It has been a time of beginnings and endings. The last day we worked on our antique guide and with huge relief sent it off to the printer (when this photo was taken). Signing the papers for the first home we ever bought together. The last day we spent in the duplex we rented for more than three years. The first night in the new condo, first meal cooked in the new kitchen. And then yesterday, in a matter of seconds, our 20-year marriage came to an end. One day we were telling ourselves how our new home was going to improve our life. The next day the Capt decided to move back to the duplex and out of my life. Nov. 11 was a private anniversary for us, Dismasting Day—marking the day our first boat, Pollo del Mar, lost her mast in a squall in San Pablo Bay. Quite a coincidence, because I'm feeling at the moment like I've lost MY mast, my motor has conked out and I'm drifting in some dangerous currents.
Most bloggers seem to avoid discussing the dynamics of their personal relationships. I don't plan to dwell on mine, either, other than to say that apparently I won't be posting anymore sailing adventures on the S/V "Bliss."
I think I need a timeout.

23 comments:
Ouch! Whatever and however the decision happened, it is a tough time for all.
You're right though, it is difficult to put the real stuff in a blog. I waver over and over about how real to get and how much to reveal. On one hand, I feel I know the people who write the blogs I read and I want to be there for them in all ways. On the other hand, I feel I don't know the people who read my blog, so it is hard to be too personal. I go back and forth all the time.
I want to say thank you though for being honest because I do care and when the really difficult life changes happen it is impossible to ignore them and impossible for us to sympathize when we don't know.
Just sending a big hug from the Yucatan.
So very sorry to hear that, I really feel for anybody in that position, may I also wish you all the best for the future and Thank you for all your entertaining posts over the years. Please remember that when in a pit of despair (or any pit for that matter) the only way out is up. It may take time but with dilligence, effort, "soft going" and some expertese you`ll get there. :o))
What a shock! I'm so sorry :-(
"Most bloggers seem to avoid discussing the dynamics of their personal relationships."
I think mostly because few come to visit for that reason.
HOWEVER a few of us have become friends in the process. I include you in my circle of blogging friends.
Now I am a at a loss for words because I know nothing of you and the Capt's dynamics. But my heart hurts for you all the same.
Perhaps this is a result of the stress of the other changes? Maybe there has been an undertow for a long time? I know not.
I do know you aren't out to sea with no one that cares. Perhaps the Captain doesn't have both his oars in the water on this one?
Whatever the case(s) that have caused this rocking boat you are in the Calypso's prayers and should know you have friends out here that care.
Saludos,
I'm so sorry. Very hard times certainly focus our strengths and weaknesses. You are in my thoughts.
Maybe it's time to plant a tapachine, or Royal Poinciana.
I wish you well.
Ditto to Calypso's comments and the email I sent you.
I DO consider you a friend - amazing isn't it? And I care.......
I'm saddened to read your post and for your very painful time ahead.
I like it when bloggers that I read regularly post snippets of their personal life, it's like getting to know a new friend. I think you'll feel a lot of love and support from your blogging community.
However this goes for you, you are in my thoughts and I wish you well.
Muchos abrazos!
Bliss,
Some time apart might help clarify a few things. What I know about your husband is that he is a "fix it" type of man. I am sure the love that I saw in both of you for each other will see you through this storm. I am building a wailing wall (small) in my back yard. I shall write a prayer on a pink piece of paper and place it in the wall that you and Jim come back together and live as one.
Jonna - I agree, at least when the blogger's status changes so radically it's bewildering to her followers not to at least mark changes as big as this. And I have to confess, all the support is very comforting.
Rob - Make no mistake, I will be back to entertain again. There's a dance in the old girl yet.
Mic - I guess when something like this happens, even if you unconsciously see it coming, is always a shock.
Calypso - There are always at least two sides to every story, maybe the Capt will at some point be willing to share his.
Molly - Funny you should say that, I was just thinking about visiting a vivero today.
Babs - How could we help but be friends? We have a great deal in common.
MX Trialrunner - I will definitely keep it to a snippet. There are good things going on in my life and I intend to focus on them.
C&K - He is indeed a fixit man, but I think all he wants to fix at the moment are his own problems. I will step aside and stay out of his way while he does that.
Bliss,
It is very apparent that a lot of people care about you including yours truly. I think that you need to visit San Miguel and take the cure. I, for one, would like to hear you sing. Very often there is joy in my heart and a smile on my face because of you. Keep peace in your heart.
Bliss, I wrote you on facebook but I wanted to say thank you for trusting your readers with such personal information. I feel lucky to have gotten to know you a bit in person but even people who only know you through your blog would want to be able to reach out with support during this hard time.
No matter how the breakup of a marriage happens, it is a huge transition and you'll feel out of balance for a while. Take care, amiga.
Life goes on, and with the rally of distant scribes who can understand in part your sadness, should come the knowledge that they also feel, and support your moment, which hopefully will end at some time.
My heart broke for you when I read this news. We are strangers to each other but I have come to enjoy your wisdom and your gentle storytelling. Blessings to you as your life changes.
Bliss, As the others have all said what needs to be said I can only echo their thoughts, feelings, and well wishes for your mend and recovery.
grandes abrazos
Debi
I hate that you are having to go through this, and I hope you will keep your spirits up. Keep blogging, keep singing and keep moving forward. Everything happens for a reason and we are here for you, no matter how much you choose to write about. You're not alone.
Bob - So tell me more about this cure. I'm seriously considering a visit to San Miguel.
Give me some time to figure out how to make recordings by myself and I'll put some more on the blog.
Nancy - You have been so supportive ever since I've known you. I'd love to come visit, when I get over this month which has been the most costly in terms of dinero as well as el corazon.
Tancho - Hmmm, you're a dead ringer for Constantino. And yes, this moment will end, hopefully leading to better ones.
Irene - thanks so much for your good wishes. Be assured, as I am, that it's for the best. Probably should have happened a long time ago.
Tom and Debi - I count you among my distant friends, and promise (warn?) you that someday I may get the Mexican wanderlust and turn up at your door.
Jomamma - You mean I can vent if I need to? I'll put a warning label on it so only those who only want to read it will continue, how's that? Thanks for being my bloggin' bud from Texas.
Oh Bliss, I am sorry you are going through such turmoil. I think getting it out on the blog is healthy, you can see just how much support you have from the people who love to read you (and just love you!) I wish you all the best, may you have smooth sailing in navigating a new path. Bless you Bliss, hugs from Cancun.
I just got to the party, so even if it is going to be quiet for a while, all I will ever know about is you in transition;>)
Speaking of which, the book that saved me from quite a bit of the unnecessary existential suffering that I usually put myself through is "Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes, 2nd Edition, 25th Anniversay" by William Bridges. Worth its weight in gold and for exactly the type of ending, transition, neutral zone, and new beginnings that you will be encountering. Available in paperback from Amazon.com.
I'll be right here, checking up on your from time to time and wishing you buena suerte as you move through these new waters!
Bliss, the Prayer Wall is complete and my Prayer for you and the Captain was the first one secreted away amongst the stones.
I am so sorry, Bliss. I will be down pretty soon. Sending lots of love to you, you beautiful woman who deserves better than this.
Vent on sister... if it hurts heal it! And sometimes talking about it makes it better.
We hope you got our email...maybe you and Overboard (Maria) could hang out for a while...she's just what you need!
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