Time Passes

[Marlene Anne Sassaman]

As the days pass into weeks it amazes me how much I get done as well as how much is left to do. With sailing taking a back seat to my need for a passionate existence, playing the piano has become my solace while satisfying my competitive nature. When I was learning to sail and throughout my racing career it was myself who I competed with the majority of time. Setting goals, writing out scenarios, and practicing real live drills is the same.

Each night as I lie in bed I visualize what melodies and fingering techniques I want to practice. Then, at each opportunity for solitude, I strike the ivories. Sometimes it is the rhythm. Other times it is the timing. Oh, that metronome and I are like the days when I feared the start line. Susan Pesane an avid Hobie 16 sailor once told me the cure for that fear. She said, "just own the start; take charge, decide where you want to be and get there." It sounded so simple, but I made it my mantra. Anyone who has been with me at the helm knows I learned to love the starts. Now in the warmth of my home, I am establishing a rapport with my electronic metronome.

Like establishing the rules and roles of my still new relationship, it takes patience. I guess it is the same with all competition. Whether it be for the love of a sport, the love of music or the love of another person, I'm always striving to do better. Be a better sailor, be a better piano player, and be a better mate.