February 25, 2017

1700 – Cleaned up the boat. After being knocked around yesterday, it is a bit of a mess. A drawer came crashing open, throwing out pots and pans. Wine glasses fell. (Plastic, of course.) Spices were sent flying across the stove. Books fell on the floor. Almost like an earthquake – but not. Took a two-hour nap. Just a lazy day. Caught up on some writing and reading.

1910 – The sun is setting. The wine is flowing. Chicken enchiladas are cooking in the oven. The wind has died and the seas are calming down. The air is soft now that the sun is relaxing. Thirteen sailboats and three powerboats are at anchor here in Chamela Bay. Some will stay for several days. Others are just waiting for the next weather window to sail north or south. The fisherman in the pangas have set their nets and are returning home. It’s Saturday night. The music will start soon.

2010 – We are settling in for the night, having had dinner. We will sleep under the stars again tonight. The surf sounds loud against the coast. Music drifts across the water from the shore. Our camp lights come on. Our books come out. Time to rest.

2030 – The boat is rocking back and forth, lulling me into that familiar ocean trance. I put down my book. My mind reviews the events of yesterday. Sailing – you either love it, or hate it, I suppose. Some people fear it. If I am honest, I have a certain healthy fear of sailing. It is also why I love it. It takes me out of my comfort zone and challenges me to be a strong person, both mentally and physically. At my age, that is an especially good thing. To struggle with the elements, or more importantly, make peace with the elements that surround me, makes me feel alive. Much more alive than driving the 405 to work in a sea of cars with a haze of pollution blanketing the sky. I am a lucky girl.

Some people will never understand how I could walk away from a lucrative and exciting career in Hollywood. How can I explain it, other than I have never felt more connected, more at peace, more content than I do now? I am so grateful Jay has given me this opportunity. Every day is a gift.