I grew up on the Gulf of Mexico, which is usually a lot calmer and safer than either the Atlantic or Pacific. But even then I had several scary moments.
Really enjoyed reading this. And yes, it is a great humbling of sorts, to survive a close call with an undertow. So glad you still love swimming in the ocean. 🌊✨Also, really appreciate your approach to haiku and that footnote! 🤓✅
I was nearly drawn out to sea off Long Beach, Vancouver Island by a powerful current that took me and my surfboard almost to the point of losing sight of land. I too was a naive teenager who didn’t know the power of the ocean. Hadn’t bargained on a trip to Japan or Alaska!
It's such a crazy thing to be caught in an ocean current because from land they're invisible. I always feel a touch better in the ocean when I have a surfboard, at least I have something to cling too. Although that wouldn't help much if you found yourself too far out like you almost did
Thanks! When I was under the water I remembered the lessons I'd been taught about not panicking, but that was in the middle of me panicking. Once I was back on land the terror of the whole thing washed away. Our brains are strange things--or at least mine is.
I haven't had the chance to read it yet, but it's on my list. Lately, I have a quote from Rubin that I heard while he was doing promo for the book on loop in my head. It's about art being an offering to god. It will probably make its way into a post here one of these days.
Nearly drowning is the only activity in which I haven't almost died. Everything else, cycling, climbing, skiiing, walking, dining, etc, I've crossed off my "nearly kicked-the-bucket" list.
That's why I'm positive it'll be one of Oregon's dreaded "sneaker waves" that'll get me as I casually walk along the beach.
I grew up on the Gulf of Mexico, which is usually a lot calmer and safer than either the Atlantic or Pacific. But even then I had several scary moments.
The ocean is such a powerful force, even at its most serene.
Really enjoyed reading this. And yes, it is a great humbling of sorts, to survive a close call with an undertow. So glad you still love swimming in the ocean. 🌊✨Also, really appreciate your approach to haiku and that footnote! 🤓✅
Thanks!
I was nearly drawn out to sea off Long Beach, Vancouver Island by a powerful current that took me and my surfboard almost to the point of losing sight of land. I too was a naive teenager who didn’t know the power of the ocean. Hadn’t bargained on a trip to Japan or Alaska!
It's such a crazy thing to be caught in an ocean current because from land they're invisible. I always feel a touch better in the ocean when I have a surfboard, at least I have something to cling too. Although that wouldn't help much if you found yourself too far out like you almost did
Such a terrifying experience! But you made a beautiful poem from it!
Thanks! When I was under the water I remembered the lessons I'd been taught about not panicking, but that was in the middle of me panicking. Once I was back on land the terror of the whole thing washed away. Our brains are strange things--or at least mine is.
Thank you for sharing! Rick Ruben’s new book ‘The Creative Act: A Way Of Being’ is a great read.
I haven't had the chance to read it yet, but it's on my list. Lately, I have a quote from Rubin that I heard while he was doing promo for the book on loop in my head. It's about art being an offering to god. It will probably make its way into a post here one of these days.
Too true Jason.
Nearly drowning is the only activity in which I haven't almost died. Everything else, cycling, climbing, skiiing, walking, dining, etc, I've crossed off my "nearly kicked-the-bucket" list.
That's why I'm positive it'll be one of Oregon's dreaded "sneaker waves" that'll get me as I casually walk along the beach.
Those sneaker waves are pretty brutal 🤣
I sent your haiku to my husband who is an offshore ocean sailor and he replied:
Just trying to count how many times I've almost died in the ocean 🤪 not many thankfully but it's certainly made me feel alive countless times 😊
Thanks! That’s a rough job! I imagine he’s dealt with plenty of other hazards beyond even the ocean