REFLECTIONS ON MAINE: A collection of poetry, essays, photographs and art, edited by Margaret Cox Murray, Rainbow Press, Bangor, 1998, paperback, 91 pages, $9.95.

Are you caught in the middle of the holiday rush? Do you still have presents to buy for friends and relatives? Does it seem like you need a detective to track down the one toy your child can’t live without? Is the round of parties or the work involved in giving your loved ones a close-to-perfect Christmas leaving you bleary-eyed and cranky? Does it feel — supreme irony in a season of peace and goodwill — like things will never slow down long enough for you to take a deep breath and live in the moment?

Take heart. After New Year has been ceremoniously toasted in, life in Maine will slow down, especially if nature has a blizzard up its sleeve. There will be time not only to breathe, but to contemplate. “Reflections On Maine” can provide plenty of inspiration.

“Reflections On Maine” is the literary equivalent of a Victorian crazy quilt. Each poem, essay, photograph and sketch is as richly individual as the silk, velvet and satin scraps that went into that lovely, eclectic quilt. But both book and quilt, through careful craftsmanship, maintain a striking unity in diversity.

The unifying theme is the experience of living in Maine. In a poem titled “A Sense Of Place,” Rod Farmer asserts that while the rest of the nation homogenizes, Maine continues to be “remarkably New Englandly in culture.” After describing Maine treasures like wild berries and ancient stone walls, he concludes, “it is good to place one’s sense of place in a place of good sense.”

Glenna Johnson Smith finds similarities between the ocean of her childhood home and the “Arctic wilderness” blizzards of her Aroostook County adult life. Both are “fearsome and beautiful, and both jolt me to an awareness of my world.”

Ray Beal finds comfort in the timeless sight of a lobster boat followed by a stream of gulls. Christine Renee Parrish remembers packing sardines at a cannery.

In addition to a definite sense of place, there is a keenly etched sense of season. Patricia Ranzoni’s “from Another Long” summons up a litany of winter images ranging from the whimsical (“washbasins chilling faster than you’re done”) to the tragic (“men dying in blizzards walking home from work at the mill”). Melissa MacCrae invites the reader to join her in a first walk of spring, savoring nature’s gifts of wildflowers and a butterfly. Ann Kucera blends images of past and present in a summer description of the Kenduskeag Stream.

The black-and-white sketches and photographs nicely complement the writing. They summon up images we associate with Maine — the balletlike arc of frost-covered tree branches, a rock-strewn cove at low tide, a sun-dappled woods path beckoning one to explore — without verging on the obvious or cliche. The rich, cream-colored paper sets them off to perfection.

Editor Margaret Cox Murray, a free-lance writer and children’s book author, subscribes to literary publications. Becoming familiar with the work of Maine writers has made a strong impression on her. “There’s so much talent and not enough outlets for it.”

Out of the blue she had the idea to create an anthology of Maine literature. The title popped into her mind. Then the hard work began. She published the volume through her own Rainbow Press rather than sending out a manuscript to other publishers. “I like working independently. I enjoy being in control of all aspects of publication.”

Initially apprehensive that she would receive no submissions, Murray was thrilled with the richness of material sent for her consideration. She has really enjoyed getting to know the authors in the process of creating the book.

As a mother and writer, Murray considers herself to have the best of both worlds. She plans to continue creating literature and treasuring the growing-up years of her children, Erin and Dillon.

So the next frosty day when you have a little peace and quiet, brew your favorite hot beverage and savor “Reflections On Maine.” Keep pencil and paper handy in case it inspires you to some reflections of your own.

This is a real gift-quality book. At a reasonable price, it may just be the thing for that hard-to-shop-for relative or friend.

A number of writers will be present at a special book-signing event from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 at Borders in Bangor. Call 990-3300 for more information.