"...and now in the Caribbean we were to discover that happiness has no frontiers, that it's a state of mind and not a possession, not a set route through life, not a goal to be gained but something that steals in gently like an evening mist or the morning sunlight - something beyond our control."

From the book Dove, by Robin Lee Graham

Black Hills - Gardens And Villa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBrClo32Ucc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

more nautical life references.. On Finding Purpose, or What Drives You and Defines You

     
“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor". Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

So this quote has always hit hard - ever more so as I get older - and on a nice long walk out to Peterborg Point tonight, my two girlfriends and I were chatting about what Holmes was implying. Is one man's sail another's anchor? How do you know when you really are sailing, and not drifting aimlessly, or stuck anchored and gathering barnacles? Do you feel like you're actively moving forward, or just floating with the current?

We decided it IS subjective - that I may see a girl living in my hometown, married young and having kids as anchored, stagnant...but that she may feel completely driven and fulfilled, and see my lifestyle as aimless and lonely.

Robin just mentioned something we'd discussed prior to accepting our crew positions: When I'm traveling, I feel the most alive, engaged, and vibrant - and that is how I know I'm sailing in those moments?
More to follow...

Miami Horror - Holidays

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF8dt1hpZ9M&feature=youtube_gdata_player