I am HOME

[Marlene Anne Sassaman]

Several bloggers have asked me where I am so I guess I need to clarify. I am home. Home in Indialantic in my nice concrete block, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths,  living room, den, converted dining room to a reading room, kitchen, laundry room, two car garage, sewing area, and inground swimming pool. Aye, the good life. This is my home where I organize my sailing trips. What used to be day sails and races has become more intense long term sailing adventures as you all know.

The longer adventures also require a home. What I used to think of has my sailboat has taken on a new definition. One of my favorite former students gave me a journal with a nice card. While her personal note has special meeting the simple message on the front of the card is a constant reminder that 'home is where the heart is.' On my Marples 35 I came to feel at home.

During the two and half windless days about a hundred miles south of Bermuda I was leisurely sitting on the foreward deck. Propped up with those lounging cushions that neatly fit in the cockpit but are easily moved about, I was watching the interaction between SPRAY and the still water. Ever so slowly; I mean so slowly I had to spit in the water to determine any forward movement, SPRAY rested upon the ocean's surface. "Wow," I thought, "this is like being on a floating island." I had all the food and water I needed, toiletries, entertainment (via books, IPOD, and the natural environment). My satellite phone, though designated for weather updates and emergencies only, did provide the solace of being able to call a friend if I so desired.

What has changed since the successful completion of my Bermuda sailing adventure is that my morning sun salutation includes a moment of appreciation for the the life I have been blessed with. Home, for me has become everywhere I am. Whether at sea on SPRAY, visiting a friend in her on her deserted 12 acre orange grove, attending a yacht club event, driving in my car, or even at my elementary school where I am the school counselor, I am always at home.

To answer the question many have been asking, "Where am I?" I am at home, currently the one in Indialantic, that square mile of small town influence, one block from the ocean that the surfers refer to as 'the boardwalk,' the residence where Danny and I spent our ten best years together. It is a beautiful home and I encourage company.

So, come visit me before I depart on January 1, 2013. I expect to rent the house so if you know anyone who would like to live in paradise let me know! I expect to vacate November 1 when I move on board for the next 3 - 5 years!