Since returning home from America’s Great Loop three weeks ago, life has quickly returned to normal. The champagne is stored. Ed and I have caught up with friends and family; I feel more impatient; and have spent a great portion of time waiting for service people to repair the air-conditioner, the ice-maker, and plumbing in our house. None is yet in order. And really, that’s OK, as while on our trawler Finito something was always broken! The difference? We are on land and at home.

Even our cat, Okee, seems anxious.

So what’s so magical and forgiving about living on a boat anyway? As of yet, I have not been able to answer this question; however, I have been trying to make my life at our house more like living on a boat – to incorporate routines of Finito.

To do so, I have put myself on a program  I call “The Boat of Life.” For instance, when I get up in the morning I act as I did as first mate.  I get a cup of coffee, and before I do anything else, “I walk around the boat – the house.” Slowly and thoughtfully, making sure not to fall, I check the lines and the fenders.”  I look for things: wood rot, needed repairs; also  I take note of the sky for hints of the day’s weather. I breathe in the air. I look for beauty.

Today my house’s boat of life loop revealed some wonderful things: flowers in bloom; a few butterflies; a pair of Carolina Wrens nervously constructing  a nest; bright orange mastic tree fruits;  light rain, mild temperatures, and a particularly high number of leafs hanging from branches to balance  spider webs. Serious wood rot too!

By the time I walk back inside the house, I am ready, not for the water, but for the boat of life. 🙂