trishlaplaca Yes, I have been totally out of control.
Here I am, standing in our stateroom (the “savvy” word for bedroom on a boat, of course), wondering how I will ever to manage to stuff all our latest “Oyster” clothing into the drawers. I was just up in the galley (kitchen) where I was fortunate enough to eke out a bit of space for the beautiful “Oyster” mugs we’ve recently added to our collection, too. These were made especially for Jeff and me by family friend and amazing master ceramic crafter Julie e. Dean (find her on Etsy!) Such special items like these mean so very much to us. So does the “Oyster Bar” sign gifted us by dear friends Kimberly and Derek. Still and all, though, I guess you could say I’ve gone a little overboard with this merchandise thing (tee-hee)! So I took a few pictures…
This touch of lunacy of mine began last year as we travailed through the river, lake and canal systems of the Triangle Loop. At just about every cool stop along the way I fought to suppress the urge to pick up yet another “I was there” Tee or sweatshirt. After all, I reasoned, we needed proof to remember all those wonderful experiences didn’t we? Well, judging by our burgeoning drawers, maybe not so much.
And then there were all those boaters sporting really cool stuff touting the names and images of their boats. We wanted some, too! So there I went again, shopping online to order up our very own custom Oyster “merch” for this new season. Maybe we could call them Christmas presents to ourselves. Birthday, Anniversary… any other holidays I could blame it on? Geez. All I know is that at this point we’ll be lucky to have enough room for the two of us on board. I think I need therapy.
Still, one of the coolest purchases we made was to get our names added to the America’s Great Loop Cruiser’s Association (AGLCA)’s Fleet of 2024 t-shirts. Can you find us?
So here’s the deal. I’ve ultimately come to a grand conclusion (or excuse – whichever floats my boat at any given moment). All this “merch purch” has actually really been about 3 things: Memories, Pride, and Gratitude.
MEMORIES
I think back to my 1977 high school graduation song: “We May Never Pass This Way Again” by Seals and Crofts. (You can stop laughing now- yes, I am that old). Anyway, that’s how I felt as I purchased all those T-shirts and mementos along the way of the Loop. I now seriously enjoy slipping on a memento shirt. That instant reward of being transported back to a special memory or place can be truly magical.
PRIDE
Yes, I know there is such a thing as too much pride. I humbly ask forgiveness, then, for feeling so proud of our Oyster. She was “born” in 1974 and is still a hardy, beautiful cruising soul with lots of heart and character. We have to confess to getting a little kick out of flaunting her name and image on everything from drink cups to our clothes. I really don’t want to overdo this pride thing, I swear. But secretly? It really is a little fun.
GRATITUDE
Believe it or not, all this fabulous merchandise actually reflects the state of our a lives. We are healthy, fortunate to live life as we choose, and are wealthy beyond belief with the incredible love and support of amazing family and friends. Life isn’t always perfect, but it’s ours. We are FULL and need no more. And for that we are very, very, grateful.
Oh, boy. I’ve really done it now. I guess that means I can’t be buying any more “mementos” this year as we explore new sites!
