It’s kind of crazy to know that the ocean, at times so powerful and forceful, can also achieve such an immense calm for such an extended period of time.
The sea, once again, is glass today. With continued motoring we will indeed be making a stop in Cabo Verde to refuel, grab more fresh fruits and veg, as well as maybe grab a bite to eat on land. Mindelo (our next waypoint) is a common gateway for cruisers about to cross the Atlantic, so chances are we’ll see quite a few boats preparing to make the journey.
With the sea so calm, I’ve been noticing something that, after my various sailing certifications, I know I’m supposed to look for but rarely feel like I’m getting it exactly right: cat’s paws. This cutely-named phenomenon is the result of localized wind speed variation, made visible on the water. Certain areas of the water will look dimpled and broken (as if cats were pawing at the surface, supposedly), while a nearby patch appears glossy and smooth. See if you can pick it out in the photo below. Crew in races will most certainly be on the lookout for these signs of wind variations in order to pick up on any possible speed advantage. As cruisers, it’s mostly fun to notice but rarely essential to go out of your way for.
Last night, I made a veggie stir-fried noodle dish. Connor - you would be proud. I have soaked up some of the knowledge from your Wok experimentation over the last month or so and although we don’t have an actual Wok on board, I think I did Kenji’s teachings justice. It was a hit. Side note: being able to fry up some tofu is only something I would attempt on a catamaran and maybe even then only on these calm seas - but it just blows my mind that you can even do it in the middle of the ocean. Might try bread next if we can find yeast in Mindelo.
More cards today and more swimming. Jan took a snorkel and inspected the bottom of the boat just for fun. The water is so clear. I’m not sure I’ve ever swam with over 4000 meters of water beneath me. Wild.
Finished my book: The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson. Sad to have it be over, it was a wonderful story. Would recommend it to anyone who loves Sanderson. If you don’t know Sanderson yet, I recommend you try some of his other stuff first. Maybe The Emperor’s Soul or Mistborn. But before reading Sunlit you’d probably want to make your way through The Way of Kings which you should absolutely do if you like fantasy but it’s hefty so settle in. (Yes, I am in fact using my blog as a platform to promote my favorite author to you all.)
The book was wonderful, but what really stood out to me upon completion was part of the author’s note at the end, pictured. It makes me think of a conversation I had in New York on my way here with my friend Drew, a writer and thespian himself, as well as similar conversations with other friends in the past.
There is a huge chasm between the ideas that grace us, and putting those ideas out into the world. The emotional barrier is high to take that step and of all the ideas from all the people in all the world, very few people are able and willing to take it (both are required).
Maybe you know and maybe you don’t: earlier this year I stepped back from my mechanical engineering career to pursue art and design. My long-standing struggle in this process has been self criticism and self doubt: both major enemies to one attempting to jump the chasm between having an idea and bringing it to life. I think Sanderson’s notes here about books could apply to most art forms - while some art is made for the artist’s benefit, lots of art is made to share some part of the way that artist sees the world with others. To spark questions. To start a conversation. In my journey down a new and uncertain path, the idea that a piece isn’t complete until someone on the other end interacts with it inspires me to delve deeper into some of the ideas I’ve been considering.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading my non-sailing related musings about art and the career I’m haphazardly trying to build. :)
Grateful for time to be read books and ponder,
E
You are so brave, my dear. With all the good you put into the world and with your open heart, you will get that back in spades. I have no doubt.
Hey Emma - Terry here
I love this post for a number of reasons. When I was your age I did some summer sailing in the San Juans where long days with little wind were the norm so we chased the cat's paws m out of desperation,. I love the photo of Jan!!! Well, self-doubt is the hallmark of artists, so you are in good company. Also common with successful artists is patience and perseverance - be kind to yourself!
You all may need to BLAST some Jimmie Hendrix. That will bring wind for sure.
T