In about 1981, my father purchased a sailing catamaran. My brother and I got together and both of us, instantly, asked the same question. "How fast can it go?" And thus we started racing that catamaran, together.
That was not successful. My brother and I were two different types of sailors - he was a helmsman, I was the tactician. As teenagers, we argued over everything from set up to pull down. Eventually, I stepped away to another class, and he became an accomplished helmsman.
In 1986, the Australian Championships were held at Bargara Beach, Queensland. My brother was one of the favorites to win the title. Ten days before the start of the titles, I secured a boat on loan to go to the titles. It would be the first time that he and I had ever gone "head to head".
He didn't win the title. In seven heats he couldn't beat me once. The driving moment was when I won a heat and eventually finished fourth outright. My brother, finished ninth. In the following years, I would go on to win a record seven titles. My brother, he never sailed again.
After leaving Australian and being gone ten years, my father telephoned me last year. "Your brother bought a boat." My brother stripped, repaired and rebuilt that shell, turning it into one of the best presented crafts on the water.
The Australian National Titles start tomorrow at Spears Point, on Lake Macquarie, New South Wales. Ten races, nine to count.
I've waited 29 years to see him sail again.
How fast can it go? Bring it home, Brother.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Merry Christmas from Chesterfield Inlet
Merry Christmas, from Chesterfield Inlet.
As Santa makes his way around the world, I give thanks that I had the opportunity to be a father to my own children.
And as their father, I wish them well, from the sidelines, where I shall always be watching.
As Santa makes his way around the world, I give thanks that I had the opportunity to be a father to my own children.
And as their father, I wish them well, from the sidelines, where I shall always be watching.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
I Wonder If This Ever Happens to Stephen King.
Overnight, I was sleeping and had a vivid dream. The dream was a story I was writing.
Nearing the end of the story, and prior to morning light, I woke. I reached for the notebook and pencil kept on the bedside table to take down notes.
Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
Best I can recall, it was 1944 Germany, there was a submarine, and a typewriter being used with two sheets of carbon. Beyond that, I've got nothing.
I wonder if this ever happens to Stephen King.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends
In the United States, Thanksgiving is complete, and we now move into Christmas mode. Black Friday sales began, decorations went up overnight, seasonal cards are being mailed, and I still have a refrigerator full of left over Thanksgiving food, that will last me almost, until Christmas Eve
This is not the life I envisaged for myself, however, it is the life that I have embraced. It has come at a cost.
In 2015, a number of great events will take place.
In February, I will be have been an American resident for ten years. In October, I will have the honor of watching a daughter marry the man she believes in. And if luck comes my way, the trifecta, of having the book accepted.
I would not be where I am today, without a little help from my friends.
Anthony, Deb, CD, Judy, Adam, Donna, Kelly, Jeanette, Joe.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Lessons Learned on a Book Tour
Book tour stop, Manhattan, New York |
Book tours are no exception to the after action review process.
Here are 5 lessons learned from a 4 state, 2 country book tour.
- Take someone with you and have them manage the travel arrangements. Make it their job to check, and recheck the schedule. Twice on the Christmas in Canada tour I "overlooked" items that were important . That wouldn't have happened if I had shared the plan, You can't do it all and still handle the "business" of promotion.
- Local currency. Have some cash on hand, man cannot live on a credit card alone. There will be items you need cash for: tipping, postcards, taxis. (Memo: not all taxis in New York city accept Visa.)
- It will always be a journey. Some days are better than others, but they all make up the path you will travel.
- Make time on the journey for the traveling party. Go where they want, see what they see, eat what they eat, be with them on their journey.
- Bring home gifts. Not everyone will get to go where you have been. Remember those that helped you get there by bringing back a piece.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)