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Polishing the Brass of Life

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Good morning everyone. Another quiet morning here in Maine. I can here the distant rumble of a lobster boat but the veil of fog surrounding us hides their work from view. On deck a half dozen participants are busy washing down the schooner, chamoixing away yesterday's elbow grease and shining the brass. We are start our days with honest, simple work that makes our home feel well cared for and makes those who chose to do it shine a little inside.
I know pride is suppose to be a two edged sword but polishing brass puts pride in perspective. Imagine polishing brass that makes the boat look so beautiful when you know you the elements will laugh and tarnish your hard work and you are just going to have to polish again the next day. Now the "smart" person would lacquer the polished brass, right? The experienced person knows that lacquer chips eventually and once applied is a bear to remove.
We have been criticized by some for putting too much energy in to things that guests will never see. Fair enough. I am no doubt trying to make up for some hole in my psyche but there is also a part of me that knows when I have done my best and when I have let myself slide by with my second best. We each make choices every day about how much energy we can put into our lives. Some days more, some days less. These days we seem so busy that taking the time to "do it right" gives way to "git 'er done". It is all a balancing act but I particularly admire folks who take the extra step to make their worlds a little better with out fanfare or anyone else looking on. The lobsterman in the fog hauls only his own gear even though no one can see because it feels right. That is the polished brass of life. Honest, simple, wonderful, heart warming.
Have a great day. Be well. Do Good.

Photo by Tom Haraden.

Comments

Michele B said…
Dear Captain, do not for one moment think that you are putting energy into things that guests never see. Every inch of the Mary Day tells a story of the love and care that is bestowed upon her. I would never set sail on another ship because I know that it would never match her standards. You have spoiled me for any other sailing vessel. Doing the right thing regardless of an audience is being a true ethical human being. I feel honored to be sailing on the MD every year because I know that you went through all that trouble just for me. :)
July 24, 2007 at 4:41 PM
Unknown said…
Michele has it right on. The Harvey F. Gamage is for sale. Viewing the pictures on the sale web site leads me to believe she (are all boats female even if they are named for a man?) has not seen the loving care that Mary Day has enjoyed.
July 28, 2007 at 12:44 PM
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