The Boat Life: STILL AFLOAT

Where did I leave off? It's been awhile since I've blogged about the boat life, so it's time I bring you up to speed. We've settled in quite well. Living on a sailboat brings with it mostly perks, however there are a few things I would change if I could. My favorite part of this lifestyle is having less. Yes, I said that. Seriously,  it has been exhilerating to remove stuff you truly don't need from your life. Confession: I do utilize the trunk of my car for extra shoes, and purses etc- a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. Then there's the fact that I've never slept better in my entire life. Our state room is cozy, and the lull of the boat along with the distant sounds of halyards cling clanging among the marina makes for a peaceful rest. Sunrises from my 'back porch' (cockpit) are a wonderous sight to take in every morning as I keave for work. Returning from work the view towards downtown boasts a majestic sunset almost daily. Now, lets  discuss the cold and rain. Well, we're toasty warm inside as we have heat (&a/c) but I could do without the rain. I love a rain shower here and there, but lately we've had alot of it, which brings along with it dampness; and strategic leaks. We've purchased a dehumidifier and are learning along the way how to keep our home comfortable and welcoming.  Our walks to the nearby market, and all that downtown has to offer is amazing. We take advantage of walking, bike riding and of course sailing whenever we can. Both of us have lost weight which is a plus. Then there's always some type of excitement happening at the marina. One evening we came home, as we're walking down the dock we hear someone yelling for help from a distant dock. My hubby ran over to the next dock to find a man in the water near his boat who couldn't save himself from his epic fall. Needless to say hubs pulled this guy out of the water to safety. I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd be living on a boat,  but I'm sure glad I am. It's not for everyone; as it requires a total mindset change. Most people are intrigued and I believe they wish they could do it. Others aren't sure how or why we do it. My goal is to pursue my passion for writing and inspire others. Our goal is to work less,  enjoy life more, and bring simplicity to a world that is constantly striving for excess; which in turn causes stress. Start small, declutter, write down one goal, follow a dream and find adventures. I promise you, it will change your life for the better.
Photo credit: April K Corbett

Summer Reign

We'll be there soon Summer Reign! It's a miracle hubby & I haven't strangled one another through out this boat purchasing process. I believe God has been testing and teaching us patience. I've learned I'm not as patient as I thought. Monday we close! 7/13/15 will be our closing date and you know what? It's perfect! To some the #13 is unlucky but quite the opposite for me. Lucky 13! A favorite of mine. Luck and superstitions are not my thing, so even though we had to wait a few extra days there's a reason for that. First we expected it to be last week, then the 10th and sadly we were told the 14th.. the 13th won. With the sellers in Canada, the broker in Maryland and the boat in Florida it hasn't been smooth sailing as of yet. A name change is imminent. Don't you just love Summer Reign?

This weekend we pack up so Monday we can head out to meet her, make her ours and sail her home! Our journey continues on into a new adventure as we experience a different lifestyle altogether. Living on a sailboat is new to us and I'm sure there will be some adjustments to be made; especially with a teenager visiting and a puppy dog on board. Even so, the positives outweighs any of the worries we might have. After all Cesar Milan is only an email away and I'm not afraid to use him. Ha! Moments are to be cherished so that's what we intend to do. Simply breathe in breathe out while letting go, in turn cherishing every moment. As a child I do recall being fearful of the water,(not sure why) ironically only pools, of which I did get over; but the ocean was a different story. The beach always beckoned as the sound of the waves put me at ease. I cannot wait to morph into the mermaid I was born to be, telling stories of Summer Reign along the way.  April k Corbett photo by AKC

Travelling Voyage- Moving Forward

As we move forward on this journey the surveyor found a few items in need of repair. We were also aware this boat is in need of some TLC but overall was a keeper.  The counter offer was made, came back and finally we were all in agreement. We are extremely satisfied with the final outcome. The wheels are in motion as the sellers prep and complete their end of the deal and we shuffle more paperwork for documentation, marina location, scheduling time off and purchasing necessary items required for the sail home. All I can say at this point is, wow! We are excited, and stressed. Nothing about the process has been easy. Sometimes things don't work out exactly the way you had planned; they work out better.  Prayers have been answered and we are moving forward with our plans. The closing date is still unknown, but near. What I do know is that the day we sail her home everything we've been through will have been well worth it!  (photo by AKC)

Travelling Voyage- the offer was...

ACCEPTED! Even though there was a counteroffer the sellers response offered us a huge sigh of relief.  Next,  we scheduled the survey and once we verify the results of the boat are legit it should be smooth sailing from there. Ah, I must keep a sense of humor through out this process. Our journey has only begun. Most of the people we've dealt with have been nothing but helpful and kind. I won't mention right now who the difficult ones have been but I will say its disappointing to say the least. They have one chance to redeem themselves and then I will share their name & the company they're employed with. But enough about their rudeness, I refuse to allow one individual with a personality flaw to steal my joy. Let's just say as a writer they could be added into my next novel only to find themselves removed rather quickly. ha! Next week the survey will be complete and paperwork will be shuffled around. Before you know it we'll be sitting on our boat, in our new home making a toast as she sails us into the sunset. It is finally happening! Hubby still won't celebrate until all is finalized. Here I sit, sipping my vino doing the happy dance inside my head as all those feelings are voicing their opinions, concerns and excitement - sort of like the new movie Inside Out. I remind myself this is not a movie, this is reality; our reality. We didn't only follow our dreams, we chased them, and little by little those dreams are being captured. One of these days when I'm writing my next book, the next New York Times best seller, I will reach out and yell GOTCHA! 

Travelling Voyage: A Glimpse

Back to the Keys we will go! Why you ask? Well, it just so happens we will be looking at another boat! Yes! I believe it is 'the' one. There's a feeling of tranquility as I look out on the horizon catching a glimpse of what is to come. The anticipation has taken my fingernails and all I seem to do is daydream. Every emotion we've gone through has been worth it- otherwise it would not be called an adventure. To us it will be epic, glorious if you will, the day we board our vessel to sail it home. As we inch closer I am still wittling down our belongings and am in awe at how little we have left. Let me just tell you how freeing this feels! Hubby is teaching me the ropes of sailing - verbage, equipment,  techniques etc. Hopefully I'll make a fabulous 1st mate, and I have the utmost confidence in hubs that he will be the best captain the seas have ever met.                      photo credit: April K Corbett taken from Fish Tales in St Petersburg FL