The perfect 10

Tuesday October 6th 2015.
Calan turns 10 and we set sail to embark on our 10 month adventure on the sea.

Getting the house packed up and rented,  the boat safely setup for the long journey, making provisioning decisions - and the waiting for Dave to come home from France....it finally arrived.   DEPARTURE.
No more aquaintances asking why we have not left yet, this is the day!!!
Just before 10am on Tuesday October 6th we threw off the dock lines and made our way under the Newport Pell Bridge headed South. 

Our first stop Mystic/Noank, CT.  Our old stomping grounds when we were first married.  Although we both admitted to not remembering much about the simple beauty it contained, it brought us back in touch with our wonderful neighbors Bill and Jill (from our first house we owned in CT).  They came down for dinner to see us, the boys and my parents.  What a great catch up it was.  Then they even came down the next morning to see our beautiful Nemetona over coffee and tea.

It was the same morning when I came across a realization...the sheer beauty of waking up in a new place each morning.   A sense of adventure, calm and excitement filled me up and the reality that we have REALLY BEGUN our trip set in. 

That day we looked for Kitchen Little, a fun breakfast place we use  to haunt.  Little did we know 3 years ago it moved locations.  But we found it!!

Our boys were still jazzed by the Aquarium visit they did the day before with my parents, so we decided to return and fill ourselves with their combined enthusiasm.  Lucky for us our friend Debbie O'Brien is a penguin volunteer and she met us there.  She gave us a huge amount of insider knowledge of the place and all its lovely sea creatures!  So blessed.

Then back to the boat for a clean up prior to having dinner with our friends Meg and Peb at their house.  What fun it was to visit them all these years later and feel like not a day has passed.   Our kids and theirs mingled as we sat talking over a wonderful meal in their warm home!

Next day, Thursday October 9th we left at 5am to our next destination, Port Jefferson, NY.  This was simply a respite between CT and NYC, but one that brought back memories for me.  Ya see I went to Stony Brook (apart of the State University of New York system).  Also two of our close sailing friends hail from this port, Will and Erica.  So it wasn't necessarily a new port, but familiar one.

Today we also opened up our first gifts from friends.  Before leaving I asked some friends if they would not mind making us a little care package of their favorite food.  And it did what I had hoped, as we shared in their gift - we also felt their presence during our journey! True gratitude is felt and a great diversion from my normal provisions delighted Nemetona crew!!  So, in the morning we were joined by the Museler's with their delicious Zucchini Bread and for dinner the Darminio's joined us with Homemade mac and cheese.  Boy are we blessed!!

We have more pictures posted to our Facebook page about our daily US coastline excursions.  Check us out.
Click on the link to see our Armitage Sailors Facebook page.

https://m.facebook.com/Armitagesailors

Do Chag

December 15, 2014

Do you have a "Do Chag"?  

Do Chag is the Tibetan word for 'Sticky Desire'.  

Our sailing trip is our Sticky Desire to create strong bonds within our family.   But there are other Do Chag references, especially with Christmas coming upon us....read on.

David found this article by Arthur Brooks that is one he was compelled to share.  It hit a chord within him, as it did with me.

If you take a minute to read the whole article you will find yourself shifted in thought (or validated in thought) about our Attachment to Things.  (But you must read on past the first few paragraphs....and click on the 'rest of the article'.)

It certainly touches on our Desire to create experiences within our family that transcends any material item we could ever purchase. 

For the rest of the Do Chag story about attachments, click here...

Check Engine Light

December 10, 2014

Hmmm.....the bump in the road, the ouch that hurts my wallet, the moment you realize you bought a used Lemon.  This past week the Check engine light went on in our 'new to Me' used 2005 VW Passat Wagon 1.8 turbo silver bullet with 143,000 miles on it.

I went a few days with the light on for I found out it could be the gas cap was not secured tightly enough.  Good conclusion since I had just filled it up with gas the day before the 'check engine light' appeared.    I mean, the car ran no different from the moment I drove it off the used car lot to when the light went off.....so gas cap is what I went with.  

But after a few days - the light stayed on.   Hmmm.....I brought it then to Auto Zone, for they can diagnose your car engine light for FREE.  Yes a FREE service and they were so amazingly pleasant.
The code came up P0304.  Sounds like an ok series of digits.  This means Cylinder 4 is not firing correctly.   Ok, what do I do with that bit of info.   I know how to change spark plugs and wires (yep, I can do that ladies!!!  My dad and a car guy I dated in college taught me a lot!  Who wants to be a damsel in distress on the side of the road waiting for someone to save her........not me.  My dad also taught me how to drive stick shift just so I could get out of any situation I needed to in an emergency!  Thanks Dad)

Ok... I digress, back to the car.  The next day I pulled the front end into the garage and open the hood. I see 1.8 Turbo staring me in the face....and I see a place for spark plugs but not really any wiring I would be familiar with.  I know it's been awhile since college and being hands on with a car engine - but have things under the hood changed that much??  I turned away and tucked my pride back in, took a deep breath and called the local VW dealership asking if they could check out the car.  We drove it up there first thing and they came back with the same diagnostic of the cylinder.

Then I ask how much..........one grand.  Does not look so bad when you type it out in letters but when you type it out with digits....$1,000.00 .....OUCH.  Especially when you are trying so hard to save for an amazing sailing experience with your family in Less than a years time!  This money could go towards the homeschooling books for the boys, toward the monthly satellite connection bill, toward food, toward the water maker, toward anything that means connecting with my family and NOT A USED CAR!

OK, deep breath, money is money.  Keep my heart open and realize this is a bump in the road, an obstacle we must jump over, a rise we must climb to see the beautiful landscape.  

And to remember look beyond the obstacle when your Dream is Bigger than the resistance!  

Namaste!

End note:  We had the shop fix the leaking gaskets, spark plugs and coils (there weren't any wires, so I am not crazy!!)  and we picked it up tonight.  I have to say, it does run smoother and it is so nice to drive without the Check Engine Light on!!  

Planning....

 November 30, 2014

Planning a trip like this is no small feat.  Besides all the land responsibilities, house rental preparation and provisioning; there is also the plan for on the water.

The plan to get down the US coast.
The plan for the Passage from US to the Caribbean.
The Plan while down in the Caribbean.
The Plan for the Bahama island jumping when working our way back to the US.
The Plan for coming up the US coast.
The Plan when we return to the Rhode Island area.

Geez, all these could be chapters in and of themselves!  And to say this is daunting is an understatement!  Except that we have an amazing resource in the Conway family! These are our dear friends who just 2 years ago did this trip (and then some).

With unending support, stories and good advice Chris and Erica - this Thanksgiving holiday - opened their homes and hearts to host us and gave us detailed, first hand knowledge of the islands we are going to see.

With solid information, great stories and fare warnings we left them with an excitement that renewed our spirits and created a vision of what this trip beholds.

• Not just trying to see as many islands as we can, but to connect with the cultures, the people and nature.   
• To follow the weather and decide how long we will stay someplace based on how we are feeling about being there. 
• To expand our connections with people and their way of life.
• To slow down and take care of the minute at hand. 
• And to give our children the opportunity to immerse their sensibilities to all these possibilities. 

I am energized and calmed by these thoughts!

Moments

November 11, 2014

Moments

Got a call while filming a commercial for Kelly Financial on the 28th of October from the Collision Center that the van was brought to after our car accident.  Hoping it was the results from the appraiser, so we know what direction to move in...I checked voice mail.  Apparently the appraiser cannot do his duty without the keys.

So after our shoot was "A Wrap"...I drove from Braintree to Newport to hand over the keys.  First I went to the van and grabbed the 3 bags of clothes and 4 pairs of shoes we were going to drop off at the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of RI, among other items strewn across the Mom mobile.

One item I found in a tiny space was a small shell I picked up in New Zealand two years ago Christmas from the beach in Tuaranga.  It was not in an obvious spot.  When I leaned over from the passenger seat to peer into the little opening near the steering wheel, I saw it and I felt a warmth in my chest and a smile slowly turning up the corner of my lips.

This little snail shell represents an amazing time in my life When connecting with the universe, connecting with others in a deeper way and self exploration was at it's height.  I was exploring being a student of my life and not taking on the angst or emotions of others - which allowed me to explore and be at peace with who I was at that time.

While vacationing with David's family and taking daily strolls on that beach - I found these tiny shells to be prolific along the shoreline.  I picked up as many as I could - I was like a hoarder of shells. Pockets filled and I would come back to the apartment and clean them for I wanted to bring them home.

Not to add clutter to our home in the states, but to remind me of the most peaceful moments that were evoked in those sandy meditative strolls.    I wasn't collecting shells I was collecting Moments.
And it was those moments I wanted to bring home.  Each shell representing a moment.

A moment of simplicity.  A moment of peace.  A moment of reflection.  A moment of sea spray.  A moment of feeling the earth below my feet.  A moment alone.  A moment with family.  A moment to celebrate me.  A moment to share.  A moment to see the excellence within.  A moment to dream.  A moment to realize.   A moment to meditate.  A moment to realize potential.  A moment to be present. A moment.......

As I walked that beach - the peace I felt and the connection I felt with nature - was paramount.  And these shells represented each thought, each moment I pondered as I strolled with the sea mist on my face.   You can add your own moment to that list...it just takes a moment of turning your attention inward.  Thinking simply.

I look forward to the these moments during our year on the boat.

I cleaned and brought home a bunch of them - and handed them out to an amazing group of women who took a chance and ventured on a journey of Extreme Self Care with me.  This gift from nature from a far away land was a reminder to them and to you - that we always have an opportunity to reflect on our own individual MOMENTS!  

What are your moments?

Total Loss

November 8, 2014

Total Loss to some may seem like a negative outcome.   Total meaning complete and Loss is something you will never regain.

In the light of the sky and the beauty of earth, 'Total Loss'  does not mean that at all for me.
It brings a happy heart to say we have recently been told that we have a total loss.

Let me begin....October 25th driving back from our younger son's soccer game we got into a car accident.  (We are all fine!  Even with the air bags deployed, thank god we were all wearing seat belts!)

This even may seem unfortunate to most people and at least a major inconvenience.  As it turns out it has been a blessing in disguise.

We just decided two days prior that we would Sell the minivan prior to departing on our sailing journey.    We did not want to pay the loan, car insurance and taxes on it while we were away not using the vehicle.  So the plan was to sell the car and pay off the loan next September.  Just keeping Dave's Toyota Tundra (which is paid off) to do the grunt work this next year and when we return. (Paying for insurance and taxes for one car is plenty!!)

I am talking hours after the crash, I felt a real calm through my soul with this realization.  Affirmed that this accident was a blessing.  It opened my eyes up to another option:
1.  Car gets repaired.  We sell it. Pay the Loan off.  Buy cheap used car to drive until we depart.
2.  Car gets totaled.  Get check.  Pay the Loan off.  Buy cheap used car to drive until we depart.

This accident led us to a decision we never even considered!  Sell the Car NOW, pay off the loan and live the year prior to departure Car Loan free!  Thousands saved.

As it turned out - this past week we got the official call from our insurance agent that the 2011 Toyota Sienna has been a TOTAL LOSS.

This is how it looked after the assessor evaluated it.  

A TOTAL LOSS.......TOTAL LOSS.

Great, Implement the NEW PLAN.  Pay off the loan, buy a used car to get us through the year.
And BONUS, now we can even keep it while we are cruising, so we do not have to spend the first few weeks when we return looking for a car while unpacking the boat, moving back into the house, getting ready for school.....etc....etc...)

So here we are - the NEW PLAN in effect.  Below is a picture of our wonderful 'new' to us, used car to carry us through this next year and when we return.

2005 VW Passat Wagon

This car reminds me of my first car out of college I paid cash for - a Dodge Colt hatchback, stick shift, Silver.   This car hugs me the way that one did.  (Plus it has Heated seats and a moonroof!  Bonus.)

I (we) could not be happier - the answer to the car question was answered early.
Thank you Universe for providing!!

DON'T LIVE SOMEBODY ELSE'S DREAM....by Elizabeth Gilbert

Below are some Words from the wise....from Elizabeth Gilbert who wrote Eat, Pray , Love

Her sentiment I agree with fantastically.  Although some decisions to stay central to who I am are more difficult than others.....she certainly sums it up below.   

Thought of the Day: 

DON'T LIVE SOMEBODY ELSE'S DREAM.

Dear Ones -

I found this picture today that my husband took of me in 2011, doing research for THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS. This photo captures exactly what I did for three straight years. I sat in a chair, reading books about botany, evolution, abolition, women's history, missionaries, Dutch 18th century commerce, and more...in order to fill my brains (and index cards) with enough information to write that novel.

There is no situation in which I could possibly be happier than this — submerged in the vocation that I love, vanishing for hours a day into my work.

Un-showered, greasy hair, eyes tired, totally falling down the rabbit hole of research...this is me, living my dream.

I was thinking today about all the other paths that I did not take in life, no matter how shiny and appealing they may have looked. I've had the possibility of living so many different kinds of life that could have been a dream for somebody else. I never choose those lives. I've never lived the dreams that other people wanted for themselves — nor have I lived the dreams that other people may have wanted for me.

I never had children...because that's somebody else's dream.

I never took the opportunities that were offered to me after the success of EAT PRAY LOVE to have a TV show of my own...because that's somebody else's dream.

I never took a good steady job teaching writing at a nice college...because that's somebody else's dream.

I didn't remain in Bali or Rome, gorgeous as those places are...because that's somebody else's dream.

I turn down 99% of the invitations I get to attend to fancy parties and stellar gatherings...because that's somebody else's dream.

I sold my big beautiful house with its fabulous gardens and lovely library...because one day I looked around at that gorgeous home and realized: "This is somebody else's dream." (Happily, I sold the house to the family whose dream it actually was. So we all win.)

I never hired a team of personal assistants and staff and consultants to help me "grow my brand"...because that's somebody else's dream.

I know what makes me come to life — working on my books — and this picture tells the whole story. Knowing what makes me come to life has helped me to distinguish between my dreams and the dreams of others.

WHAT MAKES YOU COME TO LIFE?

Ask yourself this question, whenever you are given any choice or opportunity. Ask: "Will saying YES to this path bring me closer to the source that brings me to life? Or will it take me further away?"

No matter how alluring, no matter how beautiful, no matter how sparkling and fancy and delicious — do not say YES to other people's dreams.

Do your own thing. Live in your own waking dream. Stubbornly.

Even if it means not washing your hair for a week. (ESPECIALLY if it means that!)

ONWARD,
LG

In the Navy...

October 29, 2014

So we have a friend who is retired Army and teaches at the War College here in Newport.  

He so lovingly pointed out during our annual Cub Scout Halloween party this evening, that the trip for our boys is akin to a 'Tour of Duty'.

We have effectively recruited two young men, who will be deployed for 10 months aboard Nemetona, serving in the Caribbean waters off of the British Virgin Islands southward.

Then he went on to quote a few lyrics from the Village People.... for those of us more excited about reading this post, check out the official music video!   

To see the Music Video - In the Navy....click here

You just Gotta Love Jon Scott!!

"In the Navy"

Where can you find pleasure
Search the world for treasure
Learn science technology
Where can you begin to make your dreams all come true
On the land or on the sea
Where can you learn to fly
Play in sports and skin dive
Study oceanography
Sign up for the big band
Or sit in the grandstand
When your team and others meet

In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the mother land
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)

They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit

If you like adventure
Don't you wait to enter
The recruiting office fast
Don't you hesitate
There is no need to wait
They're signing up new seamen fast
Maybe you are too young
To join up today
But don't you worry 'bout a thing
For I'm sure there will be
Always a good navy
Protecting the land and sea

In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on be bold and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on be bold and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)

They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit

Who me?

They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit

But, but, but, I'm afraid of water.
Hey, hey look
Man, I get seasick even watchin' it on the TV!

They want you, they want you in the navy

Oh my goodness.
What am I gonna do in a submarine?

They want you, they want you in the navy

In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on be bold and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on be bold and make a stand

(Way more lyrics than I ever thought!!!)

Food Saver

October 28th, 2014

Ok you may think I am ridiculous.........but I love my Food Saver.  

And no this is not an ad for the product but simply a raving review of a kitchen appliance I love (soon to be a Galley appliance I love).

Not only do I use it when I make 6 pounds of breaded chicken breasts (like we just did yesterday) but this little air sucking device is going to come in VERY handy on our trip.

Our friends who did the Caribbean trip would catch some of the most amazing fish while trawling to their next destination.   And they used their Vacuum Sealer a lot.  

Not only will it keep our deep freezer from smelling, it will ultimately save space.

Think about that for a minute.....we need to save space.  

Space is a VALUABLE commodity on a boat.  And even if you find space - it may not be in the shape you are looking for.  Some of the smaller compartments are oddly shaped or tucked in an un-accessible space.

Which brings me back to another common theme...STUFF.  I wish we could Vacuum seal all the stuff we are leaving behind so we did not need to rent a storage unit.  We do plan on down sizing and ridding ourselves of everything but the absolute essentials.

For we do plan on returning to RI when our adventure comes to an end, but while we are away we need to rent it out....hence our need to put things in storage.

I have to say I really do look forward to this next 'year of the purge'!  

No better motivation to clear out the clutter than the opportunity to spend many months with the family you love, with ONLY the things you absolutely need.

SIMPLICITY.

Obstacles & decisions

Sunday, October 26th, 2014

Whip Lash aside we are ok the day after the car accident.  

We had our last sleep over of the season and woke this morning to a beautiful Blue Sky!   This will be our last as we removed all the bedding, mattresses and cushions to prepare for winterizing and the installation of our last few items for our long haul trip next year.  

It is such a thing to decide, do we remove all this stuff or keep it on board.  If we leave it and deal with the constant moving of stuff in the middle of winter (brrr) to access the areas we need (while cursing under our breath) to hook up the many parts of the water maker and the 2nd macerator.  Hmmmm....it probably took more time contemplating this decision than actually getting on with it.  And for the minimal effort it took to remove I think it was a wise decision.    All smiles (even with an ice pack on my neck from the accident yesterday)!   



October 25th, 2014

Cheers....
to all the obstacles we will face in the next year......and to OVERCOMING them!!!

Here is the most recent....setback.... which kept us from getting boat related items done earlier in the day.

Looks worse than it is, we are all fine, no one hurt. But this little fender bender definitely helped temper the enthusiasm and yet gave me the broader perspective and reflection that .... we are going to have other moments like this coming up in the next year, the year on the boat and always throughout our lives. 

And it all goes back to that saying:

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." - Charles R. Swindoll

I think I am the type where it is 90% SILVER LINING or 90% glass half FULL!

We were actually just talking about what we were going to do with the van when we leave, for we cannot afford to continue making payments on it while we are on the water.
Hmm........if the universe had something to say about it, she sure wasn't quiet! Time will tell and it will all work out the way it is suppose to be. 

The road we travel...

October 22, 2014

This past week has been the do or don't time. We actually sat down and looked at budgeting.....this time last year our hopes of leaving Fall of 2014 were dashed at the realization we did not have enough clams to make the trip happen.This week, once we realized we are our own 'cerebral obstacles', we embraced the thought of actually having the funds to get there! Sheer Excitement!

Needless to say there was a lot of joy behind this page. Now to decide if we will go 'all out' with our own webpage, just a blog spot or simply FB. Decisions, Decisions....I might as well enjoy these simple decisions before the really hard and or complicated ones arise in the next year before departing!

We just have to remember to CELEBRATE all of life's choices......even the hard ones. YOLO

You Only Live Once!

October 23rd, 2014

You know you are a sailor going on a long trip when you get SUPER EXCITED to hear....."Just ordered the water maker......we are definitely going now!" WOOHOO!
Solar Panels and water maker.....looks like we can get off the grid for a wee while. 

October 24th, 2014

Duffel Bag and a Bike.

Sounds simple right. Not much to it. 

Well, this is all that David came to America with 20 years ago.

Flash forward to now...and anxiety fills the air over the amount of STUFF that has accumulated. A house full of it. So much stuff that 2 days ago it almost derailed our Joy of going on this trip.

When we started discussing renting the house out for a year the thoughts of emptying the house shot a crippling bolt of lightning down our spines. 

There is a saying "What enters into everyday life, soon becomes an unnoticed part of it". Well it is so TRUE!

Just looking in each room at the things we have gotten use to surrounding us, all of a sudden seemed like a terrible burden. 

This fear hit David hard. The proof of that came while I was at Cub Scouts Leading my Bear Den. I came home to 3 bags of clothes David sorted out of our closet as donations! (Note the Joy meter started to rise again). Phew.

I had not felt the depth of despair David felt that night - for we have an amazing friend who also happens to be an amazing organizer. 2 years ago she transformed my thinking and our house by digging into the depths of my mind and clutter. She gave me the time, love and guidance I needed to jump my own 'mind laden hurdles' and get on with IT! She helped un-clutter my kitchen, linen closet, storage room, Clothes closet, junk drawers (all 7) and most recently my office. 

https://www.facebook.com/erica.a.conway?fref=ts

Thank you does not come close!

So I have to say, David's purge has inspired me to go through my clothes again! And helping my parent's in September unload 46 years from the house I grew up in for their move to Florida, has inspired me to just GET RID of the Minutia! Now I just need to find the time...for my mind is READY!

Donation pile going to Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Summer of 2014

This year we made plans to See if we could manage aboard Nemetona for one month.  Of course - this is a true test for our bigger dream of a year away aboard our lovely Sacred Space!

Happy to say in hindsight....it was a Marvelous Success!

I will add more to this when time permits..just know this is leading to our Bigger Dream come true!

Snuggle time! 

Baby Shark off 3rd Beach!   

 Casual Cal

 Captain Dave!

 My Lovely, wonderful, compact set of Pots and Pans for our boat!  I am in LOVE!

My house never looked so organized!!!   

I was trained well and have a wonderful example in my friend Erica!

Our first summer with Nemetona



After our first summer with Nemetona, our Family is considering taking a sailing trip from our home port of Portsmouth, RI to the Caribbean.

Lightining on board

Hanging out on the dinghy

Fourth of July in Newport

Pizza Friday's

After we delivered the boat up from NJ (First overnighter on the boat),
the boys greeted us with this wonderful sign!

Relaxing.

Cruiser Dave

Enough with the camera already!!

Oliver not liking the boat ife so much.

Happy boys under the Newport Bridge!

Helping our neighbor PUMP OUT!

Lot's of Pizza and Game nights aboard our Sacred Space!

Armitage Family on sv Nemetona October 2013
Our FIRST SEASON