The Boat that Roy Built

For the last two weeks I have had the pleasure of assisting Cap't Roy in the pursuit of a life long dream. Roy has sailed all his life, but has not had the opportunity to take off on a three month sailing adventure until now. After a life threatening event that reminded him of the fragility of life, he decided there was no better moment then now to actualize this dream. So, he took a risk and bought a 1975 42' Irwin Ketch docked in Ft. Myer's, FL. Due to a demanding work schedule Roy had to buy the boat without seeing it in person. Unfortunately the owner severely misrepresented the boat and flat out lied about the condition of important items like sails and the engine. This is why we are still in Florida. I arrived on the scene two weeks ago and was shocked to see the amount of work necessary to get her going. This is where my ability to adapt was helpful, as I felt like I was living in a giant floating tool box. Never have I seen so many screwdrivers in my life! Surprisingly to both myself and Roy I didn't turn back around and hills in search of another boat. I couldn't explain why but I just knew intuitively that I was exactly where I was supposed to be and I enthusiastically joined the project.

Since then I have visited every Marine and hardware store in the area and Home Depot is a second home for me. I have carried a notebook with lists of parts for plumbing, electrical wiring, and measurements for wood, cable, rope, screws and fuel tanks under my arm daily. Not only have I gained invaluable knowledge about the inner workings of a boat this size, but I have discovered an untapped potential within me. Roy and I make a perfect team and compliment each others strengths. The most valuable assets I have brought to the table is organization. Those of you that know me well, are laughing right now, because I would never describe myself as organized. And those of you that know Roy, know that he has no organization skills what so ever. I even made labels for shelves last night, hahaha.

There is still some work to be done, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and are in hopes to be heading south next week if not sooner. I have stopped trying to push for a date, because the repairs seem to always take twice as long. Its all good though because we are having a lot of fun while we do it.
I will have to fill you in on the details of marina life and the colorful characters that I have crossed paths with in next post. Below are pictures of Roy, the boat, the marina, me, and my bird friends. '
Lots of love, Kristen

Renewal of Spirits

Today I spent the morning at the beach and finally made it to the cozy little coffee shop that I pass by on the many errands I have been running. This was actually my first time to enjoy the beach and it was much needed. I let the rhythmic sound of the waves, chatter of the seagulls, warm sunshine and the fluffy white sand between my toes renew my spirits. I feel like I just re-booted my computer.
My computer needed to be re-booted because some discouragement arose over the last two days. This experience has unfolded wonderfully and I have enjoyed being a part of a great project. However, the process of refurbishing a boat can be frustrating. To add to that I had my wallet stolen right out from under me at the laundry mat two days ago. I literally turned around to put the clothes in the dryer and the sneaky little booger nicked it right out of my bag. That whole day went down the tubes because it was dedicated to cancelling credit cards, ordering a new PADI card, and two trips to the sheriff's station. I find it very funny how the automated customer service lines all ask you for your credit card number after you chose the option for "Reporting Stolen or Lost Credit Cards" and how the Sheriff's station wants you to show your divers license to pick up a police report for a stolen wallet that contained your diver license. Needless to say, it was a frustrating day that called for a lot of deep breathing and some good music to remind me that I have the power to change my attitude.
The contrast of the difficult days to my state of mind before and after re-confirms the belief that there must always be contraction if there is expansion, darkness where there is light, and sorrow where there is joy. In any given situation we have the choice of how we would like to respond to what life feeds us and it is amazing to witness how a change in our attitude can transform a situation.
I have also witnessed some breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. I am blessed to watch it rise from the deck of the boat and set over the beach. Below are some great shots.
I am in hopes that the next update will be celebrating the completion of the boat and the beginning of the sailing adventure.
Love, Kristen

Hangin' in Key West

I safely arrived in Key West on Monday, but upon arrival I discovered that there is much more work that the boat needs to undergo before being ready to set sail. Luckily, Yvonne, the other woman that I will crew with has been house sitting here in Key West. She has taken me in, fed me, and introduced me to some great people. My first two afternoons here where spent off shore fishing with a group of really kind, funny, older men that Yvonne knows. I haven't fished since I was a kid and I really found it quite meditative. There was nothing to see but water and the horizon in all directions and the motion of the boat rocking on the water was rhythmic and soothing. Fishing asked me to be completely present in that moment and focus, so that I could feel any subtle tugs on the line. I liked that. Just little fish were caught and all returned back to the sea.

During one of the fishing excursions we ran into some bad weather that we were unable to escape due to motor problem. This was quite the experience and gave me a taste of what its like to experience the power of the wind and rain at sea. We made it back fine, just a little cold and wet. Nothing I hot cup of tea couldn't cure.

While here in Key West I have also had the pleasure of experiencing the diverse night life. Did you know that instead of dropping a ball on New Year's Eve, they drop a Drag Queen in a red heel? Below are photos of Yvonne, who I adore, and the men who have been entertaining me with their clever antics, humor, and love of life. I feel blessed to have been in such good company during my time here. Oh yes, and second to last shot is from the drag queen show we saw last night, couldn't miss that.

I am off to Ft. Meyers tomorrow to meet Cap't Roy and check out the boat. The plan is to help with any work the boat still needs and then early next week we will start doing shake downs to make sure all is working well.

Till next time.

Kristen

Happy New Year!

My very first post on the very first day of the new year!

I have been seated in front of this computer screen for the last 5 hours attempting to put into clear eloquent sentences my perspectives on life, what I have learned about myself through my life experiences and how this has prepared me for pursing graduate training in Body Psychotherapy. I laugh as I realize that I have been working on these 12 essay questions for nearly a month now and each time I sit down to edit, I have come up with a new insight that better fits the question. One of the questions ask about a transformational experience...I am sitting here thinking how writing these essays in itself has transformed me. Never have I challenged myself to express my innermost thoughts and feelings in words. Its not easy! You sure do learn a lot about yourself in the process.

The question that has taken me the longest to answer is this : Give us an example of a moment in your life you had to creatively and spontaneously generate an inspired solution.

I thought you might enjoy my unique answer:

I spent one Christmas day holding down the fort at a wildlife rescue I worked at in Costa Rica. That morning Santa's gift to me was a missing porcupine. Pepo the porcupine had decided to take a walk and I found him about 300 yards away chilling on the fence line that ran along side a very busy road.

I have never attempted to capture a porcupine for the obvious reasons and I knew that if I tried to catch him with a net or gloves he would either try to run, possibly in the direction of the road or release large quantities of quills to protect himself. After attempting to bribe him to climb on a stick and making no progress, I came up a "spontaneous and creative solution".

I remembered that dear Pepo would always try to climb onto me whenever I was in his cage. He seems to have an affinity for rooting in and grooming people's hair. I had avoided this because I wasn't keen on the idea of him accidentally releasing quills into my skin if something spooked him suddenly. However, that day Pepo got his way. All it took was an outstretched hand and there he was on my arm in a minute. On the walk that seemed to last an eternity, Pepo managed to climb up my shoulder and onto my head using my nose as a step. Through the grace of God and deep breaths we arrived at his cage with all his quills nicely attached to his body.

Goes to show you, when equanimity and composure are of the utmost importance, you can overcome fear.

You think they will remember me after reading that answer? =)

Happy New Year to all! I wish you the deepest joy and love within and all around you for this year to come!

Love, Kristen