Maine-ly Mail

2020 Forever Stamp

During this time of quarantine and limited travel, I’ve been dreaming of voyages and adventures I’d like to take. I was recently inspired by a...you guessed it... postage stamp!!! The 200th anniversary of Maine’s statehood was celebrated this year and honored by the release of a new Forever stamp. 

Maine stamp from 2002

As far as I can recall, I have never been to Maine. There is a slight possibility that on a family trip to the Northeast when I was 5 we may have ventured into the pine tree state, but my old memory banks are void so a visit is most certainly in order...even if it is only a virtual one.  

1970 Stamp to celebrate 150th anniversary of Maine’s statehood

The ideal Mr. and Mrs. Murphy vacation is to explore the great outdoors and take in the scenic wonders of a place. I don’t think Maine will disappoint. It seems that Maine is chock full of pristine, wooded wilderness, majestic mountains, and miles of rocky coastline. Not to mention the picturesque lighthouses, quaint fishing villages and Acadia National Park! 

1982 State bird and flower stamp

To truly be a magical Murphy destination it should include a literary element. Usually we visit the local bookstores (antique and used books are our favorites) and pick up an armload of our preferred souvenirs 📚 but Maine goes above and beyond the required regional bookshops. Maine has quite the literary history and has inspired some incredible authors through the years. There are locations, people! LITERARY LOCATIONS TO VISIT!! 😆 

Longfellow commemorative stamp released in 2007

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Beecher Stowe, E.B. White, Edna St. Vincent Millay, to name a few, all lived in Maine for part or all of their lives. 

Hawthorne commemorative stamp released in 1983

Many of their homes are still standing and open to visitors. And what visit to Maine would be complete without a stop at the home of Maine’s most prolific native son...Stephen King!! I would love to explore Maine and see the real life places that inspired the fictional towns of “Derry” and “Castle Rock.” 😱 🤡 

2006 E.B. White Charlotte’s Web stamp

Congratulations on your bicentennial, Maine! I can’t wait to visit when this pandemic is over. Now all I need is a pen pal from Maine! 🤔 (Dear Mr. King...)

Go postal, people! It’s inspiring! 

XOXO, 

Mrs. Murphy