I see this girl rowing her boat in the bay a lot. She lives on a larger boat, perfectly clean, with pretty red flags that catch and fling the wind to the shore and back. I wonder what it would be like to have the city behind you and the water all around every day. The rippling, magic water glistening as the city propped, crackling with bitumen, rises.
How does she do it in this city where people are pushed and pushed to acquire property; where they are pulled beneath the ground by debt and heartbreak? What must it be like to be a free spirit with the sights of the city as your backdrop? Knowing what we all know? Does it take an endless supply of courage or the highest form of independent thinking?
When I see the girl on the water, her oars gentle as waterlilies, I feel a kind of soaring that is half laughter, half tears. And I also feel anything is possible.
Selma In The City 
Oh, I hope you get the chance to talk to her Sel, find out more about her life, maybe visit the “big boat”. How cool is that. I would LOVE!!!! to live on the water. Another idea that I’ve always had is living in a lighthouse, wouldn’t that be something? Dangerous but romantic too. I wonder how many people still live in lighthouses now? I digress…
Very nice post Sel, it made me feel tranquil. G
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I know someone who lives in a lighthouse. it is incredible. It has this gorgeous wood panelling all through it and of course, fantastic views. At first it is weird being in there because everything is circular but you do get used to it. There are a few disused lighthouses down the south coast which come up for sale occasionally. I would love to buy one. Can you imagine? It would be like living in a book!
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people who live on boats are a singular breed. a good friend lived on board a sailing boat here in the harbor for over a decade. fairly spacious for two people. concerns are so different. its a beautiful thing under full sail,(and yes they were always willing for adventure and took pleasure in company and pride in their knowledge of every little inlet along the shores) its a challenge in rough weather. and no matter how big, space is always an issue (except if its as big as the queen mary). as is every little thing we take for granted like electricity and hot showers. my friend is now a landlubber but she misses the boat life. except in winter ha ha
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It would be hard in winter. I can imagine dampness must be an issue. And the cold. But in good weather there must be nothing like it. I would like to try it sometime. There would certainly be plenty of stories abounding as a result!!
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Beautiful post Selma. š
I loved . . .
“When I see the girl on the water, her oars gentle as waterlilies, I feel a kind of soaring that is half laughter, half tears. And I also feel anything is possible.”
(I know that feeling, you’ve described it so well) x
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I knew you would understand that feeling. There is a real poetry to it!
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It’s the city’s best kept secret, Selma – the cheapest way to live on the water š I would love to, as I’m sure you would given your love of boats
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I suppose you have to buy the boat and pay for mooring fees etc. but it would be cheaper than your average Sydney mortgage. I’d really like to try it even just for a short time!
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You picked up the message so beautifuly, and it’s wonderful how you pay attention, Selma.
I’m not sure if I would investigate too much into the details of this human story, unless it happens by itself. The message you pick up is much more important than the reality behind it. “What must it be like to be a free spirit?” the question, the dream remains, even if you found out that she may not really be a free spirit or if her story turned out entirely different than you think.
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You are so right, Klaus. Sometimes the real story is not quite so romantic and it is nice to contemplate the concept of being a free spirit. It seems like such a rare thing these days!
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Hi Selma,
I really don’t think I could live on the water, I love my space, and of course my dog loves her yard. š
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I know what you mean, Mags. I love having a garden. I would miss the trees and the flowers on the water. Maybe I should just get a little dinghy and tootle about. That would be fun. Then I would have the best of both worlds.
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i’d like to be with her all the day
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She does look appealing. I like your romantic sensibility. Thanks for stopping by!
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I hope she really does enjoy her life!
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I hope she does too. You can’t often tell just by looking, but she did seem quite content. I like to think of her having a happy time!
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Wow, as I was reading the post I was feeling all of the things you described at the end. In addition to a deep sense of longing…
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It would be an amazing type of existence out there on the water, wouldn’t it? Even just owning a boat would be fantastic. I would be out on it all the time. Maybe one day….
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wow. I don’t know if I could live on a boat, but you sure make it sound appealing. And much like Geraldine, I hope one day you get to talk to her so you can share her story with us!
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I’ll try and chat to her the next time I see her. I’d love to know why she lives on the boat!
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I think that girl is onto you š (who is that woman who keeps watching me – now she’s taking photos). I could never live on a boat, but I admire people who do.
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I know. I was busted. She looked right at me. She probably thinks I’m a stalker. Hahaha. I’d better hide behind the bushes next time š
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The constant rocking must be so soothing, but a fish out of water on land.
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I wonder if people who live on the water for a long time find it dificult to sleep on land without the sound of the water. I’m sure it must be as hard to get used to as it would be for us to get used to the constant rocking!
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I love the way you see things Selma, beautifully written.
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Awww thanks, Deborah. You are so lovely!!
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