I have been rather negative the last few days. In trying to root out the possible causes and regain my optimistic stature I continually seem to come back to the same entity, not surprisingly, the ocean that surrounds me. But, why? Don't I love the ocean? I grew up next to it, played in it, its exquisite surf, watched endlessly the uniqueness of each wave as it unfolded, as it came roaring to shore, the colors, the sound, the feeling, etc etc etc...all was a pleasure to living, all was there to be absorbed and embraced as something indescribably delicious.

Until, that is... it becomes a threat. Then all bets are off.

Last week as the weather continued to deteriorate, I quickly assumed a defensive posture that saw me looking out upon that same ocean with the instincts of a cornered rat. Where was that beauty now? That...that...But, all that I saw was the face of malevolence. As I gazed off into the distance, that enormous mountain of water as it made its way inexorably toward us, so majestic, so grand...before... but now oozing with a threatening aggressiveness. What havoc would it bring? Rush the boat from the back, her 'exquisite' surf filling the cockpit? Or, a direct path to the bimini protecting life and electronics? Or, as many before, would it yield that all too familiar unfolding progression: hit the side of the boat, lift that hull, disappear under, slam the bridge deck, hit the other hull, lift it and continue on, as though nothing had happened? Lovely sounds? Lovely feelings? Oh yes, that roar that it carries within it's belly only to be heard a moment before it scores a direct hit leaving Shearwater shuddering to the very core of her fiberglass bones. Im afraid I could not see much beauty in any of it. I DONT LIKE THE OCEAN

But, today the weather has improved and as I look out upon the vastness of what surrounds me...well, I have to admit...I can see again...just a little magnificence creeping back in.