Songs from Last Summer
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Why was living aboard last summer, amid all the lessons and noseeums, such an amazing experience? Because of the constant connection to the natural world.
I woke up to the first glow of light appearing in the east, to water slapping against the hull, to the wind whistling through the rigging. Smells wafting in from ocean tides drenched me in sensations that are sorely missed when living ashore.
Unexpected visitations 🧡 Two swans who serenely paddled along the creek's shore almost daily were beautiful. Watching them always made me yearn for a partnership as indelible as theirs.
There were intermittent glimpses of a pair of white egrets. I thought myself fortunate to spot them until one early morning when an entire flock daintily trod along the edge of the creek. They were strung out along the shoreline and seemed to be tiptoeing through the marsh while quietly slurping minnows.
Another morning I saw a seal which at first I mistook for an otter. I admit a little thrill of fear ran through me. Why was it staring at me like that? Would this wild being attack me? What the fuck was it doing? Several moments later it occurred to me that it was probably having the exact same thoughts but in Seal.
Early during my sojourn I struck a deal with myself. No matter what happened during the day, regardless of how tired I was or what still needed to be attended to, I would stop, breathe and bask in the sunset.
My heart fills just remembering the glorious watercolors that repeatedly splashed across the sky. Such gifts, freely given.
As a Siren I could sing of the night sky that burst with stars. A blanket of immensity reflected in an ocean that seemed almost as vast.
Have you ever looked at the stars and realized that whatever all that unknowable was, you were made of it?
I recount these moments now because later, when I tell you stories of difficulties I encountered or moments (only moments) when I was terrified, I want you to know why I was out there in the first place. Why I can't wait to get back.
