Even though this is technically a day late, I feel it is my duty as Captain, to make sure I pay homage to the man that has inspired each and every one of these entries. Yesterday, he turned 63. Oh that must have been tough growing up, celebrating your birthday and Christmas on the same day. Your booty surely must have suffered. But as we all grow older, even the King Pirate has a positive outlook on aging.
Here I’m singin’ happy birthday
Better think about the about the wish I make
This year gone by ain’t been a piece of cake
Everyday’s a revolution
Pull it together and it comes undone
Just one more candle and a trip around the sun
I’m just hangin’ on while this old world keeps spinning
And it’s good to know it’s out of my control
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from all this livin’
Is that it wouldn’t change a thing if I let go
No you never see it comin’
Always wind up wonderin’ where it went
Only time will tell if it was time well spent
It’s another revelation
Celebrating what I should have done
With these souvenirs of my trip around the sun
I’m just hangin’ on while this old world keeps spinning
And it’s good to know it’s out of my control
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from all this livin’
Is that it wouldn’t change a thing if I let go
Yes I’ll make a resolution
That I’ll never make another one
Just enjoy this ride on my trip around the sun
Just enjoy this ride
As Jimmy begins his 64th trip around the sun, let us learn something from him. There are times we find ourselves feeling like we are just barely holding on as the world keeps spinning. Once you have realized that you can't control the craziness that the world's spinning causes, the stress of life is no longer a burden. You can start living for the day. And as Jimmy says...enjoy the ride!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A Sailor's Christmas 12/25/09
Before I embark on today's journal entry let me first wish my inspiration a very happy 63rd birthday. While dining in port last evening, I was asked you do know who's birthday it really is tomorrow, (Here I am guessing the correct response would have been our Savior Jesus) and without missing a beat I replied "Why it's Jimmy Buffett's Birthday." Yes, that master of prose is taking another trip around the sun. As the season is upon us, I think it's only appropriate to use this song today.
Sail on the horizons gotta landfall rendezvous
Captain steers a well-known course, he steers straight & true
As he trims the sheets, he sings a song
He learned on boats and bars
Sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour 'neath the stars
He's traveled through the doldrums, typhoons and hurricanes
He's logged a million soggy miles with water on his brain
But Christmas is the season better suited for dry land
He'll tell some lies, meet some spies
And dance barefoot in the sand
The sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour on the hook
Caye con les, no work today, let's shell the ol' log book
The waterfront is reveling, the season has begun
The sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour having fun.
There's a party down at Le Selecte, music, rum and cheers
Faces in the shadows, God, I haven't seen for years
A mast & shroud fill with lights
'Neath the waning of the moon
They're an airy celebration in the realm of King Neptune.
Jesus was a fisherman who walked upon the sea
The North Pole is ocean's remote frozen balcony
The continents keep drifting but the children sing and play
'Cause nothing really matters, after all it's Christmas day
The sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour on the hook.
Vaye con les, no work today, he read it in a book
The waterfront is reveling, the season has begun
A sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour having fun
A sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour having fun
Havin' fun... havin' fun...havin' fun
Children of all ages playing is what it is about. This time of year has managed to become so commercialized that people have forgotten the meaning. It isn't the stores or the crowds, even Jesus might be tempted to throw a few elbows to get out of Best Buy or Wal Mart. It's about spending time in a harbour having fun! There aren't many harbours better than the one your family is in. So while in port this holiday season, make sure to not only stock up on your supplies for the next leg of your journey, but also to stock up on your fun. Because, in the end, we relish those fun times! (I think that even Jesus would want us to have fun!)
Sail on the horizons gotta landfall rendezvous
Captain steers a well-known course, he steers straight & true
As he trims the sheets, he sings a song
He learned on boats and bars
Sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour 'neath the stars
He's traveled through the doldrums, typhoons and hurricanes
He's logged a million soggy miles with water on his brain
But Christmas is the season better suited for dry land
He'll tell some lies, meet some spies
And dance barefoot in the sand
The sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour on the hook
Caye con les, no work today, let's shell the ol' log book
The waterfront is reveling, the season has begun
The sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour having fun.
There's a party down at Le Selecte, music, rum and cheers
Faces in the shadows, God, I haven't seen for years
A mast & shroud fill with lights
'Neath the waning of the moon
They're an airy celebration in the realm of King Neptune.
Jesus was a fisherman who walked upon the sea
The North Pole is ocean's remote frozen balcony
The continents keep drifting but the children sing and play
'Cause nothing really matters, after all it's Christmas day
The sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour on the hook.
Vaye con les, no work today, he read it in a book
The waterfront is reveling, the season has begun
A sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour having fun
A sailor spends his Christmas in a harbour having fun
Havin' fun... havin' fun...havin' fun
Children of all ages playing is what it is about. This time of year has managed to become so commercialized that people have forgotten the meaning. It isn't the stores or the crowds, even Jesus might be tempted to throw a few elbows to get out of Best Buy or Wal Mart. It's about spending time in a harbour having fun! There aren't many harbours better than the one your family is in. So while in port this holiday season, make sure to not only stock up on your supplies for the next leg of your journey, but also to stock up on your fun. Because, in the end, we relish those fun times! (I think that even Jesus would want us to have fun!)
Ho Ho Ho And A Bottle of Rum 12/24/09
It's Christmas time once again. Trees brightly lit, stockings hung, and presents wrapped are all signs of the time we live in. Leave it to the muse to have created a song to guide us through this season. Stores, roads, and even fast food restaurants are jammed to the gills with people. Stress is at an all time high during this season while patience is in short supply. From getting that perfect gift at the last minute to running out and getting the batteries for some toy. The ports are jammed with pirates.
Santa's stressed out as the holiday season draws near
He's been doing the same job now going on two thousand years
He's got pains in his brain and chimney scars cover his buns
He hates to admit it, but Xmas is more work than fun
He needs a vacation from bad decorations and snow
Mr. Claus has a has escape plans, a secret that only he knows
Beaches and palm trees appear night and day in his dreams
A break from his wife, half-frozen in life
The elves and that damn reindeer team
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rum
Santa's run off to the Caribbean
He thinks about boat drinks and fun in the sun]
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Plastic creations and crass exploitations aren't good
He wants to go back to simple toys made out of wood
Just for the weekend he's like to be Peter Pan
Get out of his long johns and dance with a sword in the sand
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Snata's off to the Caribbean
Marimbas, calimbas, he's playing steel drums
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Santa's off to the Caribbean
A week in the tropics and he'll be alright
Sporting a tan as he rides out of sight
Merry Christmas to all and to all good night
Santa's stressed out as the holiday season draws near
He's been doing the same job now going on two thousand years
He's got pains in his brain and chimney scars cover his buns
He hates to admit it, but Xmas is more work than fun
He needs a vacation from bad decorations and snow
Mr. Claus has a has escape plans, a secret that only he knows
Beaches and palm trees appear night and day in his dreams
A break from his wife, half-frozen in life
The elves and that damn reindeer team
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rum
Santa's run off to the Caribbean
He thinks about boat drinks and fun in the sun]
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Plastic creations and crass exploitations aren't good
He wants to go back to simple toys made out of wood
Just for the weekend he's like to be Peter Pan
Get out of his long johns and dance with a sword in the sand
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Snata's off to the Caribbean
Marimbas, calimbas, he's playing steel drums
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Santa's off to the Caribbean
A week in the tropics and he'll be alright
Sporting a tan as he rides out of sight
Merry Christmas to all and to all good night
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Jimmy Dreams 12/13/09
I was reminded last night in a coversation I had while in port getting supplies about how everyone has dreams. It was a very touching moment although no one said any words. In this age of technology there is a certain element that is usually missing, however, feelings can still come through texts and ims. So today I picked a song that is rarely performed except by Parrotheads who have it on their playlists of the 380 some songs Jimmy has written.
Jimmy dreams He's a child to the end What a joy When you are your best friend The world's such a toy If you just stay a boy You just spin it again and again Jimmy flies With no use for disguise Just escapes Using mirrors and capes And the words do the trick There is no bigger kick Than just rhyming again and again Sound of the low tide The smell of the rain Traveling' alone On my boat and my plane Take it all in It's as big as it seems Count all your blessings Remember your dreams Jimmy stares Towards the bright Pleiades It's so strange What his distant eye sees Who knows why you start Rediscovering your heart But you do it again and again Sound of the low tide Smell of the rain Traveling alone On my boat and my plane Take it all in It's as big as it seems Count all your blessings Remember your dreams Jimmy stares Towards the bright Pleiades It's so strange What his distant eye sees Who knows why you start Rediscovering your heart You just do it again and again The world's still a toy If you'll just stay a boy And that's why Jimmy dreams.
No matter how grand or miniscule the dream, everyone shares them, even if it is simply to be left alone. It's amazing how dreams can be so personal and so wrapped in feelings. Take for instance a member of the crew, who opened up to the Captain last night and revealed that his dream is just to go to college. Having heard how much this dream means to him, as his Captain, I am now mustering all my power to make sure this happens.
It's good to have dreams. Dreams are just that. But on those rare occasions that those dreams come true, it is a feeling of absolute bliss, especially when you have had to work to accomplish those dreams. When all hope is lost or circumstances seem to be at their worst, dreams can pull you through.
Without dreams, we wouldn't have Pirates and we wouldn't be searching for that treasure.
Jimmy dreams He's a child to the end What a joy When you are your best friend The world's such a toy If you just stay a boy You just spin it again and again Jimmy flies With no use for disguise Just escapes Using mirrors and capes And the words do the trick There is no bigger kick Than just rhyming again and again Sound of the low tide The smell of the rain Traveling' alone On my boat and my plane Take it all in It's as big as it seems Count all your blessings Remember your dreams Jimmy stares Towards the bright Pleiades It's so strange What his distant eye sees Who knows why you start Rediscovering your heart But you do it again and again Sound of the low tide Smell of the rain Traveling alone On my boat and my plane Take it all in It's as big as it seems Count all your blessings Remember your dreams Jimmy stares Towards the bright Pleiades It's so strange What his distant eye sees Who knows why you start Rediscovering your heart You just do it again and again The world's still a toy If you'll just stay a boy And that's why Jimmy dreams.
No matter how grand or miniscule the dream, everyone shares them, even if it is simply to be left alone. It's amazing how dreams can be so personal and so wrapped in feelings. Take for instance a member of the crew, who opened up to the Captain last night and revealed that his dream is just to go to college. Having heard how much this dream means to him, as his Captain, I am now mustering all my power to make sure this happens.
It's good to have dreams. Dreams are just that. But on those rare occasions that those dreams come true, it is a feeling of absolute bliss, especially when you have had to work to accomplish those dreams. When all hope is lost or circumstances seem to be at their worst, dreams can pull you through.
Without dreams, we wouldn't have Pirates and we wouldn't be searching for that treasure.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Nobody from Nowhere 12/12/09
After a very long hiatus, I am feeling the need to once again pull anchor and set sail. Numerous reasons have kept me from this passion of mine however, once again that beacon of light, Mr. James Buffett, has brought me back yet one more time, Coincidentally with the release of his new album Buffet Hotel. Giving this Pirate even more to write about.
’m nobody from nowhere You’d have ever heard of anyway Ain’t no city way down there You could have heard a pin drop Any time of day. But I’m not sorry I’m not sad Tho it might take a whole day Just to drive down there and visit Not to worry Not too bad Nothin much to do But that ain’t such a hardship really is it? When you’re waiting for a car to drive by Just so you can wave “Hello” “Hello” “Hello” Staring at a starry night sky Dreaming up some place to go, to go, to go ’til that day comes I’ll be here alone without a care Nobody, nobody from nowhere. I’m nobody from nowhere You’d have ever heard of anyhow Ain’t no reason You should care There’s a P. O. box and a 4-way stop farms and fields and cows We’re just waiting for a car to drive by Just so you can wave hello hello hello hello Staring at a starry night sky Dreaming up some place to go, to go, to go, to go ’til that day comes I’ll be there alone without a care Nobody, nobody from nowhere. Ahh, we’re Waiting for a car to drive by Just so I can wave hello… hello… hello… hello. Staring at a starry night sky Dreaming of some place to go to go to go ’til that day comes I’ll be there alone without a care Nobody, nobody from nowhere Nobody, nobody from nowhere
This song could have been written about my homeport! Among the numerous connections I can make with this song, including but not limited to the line waiting for a car to drive by just to wave hello. The song reminds me of times back in good ole Carey and all the other little towns around their that I called home. In addition, it makes me miss my father, the whole NOBODY aspect. I really don't want to get into that inside joke, but mom I think you know what I mean.
I would have never guessed a Buffett song would make me want to go back to the Midwest, considering most of his songs made me want to pull anchor and get to the water as fast as I could. Not having written in my log for several months has made me a bit rusty. I know I have been distracted by the real world and all my responsibilities to it. So distracted that I have neglected my search, my passion. Although I will say, I was surprised to find an old passion renewed.
But still the search for the treasure of my life continues. It's time for me to dust off my Captain's hat, take the helm, and set sail.
’m nobody from nowhere You’d have ever heard of anyway Ain’t no city way down there You could have heard a pin drop Any time of day. But I’m not sorry I’m not sad Tho it might take a whole day Just to drive down there and visit Not to worry Not too bad Nothin much to do But that ain’t such a hardship really is it? When you’re waiting for a car to drive by Just so you can wave “Hello” “Hello” “Hello” Staring at a starry night sky Dreaming up some place to go, to go, to go ’til that day comes I’ll be here alone without a care Nobody, nobody from nowhere. I’m nobody from nowhere You’d have ever heard of anyhow Ain’t no reason You should care There’s a P. O. box and a 4-way stop farms and fields and cows We’re just waiting for a car to drive by Just so you can wave hello hello hello hello Staring at a starry night sky Dreaming up some place to go, to go, to go, to go ’til that day comes I’ll be there alone without a care Nobody, nobody from nowhere. Ahh, we’re Waiting for a car to drive by Just so I can wave hello… hello… hello… hello. Staring at a starry night sky Dreaming of some place to go to go to go ’til that day comes I’ll be there alone without a care Nobody, nobody from nowhere Nobody, nobody from nowhere
This song could have been written about my homeport! Among the numerous connections I can make with this song, including but not limited to the line waiting for a car to drive by just to wave hello. The song reminds me of times back in good ole Carey and all the other little towns around their that I called home. In addition, it makes me miss my father, the whole NOBODY aspect. I really don't want to get into that inside joke, but mom I think you know what I mean.
I would have never guessed a Buffett song would make me want to go back to the Midwest, considering most of his songs made me want to pull anchor and get to the water as fast as I could. Not having written in my log for several months has made me a bit rusty. I know I have been distracted by the real world and all my responsibilities to it. So distracted that I have neglected my search, my passion. Although I will say, I was surprised to find an old passion renewed.
But still the search for the treasure of my life continues. It's time for me to dust off my Captain's hat, take the helm, and set sail.
Monday, September 14, 2009
If I Had A Boat 9/14/09
The drama that is my life has brought on illness! No More Drama! So tonight, I am relieving my stress by daydreaming. Sure dreaming of Havana might be more appropriate but when I daydream, I dream about being on a boat out in the water. There isn't anything much more relaxing than drifting along the waves. Even over football, I have always loved being on the water. It's my passion.
If I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean And if I had a pony I'd ride him on my boat And we could all together Go out on the ocean Me upon my pony on my boat If I were Roy Rogers I'd sure enough be single I couldn't bring myself to marrying old Dale It'd just be me and trigger We'd go riding through them movies Then we'd buy a boat and on the sea we'd sail And if I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean And if I had a ponyI'd ride him on my boat And we could all together Go out on the ocean Me upon my pony on my boat The mystery masked man was smart He got himself a Tonto'Cause Tonto did the dirty work for free But Tonto he was smarter And one day said kemo sabe Kiss my ass I bought a boat I'm going out to sea And if I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean And if I had a ponyI'd ride him on my boat And we could all together Go out on the ocean Me upon my pony on my boat And if I were like lightning I wouldn't need no sneakers I'd come and go wherever I would please And I'd scare 'em by the shade tree And I'd scare 'em by the light pole But I would not scare my pony on my boat out on the sea And if I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean And if I had a pony I'd ride him on my boat And we could all together Go out on the ocean Me upon my pony on my boat
My favorite line in this song is about my childhood heroes the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Tonto says to his partner /superior "kiss my ass I bought a boat I'm going out to sea." When days like this one happen, or when superiors are creating more drama in life I wish I had a boat. If I had a boat, I 'd say the exact same thing to my superiors and head out to see. Now, I might not take my pony, but definately take my two canines on the boat with me.
In the search for that treasure, there is going to be drama. It is unavoidable. That boat harbored in port waiting for me to climb upon it is calling, as the drama grows so does the volume of that call to come aboard and sail away from it all. Just me and my dogs upon my the ocean on my boat.
If I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean And if I had a pony I'd ride him on my boat And we could all together Go out on the ocean Me upon my pony on my boat If I were Roy Rogers I'd sure enough be single I couldn't bring myself to marrying old Dale It'd just be me and trigger We'd go riding through them movies Then we'd buy a boat and on the sea we'd sail And if I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean And if I had a ponyI'd ride him on my boat And we could all together Go out on the ocean Me upon my pony on my boat The mystery masked man was smart He got himself a Tonto'Cause Tonto did the dirty work for free But Tonto he was smarter And one day said kemo sabe Kiss my ass I bought a boat I'm going out to sea And if I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean And if I had a ponyI'd ride him on my boat And we could all together Go out on the ocean Me upon my pony on my boat And if I were like lightning I wouldn't need no sneakers I'd come and go wherever I would please And I'd scare 'em by the shade tree And I'd scare 'em by the light pole But I would not scare my pony on my boat out on the sea And if I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean And if I had a pony I'd ride him on my boat And we could all together Go out on the ocean Me upon my pony on my boat
My favorite line in this song is about my childhood heroes the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Tonto says to his partner /superior "kiss my ass I bought a boat I'm going out to sea." When days like this one happen, or when superiors are creating more drama in life I wish I had a boat. If I had a boat, I 'd say the exact same thing to my superiors and head out to see. Now, I might not take my pony, but definately take my two canines on the boat with me.
In the search for that treasure, there is going to be drama. It is unavoidable. That boat harbored in port waiting for me to climb upon it is calling, as the drama grows so does the volume of that call to come aboard and sail away from it all. Just me and my dogs upon my the ocean on my boat.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Lucky Stars 9/12/09
It took another but kicking last night to make to realize the next song I wanted to write about. Now grant it I might be suffering from a concussion from having a door slammed on my head by the opposing crew and severe sleep deprivation but I think this weird weather has gotten to me.
And let's face it. Anyone who can remember that doleful day with the terrorist attacks can relate to this song. It's a theory some of my best friends live by. Though every thing in the world seems to be negative, they strive to be as positive as possible. They certainly have thanked their lucky stars.
Woke up just the other day Fell out of bed and my dog ran away The car won’t start and the weather was cold and gray I got stuck in a traffic jam My major meeting didn’t go as I planned Looks like it’s gonna be another one of those daysI got a roof over my head Someone to love me in a four poster bed And I can play this here guitarI thank my lucky stars Politicians speak and it makes me ill People are dyin’ just for a thrill Maybe it’s just evolution gone astray The climate’s too hot, music’s gotten cold I’ve livin’ like a health nut but I still grow old You do what you can on the edge of the Milky Way Got a roof over my head Someone to love me in a four poster bed And I can play this here guitarGonna thank my lucky starsWrapped up in the problems of the dayJust remember there’s no rewind and no replay Don’t you worry cause it ain’t gonna fix a thing Woke up just the other day Thought that maybe I’d be OK Cause the story I’ve been getting Ain’t written anywhere Got a roof over my head Someone to love me in a four poster bed And I can play this here guitar Gonna thank my lucky stars Got a roof over my head Someone to love me in a four poster bed And I can play this here guitarI thank my lucky stars Gonna thank my lucky stars Thank you stars
When times are like they are right now, difficult time at work, the future looks bleak and no sign of calming waters anytime soon, you should thank your lucky stars. It's when you have nothing to be thankful for that times are difficult.
It took coming home at 4 am from an ass beating and being greeted by two loving companions that were so excited to see me they wouldn't let me sleep. Instead of being mad, I am thankful that they help me see the reality that losing isn't that bad; that you may despise people you work with, what is going on at work but there is more to the overall journey than work.
Whether you are in a hammock with your toes in the sand, an ice cold drink in your hand or if you are in the gray skies of the midwest no where near the beach or the water, it doesn't matter. If you can find one thing in life that makes you happy, than you have the ability to thank your lucky stars.
And let's face it. Anyone who can remember that doleful day with the terrorist attacks can relate to this song. It's a theory some of my best friends live by. Though every thing in the world seems to be negative, they strive to be as positive as possible. They certainly have thanked their lucky stars.
Woke up just the other day Fell out of bed and my dog ran away The car won’t start and the weather was cold and gray I got stuck in a traffic jam My major meeting didn’t go as I planned Looks like it’s gonna be another one of those daysI got a roof over my head Someone to love me in a four poster bed And I can play this here guitarI thank my lucky stars Politicians speak and it makes me ill People are dyin’ just for a thrill Maybe it’s just evolution gone astray The climate’s too hot, music’s gotten cold I’ve livin’ like a health nut but I still grow old You do what you can on the edge of the Milky Way Got a roof over my head Someone to love me in a four poster bed And I can play this here guitarGonna thank my lucky starsWrapped up in the problems of the dayJust remember there’s no rewind and no replay Don’t you worry cause it ain’t gonna fix a thing Woke up just the other day Thought that maybe I’d be OK Cause the story I’ve been getting Ain’t written anywhere Got a roof over my head Someone to love me in a four poster bed And I can play this here guitar Gonna thank my lucky stars Got a roof over my head Someone to love me in a four poster bed And I can play this here guitarI thank my lucky stars Gonna thank my lucky stars Thank you stars
When times are like they are right now, difficult time at work, the future looks bleak and no sign of calming waters anytime soon, you should thank your lucky stars. It's when you have nothing to be thankful for that times are difficult.
It took coming home at 4 am from an ass beating and being greeted by two loving companions that were so excited to see me they wouldn't let me sleep. Instead of being mad, I am thankful that they help me see the reality that losing isn't that bad; that you may despise people you work with, what is going on at work but there is more to the overall journey than work.
Whether you are in a hammock with your toes in the sand, an ice cold drink in your hand or if you are in the gray skies of the midwest no where near the beach or the water, it doesn't matter. If you can find one thing in life that makes you happy, than you have the ability to thank your lucky stars.
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