Feb 27 - At Sea

“Professional jealously makes others crazy, they think you’ve got something they don’t have. What they don’t understand is it’s not that easy to cover the miles and be where you are.” ~Van Morrison

SANDY SHORE : The reaction we’ve had to this extended journey of ours has been interesting and varied. Those closest to us don’t really understand how we can walk away from our lives for so long and I think many are perplexed that we slipped away in what is probably the most challenging time for our country and economy in a very long time. But the oddest and most common reaction across the board has been the response, “I’m jealous.” I find this odd because I can’t personally relate to this reaction. I only know this emotion when it comes to matters of love, and even then, I don’t nurture it because jealousy is a negative emotion (like resentment) and it is harmful to the body.

Life is made up of a series of choices… so when my friends and colleagues are enjoying travel, a new house, an addition to the family, a brand new car or a promotion I find myself feeling glad for them and if I see something that is appealing to me, I make a mental note and I say, that is something that I’d like to do, have or be. Then I charter my life to hopefully, one-day experience similar joys. I find inspiration in those who manifest their dreams, not jealousy. I believe this to be "intentional living" and it is our God-giving right to do as my mom always told me, that I could “be anything that I wanted to be.”

I come from a very modest upbringing. My father left my mom when I was just 8 years old and while he provided support, my mom had to work and I started working at 13 years of age. I used to string tennis rackets and teach junior tennis clinics. At 15 I began working in radio… my money went to help our family. I’ve been working for 33 years, and not 40 hours a week either… try 80+. I graduated high school with a 3.8 average and by the age of 25 I landed a gig in Los Angeles at one of the most successful radio stations in the country.

At 32, I started a Monterey area concert production company that produced hundreds of live events in unique locations featuring jazz legends and pop super stars including Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Michael Franks, Spyro Gyra, Fourplay, Kenny Loggins, George Benson and many, many more. In 2000, we launched SmoothJazz.com Radio which has become one of the world’s most listened to radio stations with a successful website and sister station that went live in 2005. Countless hours, long weekends and more sacrifice than I care to recount are at the foundation of this endeavor.

So when we receive email from random strangers calling us “brats” and telling us to count our blessings, and people opting to use the word jealousy in describing their feelings about our journey, I’m going to assume that they mean to say, “Good for you! I can’t think of two people who deserve to get away more than you… I hope that you find everything you’re looking for!”

We are sailing around one of the most culturely-rich continents in the world, the old way, around Cape Horn, gathering content for our Chill Out radio station, SmoothLounge.com which offers up a vibe of foreign intrigue and tropical destinations.

We can’t do anything back home to change the results of the past 8 years in the U.S. and one of the most flagrant wars of the modern world… so while we are hopeful that things will recover, we know it will take time. What we can offer to the world in the meantime, is love and care through attention to detail in our music programming and a form of ambassadorship to all of the countries we travel to.

I want to close this rant (I know it’s a rant) with a really wonderful email from Michaelle back home who has been a blessing as a conduit between the detached life we’re living at sea and our loved ones and life back home. ~ss

NOTE FROM MICHAELLE : “I am soo glad that you truly seem to be settled into your home on the sea and living life through different eyes/energy. I hope the next 23 days you are celebrating every moment… tasting all those interesting beers (some Tequila too), the amazing flavors of the foods and spices that surround you, seeing the reality of the worlds beyond our lovely Monterey County in North America, meeting the people whose paths will be better for crossing yours – and continuing to stay open to their impact on you… that your ‘monkey minds’ truly find quiet time and are able to stay quiet. With your blogs, your private insights, the memories you’re creating, and whatever else you are doing to capture your time away… the DREAM each of you has realized, both alone and together.

Perspective is an amazing thing – as you sail, ponder, and emerge – I too visualize each of you, think of your spirit (wishing them peace), send out prayers for your health, safety and a tenderness that permeates your very being.

You are cared for and about. Your family (inclusive of your amazing four-leggeds and friends) love you and stand in solidarity as you reach for your stars and dreams. I hope you feel the love
… M”