Walking away is not an option... dialogue must prevail.

"A good listener tries to understand what the other person is saying. In the end he may disagree sharply, but because he disagrees, he wants to know exactly what it is he is disagreeing with."
- Kenneth A. Wells

"I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace."
- Helen Keller

Monday, July 7, 2008

surfer girl





One of my co-workers is an avid windsurfer and an organization he's a member of was having a discovery clinic this Sunday for kids. My daughter is a Pisces, so any sport that involves the water, she's there!



It was one of those absolutely beautiful and perfect summer days. Lovely breezes, sun, blue skies (almost as lovely as the blue skies of Alabama) and warm water. Chicklet and I got ready to head on over for the lessons that started at 10:30 and what we thought would be a morning event turned into a whole day affair.


First, she learned how to manoeuvre the board and sail on dry land.


And after being outfitted for a lifejacket she headed on down to the beach and waited to be assigned a board and an instructor. She passed time by looking for shells and rocks, ever the naturalist. As long as she doesn't bring home any odd creatures... That, I expect, will happen soon enough when she's a teenager. *sigh*



She hoisted up the sail and awaited further instructions from her most excellent teacher, Stéphane. This man's been windsurfing since he was kneehigh to a grasshopper and has the patience of Jobe.




In less than an hour she was gliding around on the calm waters and she never fell... not even once. I've been informed that she fully intends to do this again... and again... and again.



She loved it so much after lunch we went back and she had another go at it. Afterwards, she and I rented one of the two-seat Kayaks (you can see some in the video) and explored the waters for an hour. It was a wonderful day! And we've vowed to go again.


Yes.. I'm aware I'm going to have to beat them off with a stick... and in Canadian fashion, it'll be a HOCKEY stick.

*sigh*

My baby's growing up.

At least I got to stick my toes in the sand... *waves at Songbird*




"I am not afraid of storms: For I am learning how to sail my ship."
-Eleanoor Roosevelt

21 comments:

buffalodick said...

Looks like more fun than sailing or surfing!

debra said...

looks like a great day.

Dana said...

That is quite an amazing accomplishment. Wind surfing isn't as easy as it looks!

Travis Cody said...

I would so do that...except for the whole fear of drowning thing.

What?

Yes, Uncle Trav is a big wussy boy.

CrystalChick said...

Looks like you and Chicklet had a really great day!
I visited Turnbaby's page and listened a little. Great topic!! Really wonderful that you have such interesting discussions. :)
Cute pictures of you two!

Anndi said...

Buff: Her instructor told her that sailing is like windsurfing only for the lazy! LOL

Debra: It was tremendous! Thank you for visiting!

Dana: She was very proud of herself. Nothing like building a child's self-esteem... best gift ever!

Travis: *giggle* SMOOCH

You wear a lifevest... no drowning, I promise. You'd SO rock at it!

Big Wussy Boy eh?

Crystalchick: There are some amazing things just waiting for us in our own "backyards".. just have to go looking a bit.

Turnbaby and I always have fun discussing things, I think it's because we come from a place or trust and respect. Glad you enjoyed.

Charles Gramlich said...

I'd defnitely like to give that a try. I'm not very good at skiing but this looks like more fun.

Jay said...

That's fantastic! I would probably kill myself if I tried to do that. But, it would be fun though.

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Have never tried it in all my years on the water...Might have to give it a go...

Glad you both enjoyed the day

Liz Hill said...

What a great way to spend a summer day--making memories right there sugar. Smooch

Akelamalu said...

What a lovely day you had and how brave and clever is chicklet? Love the photos btw.

Anndi said...

Charles: According to Chicklet, it's the coolest thing ever!

Jay: Nah... unless you try it in shark infested waters...

Bond: You should!

Turnbaby: I'll cherish them forever!

Akelamalu: Chicklet is quite the clever lass! Glad you liked them, I knew I would end up making this into a "blogreport" LOL. Thanks! *hugs*

amynoroom said...

What a great video of the Chicklet!!! She's a little surfer girl! Too precious!

Lu' said...

Looks like a most excellent day indeed.

Karen said...

How awesome is that? I would be such a glowing parent if my little one accomplished that. I am glowing right now anyway.

Jeff B said...

Didn't fall once?...Little show off!

Way to go Chicklet!!!

Have you installed the motion sensors on her doors and windows yet?

Desert Songbird said...

Yay for Chicklet! That is awesome. And you just had to make me drool with envy with the toes in the sand, right?

Hmpf.

*grin*

Dumdad said...

How I miss the sea! (I'm a Cancerian). So I enjoyed these pix and can dream of being on a beach and the sound of the sea and the smell of ozone . . .

Anndi said...

Amy: She had permagrin when she stepped out of the water!

Lu': I highly recommend spending a day by the water.

Karen: I was! Still am, my nose got a little sunburned (yes, I wore sunscreen) ;)

Jeff: At one point she launched herself off the board and bombed the water! hehehe

I've set up some alarms... yes I have.

Songbird: I took that one specifically for you! SMOOCH

Dumdad: I have a feeling we'll head out there quite a bit. There's a bike path that can take us there... maybe we'll have a picnic by the water. It was very soothing. Thanks for visiting!

Ron said...

Ya know, in all the 20 years that I lived in Florida, I never ONCE tried windsurfing!

Damn...now I could KICK myself!

KICK!#@!?

Beautiful photo's Anndi!

And I love Mrs. Roosevelt's WISE words too!

Mimi Lenox said...

Wonderful photos, Anndi. She IS a heartbreaker!