I remember it all very well looking back, It was the summer I turned eighteen. We lived in a one room, rundown shack on the outskirts of New Orleans We didn't have money for food or rent to say the least we were hard pressed then Mama spent every last penny we had to buy me a dancing dress. No that’s not right… Who is Brenda Brown? I was told not to be too existential…in other words “Keep it short and sweet.” A Maine native, I was born in Skowhegan. My parents owned a small dairy farm on Brown Rd in Madison. What are the chances? Apparently, the next owners of the farm decided it was bad luck and changed the name of the road. My father sold the farm in the early 70’s and became a truck driver. I would take several trips across the country with my father in his semi. It’s from him that inherited my gypsy soul and love of the open road. My parents also passed on to me their love of music. Growing up, my house was filled with music and singing whether it was my mother singing as she kept house, my father playing his guitar and singing or my sister and I singing into hairbrushes. Were there radio stations that played anything other than country? If there were I never knew until the 80’s. That, combined with my grandmother’s extensive vinyl collection that included Elvis, Loretta Lynn, Hank Snow, Dolly Parton, Jim Reeves and Patsy Cline are the foundation for my love of country music. I spent my formative years in Poland Spring and graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn. Somewhere between then and now I married, had four children, worked in radio, owned a few businesses, broke into the freight industry as a freight broker, divorced, traveled with the kid and came back to settle in Maine. Today finds me with only one teenager left in the nest and a lot of free time on my hands. You can usually find me on a trail with my mismatched pair of dogs or behind the wheel getting my wanderlust fix on the open road. Like a bad penny, you just never know where I’ll turn up. Right now, I’m making my home at B98.5 and I couldn’t be happier. For picture of my latest meals, silly dog photos and crazy adventures find me on Instagram at brenda.brown6923
Brenda Brown
I’m Not Child Friendly
I am not child friendly or child proof. I used to be but as time has marched on I find I avoid children like the plague. Oddly enough children seem to be drawn to me.
Low Tire Pressure Lights= Day off…Sort Of
I knew I needed new tires but thought I could get a few more days out of them. The universe had other ideas for me. Yesterday my tire pressure light came on and suddenly Im the proud new owner of four new tires.
My Favorite Sweethearts- My Parents
My father wrote to my mother almost every day he was in the Army. She saved every letter he wrote and, as we approach Valentines Day, I'm taking a journey back to the 1950's to look inside the hearts and minds of my parents before kids and life changed them into the people I knew them to be.
My Favorite Sweethearts- My Parents
My parents are my favorite Valentine's Day Sweethearts. They married young and were together until they passed away. My mother never remarried after my father died at the early age of 58. As a child I saw these letters tucked away, only to come out on special occasions. As a single woman, the idea of this life long love has seemed far-fetched and unattainable but these letters keep a glimmer of hope burning.
February 2 is Go Red For Women Day So I got My Blood Pressure Checked
February Is National GO Red month as we raise awareness of the risk of heart disease in women. I visited my caregiver to have my blood pressure checked. When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked?
Online Shopping Fails
I have bought everything from amazon from books to clothes to household needs, art supplies and musical instruments, as well as fitness equipment with great success. Its taken me a while to realize that not all online shopping sites are created equal though. I've had the WISH app on my phone and deleted it. Anytime I see clothing with a model of Asian descent I know I cant order those clothes.
Pets Of The Week
Three white rats are featured this week as the Pet(s) of the week at the Kennebec Valley humane society.
Pet Of The Week
Meet brother and sister, Ewok and Midnight. Ewok is a neutered male and Midnight is a spayed female. Both cats are sweet and mellow, but can be a bit shy
Old Orchard Beach In The Winter
I took a jaunt to the beach on this chilly morning and took in the beauty that could have been from a sci-fi movie.
AAA Tips For Winter Driving and Vehicle Maintenance
With the cold temps here in Maine, here's a refresher video from AAA Exchange website.
Suzy-Q Kennebec Valley Humane Society Pet of The Week
Suzy-Q is the pet of the week at the KVHS. Stop in and meet her this week.
Top 10 As Seen On TV Gifts
Favorite As Seen On TV Gifts over the years. What was your favorite?
The Secret Lies in Jesus’ Butt
Apparently an 18th century chaplain in Spain had a sense of humor. When a statue of Jesus was removed from a northern Spain cathedral for restoration the workers discovered that there was a secret message in Jesus' posterior.
Top 10 Reasons I Am At Fault For My Daughter NOT Passing Her Driver’s Test
Yesterday was my birthday and I thought I would treat myself to a few hours at the BMV. Isn't that everyone's dream? If you notice in the picture they forgot the banners and noise makers. The kid had her driver's test. She's had her learner's permit for a year. I'll end your suspense...she did not pass. I knew this because after sitting inside the building watching this sector of humanity for over an hour I got a text saying "come out"
Timbo’s Helping Hands, A Grassroots Organization In Lewiston
On a side street off of outer Sabattus Street in Lewiston is a modest home. People come and go all day long. This is the home of Barbara Violette and her husband Jason Hall and their two chihuahuas, Cappy and Baby. It's also the home of Timbo's Helping Hands.
Save The Olde Mill Fundraiser Saturday December 2nd
This Saturday December 2nd from 12pm to 8pm there will be a fundraising event at the mill at 934 Main St in Vasselboro. It includes raffles, vendors and local food from The Red Barn and desserts from the China Dine-ah as well as a paint night.