The Talisman

A Talisman is defined as an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.

I believe in creating good fortune, if it is in my power.  It is the corollary to my mantra: It’s better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around, which has worked out very well for me and others.

This all marries well with our recent trip to France to see our Key West friend Guy deBoer off at the start of his Golden Globe Race (GGR).  The Race is an around the world, single sailor race, ie, he will travel 30,000 miles alone for some 200 days on his 36’ sail boat Spirit, contesting along with 15 other adventurers (one of whom is female).

Imagine, over 6000 people have crested Mt. Everest, but no American has ever won the GGR.  I like to say that when he wins he will be world famous (in France he was already signing autographs)!

It has been Guy’s three year quest just to qualify and make it to the September 4th starting line in the Bay of Biscay (part of the Atlantic Ocean) off the wonderful French fishing village of Les Sables d’ Olonne.

We became friends with Guy in Key West and we and other supporters traveled to Les Sables to see him off.

I suffer from too many idiosyncrasies and one of them is that I must swim every day (as a substitute for my earlier in life daily run).  The problem was I could not find a convenient swimming pool and my only alternative was to swim in the beautiful, close by, Bay of Biscay.

The first day, I dipped my toe in the brisk late summer water and just did it.  On the second day I was more comfortable and acclimated and able to concentrate on the magical subterranean world below me.  As I marveled at the sea life, there was a flash, illuminated by the overhead sun that called to me, and I spied a perfect black ridged metal ring and in a second flash I knew the sea was giving it up to me for the benefit of my seafaring friend.

I quickly scooped up the magical ring with fully formed good intentions.

On the penultimate day, I came upon Guy and girl friend Erin McKenna lunching and approached them, told the above story, got down on one knee and proposed Guy wear the ring for good luck.  He was both appreciative and receptive as he took the small ring and placed it on his left pinky (pictured).

Guy is wearing the Talisman now as he fends for himself, alone against the daunting elements, on the course to his destiny.

God Speed!