Sailing Onward, Trusting the Winds- May 2025
Sailing and Life, writing update & so much more
Many summers ago, a friend gave me an old sailboat, smaller than a Sunfish. She was basically a Styrofoam cooler with a sail attached and I named her Ms. Dilligaf.* People watching from the shore laughed as I sailed the sound. I knew better than to risk taking her into the ocean.
She fell apart before summer ended, but by then I’d given her a different name: Ms. YeahBut… as in “yeah, she may look awful, but I’m out here flying through this glorious water with the wind in my hair and salt on my skin.”
I tell you this story to remind you of the “yeah buts” in your life. The dreams, hopes, desires, and plans don’t always look the way we thought they would. They twist and turn and show up when we least expect them, or don’t feel ready for them, or when we have given up. Every dream is a lesson, every hope a promise of something new, and every plan a step towards a goal yet unseen.
As I’m preparing for the release of the new book, I’m reminded of those days sailing on Ms. YeahBut. Those days later led to owning a catamaran with friends. We’d fly over ocean waves, the boat up on one pontoon, me steering the boat from the butt-bucket, feet braced against the pontoon, balancing against the wind. Those days next took me to another brilliant day sailing three miles off-shore on a friend’s 36-foot boat. As we sailed through the inlet into the ocean, he took his hands off the wheel and said, “She’s all yours!” The lessons I learned sailing Ms. YeahBut informed that incredible day I stood at the helm of this boat.
My time sailing Ms. YeahBut, to the upcoming publication of my new book, and all the time in between, reinforce the notion that I don’t know – may not even need to know – what the future holds. What I do need to know is that “this, or something better,” has always proven to be a positive predictive phrase in my life. Like riding waves in the ocean, I don’t know where the ripples will lead, but I’m sailing onward, trusting the winds that guide me.
*Oh, and Ms. Dilligaf is an acronym for “Do I Look Like I Give a F**k!”
I’m so happy to connect with you and I’m grateful that you subscribe to this newsletter! If you missed my last newsletter, you can read it here.
Writing Update
As I’m working on all the tasks needed to prepare for the pre-sale launch of the book in a few weeks, I remind myself to live in the promise of the moment. I encourage you to do the same. My next newsletter will tell you how you can preorder the book. I am beyond excited to share it with you!
Upcoming Course
Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot on Tuesdays- July 15, 22, & 29 afternoon and evening on zoom. Info will be on the website soon.
Click on the links below to read my most recent works in Salvation South:
“A Tale of Two Hauntings”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/a-tale-of-two-hauntings-essay-deb-bowen/
“Let No One Turn You Around”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/let-no-one-turn-you-around-joan-baez-essay-deb-bowen/
“Sunday Fatback”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/sunday-fatback-essay-deb-bowen/
“The Coyote’s Journey”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/the-coyotes-journey-nature-essay-deb-bowen/
“Takin’ Up a Poundin’”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/takin-up-a-poundin-christmas-story-deb-bowen/
“Tidal Wave Terror”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/ground-truth-from-the-climate-reckoning-janisse-ray/
“Where I’m From: Seven Decades in Seven Scenes”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/where-im-from-seven-decades-in-seven-scenes-deb-bowen-poem/
“Mending Nets”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/mending-nets-north-carolina-barrier-island/?mc_cid=c4bb217ffc&mc_eid=fae2a9a622
“A Talisman for Poseidon”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/a-talisman-from-poseidon-hurricane-donna-1960/
Podcasts
Psychic Teachers
I’m so excited that many of you are listening to BOTH of my podcasts! PsychicTeachers recently celebrated its 15th year on-air!
Real Deal Divas
Real Deal Divas Podcast is growing! Tune in for lively conversations and exciting guests! We were excited to interview Mirla Criste a couple of weeks ago. Mirla is a Broadway actor, a director, writer, dancer, choreographer, teacher and more.
https://shows.podcastle.ai/real-deal-divas-jGn8EGDf/seasonm-1-episode-8-with-mirla-criste-b7pcGbsx or listen wherever you get your podcasts. More interviews coming soon!
You can find out more about the podcast and each of us on our website, or Facebook page.
Deb’s Facebook Pages
Another way you and I can connect is through my Facebook pages. I’d be honored if you’d follow my pages. They are a great way to see up-to-the-minute news! I so hope you’ll LIKE and FOLLOW and feel free to comment and share posts!
Deb Bowen, Author
PsychicTeachers
Real Deal Divas
Please note: I will never send friend requests or offer services through Facebook comments on any of my Facebook pages. If you have any questions regarding our communications, please contact me through my email. deb.bowen.crone@gmail.com
Just One More Thing Before You Go
Cast off from the shore that tethers you. New horizons beckon you.
Thank you!
I plan to be the first to preorder the new book. And yes to this powerful story of Ms. YeahBut.
Such a wonderful story and lesson; great tales always "anchor" ideas that I want to remember. Storytelling is such a powerful medium. Thank you Deb!