the sailing life

What I love about this life

is the simplicity --

our living space is small,

it can be tidied up and

cleaned top to bottom

in an hour or less.

We cook mostly on the grill.

We eat less,

we buy less,

we keep less stuff around.

O, I’ll be glad for my own bed next summer

and a toilet that isn’t so much work.

And I’ve gotten used to stepping over doorframes

and moving carefully on the stairs

and watching everywhere I put my feet.

But I like being tan

(through the sunscreen, of course!)

I like wearing a swimsuit --

and not so much underwear!

I like not having to fuss with my hair.

I like eating light and feeling fit.

I like swinging in the hammock,

snorkeling the coral reefs,

learning to paddleboard.

I like reading books anytime I feel like it.

I like the companionship

of sailing together,

preparing meals together,

doing chores side by side.

Digging around in lockers

every time you need something

(and then putting it all back again)

is a pain.

Constant monitoring of computer batteries

and internet data

and phone usage

gets old in a hurry.

And I truly resent

not having the signal strength

to talk to my children

when and where and how long I want.

But I love that the choices are simple,

and the days are ours,

and the beauty of this place

is a regular source of wonder and delight.

It’s uncomfortable sometimes

living so much out of doors,

exposed to wind and weather.

But when the air is soft

and the stars are bright,

there’s nothing quite like it!

I’ve even got accustomed

to the constant motion,

which disoriented me for months.

When I’m back on land for the summer,

I suspect I might miss it!

friday 26 february

lent 2016
Great Harbour, Peter Island