Well the artwork isn’t done but I spent a few hours putting together a flyer for “Splendid sailing”. I will put it up at various youth hostels and hotels. Every referral gets $25.00 a head, I’m sure I’ll do fine. I’m not so happy with the shape colors yet but you get the general idea. There are so many inferior boats/captains charging $225 PP/PD, I figure this is pretty reasonable. I may increase my rates after I’m all painted up, maybe not? I’m sure I’ll be successful as I don’t really want to work too hard anyway.
Speaking of charters. I only sold like 5 charter donations and am having the drawing in May. If you want to get your name in the hat visit the store and throw down $50.00 :) if you win I’m sure you’ll find it worth every penny.
I’ve been working on my “bucket” list and I’m surprised how reasonable it all is. I want to finish Splendid and sail the ship I see in my mind till the end of my days. I also want to become the minimalist sailor I see in my head. I want to live as much as possible on my own wine, bread, cheese, tofu, beer, and become a master spear fisherman, canner, and dryer. I wish to spend the rest of my life living simple, consuming little, and being healthy and happy as I travel the world.
I’d like to continue to produce my films and release my book. I’d like to play my guitar better and find more peace in my heart. I’m on the fence about having a child. I want a child, I just don’t know about a wife, she would have to be a pretty unique person and I’m so picky I’m basically writing the whole concept off.
I want to explore (sail) Asia, India, Africa, and eastern South America. This would conclude a circumnavigation however its not the point anymore.
I’d like to sit down and have a beer with Guin when she grows up. I’ve finally let go of Sam in my heart but I really bonded with Guin as a parent and really felt a responsibility for her future. Unfortunately I have no say in it anymore and that’s how the cookie crumbles.
I don’t think my goals are unreasonable or unobtainable for a 45 year old guy in my position?
If someone is interested in spending time on Splendid in exchange for work give me a shout. If your willing to put a real 25 hours a week into Splendid (not sitting around B.S.ing) and can sand let me know. I might have a month in the San Blas for you. I’d teach you about sailing and cruising but would expect some real elbow grease in return. I’d even feed you but you would have to come armed with a orbital sander and a healthy amount of paper for it.
The Isla Linton anchorage is my favorite anchorage in the world that I know of and conceder it home. I’m right where i want to be at the moment and I’m happy to be here finishing up Splendid. I know a lot of you want me to get moving but I’m really happy for the moment. I can make money here if I need to, there are no hurricanes, and the government stays out of my business. I can spear fish, I’m 40 miles away from the most beautiful place in the world, and can be in the city in 4 hours. Life is good.
I’m looking forward to crossing the Pacific next year. I’d like to have the creative tools (camera package) I want and have my ship dialed where I want her. You know at the end of the day I do what I want when I open my eyes in the morning and that’s all that counts.
I don’t know if I’ve saturated my market or the economy has taken its toll, but BlueSphere doesn’t bring in so much anymore. I used to sell DVD’s pretty much every day, now I’m lucky to have 5-10 (film) downloads a month. The paid episodes are good for about 30 – 50 sales but if you do the math its hard to make it work. Especially when you have a boat to finish restoring and an expensive camera package to buy. I want to get a Canon T2i with 2 extra lenses (telephoto, wide, plus the 50mm it comes with) an underwater housing with lights, and plenty of memory cards. I really want the next film to be special. In my case the sequels will get better and better :) If your interested in being a producer (charters included) let me know.
I enjoyed all the traffic on the last blog. I got really stressed out dealing with the IRS and hope not to have to deal with them again. I know someone just told me that since I use paypal, I’m part of the system and need to pay taxes. If I legally make enough to pay taxes I’m all about it, I just don’t make enough, not do I want to. I’m the most successful poor person I know and pretty happy here :)
Peace, Love, and freedom.
Sail far, live slowly, and live every day as you wish.
– Alex