A bright shining day

Yesterday was one of those bight shining days.  It was great to escape the heat inshore and spend over ten hours on the water.  I enjoyed the scenery, the conversation and the quiet times when no words were needed.

We talked a lot about what it means to not be fully accepted in a society that appears to welcome you with open arms, but still holds you at arm's length.  I cannot compare my experience to that of someone who has lived through periods of racial hatred.  I have not experienced hatred at such a level in my life.  And I can think of no one that I have hated.

I do know that there are situations where I too have felt unwelcome.  Mostly those situations were related to my intolerance of what I perceived as critical scrutiny and judging by others.  I was particularly intolerant of inflated egos.  And yet I would stick around, hoping to be a part of something that was simply fueling resentment.

I remember a particular experience that I had as a young professional in which I waited for over 15 minutes to say hello to an old professor who was a "star" in her field. I began to fume more and more as I waited for her to acknowledge me. It was my shortcoming to accept the unacceptable and not simply wave at her and move away. That taught me a lesson that I still remember.  I no longer want to be around or cater to the insufferable ego. 

That's why it's great to be around people who are genuine and not trying to inflate themselves.  And that is what made the day so enjoyable.  I felt that I made some friends yesterday.  And that we got along because it was simply genuine people talking to one another.  No one was playing to ego.  And to talk to someone who has a definite interest in helping others overcome barriers of poverty and racial prejudice was inspiring.  

I have to say that I was tired after such a long day.  I had no trouble sleeping peacefully, still feeling the slight rocking motion of the boat, even though I was on land.  I find that rocking motion comforting, as my body gradually makes the transition back to terra firma. 

So here are a few more photos from yesterday's journey.  It was indeed a bright and shining day.