I'm thrilled with this painting of Laughing Goat at sunset in Isla Mujeres, an island off of the northern tip of the Yucatan peninsula, during the voyage with my late husband John and young daughter Kate. We were in Isla Mujeres for about three months as northers pummeled us, delaying our departure for points south; and we stayed around four months on our way north at the end of the voyage while we figured out where we would live in the States. Isla Mujeres was the first harbor where we met sailors from all over the world, California, New Zealand, France, and many other ports. I was floored to meet a female singlehander, sailing alone around the world. In the early part of our voyage, I was still hoping John would do most of the work of sailing and maintaining the boat, since it was his dream and I had given up so much—our home in Connecticut, longtime friends and family, a stable life. I had an attitude. In Isla Mujeres, I began to realize that it was my voyage, too.
The wonderful artist is Inna Nagaytseva.
I'm also delighted that Holding Fast was shortlisted for the Hearten Award for Uplifting and Inspiring Non-Fiction.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and very happy New Year!