There is no Frigate like one’s Life
Whose winds fill up our sails,
Nor any Detour like the Strife
Of AIDS and other’s AILS –
Such events can change our tack,
Oft’ cause our boats to luff,
Yet, still surprising is that puff
That takes us quite aback–
(The above is penned with the sincerest apologies to Emily Dickinson)
Things naval and sailing have always been part of my life; consequently, sailing seems an apt metaphor, as my experiences are strongly intertwined with unexpected life events impacting my navigation. After taking my Bachelor’s degree in the Humanities, I chose a large city with bright lights as my home. Though unsure what career to pursue, it quickly became clear that there were social exigencies that needed tending. I joined the forces combating the 90’s AIDS pandemic and fought in both establishment and anti-establishment organizations to help ameliorate the crisis our society was facing. I found an outlet for frustration by joining ACT UP, a practical but slow-going remedy by engaging in grassroots party politics, and to answer the call to Tikkun Olam, I started an AIDS care-giving team at my synagogue. About the time things began to look more hopeful in the Pandemic, I decided to pursue graduate studies in social work and began working in the mental health field at a major university. But in my last year of studies, my father experienced a major health event. I put my goals on hold and moved, so that I could provide care. My parents had retired to a remote hobby farm in the rural south. I was sure my intellectual life had come to an end. I found a job working as a policy analyst for a state child welfare agency and discovered a library system with amazingly intellectually stimulating programing. After my father’s death, my earlier pursuits seemed to belong to another place and time. Indeed, they had been a destined port for a different sailor than the one I currently was. So, I treated myself to nearly three years of utter joy by pursuing an advanced degree in English. Next, I “adjuncted” around a while, then taught on the Navajo Reservation. Finally, profoundly missing the hobby of sailing, I accepted a teaching job near the Florida Gulf Coast. Because library programming made an impact on the quality of my life, I am interested in helping create (electronic and other) programming for a public library, so here I am.
Over the Winter Break I wandered into a used-book store and happily discovered the complete set of Patrick O’Brian’s books, Master and Commander, which tell about the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. These are not just adventure- or action-packed, but exceedingly literate; they read closer to Jane Austen in style than other texts belonging to the adventure genre. As such, they combine two of my favorite passions in life: great literature and sailing. If you are unfamiliar with them, read up about them on the publisher’s website.
https://wwnorton.com/books/master-and-commander/
When I need a taste of the real thing, I go to the Clearwater Sailing Center
https://ccsc1001.clubexpress.com/
and rent a Sunfish. These little boats are very light and fast; this often makes for very wet sailing, as they are more than easy to capsize.
Hello Timothy! It is nice to meet you. It was great to read about your work with the AIDS pandemic and state child welfare. I have limited knowledge about sailing. What has been your favorite place to sail? I am sure you have many stories. I will have to add the book Master and Command on my reading list. I like historical fiction books, but I also want to read more historical books. I think this book will be a good fit, because Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors and I love her writing style. I hope you have a great rest of the semester.
Hi Timothy – wow! What a life you have lived. You have spent so much of it doing your part to help others, it’s no wonder the library eventually drew you in. I think you will find great enjoyment in creating public library programming. Sailing is such a cool hobby! My uncle who lives in the Fort Meyers area has been taking sailing lessons for years and he absolutely loves it. I will have to check out Patrick O’Brian’s series, it sounds like a fun read. It was great to “meet” you, I hope your semester goes well!
Howdy Timothy! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. It was informative and engaging, and I feel I have a good sense of your passions. Your academic journey is inspiring, and it seems you found your calling. The future public library that works with you will be better for it. Also, your love of sailing resonates with me, although it sounds like you are more avid. Coconut Grove, a town near where I live, is a big sailing area. You’ve inspired me to join the sailing club there and become reacquainted with the joys of sailing. And I’ve watched the movie Master and Commander, which I thought was incredible! Assuming the books by Patrick O’Brian are much better based on your recommendation. At any rate, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance via blog.
Best wishes for a great semester!