Vérité: Undaunted

Climb aboard or fracture off? A baker's dozen stood on the dock seriously considering whether to get out a few kayaks. Using the kayaks has always been our fall back plan if too many arrived to row. It was a pleasant day with an imperceptible wind. The tide at the sweet spot of coming and going. It was a perfect day to try, but when trying something new (especially when you are on the water) you should always think things all the way through. I guess we didn't want to think that much!

With smiles on our faces we were off. Nancy H. took over coxing after we straightened out in the waterway. It was her first time. We all know the commands, but it is totally different when you have to say them in the right order at the right time. Soft weathered days like this are perfect for practicing to be "cox." Things were going so smoothly and calmly, so it was double shock and startle when the unfortunate thing happened. Stroke oar cracked, split and bent in half without real cause. Note: we were all in such serious shock no one thought to photograph the moment. NOooooooo, emanated from all. How could this be? The startle of the momentary smack down was replace quickly by action. The oar was removed and stowed for safety. React then respond.

If you spend any time on the water you understand the moon. The moon = tides. Time on the water is ruled by the tides. However, no one ever talks about Mercury Retrogrades. These cosmic events are also something to be aware of, accept, and understand how to handle. Stuff happens when there is a retrograde - usually it revolves around communication and transportation. Often it seems negative, restrictive and punitive. Wowzers - this was one of those retrograde moments!

I am slowly learning the best action during a retrograde event is:
1. To let their be no judgment (it is neither good nor bad, it simply is)
2. Respond by carrying on, doing what you came to do
(in our case we went back for another oar)
3. Be aware (we later discussed how the boat is 17 years old! cackle... she's no spring chicken and neither are.... cackle... are you pointing your finger at me?)

So responding properly we carried on UNDAUNTED but thoughtful. Together the lucky 13 went out on the bay and had a lovely day being wiser for the experience and perhaps with a new mission. What if we built some oars? The universe spoken? Many have never made an oar before, only sand and painted one. Maybe our purpose is to not only learn how to use an oar but also to make one too? They say, what the mind can conceive comes to be. May we never be in the stream without one again!