long-distance road trip Archives - Jared Kuvent https://jaredkuvent.com/tag/long-distance-road-trip/ Creative Technologist Portfolio Wed, 13 Nov 2024 23:07:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://jaredkuvent.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Logo-v03-512-150x150.png long-distance road trip Archives - Jared Kuvent https://jaredkuvent.com/tag/long-distance-road-trip/ 32 32 Finding Roots In Maine After 3,500 Miles On The Road https://jaredkuvent.com/2024/11/13/finding-roots-in-maine-after-3500-miles-on-the-road/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=finding-roots-in-maine-after-3500-miles-on-the-road https://jaredkuvent.com/2024/11/13/finding-roots-in-maine-after-3500-miles-on-the-road/#comments Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:38:15 +0000 https://jaredkuvent.com/?p=2547 After 3,500 miles on the road, I’ve finally arrived in Maine for the next chapter of this journey—one filled with the warmth of family and friends. This last stretch has been a mix of meaningful catch-ups and spontaneous stops, each moment a reminder of the connections that have shaped me. From coffee-fueled chats to surprise visits with old friends, there’s something both grounding and inspiring about settling into familiar places. Here’s to new stories, timeless bonds, and discovering even more of what makes New England feel like home.

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Finding Roots In Maine After 3,500 Miles On The Road

I woke up to the kind of morning that only Maine can deliver. The crisp fall air had filtered in through the open window, and I could smell that unmistakable scent of damp leaves and cool earth. After weeks of being on the road, it felt grounding to know I’d be here for a while. The house was peaceful; Scott was already working away in his attic office. If you’ve never met Scott, he’s a historian and preservationist with a profound respect for the past. He’s worked with the Portland Historical Preservation group, consulted on major projects, and even wrote a bestseller, Restoring Your Historic House: The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners. His love for historic preservation is everywhere in this house, from his work restoring this place to the endless stories he uncovers about its history.

Today, I had no plans for the road, no new town to explore, just a day to settle in and catch up. I made my coffee, sat down at my workstation, and spent the morning editing the footage from my drive into Maine. I had already driven more than 3,500 miles, and as much as I loved the journey, it was a relief to finally pause for a while. Between driving, documenting, and keeping up with the blog, it’s been a balancing act to stay on top of everything. It’s no small feat to capture the essence of this trip in a way that does it justice, but I’m grateful for every mile and every story it’s allowed me to share.

A Morning with AJS

A bit later, I logged into my morning AJS meeting. AJS is an interactive networking group that’s become an important part of my daily routine. It’s a support network for people actively searching for work, and the group has grown into a circle of encouragement and inspiration. Today, I filled them in on my recent interview with Angel City Data, a software company in LA that develops custom business applications. Working with them would be an incredible opportunity, and the team at AJS shared my excitement, cheering me on. Kyle, one of the group members, even said that my blog has inspired him to start creating more content himself. I think it’s amazing how sharing your own journey can ripple out to others, sometimes in ways you don’t expect.

Being on the road can be isolating, but having this group has been a constant reminder of the connections I’ve built over time. And it’s all part of what this journey is about—not just the places I visit, but the connections I maintain and strengthen along the way.

Reuniting with Ethan

After the meeting, it was time to reconnect with my brother, Ethan, who recently moved to Maine. First, I stopped by Amato’s for lunch—the Original Italian sub from this place is legendary. This sandwich is the best of New England: house-made ham, American cheese, pickles, onions, green peppers, and tomato, all soaked in a vinegar-oil blend. For Ethan, I picked up a meatball sub, and Josh, his roommate, got a roast beef Italian. Rounding out the meal with some local root beer felt like the perfect touch for a real Maine lunch.

Ethan’s new place is a cozy duplex that has a sense of home about it—warm, welcoming, and unpretentious. We sat down at the table and dove into our sandwiches, catching up on life, work, and my road trip. It felt good to be back with him, sharing a meal and talking like no time had passed at all. After lunch, we decided to pay a visit to the Terison family in Falmouth. They’ve been lifelong friends, and stopping by felt like reconnecting with family.

Surprising the Terison Family

Arriving at the Terison farm, I knew a big surprise was in store. John Terison is an old friend, a musician and someone I met back in high school choir. His house is filled with musical instruments, including not one, but three pipe organs, which speaks volumes about his love for music. John married his college sweetheart, Ashley, who is one of the warmest people you could ever meet. Her calm presence and gentle voice bring a real sense of peace to their home.

They hadn’t known I was coming, so when John opened the door, his shock turned to joy as he pulled me in for a hug. Inside, Ashley was across the room, and as I looked closer, I realized she was expecting—due any day, in fact! It was the best surprise, and I couldn’t be happier for them. The Terison farm is like a little world of its own, with John’s parents, Mark and Nancy, living just down the path.

John poured me a glass of fresh-pressed apple cider, a taste of Maine in a cup. As we sipped, he told me about the anticipation of becoming a dad. You could feel his excitement mixed with a healthy dose of nervousness, which anyone would feel so close to that life-changing moment.

We walked down to Mark and Nancy’s house, a classic New England farmhouse with big windows and a view of the rolling fields. Nancy had just returned from running errands, and her face lit up when she saw me. “Jared!!” she exclaimed as she came over for a big hug. The Terisons have been there for me through everything, and spending time with them was like being wrapped in the warmth of family. Even their three corgis joined the welcome, sniffing and wagging around us. Nancy introduced me to her new kittens in the basement—three adorable gray fluffballs, one of whom took a liking to me, attempting to scale my pant leg.

Visiting the Welches

After leaving the Terison farm, Ethan and I headed over to see the Welches, another family close to ours. Jodi, Josh’s mom, greeted us with a hug, and we spent the next hour catching up, laughing, and sharing stories about the road. My mom and Jodi go way back, and it’s a reminder of how close our families have always been. It’s grounding to know these connections are still here, unchanging, no matter where life takes us.

A Quiet Evening in Topsham

When I returned to Topsham, Andrew was just getting home, and we dove into dinner prep. Andrew made a spiced chicken and rice dish, and we all sat down to enjoy a comforting home-cooked meal. Afterward, we set out to pick up Gabrielle, a friend we met through Outright, an organization providing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Outright is a vital part of our community, and it’s where Gabrielle and Andrew first met. Gabrielle’s energy and infectious laughter make any evening more memorable, and she has a knack for adding humor to even the simplest moments.

Our first stop was the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, open 24 hours and sprawling across a campus of buildings. There’s something special about walking through L.L. Bean late at night, with the store nearly empty and the staff ready for a chat. We wandered through the aisles, admiring winter gear, and reminiscing about old times.

But the night wasn’t complete without a visit to Gelato Fiasco. Andrew and I have a tradition of going multiple times each week whenever I’m back, and it felt just right to stop by for Maine Blueberry gelato. Gabrielle spotted a secret menu item—a milkshake—and quickly ordered one, while I enjoyed my classic blueberry flavor.

Thinking the night was winding down, they surprised me with a visit to Kristie’s Creations, a tiny roadside shack offering cakes and cupcakes on an honor system. The little stand is open 24 hours and is stocked with all kinds of treats. I picked out a blueberry-filled cupcake, perfectly chilled and covered in buttery frosting, an indulgence I couldn’t resist after a long day.

Reflections at the Whitten House

By the time we returned to the Whitten House, I was ready for rest. Heading upstairs, I opened the window to let in the crisp night air and settled in, my mind turning over the day’s moments. This wasn’t just another stop; it was a return to familiar faces and places, each one carrying pieces of my past and grounding me in the present. Here, in the heart of Maine, surrounded by the people who shaped me, I felt a quiet sense of belonging. The road still calls, but tonight, I know I’m exactly where I need to be.

If you could spend a month in one place after a long trip, where would it be and why?

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