I first came across sailboards in 1981 when I worked at a Beach Resort. It looked like so much fun to be gliding on the waves, it didn’t take long before I attempted to get on a board. With the help of the locals that made windsurfing look as easy as walking on dry land, I took on the sails and tried my best to get flying…to no avail. After numerous attempts over a period of two months and small successes (ten seconds or so) I gave up the whole idea until one day, an ‘expert’ French windsurfer typically named Francois came for a visit and hit the waves in high winds when no one dared to go out. Even the locals were amazed at how easily he handled the wind and waves. I later mustered enough courage to ask him to teach me to sail. We began with the basics and a few tricks…and in roughly two hours (!) I was riding the waves. It makes a difference when a ‘real’ teacher comes along. I soon found myself sailing almost daily and eventually moved on to enjoy hobie cats (2-hulled sailboats) and now looking forward to sailing the big yachts upon retirement. Oh…his secret for taming the high winds? He was using stormsails.

Lesson number one. Unless you’re above average, when you try to learn on your own, it can take forever…or never at all. A good teacher helps.

Lesson number two. It is not just the wind’s direction but more of the size/shape of the sail and its position that will determine how fast and where you will go.

No. This isn’t about sailing. It’s about life…my life. I came across a quotation that says…”I thank God for storms…they make me a better sailor”. Correspondingly, I say to myself..I thank God for life’s problems…they make me a better human being.

Thus…stormsails…to remind me not to get carried away by life’s events (wind) but to make use of them to accomplish my life goals by adjusting my attitude, mood and perception (sails). The adage goes…”it’s not what happens to you but how you react to it that will make the difference….”

This blog contains both current and past events, thoughts and perspectives that have managed to stay in my memory, intertwined in a series of categories that will serve to document a turbulent life filled with exciting adventures. The story book will initially have 52 entries, in my desire to write at least one episode every week for one year and eventually compile them into chapters for a more comprehensive reading thereafter. Other categories will come as unique and relevant aspects of my life unfold or come to mind.

Enjoy your visit and may you share in the knowledge the universe has revealed to me through various wonderful experiences. Your comments are always welcome.

Happy sailing….through life’s storms.

Mike