I was bored this evening, and decided to do a few Google searches to see what came up. Nothing really new showed up, so in a fit of ?vanity? or ?curiosity? or whatever, I Googled my own name.
The usual things came up, the Cruiser Log, the Cruiser's Dictionary, the Cancer Survivors site. And something from the PSYC, Port Stephens Yacht Club (Australia). Now, I've never been to Port Stephens, haven't even been to New South Wales, and I don't believe that I know anybody there, but when I clicked on the link, there is the PSYC December 2006 newsletter, The Quadrant. Looking through it, what should be reprinted but one of my log entries, "Women at the Helm". Full credit is given to me, but I don't remember ever giving them permission to use it.
I liked that log entry, and I doubt that I could improve upon it. I wrote it in response to a question about how could I be so brave, or something like that. "How do you learn to sail?" type question from a woman who was very nervous about setting off into the great unknown.
I'm not really upset that it was used in the publication. I think there might be a bit of an ego boost that somebody liked it enough to include in their yachting newsletter.
I mention it because I am beginning to consider my words, and my small contributions to cruising, as my immortality. Some of them have evidently taken on a life of their own, and it serves as a reminder to me that what we say and do can have a greater impact than we can foresee.
It reminds me (and I need the reminder often) to mind my words and my manners.
Fair winds,
Jeanne
P.S. Here's a link to the Quadrant, for those who are homesick for Oz.
http://www.psyc.com.au/Quadrant%20Dec%2006.pdf
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