Fresh Beginnings

It’s been ages and I have no excuses for not writing. Over the past year or so I’ve formulated hundreds of blogs in my head but have never followed though with writing them down. It’s been hounding me …. this desire to express … with each breath we are given the gift of a new moment to start fresh … so let me begin again….

First thing this moring through the drizzle I spotted a tug out near the mouth of the harbour. I couldn’t tell for sure but it looked like it had an old steam stack sticking up on its rear end. I was getting soaked so I decided I couldn’t wait around for it to make up it’s mind so I kept hoofing it along the walkway.

Nothing much was happening until I rounded the corner from under the Blue bridge and spotted the Sea Commander up on blocks. This didn’t really come as a big surprise as I’ve noticed it tied up on the dock for nearly a week now waiting it’s turn for in the ship yard.

John Brix and the Sea Commander, a mightly pair.

A road control guy directing traffic was watching me clicking away on my camera.

Lately I’ve been feeling a twitch every time I come across the road construction crews. The bright flourescent colors, orange lights and lots of action … makes me want to get out my paint brush. They might make it to my easel soon …

The traffic control guy yelled out “you just missed the Coast Guard boat ‘Gordon Ried’. It went under the bridge about an hour ago” he told me.

I’ve been working on a painting of the coast guard Gordon Ried since last week. It’s up on my easel right now. Hopefully, I’ll have it done in time for my upcoming show at “Bean Around the World” next month.

Pushing on I rounded the bend by the Bay Street bridge to hear the grinding of engines from across the water. Slinking out from behind the rocks by Budget Steel were the Seaspan boys with the chip barge all piled up.

Cates XX straining forward…

Foam huffing and puffing as it takes control…flipping a belly roll

Over the past couple of years I’ve taken so many photo’s of the boys that I am surprised my computer hasn’t blown up.

Last week I was watching the Foam hook up to the scrap barge over at Budget Steel and I dropped my camera. Smashed it good and hard on the creosoted wharf. What do you think my Doc would say if I told her I get the shakes every time I see a tugboat?

I made my way down to the water’s edge. Low tide, gooey, silty, and smells worse than my kitchen compost. I am ankle deep in yuk…..Scotty spots me on the greasy shoreline …. gives me a big wave! My steps will be lighter for the rest of the day.