in his gloved hands.  How could I not start up a small conversation with him?

Turns out Maine lobstermen, gruff reputation not withstanding, are really a very friendly group.  The more I learned about their work, their lives, their boats and gear the more I wanted to know.  It’s a unique life, passed down from grandfathers to sons and now to sons and daughters both. It ‘s an independent life, and you survive on your own efforts and wits.

So, just as I was about to step onto a lobster boat in Bass Harbor, David showed up to remind me I  was in fact due at the car, needed elsewhere.  Grrrrrr.  Grudgingly I waved goodbye to my new friend and began slowly walking to the car.  As we drove away I told David that doing a book on the Maine lobsterman would be a fantastic project, a no brainer really, a truly great idea.  He agreed and thus the seed was planted for this book.  David, being a stand up guy, didn’t steal my idea, and me, being a stand up gal, knew enough to include David in order to exploit his greater experience and “wisdom.”

Now life finds us with a book contract in hand, and I am as excited about this as my 8 year old son is on the last day of school ! Five months and several trips to Maine latter, we have met some great characters, seen some beautiful sights, and learned a bit more about the Lobstering Life.  We have even snapped some photographs along the way.

What has yet to happen is my ride on a real live authentic lobster boat!  On our last trip out to Stonington we had a very nice lobster boat captain all ready to take us out until 60mph winds thwarted our plans.  Grrrrr.  Patience isn’t my strong suit – my personality plate is all filled up with curiosity, enthusiasm and determination – but patient I must be until I get back to Maine.  I promise you I’ll be out on that boat, more than once, and if you want to share that adventure with David and me, check in here regularly at The Lobstering Life blog.  We’d love to have you onboard.