March 14, 2010
Alone on the Cruise
I mentioned that on my cruise, I planned to room with an acquaintance from high school that travels frequently. I did know that she lives alone but I did not know that she usually has her own room when she travels. I have lived with people my entire life; in college, in Flight Attendant training, in our Manhattan apartments, even sharing rooms on our layovers. And then of course while married! I enjoy the camaraderie and fun that such situations present.
She told me at the time we agreed to room together that she preferred to get up early and leave the room and just ‘do her own thing’ all day long. This did present some uncomfortable situations which we were able to resolve since we were sharing a cruise ship cabin. We would run into each other rarely on the ship, but we did eat dinner at the same table in the dining room each evening.
At dinner one evening, our waiter asked about our relationship. Her reply to him was, “We are actually two strangers.” and I had to agree with her astute assessment.
The outcome of all this is that I was essentially alone on the cruise. It was not what I had expected, but as you by now, Portland Firefly does try to make the best of every situation she is thrust into. And this cruise was to be no different.
In retrospect, this allowed me to meet many people who I probably would not have met otherwise. Added to this is the fact that I preferred to wear scarves (as they are more comfortable than a wig) and I discovered that my turbaned head was a great conversation starter! I had many memorable conversations on board ship and I met several interesting people whose stories you will be reading about here this week. I hope you enjoy them!
Michele LaDuke Ball said,
March 14, 2010 at 5:50 am
Dear Firefly,
You are amazing. I can’t wait for a new round of stories.
Always…Michele
ELEANOR BOYD said,
March 14, 2010 at 7:08 am
Ditto to Michele’s comment.
May the Lord bless you as you have blessed all of us.
Love you,
Eleanor
jj said,
March 14, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Good you have you back and that you are feeling up to writing. My prayers continue for you friend.
love ya
mj said,
March 24, 2010 at 8:53 pm
You really are an inspiration accepting any adversities that come your way… Your strength of character speaks for itself. Quite the lady adding so many virtues to your name! Below are a couple of quotes and thoughts of mine that I noted when reading at Cannon Beach this last wkend.
WELL SAID :
‘I don’t believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers. It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage. Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at.’
—Maya Angelou
* From Louis Lamour
In almost every novel that I’ve read by Louis, when some stranger rides in, usually at night, he’s greeted with “light and set.” In other words, get off your horse, come over by the fire and have some coffee. you’re welcome. We’re all out here in this wild land where people are harder to come by. The bar of trust and acceptance is raised. Where you came from, you’re family background or name is relatively insignificant. The crux is more about who are you now and what do you have to offer this country? I like that.
What books are you enjoying these days?