This is my thirty-ninth year on beautiful Pleasant Pond, so your book will hold a special place forever in my heart. Thank you, Sandy, for creating such wonderful memories, beautiful photos, and interesting facts about our "Beloved" lake. Well :) !!
-Nancy MacLean
Hey, Sandy . . . I like your Book!
-David Robinson
My compliments to you in completing your book about Pleasent Pond.
I have read it and it is an outstanding piece of work which I think only you could have done so well. CONGRATULATIONS.
I have read it and it is an outstanding piece of work which I think only you could have done so well. CONGRATULATIONS.
-Ted Roberts
Mary Sherwood has received her numbered and signed copy of The Life and Times on Pleasant Pond, delivered by the author herself! It is beautifully crafted - hearty congrats to Sandy
-Mary Sherwood
Hi Sandy,
I hope this note finds you well. Of course I've finished the book, and have re-read certain portions several times. Anthony likes to hear me read aloud "his story", among other parts of the book that I like.
In short, I'm probably as excited as anyone, including yourself, that your book has finally been written. It came with much anticipation, and it did not disappoint. To realize Joe Edwards' dream that his stories and history could be recorded for all to appreciate, will be a special topic in all of our future discussions.
. . . I am in love with this book! (I think I could be your biggest fan!) With everyone that I have spoken to and discussed the book with, I've been met with very favorable responses.
You ought to be mighty satisfied with yourself, and your efforts to get this dream realized. It is a lovely book of stories and photographs, both recent and nostalgic that captures not only the experience of life on the pond, but the imagination of an idyllic life, as well. It is a book that will be treasured by generations of families who have already experienced their own piece of the "dream life" in Island Falls, but also to a broader audience as well. The book provides a wonderful historical narrative that outlines the connection between the land and the first families who settled the area, but also the connections between the families themselves. It is no wonder that Old Joe's middle name is Walker! How the Lanes, Edwards, Walkers and Powers settled and remained in the area is a testament to the goodness that is found there. However, the book is something more than a history, because it reads like a romantic memoir as well.
Many readers from the area would easily identify with the youthful experiences portrayed, and reflect on similar situations of their own, when fun on the pond was truly felt as one of life's greatest gifts. Time itself, can seem irrelevant here. Your experiences become a metaphor for others who have lived the same dream. For those who have yet to partake of the pond's shimmering lake or glorious, star-filled skies, the book becomes a "Walden Pond" of sorts, creating within the mind's eye, the ideal place to be, whether young or old. In short, whether the reader has firsthand experience with the pond or not, the book tells the story of where one would rather be.
Thanks for being so generous as to include the short stories of others. Ted Roberts' story of catching fish is but one example of the transformation from adult back to youth, which must occur with regularity on the pond. Fond memories with friends and family is the mainstay of our pond experience, and the inclusion of others' perspectives makes certain that your own recollections is by no means unique in this regard. These stories are sure to make one feel more young at heart, and at more peace within yourself, when reflecting on the simple family values that dominate our days here. It seems it is almost impossible to allow life to get too complicated! Bragging rights indeed! It is really fun to read those stories about music heard over the pond from the pavillion, fishing for the big ones, showing good 'ole respect for one's neighbor (or stealing one's first kiss!).
Sandy, what more can I say? You've managed to make a whole community proud to know that the place that they've known is special in their own way, is VERY special in a collective way. I hope that the acclaim is more widely spread, and that your book could be embraced by a larger audience as well. Don't hesitate to use any of my accolades when you promote it in the future. I sure hope you qualify for an award or two for the excellent work you've done.
You are an amazing person, rich in experience and willingness to share with others. You allow for an easy friendship with everyone I have spoken to. I look forward to looking through your web pages at the photographs and stories that have brought you around full circle, and back to the place of your youth. I wish you every success in the future, and hope that you find working on the next book about Mattawamkeag Lake just as rewarding.
I hope this note finds you well. Of course I've finished the book, and have re-read certain portions several times. Anthony likes to hear me read aloud "his story", among other parts of the book that I like.
In short, I'm probably as excited as anyone, including yourself, that your book has finally been written. It came with much anticipation, and it did not disappoint. To realize Joe Edwards' dream that his stories and history could be recorded for all to appreciate, will be a special topic in all of our future discussions.
. . . I am in love with this book! (I think I could be your biggest fan!) With everyone that I have spoken to and discussed the book with, I've been met with very favorable responses.
You ought to be mighty satisfied with yourself, and your efforts to get this dream realized. It is a lovely book of stories and photographs, both recent and nostalgic that captures not only the experience of life on the pond, but the imagination of an idyllic life, as well. It is a book that will be treasured by generations of families who have already experienced their own piece of the "dream life" in Island Falls, but also to a broader audience as well. The book provides a wonderful historical narrative that outlines the connection between the land and the first families who settled the area, but also the connections between the families themselves. It is no wonder that Old Joe's middle name is Walker! How the Lanes, Edwards, Walkers and Powers settled and remained in the area is a testament to the goodness that is found there. However, the book is something more than a history, because it reads like a romantic memoir as well.
Many readers from the area would easily identify with the youthful experiences portrayed, and reflect on similar situations of their own, when fun on the pond was truly felt as one of life's greatest gifts. Time itself, can seem irrelevant here. Your experiences become a metaphor for others who have lived the same dream. For those who have yet to partake of the pond's shimmering lake or glorious, star-filled skies, the book becomes a "Walden Pond" of sorts, creating within the mind's eye, the ideal place to be, whether young or old. In short, whether the reader has firsthand experience with the pond or not, the book tells the story of where one would rather be.
Thanks for being so generous as to include the short stories of others. Ted Roberts' story of catching fish is but one example of the transformation from adult back to youth, which must occur with regularity on the pond. Fond memories with friends and family is the mainstay of our pond experience, and the inclusion of others' perspectives makes certain that your own recollections is by no means unique in this regard. These stories are sure to make one feel more young at heart, and at more peace within yourself, when reflecting on the simple family values that dominate our days here. It seems it is almost impossible to allow life to get too complicated! Bragging rights indeed! It is really fun to read those stories about music heard over the pond from the pavillion, fishing for the big ones, showing good 'ole respect for one's neighbor (or stealing one's first kiss!).
Sandy, what more can I say? You've managed to make a whole community proud to know that the place that they've known is special in their own way, is VERY special in a collective way. I hope that the acclaim is more widely spread, and that your book could be embraced by a larger audience as well. Don't hesitate to use any of my accolades when you promote it in the future. I sure hope you qualify for an award or two for the excellent work you've done.
You are an amazing person, rich in experience and willingness to share with others. You allow for an easy friendship with everyone I have spoken to. I look forward to looking through your web pages at the photographs and stories that have brought you around full circle, and back to the place of your youth. I wish you every success in the future, and hope that you find working on the next book about Mattawamkeag Lake just as rewarding.
Best of Luck,
Joe
Joseph A. Sardina, MD
Joe
Joseph A. Sardina, MD
