While on a writing retreat earlier this week, I took a walk around the Northwest Creek Marina near New Bern. I don't know a sloop from a ketch, but I enjoy taking note of the various names boat owners give to their yachts.I saw one named "Stressless," which I thought was interesting, given that two years of owning a little runabout had brought me far more stress than relaxation. I can't imagine the trouble that a yacht would bring, unless you were rich enough to pay someone else to keep it up for you, and I can't imagine that, either.
One boat had a statue of Buddha on the back, perhaps an aid to peaceful meditation when the boat breaks down three miles offshore.
Other craft had playful names like "Skinny Dippin'" and "Killin' Time," drinking names like "Absolut," fanciful names like "Starship" and "Kizmet."
I saw a sailboat named "Hananiah," a Hebrew name that means something like "Yahweh is gracious to me." Whether it's a family name or reflects a belief that someone got the boat by the grace of God, I don't know.
Speaking of which, I couldn't help being taken aback by a floating oxymoron. On the back of a big cabin cruiser was the name "Life's Reward." Attached to the back window was a sign: "For Sale by Owner."I paused. Can life's reward be bought and sold?
I couldn't help but recall the words of someone I admire greatly: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth ..."
11 comments:
I have a over 15 year old 17.5' runabout without a name. But I keep it at Bath, NC, where I have a small, over 40 years old, A-frame cottage with over 200 feet of water front. There are both boats and houses nearby that cost over a million dollars. So compared to many of my neighbors, I can feel a lot like you do walking by the marina. Yet, I'm told that when most of humanity compares themselves to me, I'm the one who seems wealthy. Kind of like they would a college professor who can hole up in a nice condo with a view and have the time to write a book and take trips to exotic places.
A pastor friend named his boat "Pastor's Study." The name was handy when members called the church office and wanted to talk with him. The secretary would tell the caller, "He's in the Pastor's Study." Not knowing the difference, members would say, "Don't bother him. He's in the Pastor's Study." If they only knew.
Great post! Very Andy Rooney-esque!
Great piece Tony! I've wanted a boat, but I suppose it is just as well I don't have one. I tend to stay up the creek without a paddle too often as it is.
Gene, I'm sure we'd both be considered wealthy in comparison to the majority of the world's population. I just hope I can avoid thinking that the purpose/reward of life is to accumulate stuff and have leisure (though in my experience, having a boat involves more work than play).
Anonymous, you remind me of another boat I saw down near Southport a few years back. It was named "The Office." And I recall seeing (though not entering) a bar named "He's not here."
Thanks for the kind words, Scott and Ron -- hold onto your paddles!
I think that there is a big difference in writing in a condo for a week so others may benefit and owning, managing and maintaining a boat for personal enjoyment.
Just sayin'
:)
Tim,
When we make value judgments solely on what we are looking at externally, such as boats and slogans, we miss a little. For instance we don't count the jobs generated by whatever generated the cash flow to make such a purchase. Those jobs may say more about the owner than the boat.
The fact that I elected not to place a slogan/name on my boat does not count much in judgeing whoever I am.
So I just made the point that when most of humanity makes a similar value judgment looking at Tony and I without knowing us, we might not get judged correctly..
Mr. Prescott,
Point taken...I follow you now...
I can see how it would affect others should we spend less.
Nevertheless, Dr. Cartledge's point is well-taken. The church has avoided preaching on materialism and simplicity. Those who merely interpret Jesus' teachings on surrendering possessions as a call to "detachment" are really more attached to their possessions than they realize.
I agree with Scott. You better start growing out your eyebrows now so when he retires at the age of 106, which by the way is next year, you will be ready to fill his post.
Anomynous #2,
Hmmmm, according to wikipedia Rooney was born January 14, 1919.
Thanks Gene...sorry for the sarcasm. It seems like Andy has been around a long time and some days he looks old enough to pass for 106.
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