Welcome simple-lifers! I lived my whole life in Jersey until  2008, when my husband and I moved Maine. Now I call a sweet little cottage down the street from Kettle Cove beach and cove in Cape Elizabeth my home. How I got here is a long story, for a different blog and a different time.

After my move to Maine is when I seriously began watercolor painting. There is inspiration everywhere. It didn’t matter what town or city, there are lakes, oceans and rivers in almost every direction. The nicest and kindest of people you’d ever want to meet, are my friends and neighbors, helping to make up this lively small-town community. They provide me with warmth, creativity and my imagination goes wild with ideas of painting small animals and writing stories of all those that inhabit Kettle Cove. 

A place without computers, cars, radios—and most importantly, no cell phones! These creatures rely on each other through good times and moments of need. I call them, Hammies. Yes, Hammies for little hamsters. Please don’t write me back, as I already know they cannot live outside in Maine among the winter elements or speak real words. But you see, they live in my imagination so I can bend the rules of reality to make small children—and some whimsical adults—smile. 

The Hammies will introduce you to their world. A beautiful simple life, filled with traditions, beach bonfires, holiday craft festivities, friendship and of course a little drama. But most of all you will find kindness, compassion and generosity in their way of life. 

What I am offering you, is a moment to settle in, pour a cup of tea and breathe in the salty air of Kettle cove as I take you on a tour of this tiny little town, that lives among the reeds and brambles. Allow me to share with you my favorite Hammies’ lives, tribulations, and on how they come together as a community.  

See you soon!

Warmly, Cheri