Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Fish Beach

Let's take one last look at Monhegan Island before we shove off. This is the front side one of the fish house that dot Fish Beach. You don't have to spend a lot of time here to figure out that the lobstermen and fishermen, who inhabit the island, are a hard-working lot. The buildings show it. Their front yards show it. Their faces show it. I grew up in a time when hard work was a good thing. Work early. Work long. Work hard. Save money. It was a mantra my parents tried to instill in all us kids. If you didn't, the good catholic guilt trip would kill you. Based on what we did and how we did it, I believe my brother and I worked harder than any of our neighborhood chaps. Caddying early at the age of twelve, paper routes on top of paper routes throughout our teen years, cleaning the local bank and architect offices nights, helping to clean the local armory on a moment's notice were all part and parcel of the deal we got growing up in our family. Did we complain? Sure, from time to time but not a lot. We thought every kid did it. We were wrong. What do they say about work? If it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger. I don't know about that, but I do believe, in the long run, it made us better.

18 comments:

  1. Good. I've got a list that will turn you into Arnold Schwarzenegger this weekend!

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  2. Agreed with your synopsis.......coiled line with the smell of plankton......Great Photo.

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  3. Neat photo! Yes, I think kids need to have jobs and learn to save. But I fear that is so 20th century, not 21st century thinking.

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  4. From your posts I have gathered that your childhood as filled with fun, games, and antics with a healthy balance of work ad pride in a strong work ethic. Your parents were wonderful people, I think!

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  5. Holy colorful rope!

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  6. You're so Tom Sawyer and I like it. Maybe you should consider a book of memories of a boy in Maine.

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  7. This photo is typical Maine to me. But, what do I know...I live in the desert.

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  8. amen to that. not many these days have that attitude. grateful that my nephew/godson has it. he had done paper routes for years and years. saved money for his 4-wheeler, motorcycle, xbox, whatever. now works hard in automotive industry. :)

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  9. That's a lot of ropes for fishing unless that is one fishing not i have know idea

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  10. i meant fishing net

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  11. There are two competing views of work in our society. There is the "Protestant" work ethic suggesting that hard work is good for body and soul, and the other view that work, especially physical labor, should only be done by the lower classes. This last view comes down to us from the Romans. Our culture is not consistent on its view of work. My view is that you have it about right here. Fine photo. Takes time to learn the ropes.

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  12. Work early...work long and work hard! Really great! :)
    And you got a beautiful shot!Nice image!
    Léia

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  13. You've gotta work hard to get the things you want in life.

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  14. Work hard and keep your eyes open. Nice post!

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  15. Kids need work to do. Life is not all fun and games...even at a young age.

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  16. Nice image of this fine fishing shack. Your time on Monhegan must have been restorative.

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  17. A phrase I always heard from my elders was, "work will never kill you." I have really enjoyed all your photos from the island -- barbara

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  18. I have a feeling it's going to be a busy weekend for you Birdman haha!

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