Come Sail Away

Early Thursday morning Chris and I excitedly prepared for the day ahead of us. We had been invited by his father to go sailing with him in his 26' sailboat. So comfortably it fits about 4 people, anymore would just be too much. Luckily it was just us three, so it was perfect.

Before we got started we decided to grab a bite to eat. I was intimidated by the menu, as everything was greasy and pretty expensive. A Chilli cheese dog was probably the cheapest item, running at $7. My fear was that I would eat it and then get uncontrolable gas out on the boat. How embarrassing. I got past my fear though and gave into hunger, ordering myself a chilli cheese dog and some water. I am proud to say, when I was finished I was not wearing a trace of chilli on my clothes or face. There's a first time for everything.

We finished our meals and proceeded to the boat. There was a good couple of inches between the dock and the boat, with water to catch my fall if I slipped. I grabbed hold of the boat and desperately pulled myself up onto the boat.

Chris and his dad worked on getting it sailable for the day. I sat back and watched, thinking that if anything should happen to them, I'd be up a creek without a paddle.

As we pushed off, a dragonfly that had followed us to the boat kept landing and keeping me company. It had a large body and huge bug eyes. It even had a great big smile. It reminded me of a cartoon, because it seemed to have a bit of a personality as it stared at me with it's funny smile.

We putted along the still water in the columbia river, not a trace of wind for our sails. We motored up the river for quite a while before we decided to bring out the sails to try our luck at catching some wind. We slowly floated back down the way we had just come from, pulled by the current in the water alone. A hot windless day. My feet felt as if they had caught fire. I had overdressed thinking it would be cold. I was melting in front of Chris's dad, trying to remain smiling and to appear as if I didn't have a problem in the world, as I stealthily would wash away the sweat when he wasn't looking.

We finally decided to call it a day when we all started melting away in the hot sun. We put the sails away and secured the ropes and slowly motored back to the marina. A nice breeze from the movement produced by our motor cooled our hot skin. I looked over and again noticed our little dragonfly buddy.


Our little dragonfly looked as if he was were riding on a waverunner or a jet ski, wind blowing on his face. He had the biggest smile I'd seen, like he knew something I didn't. How odd that he had a smile. He was facing me as I watched him, and the strangest thing happened. His whole head cocked to one side as if he was asking me what I was looking at. My mouth dropped open and I looked up at Chris to see if he'd seen it too. He had. We both started laughing. I've never seen an insect do that before.

Just the simple human motion made me ponder things in nature. I began thinking about reincarnations, like what if it was Grandpa Dick coming by to give us one of his big smiles and let us know he was ok now.

I once saw a movie where a simple dragonfly was actually a fairy, and until the little girl admitted to the dragonfly that she knew it was really a fairy, it stayed concealed in its insect form. Once she let on that she knew what it really was a beautiful fairy emerged and revealed itself to her. Magic hidden in simple forms all around us, waiting to be revealed to those who believed.

The world is full of magic, and whether we believe or not is up to us. Nature itself is magical, but what if the unexplained and supernatural exist. How exciting to think of a hidden world within our own world disguised as a regular creature such as a dragonfly or a garden spider. What if a gracefull gazelle was really an elf in disguise. Yes, what if. Life is more fun when the question "what if" is asked. Think of all the possiblities.

Okay, so back to reality. The day was not a successful sailing trip, however it was a success in that we were able to get away from reality for a short while and ponder in each others company. It was a peaceful, even though hot, and relaxing experience.

The Birthday Boy

I never knew how lucky and privileged I was to live so close and be the granddaughter of such a sweet, intelligent, and loving man. I remember we would drive to grandpa's house when I was a little girl and we'd go out to grandpa's warehouse and help him out. I would go explore the isles that held nuts and bolts, nails and screws. To this day when I go to a hardware store I take in the ever so familiar aromas and become draped with nostalgia.

Visiting grandpa in his big magical Dundee house was like going home. I always felt comfortable, and although I had to do chores, I loved being there. He always had a story to tell, and I was always eager to hear it. He always danced a jig when he was happy, excited, or had just been sitting for too long. But Grandpa never really sat for to long. He was a hard working man, and to this day still is.

I guess when I was young I believed he and grandma would be here forever. They would live nearby me forever and never die. Life is not about living forever though. It is about living your life to the fullest with what little time you have. Using your time wisely to work and play so that when it is time to die you are ready and have nothing left you feel that your life is missing. Grandpa and Grandma have lived such a life. I still imagine in my mind that they will live forever, no matter what happens.

You never know what you have until you lose it. Grandpa and Grandma are still alive and kicking, healthy and able. What I'm losing is the ability to see them every day. What I took for granted is that they were here with open arms inviting us to visit them and spend time with them. What I'm losing is the option to do this while they are living out their last days.

When one door shuts another door opens. Although it is a loss and very sad for me and anyone else in my family who can't afford to travel, it means that others are gaining the advantage of being able to see their beloved Grandparents. They are moving to a location where they are going to be surrounded by family. They probably wont have a moments peace because of all the grandchildren and great grandchildren that will be visiting them almost every day.

My advice to you is don't forget what a gift it will be to have them near you. Don't pass up the chance to bond with them and share your love with them while they are still here. I only have a month and a half until I say good bye to them. I pray you have years and years of healthy grandparents before they are through with their journey on earth. Give them hugs and tell them you love them for me as often as you can.

Today is a day worth celebrating, 90 years old and still going strong. To a man who loves loves loves birthdays, Happy Happy Birthday to you, dear Grandpa. I love you so much.

My First Blog

At the request of my beloved cousins, I have finally started my own blog.

I haven't really done that much with it yet, I am just getting to know how to use it and modify it to my personality.

Beware when you read my blog, for inside my mind you may find cobwebs, disturbing images, and craziness. However, you may also find peace, love, and happiness.

Most importantly, I hope you find yourself reading my blog and enjoying it.