The new boat has more to do with where I’ve been than where I’m going. I think we were both surprised that we ended up with such a small boat. On some level, it was also surprising that we didn’t go smaller. There were many failed attempts at buying a small weekend home in the islands. This makes sense if you understand the island ways. They either accept you or reject you. You can fight it all you want but the islands always win. While I’ve usually been instantly accepted into island life, the day came when they let me know it was time to leave. I listened and so began one of the most prosperous and amazing portions of my life. Eventually, I could feel the island life calling back to me. Let’s face it, city dwelling is an empty void of broken time.
The home search never worked out but a beautiful boat did arrive. She is the perfect size to move to Friday Harbor when that day comes and so my islands are slowly reeling me back in with a new and fresh perspective. We’ve decided to enjoy one last month of city life before we purge most of our toys and start packing for the next adventure. This one comes in seasons but we aren’t rushing it. One day at a time is my best pace. For all the changes that have transpired over the last few years, I haven’t changed much at all. My yoga mat is still one of my most prized possessions. I still prefer a grilled cheese over a steak. 99% of the time, I’ll reach for a kombucha over a beer, a long run over a ciggie, and an early bedtime over happy hour. I was given a beautiful skateboard for my 54th birthday and a suble reminder that I’m no longer in my 20’s.
Silly as that may sound, I literally had no idea I was aging. Recently I’ve been asking myself if I can run 100 miles in under 24 hours. I know I can qualify at 50 in under 12. That means all I have to do is train for 25 in 6. In my mind, that’s pretty easy. After all, can we not always continue to do what we’ve done in the past? We get better with age, right? This all brings me back to my tiny house with a view. I know exactly where I want to live and exactly where I want Ooku. To stare out the window at my little boat is all part of the next voyage in life. I can’t exactly say that I’ll miss the city and all of its noise, but I’m glad we made time for a visit.
Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. -Robert Louis Stevenson
Sailing Sexy 