Ride With Me, See Where This Thing Goes.

I'm unapologetic for how long, and rambling, and all over the place this is going to be. I will promise that there's food .. but I have a ways to go before I get there. I just have this thing that has been bothering me. It's been bothering me my entire life, and it reared it's ugly head this week. It probably won't make any sense to anyone other than me, and maybe the person who bore the brunt of the experience this week.

When I was in middle school, I was convinced that I was going to grow up, and go to school to become a lawyer. I was convinced of this, because, when I am passionate about something, I will fight for it. I will come at it from every single possible angle, to make someone see things from my perspective. Sometimes, this is really a good thing- people want someone like me in their corner because I will fight for them.  When I'm fighting for me, or for something that I really believe in, I sometimes forget that there's another side to the argument, and another person who feels as strongly about their position as I do about mine. It isn't about who is right, and who is wrong - it is about both sides feeling like they are being heard, and understood. Sometimes when you're right in the middle of working through something with someone you care about and respect, it's hard to see the forrest through the trees. I'm a very accommodating person. If I care about you, I will literally do ANYTHING within my power for you. Sometimes, that means I have to relinquish control over my point of view, because at the end of the day (as much as I want it to be) it isn't all about Amanda. I didn't end up going to college to become a lawyer- at some point, I realized that that was going to require way more schooling than I was prepared for. So instead, I went to school for Theatre - which means, I still have this constant need to be understood.. but with added dramatic flair! I rarely lose a fight... but sometimes it isn't about winning or losing. I don't think either party won or lost this particular argument.. but I do apologize for adding frustration to an already confusing situation... it's never my intention.

Anyone reading this who knows me well, knows that music is a HUGE influence in my life. I'm always looking for the perfect song with the perfect lyrics to completely convey how I feel. This song, accurately represents the year I have had.. and the number of times I have listened to it in the past six months has to near the hundred(s). It doesn't hurt that I'd listen to Nate Ruess sing the dictionary... but it is this particular lyric that speaks to me the most.

Well I woke up to the sound of silence the cars 
Were cutting like knives in a fist fight
And I found you with a bottle of wine
Your head in the curtains your heart like the fourth of July

Ok, enough sappy romanticism - onto the food.

I made an executive decision to write about lunch, and not breakfast this week. It's my damn blog, I do what I want! It was a beautiful day on Saturday, the kind of day that begs for you to spend it outside. Wasn't really warm enough for the beach, but that didn't keep me from wanting to be near the water.  D and I set our sights on the Dip Net in Port Clyde, Maine. This place has been sold a few times in the last couple of years, and is now owned By Linda Bean's Perfect Maine. As a general rule, I try not to support any of her endeavors, but this location really can't be beat.

I hadn't eaten anything all day, so I was pretty hungry. I ordered an appetizer of Fried Cheese Curds, with a mustard dipping sauce. Have Mercy. These were amazing.  Light breading, perfectly melty and cheesy cheddar inside. But whatever they use for a mustard sauce was really the shining star here.

When you sit on the water in Maine at a restaurant in the late spring days of June, you're supposed to eat seafood - so I ordered a crab melt with bacon and tomato, and hand cut French fries. I ate every single one of those French fries... I do love me some potato - but that crab melt was awful. I ate the crab and cheese off of the top, but the bread, the bacon, the tomato... all awful. Mealy tomato, waaaaaaay overcooked bacon, and a slice of sourdough bread that really wasn't doing the dish ANY favors. At all.

Sister D swore that she was starving too, so we split the cheese curds, and she ordered herself a plate of tri-colored (Two colors don't make a triad) chips with Salsa, Guac and Queso. I actually don't know if she truly enjoyed them. She really wanted a grilled cheese. (She doesn't eat seafood.)

The main reason I wanted to go to Port Clyde was for Squid Ink Coffee, which is located right next door to the Dip Net. It's just a fun little coffee spot with an amazing view. They make a fabulous latte.

The last thing I want to mention, is the loss of two people this week whose work I REALLY respected.  I'm not going to say much else, but wanted to share quotes from the two of them, that I feel are appropriate. The loss of these two brilliant souls hit me hard this week.

If you have read this entire thing, I probably owe you a huge hug.. or at least a thank you.  So, thank you, for reading through my rambling thoughts. My heart is big. I love hard, and when I love something I want everyone to know it. Having this space to share the things that I love has become an integral part of my week, every single week. I'm grateful that you're all here for that journey with me.