When I first moved to Maine back in 2008 I started working for the Portland Phoenix, an alternative newsweekly similar to the publication I had worked for back in Vermont. Unfortunately - as with much of the newspaper world - the recession hit the Phoenix hard. Within nine months I had lost my job.

I always have extremely clear memories of any event that turned out to be lifechanging. So it comes as no surprise that I remember every single detail of August 12, 2009, including the difficult conversation with the newspaper's higher ups, and my tearful call to my parents.

I also clearly remember certain moments in the days that followed. One of these is the moment I sat at my dining room table and called Tom Bradbury at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. Tom is a family friend, the Trust is always in need of help, and I was - for the first time in years - bored.

I had no idea how much that phone call would influence my life in the years that followed. That day marked the start of a mutually beneficial relationship between myself and my neighbors at the headquarters down the road. I marked merchandise, they gave me a place to hang out. I filed property paperwork, and they gave me a glass of wine when I couldn't afford any! I mowed the lawn at the lighthouse, they introduced me to some of my favorite people in town.

Maybe most importantly, the Trust asked me re-mark some of their trails, and I in turn rediscovered my love for the woods. So I was beyond excited to have a chance to write about these trails for my second column in the York County Coast Star, in hopes that more neighbors will discover them as they continue to spread throughout town.

You can read more, here.

Dream Job

It is no secret that I am obsessed with where I live.

This goes beyond the barn, the story of Freedom Farm, the acres of protected Conservation Trust land that surround my rural corner of our bustling vacation destination. I am not just obsessed with my home, I am obsessed with Kennebunkport in general.

At times this expands to the broader Kennebunks. Over to downtown route 1 where I work my day job, or out to my brother's abode including both pigs and chickens in West K. I also can't help but love that long stretch of Arundel with it's flea markets, cheap breakfast diners, and of course Bentley's. But generally it is our humble population of around 3,500 year-round residents that I can't get enough of.

This is a good thing, since living in a small town means you get a lot of it. What is "it"? Oh, I guess the word 'gossip' could sum it up. But it's more than that. Because it's not just people talking about each other - it is people being genuinely involved in, and concerned about, each other's lives. Last winter a buddy of mine moved in. Dan is also a Kennebunkport resident and it took less than a week to have multiple people downtown ask me "when did Dan move in?" all based on seeing his truck in my driveway. Some were excited, some wondered if we were dating... others had no feeling one way or another - they just wanted to be in the loop on what was up.

The upside of such a level of involvement is that people remember you, and look out for you. Which is exactly how I earned my new title of Kennebunkport town columnist for the York County Coast Star. Back when I first moved to Kennebunkport I started working freelance for the paper - and I loved it. I stopped when I got a full time gig at the Kennebunk Post, and then stopped that job when I got a corporate job that actually paid above living wage (not common in entry-level journalism!). I have greatly missed having writing as a part of my professional life ever since.

(OK, OK, technically writing is still a part of my professional life. But corporate social media copy just isn't the same as feature stories on all the cool people who live in your neighborhood, ya know?)

Anyway. The Coast Star was in need of a new columnist, and my former editor thought of me. So now I get to balance my money-making corporate gig with what is truly my dream job: writing about this amazing place in which I live. Goooo, small town life!

You can check out my first column here.

I'm also hoping that writing regularly for the newspaper will inspire me to write more regularly in general. I mean, columns were the original blog, right? Why can't I keep up with both?

The Graduate

Greg Johnson, a 1973 graduate of Kennebunk High School and successful film producer, recently sat down to talk with me about his latest release, "The Music Never Stopped".

Ok, so we didn't actually sit down together. After all, Greg works in Southern Connecticut, and I work in Southern Maine. And we both work! A lot, it would seem. Every time one of us had a free moment for a phone conversation, the other was busy.

But two weeks of emails eventually lead to a call, which lead to an interview, and finally, an article in our favorite Coast Star.

Kennebunk grad takes on film industry - 3/31/11

Who wants to join me at the movies?

Tinker Times

When my editor contacted me to let me know she wanted me to do a story that involved interviewing an Irish playwright, I could not help but get excited. After all, my name is Bridget. I am Irish Step Dancing instructor. And I love Irish storylines, with their extreme sense of both family and celebration.

Bring a play to life: Maine Playwright Series to be staged at Rivertree Arts - 3/17/11

While the article does not actually center entirely around that one playwright, it did ironically run on Saint Patrick's Day! Check it out!

On the rocks

I am already excited for Maine Restaurant Week, so when my editor called to ask if I could write a sort of preview to the week's "Signature Event", I was immediately on board.

Blue Sky bartender Paul Russell to stir things up at statewide competition - 2/23/11

Drinks? Dessert? Let's go, kids!

Book Report

There was a time in the last year when I was dumped and feeling very sorry for myself. A friend, in a well-intentioned effort to make me feel better, said, "It's OK, Bridget. He reads books! Do you honestly want to date somebody who reads books?"

Um. Yes.

I mean, seriously, do you know me? I am a writer. That inherently makes me a reader. I grew up in a family that was read aloud to at the dinner table. I fall in a crowd of friends that spends one day of four-day ski weekends skiing, and three days curled up in front of the fire with a book. I am the new girl, at the new job, who doesn't make friends during lunch because I relish my full hour to curl up in the corner of the cafeteria and, you guessed it, read.

I am a (proud) book nerd.

Which is why it was so distressing to me to learn that bookstore chain Borders recently filed for Chapter 11.

I know, I know, I shouldn't be crying over the potential demise of a big box store. I mean, I've seen You've Got Mail and all. But there was a point in my life when I was working as a nanny in Burlington, Vermont and Borders was an almost daily stop for me.

They were within walking distance! Their bathrooms easily fit strollers! They had a children's section! And a wide variety of cheesy chick lit that I could read aloud to Baby in a sing song voice, him none the wiser!

Plus, the fall of such a giant makes me worried for our smaller independent stores. Which is why I am so grateful that my community's novice bookstore is hanging on, with the expertise of seasoned booksellers and the resources of its determined owner.

Community bookends: Bookstore keeps people connected - 2/17/11

Read all about it!

Year of the Rabbit

When my editor contacted me last Friday afternoon and asked if I could complete a story on the Chinese New Year for Monday morning, I knew I was taking on a challenge. Weekends are tough. Language barriers are harder. And when time constraints force interviews to happen over the phone, or worse - email, my stories definitely lose something.

Family-style celebration: Today starts the Chinese New Year, Year of the Rabbit - 2/3/11

Thankfully, some of that New Year luck was in my corner, and a 400-word story quickly grew to 1000. Happy New Year, kids! Let's hope it is prosperous and healthy for all.

Taxes and Psychology

Sometimes I go away to remote ski condos and realize, wow, I am off the grid. How am I going to talk to the person I need to interview for this article?

Luckily, some people are so excited to be in the paper that they are more than understanding and flexible with their own schedules and against all odds, I turn in the article ahead of deadline.

Such was the case with local psychologist Amy Wood. I only wish I didn't work a half hour outside of town. Because her upcoming lunch series sounds like something I could really get into.

Kennebunk psychologist, author, offers fresh approach to success - 1/6/11

Some other times my car breaks down and I realize that somehow I am going to have to get to that school board meeting I agreed to cover three weeks ago, and the next thing I know, I am curled up in one of the town hall's comfy chairs, snacking on a bagel and reading a book for the hour and a half before the meeting starts because that's when my ride could get me there.

Luckily I'm reading a really good book.

Lucky also that I am genuinely interested in learning more about all of the upcoming RSU 21 related votes. I like being an informed taxpayer. And I like shooting the evil eye at the cynics in the crowd who scoff at upcoming expenses. FYI: don't sit next to me if you're going to "pffft!" every time someone talks numbers.

RSU 21 chairman urges towns to stay in district - 1/6/11

Of course, I am speaking as the daughter of two public school educators.

Cynic, your taxes have paid for my whole life. What do you have to say now?

Year of the Fish

One of the things I love about living in a small town is when I interview someone for the newspaper, and in the process discover about seventeen different ways that we are connected to each other. Conflict of interest is such a relative term.

I had a great time getting to know Holly C. Ross, the artist behind Fish House Designs. Her bright and cheerful paintings perfectly capture everything quaint that I so love about Kennebunkport.

Fish House Designs artist releases 2011 calendar - 12/30/10

And someday, she said, she would love to paint my barn!

Extra! Extra!

I'm back! At the Coast Star, that is. Due to a recent employment change I am no longer working for their direct competitor, and so this week you can find me back on the front page of the Living section. Or, you can read me online!

Musical stars align: River Tree Arts brings Maine Academy of Modern Music to Kennebunk - 12/16/10

All in the family: Local actors star in 'A Christmas Carol' at City Theater - 12/16/10

Enjoy!

WWJD

Last week I had the opportunity to interview the director of an upcoming community production of 'Godspell', which somehow lead to me watching an hour and a half of a dress rehearsal for the performance. I had never seen the show before... yet quickly realized that I knew all the music. Do the rest of you have parents who played Broadway musicals on vinyl throughout your childhood?

Anyway. I wrote a preview of the show for the Coast Star and tried to have a little fun in the process. Check it out!

Holy Entertainment!: It takes a community to produce this 'Godspell' - 10/7/10

Back in black! (and white!)

After an extended break from the local newspaper, I'm back. And very excited about it. While my break from writing was plenty full, I still missed running around town, meeting new people, and spending my Sundays writing on deadline.

My life without deadlines, it turns out, is chaos.

For my first assignment back, I met Helen Revis-Rose, a local Kennebunk-er who just published her first book, Brave: A Memoir of overcoming shyness.

Shy no more, Kennebunk author shares her story - 9/29/10

Check it out!

Buh-bylines!

I realize it has been forever AND A DAY since I wrote anything in this here blog and for that I apologize. It's summer. I'm party boating. What else can I say?

Here's a quick rundown of what you've missed:

Port Selectmen discuss goals, Cape Porpoise Harbor regulations - 7/15/10

Live in Ogunquit: Jonathan's has musicians calling - 7/21/10

Music Seen: La Strada with Jakob Battick and Friends at SPACE Gallery - 8/4/10

St. Martha's completes new access road despite pending court appeal - 8/5/10

Maestro has grown Colony series into Sunday must-see - 8/12/10

Make these last!

I'm taking a three week break!

Back to the boat!!!

Ace Reporter I am NOT.

While I admittedly was the first to hear of Taylor Swift's arrival in town, it has recently come to my attention that I am by no means worthy of any "Scoop" like nicknames.

According to an article posted by none other than my own newspaper, George Bush Sr.'s boat, Fidelity IV, ran aground at Gooch's Beach around 3 PM yesterday.

Ace Reporter that I am, I arrived at the scene by 4 PM.

Ace Reporter that I am NOT, I arrived, blanket in hand, for a late afternoon nap after working the 5 AM shift.

I slept like a baby, fetal position and all, on that beach, until my pre-set alarm rang at 5:30 PM. Then, I stared at the water for a while deciding whether or not I needed a swim to wake me up. Thinking the waves looked a little rough for my liking, I packed up my things and left.

I NEVER NOTICED THE BOAT.

It could be time for me to find a new line of work.

I love me some lobster...

...and so does the Travel Channel!

And so they traveled to Kennebunkport for a Lobster Roll showdown as part of Food Wars.

The contestants? Alisson's and The Clam Shack.

The winner? ...We don't know yet.

But what we do know is that the after party at Alisson's rocked, and I was there to cover it.

Music Seen: Brian Johnson at Alisson's Restaurant, June 27 - 6/30/10

oh, baby BAby!

I love when people are somewhat deceptive about their lives. And the more you get to know them, the more layers you discover.

I first met Paige Brown through a friend, and for a while, thought she was only a nanny.

When I later realized she was a nanny as a way of helping to support herself while getting her own business going as a children's photographer, I wanted to know more. So I interviewed her!

Kennebunk woman focuses her photography on children's portraits - 6/24/10

Oh, babies.

By the way, I totally scored a used Pack-N-Play for only $10 off Craigslist. Bring yo'babies ovah!

Money! That's what I want!

It's been a pretty... expensive week over here at Bridget M. Burns headquarters. A week involving a lot of rust, some major septic issues, dead rodents, and sick animals. The full range of these issues would make a great episode of "Dirty Jobs"... and an ever better episode of a new show I just came up with JUST NOW, that I like to call "Broken Barn".

Mom, Dad... I'll fill you in when you get here. But get the tissues ready, will you? Because I'm feeling pretty damn sorry for myself.

Luckily the writing work keeps coming!

Bonding Horse and Human - 6/10/10

Catch up!

I've been working a lot. Like... a LOT. For my regular job, my writing job, and a certain temporary government job that I have been formally warned I am not allowed to blog about, under penalty of PRISON.

In any case, it hasn't left me that much time to update this blog. So in case you're the type who only reads my articles online, go grab yourself a tasty treat and a refreshing beverage. You're in for the long haul.

Music Seen: Against Me! at Port City Music Hall - 5/5/10

Seniors giving time to help students - 5/20/10

Music Seen: Mousam River Ramblers at Atlantic Hall - 6/2/10

Revisiting Abbott Graves - 6/3/10

And if you like this... it's cause my little sister wrote it!

Last Wednesday, my friends Bob and Mariah invited me to join them at a Spose show. Another chance to hear wildly inappropriate jokes in Ogunquit? I was on board.

Of course Spose is not a comedian, but rather, a hip hop artist, whose catchy lyrics, well known in Wells, are now hitting radio stations all over the country. He's also Mariah's best friend's ex-boyfriend. So there ya go.

I recently heard a mother call into the radio and ask the station DJ if he knew whether or not Spose's upcoming in-store performance would be appropriate for all ages. The DJ seemed certain that the rapper could keep things tame, but after seeing him live, I have a vision of that mother, hands clamped firmly over her son or daughter's ears, storming out of the store.

If you were offended by my last article, by all means, don't read this one. The Phoenix is anything but family-friendly. Same goes for Spose.

Music Seen: Spose at Post Road Tavern, 4/21/10

PARENTAL ADVISORY

Last weekend, a date and I headed down Route 1 to see Khris Francis's adult comedy show at Oxygen, one of Ogunquit's many gay bars. I had signed on to review the show for the Coast Star, figuring it would be a nice change of pace. With the night labeled as "adult" we knew it would be raunchy, but I don't think either of us was fully prepared for the shock value to come.

At least, I know I wasn't prepared for the moment that my gracious date was called to the front of the room to assert his masculinity by taking a blow job shot.

*crickets*

For those of you who are NOT 21 year old girls, let me explain how a blow job shot works.

Step 1: Place your hands behind your back.

Step 2: Eat a maraschino cherry out of the shot glass in front of you.

Step 3: Suck out the whipped cream below the cherry.

Step 4: Taking the entire shot glass in your mouth, throw back the remaining liquor - generally something chocolaty - and bow to the applauding Ogunquit crowd.

I later found out that at this point the co-owners were in the back of the club freaking out because they weren't sure which of us was the journalist, but they knew that one of us was being publicly embarrassed.

Hey, it's all part of the job, right?

The real challenge came in writing the review of the show, as the Coast Star, while boasting quite a few hip writers, is not exactly edgy. I sat down, considered my liberal definition of "family friendly", toned it down two notches further, and wrote what I considered to be a tame, but entertaining version of the story.

Khris Francis Show now on at Oxygen in Ogunquit - 4/22/10

I still got a bit of a reaction.

"Bridget!" my family friend Ted exclaimed. "You said lesbian!"

Well, yeah, Ted. I did.

But... it could have been worse.

Trust me. It could have been much worse.