S X M // W I N T E R

A weekend on a boat in the Caribbean is a weekend well spent. Especially so when you live on said boat. February– the best time of the year to be in SXM– opened with perfect 12-knot conditions, gentle seas and blue skies. A group of friends helped sail Stardust around the island with a stop at our favorite patch of sand: Tintamarre (a small french isle NE of Saint Martin). The gennaker even made an appearance.

W I N T E R // C O A T

We've officially immigrated to the American South. It's a bit colder than we're used to, but our coats are thick and chasing squirrels keeps our blood pumping.

We retired from sealife in December to spend more time on land with family. It was not a fun or easy decision, but Margo and I both need to explore this soil. So many things to sniff here– and we're happy to have a yard to defend again.

N E W P O R T // O L D M O N E Y

It was never our intention to stay in New York so long, nor was Rhode Island on our radar. However, with September on our heels, we wanted a safe spot further north. Hurricane Dorian had just obliterated the Bahamas on a record scale. A place we fell in love with a few months prior. Then she slowly churned her way up to Nova Scotia, causing severe damage there as well. In hindsight, it was great we didn't make our destination in NS. (As originally hoped.) Instead, we found Newport, and if it were not for the winter weather, we may have never left.

Stardust is designed for warm water cruising. So to be in New England as the weather turns to fall was a risky move for these island kids. We were wrapped in every blanket on board. Perfect weather in the day, but frigid winds at night. We decided it's time to head home. Slowly, but surely, we started our way back through New York down the Eastern Seaboard.

V I E W S

Norway: A Contrast of Views

H O M E L A N D // C O L O R S

Crazy Cat Lady

Margo and I made the front page of the Caribbean Compass. When it comes to cats, Margo is the one to talk to. Read the full article here.

F L O R I D A

M I A M I

We landed in Miami on March 18th dragging 5 large bags tied to each other, train style. Stardust arrived a little late due to the Mississippi flooding. She had to go up river to unload in New Orleans before heading to Miami. So we waited a few more days for the Portuguese cargo-ship upon which she rode.

We spent a majority of the time sitting in Miami traffic between stops at West Marine, Home Depot, and Trader Joes.

There was a few complications with the boat, like a hole in the floor, a crack in the gel coat (where boatyard bumped her into the dock), a leaking valve in the sewage tank thru hull, and some others... but we are blown away with how beautiful this boat is.

It's a strange feeling being the nicest boat in the mooring field! Stardust is 42 years younger than our last sailboat, which was a CSY 44 (still for sale.) We don't even know what to do with all the room we have. It's incredible. And to think I gave a lot of things away before heading to Miami from St. Martin. There is so much room, if I hadn't maxed out my credit cards on boating equipment, I'd be taking advantage of the Target down the road.

After a few weeks, we are thrilled to get out of the murky Miami water and head into that Bahama Blue. Back to the islands before we depart north for the season.

Children’s Book Turns the Taboos of Religion & Science into Educational Laughs

Greensboro, NC, December 28, 2018/ Press Release

On January 1st, Stinky Stardust Feet launches on crowd-funding site Kickstarter. With a range from $5-$10,000, backers can reap rewards from the indie publisher on any budget. Stinky Stardust Feet encourages questions, critical thinking, being silly and unity towards all things earth. 

The link: https://kck.st/2SwhgNg is LIVE!

The main character, Judas, has to open his mind to figure out and understand the significance of personal hygiene. From the very first page, the reader is introduced to a notorious name. In this book, however, he is seen as a curious and misunderstood boy. Judas goes on to discover why exactly his feet smell like rotten onions, and how he can use his method to solve future problems. 

Author Chelsea Pyne explained, “I wanted to give kids and parents an opportunity to discuss science, religion, traditions, and any questions about the universe around them. And to do so in a lighthearted manor. It’s okay to ask silly questions about serious topics."

"The book touches on The Big Bang, evolution, natural selection, the scientific method, cultures and traditions, and the importance of clean feet. 

The takeaway is for kids to not believe everything they hear. This is especially important today, when so many stories are passed on as exaggerated truths. This is also the beauty behind science. It’s unbiased. We shouldn’t take so and so’s word for it because they are popular or powerful. Look for evidence, test your hypothesis, and then come to your conclusion. We want to encourage kids to think outside the box and to question authority. 

In a time when people are constantly divided, it's important to remind the next generation how alike we truly are. We all share an important history, embrace it! (For future sake.)”

The book is nearing completion this month. The water color illustrations can be found on the Kickstarter page, and are even included in a reward. The author has added print and ebook versions, poems, art, science education for kids, and sailing and adventure rewards to fund the book.

Books will be printed with funding goal of $5,000. The printed and ebook version are available for $25. 

For more information visit the kickstarter page: https://kck.st/2SwhgNg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StinkyStardustFeet/

Instagram: @stinkystardustfeet

Email the author: stinkychels@gmail.com