Janice: There is nothing nicer to read on Memorial Day than the narrative of an opinionated ship. I'm always much more interested in reading about the restoration of the amazing constructions of long-gone architects, whether they built homes, castles or ships, than the products of a robotic assembly line. Methinks your wooden boat fully appreciates those special people who undertook to save her...
I was thrilled to read these words tonight after a holiday weekend of restoration and repair. Can hardly describe how pleased I am to discover and hear about your preferences. So glad you are aboard! I so appreciate your subscription and even moreso your comments. Oh so many more details to come.... J
@Janice Anne Wheeler My home is abundantly populated by various artifacts—mostly hand-carved Victorian furniture, lamps, and clicks—that I rescued from various states where they were often unloved or under appreciated. I have a special affinity for the creations of the artisans that roamed the earth from the mid-1800s to 1910. They were fabulously talented and they knew their legacy would be the designs they left behind, so it the least we who “see” them can do to restore them to their former grandeur. My first collection of short stories tells the story of the lives of some of the amazing structures they built in Buffalo, New York. Kudos to you who have the skill to do the restoration yourself!
There is a recreated 1890’s Saloon in Western Colorado built for that exact purpose, to exact specifications, to display the grandeur that is gone from architecture today and long since. It was breathtaking. Nice to meet someone who appreciate it and feels the same.
Onward to Buffalo, born there, at Millard Fillmore Hospital, while my father attended UB. I’m glad someone is emphasizing the work and legacies there. Thank you! And it’s a high compliment you gave, there’s a hell of a lot of sweat, and knowledge, with two doses of creativity, to do what we do. And cash, lots of cash….we’ve got more dreams than tangible resources, but we’ll get her done. J We’re all doing the right thing. Can’t just let the beautiful things go.
@Janice Anne Wheeler The scene you describe in Western Colorado harkens to the beginning of the song, “Mail Order Annie,” by Harry Chapin. That song has a great backstory. It is very nice to meet another fan of antiques with Buffalo connections. I lived there for over six years and loved the architecture, the people and the history that lived underneath the service. I lack the kind of advanced skills with my hands that you have, but try to make up for it with knowledge, appreciation and commitment to seeing through restorations as well as inventing fiction that incorporates them in some of my short stories. I’ve subscribed to your Substack so I can follow along with your restoration adventures. My Substack story, “She Died with Two Subscribers” takes place in an aged Victorian home in Maine with some treasures inside. That will give you a taste of what I do with such settings…
Oh, Steadfast! You've been so stoic through all of this, no doubt informed by your years of experience. The way I see it, nobody survives as long as you have or entices people to pour themselves into a restoration without offering a solid connection in return. So, well done to you!
I haven't had much of a chance to get to know your captain very well, but that wild-haired woman is something special. I look forward to meeting you some day soon!
I cannot wait to meet you, Miss Elizabeth; anyone in my crazy Captain's circle must be, as you say, very special indeed. No one thinks like you writer types and it's taken up some time strolling through history...so glad you are on board!
It's a fascinating life, honestly. I've shared with Marya and Holly that I was quite a wandering spirit a few times in my life...so this suits me even though I had never ever imagined it until this boy swept me out to sea...the logistics are challenging and the maintenance is crazy but we creative folks thrive on the interesting, don't we? I'm always writing down thoughts, titles and sentences when I'm at the helm. Thanks very much for being on board! J
Awww! You know, I love a talking vessel. And Steadfast! What a stunner. What a beast. 80 thousand pounds. And I love hearing a bit about her history and can’t wait to hear more.
Grateful for you! I am a famed anthropomorphizer...everything around me is she if strong or he if not so much. Life is all about perspective and I try to consider other. Sometimes it takes an imagination that not everyone appreciates. Thanks+!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the boat’s point of view. The first lines drew me in, especially when she was boarded by the inspectors. I look forward to reading more.
Thanks Fearless, very much appreciated!! It goes along with...."if these walls could talk..." STEADFAST has a super interesting history, and like all of life, the more I dig the more I learn. J
I appreciate that Leeann, we should all see things from another's point of view at times, I think...and yes.."If these walls could talk." The rest of her story is still brewing... ~J
Oh she's a beauty and Yes, worth saving! The history on this girl. (and her appreciation for you guys --she definitely is a keeper). And the anthropomorphism was very inventive! I loved hearing her voice! What fun. Still lots of work to be done. And man, you had some close calls. Full steam ahead, Janice Anne.
Very flattering from a fellow word artist particularly, thank you! I tend to personify, perhaps a tad too much, even, many things that cross my path. We should try on new perspectives like we do hats, on occasion, I do believe. THANK YOU. ~J
I love to find and study the original advertisements and documentation. I suspect the dealers wouldn’t commit to the published catalog prices, though.
I had a 1939 PiperJ-5 Cub I restored and found much original technical and advertising material. In the parts catalog, there aircraft was available with an accessory starter that was like a giant rubber band that stretched from the engine to the tail, was cranked tight and was released by the pilot from the safety of the cockpit, instead of by swinging the propeller.
It also had no electrical system for lights and such, unless you upgraded to a little wind driven generator with a nifty little propeller that was fitted under the airplane, kept a small battery charged, and produced enough power for the three navigation lights.
The J-5 was also called the Cub Cruiser and cost $1,798.00 new, without the big rubber band and tiny propeller. At the price of your boat when it was new and my Cub when it was new, most middle income Americans could afford one of each these days at those prices.
Right Switter? How values change. So I think you're saying those 'upgrades' are not just a seat heater! Always wonderful to read your stories. Planes have always astonished me with their ability to fly me and my 305 companions across the oceans....and how do those 18 story cruise shops stay afloat!?! It's not natural, is it?
YES!! South to the penguins! I'm learning Portuguese for that very purpose. So jealous of what you are experiencing this spring, Egor. Always look forward to your banter.
Janice: There is nothing nicer to read on Memorial Day than the narrative of an opinionated ship. I'm always much more interested in reading about the restoration of the amazing constructions of long-gone architects, whether they built homes, castles or ships, than the products of a robotic assembly line. Methinks your wooden boat fully appreciates those special people who undertook to save her...
I was thrilled to read these words tonight after a holiday weekend of restoration and repair. Can hardly describe how pleased I am to discover and hear about your preferences. So glad you are aboard! I so appreciate your subscription and even moreso your comments. Oh so many more details to come.... J
@Janice Anne Wheeler My home is abundantly populated by various artifacts—mostly hand-carved Victorian furniture, lamps, and clicks—that I rescued from various states where they were often unloved or under appreciated. I have a special affinity for the creations of the artisans that roamed the earth from the mid-1800s to 1910. They were fabulously talented and they knew their legacy would be the designs they left behind, so it the least we who “see” them can do to restore them to their former grandeur. My first collection of short stories tells the story of the lives of some of the amazing structures they built in Buffalo, New York. Kudos to you who have the skill to do the restoration yourself!
There is a recreated 1890’s Saloon in Western Colorado built for that exact purpose, to exact specifications, to display the grandeur that is gone from architecture today and long since. It was breathtaking. Nice to meet someone who appreciate it and feels the same.
Onward to Buffalo, born there, at Millard Fillmore Hospital, while my father attended UB. I’m glad someone is emphasizing the work and legacies there. Thank you! And it’s a high compliment you gave, there’s a hell of a lot of sweat, and knowledge, with two doses of creativity, to do what we do. And cash, lots of cash….we’ve got more dreams than tangible resources, but we’ll get her done. J We’re all doing the right thing. Can’t just let the beautiful things go.
@Janice Anne Wheeler The scene you describe in Western Colorado harkens to the beginning of the song, “Mail Order Annie,” by Harry Chapin. That song has a great backstory. It is very nice to meet another fan of antiques with Buffalo connections. I lived there for over six years and loved the architecture, the people and the history that lived underneath the service. I lack the kind of advanced skills with my hands that you have, but try to make up for it with knowledge, appreciation and commitment to seeing through restorations as well as inventing fiction that incorporates them in some of my short stories. I’ve subscribed to your Substack so I can follow along with your restoration adventures. My Substack story, “She Died with Two Subscribers” takes place in an aged Victorian home in Maine with some treasures inside. That will give you a taste of what I do with such settings…
It's a pleasure to have you aboard, Douglas! Thank you for the engagement. J
Oh, Steadfast! You've been so stoic through all of this, no doubt informed by your years of experience. The way I see it, nobody survives as long as you have or entices people to pour themselves into a restoration without offering a solid connection in return. So, well done to you!
I haven't had much of a chance to get to know your captain very well, but that wild-haired woman is something special. I look forward to meeting you some day soon!
I cannot wait to meet you, Miss Elizabeth; anyone in my crazy Captain's circle must be, as you say, very special indeed. No one thinks like you writer types and it's taken up some time strolling through history...so glad you are on board!
😁
What a fabulous life! I’m sure there are days when you don’t think so, but from the outside looking in, it seems pretty fab!
Love the point of view. She deserves to be heard. 💞
It's a fascinating life, honestly. I've shared with Marya and Holly that I was quite a wandering spirit a few times in my life...so this suits me even though I had never ever imagined it until this boy swept me out to sea...the logistics are challenging and the maintenance is crazy but we creative folks thrive on the interesting, don't we? I'm always writing down thoughts, titles and sentences when I'm at the helm. Thanks very much for being on board! J
Awww! You know, I love a talking vessel. And Steadfast! What a stunner. What a beast. 80 thousand pounds. And I love hearing a bit about her history and can’t wait to hear more.
Great post, Janice!
Grateful for you! I am a famed anthropomorphizer...everything around me is she if strong or he if not so much. Life is all about perspective and I try to consider other. Sometimes it takes an imagination that not everyone appreciates. Thanks+!!
Me too on the anthropomorphizing front. Yay for just such imaginations and for our connection and friendship. Grateful for you too. ♥️♥️♥️
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the boat’s point of view. The first lines drew me in, especially when she was boarded by the inspectors. I look forward to reading more.
Thanks Luna! The balance of her history is awesome, and we are very pleased to have you aboard! Welcome. ~J
Thanks Fearless, very much appreciated!! It goes along with...."if these walls could talk..." STEADFAST has a super interesting history, and like all of life, the more I dig the more I learn. J
That was great to read J, coming from a different perspective and all. If yachts could talk….
I appreciate that Leeann, we should all see things from another's point of view at times, I think...and yes.."If these walls could talk." The rest of her story is still brewing... ~J
Oh she's a beauty and Yes, worth saving! The history on this girl. (and her appreciation for you guys --she definitely is a keeper). And the anthropomorphism was very inventive! I loved hearing her voice! What fun. Still lots of work to be done. And man, you had some close calls. Full steam ahead, Janice Anne.
Very flattering from a fellow word artist particularly, thank you! I tend to personify, perhaps a tad too much, even, many things that cross my path. We should try on new perspectives like we do hats, on occasion, I do believe. THANK YOU. ~J
I love to find and study the original advertisements and documentation. I suspect the dealers wouldn’t commit to the published catalog prices, though.
I had a 1939 PiperJ-5 Cub I restored and found much original technical and advertising material. In the parts catalog, there aircraft was available with an accessory starter that was like a giant rubber band that stretched from the engine to the tail, was cranked tight and was released by the pilot from the safety of the cockpit, instead of by swinging the propeller.
It also had no electrical system for lights and such, unless you upgraded to a little wind driven generator with a nifty little propeller that was fitted under the airplane, kept a small battery charged, and produced enough power for the three navigation lights.
The J-5 was also called the Cub Cruiser and cost $1,798.00 new, without the big rubber band and tiny propeller. At the price of your boat when it was new and my Cub when it was new, most middle income Americans could afford one of each these days at those prices.
Right Switter? How values change. So I think you're saying those 'upgrades' are not just a seat heater! Always wonderful to read your stories. Planes have always astonished me with their ability to fly me and my 305 companions across the oceans....and how do those 18 story cruise shops stay afloat!?! It's not natural, is it?
Are you hiking? J
This was an amazing perspective!
‘Take me to Patagonia!’ I feel she is thinking that :-)
YES!! South to the penguins! I'm learning Portuguese for that very purpose. So jealous of what you are experiencing this spring, Egor. Always look forward to your banter.
J
Wonderful story and looking forward to the rest!
Nice piece, and fun way to present it
Yours always intrigue, too, Alfred! From boats to courtrooms....it's so often an investigation.... I appreciate you checking in, I truly do. ~J
Loved it!
Thanks Gayle and I do so appreciate you following along!