Let’s keep Wednesday mostly Wordless, shall we? not just because I’m busy, but also to preserve the peacefulness of these scenes. All three are views from our front patio over the last week or so. I love the morning light in the photo above (of my neighbour paddling to work) — the way it illuminates the kelp-covered rocks . . .
and in the evening, the light on the mist shrouding the coastal mountains is softly coloured by sunset’s reflection as a boater cruises into harbour for the night. The sunset is happening in the West, of course, behind my back, over beyond the island’s trees, but its chromatic drama splashes across the strait to the East, indiscriminately dyeing the whole maritime scene.
No need to whisper anymore, or spare our words. This behemoth is heedless, and she makes plenty of noise of her own. The passangers are not likely to attend to us much, although the cruise ship passes close enough that they can probably see us on our deck.
And now I’m sailing into the tail end of my week. I teach 7.5 hours within a span of 24 from Monday afternoon ’til Tuesday afternoon, 3 of them Monday evening — it’s a gruelling, adrenaline-filled start to every week, and I suspect it will become more daunting as the term moves along into the darker days of November and that energy bunny gets tougher and tougher to find in my big top hat, never mind to pull out with any flourish at all. Still, the upside — and I promised to keep looking for one — is that come Wednesday, I only have 3 classes ahead, and those are all prepared for this week. Yes, I also have committee work, my book orders for next term, a couple of conference proposals I want to write, and then the 55 short papers to mark this weekend.
Still, the plan is to enjoy the pockets of respite when they arrive, and after Monday and Tuesday’s pace, today will offer me much more time for breathing. Deeply. Ah, that salt air . . . .
I can't believe that you see cruise ships from your living room?!?!
Much cooler in the daytime when they keep on moving! And it's only occasionally, thank goodness — seems to be a patch through the early fall. I think they do those mini/pocket cruises.
Enjoy the slower pace…you live in paradise.
looking out at the sea makes me breathe easier, I can almost feel my blood pressure dropping.
It's pretty gorgeous, isn't it?!
Those cruise ships are massive! When I was down at the Inner Harbour snapping the same boat in Victoria, a couple of kayaks paddled around it. They looked miniscule against the hull.
I prefer the first scene – utter tranquility. Hope you find pieces of that in the next few days.
When The World (the ResidenceSea ship, essentially condos on the move, tres luxe apparently) was here a few years ago, we were out in our 17.5 ft boat and scooted by it. CRaaazy!
I have to say I'm not a fan, on so many levels (no way these ships are environmentally friendly!)
I am so jealous of that view.That would be my dream view. Enjoy your moment of respite.
I feel pretty spoiled, I must admit . . .
Holy smokes, that is gruelling! Take all the peace you can find in any small moment!
It's a schedule I'm going to beg not to have again, I must say. Looks not so bad on paper, but it's very hard on the mind and body. . .
Also want to say that I imagine you know what this takes as a facilitator (which, really, is much of what I do). Being "on" for 3 hours at a time is something few can really understand, right?
Finland is a country of thousands of lakes. I spent my childhood swimming in the lakes ( time before my fish- phobia ), yet I prefer to live close to the sea much, much more.
Sea symbolizes freedom, freedom for an escape, if life over here turns out too dangerous ( I´m just kidding ).
Thank you for the relaxing pictures, take care of yourself!
There is something about the ocean's openness, isn't there? I like lake-swimming as well, and used to love camping or staying at a cabin near a lake, especially with adjoining woods, but it's a very different mood there than at the seaside.
I like your concept of Wordless Wednesday. Maybe this will become a trend.
Yes, well, as you see, I don't do "wordless" well, but it does offer the possibility of a quicker/lighter post . . .
We used to see cruise ships on the Hudson. I'd rather live near the ocean though.