March 18, 2024

Part II: Crazy Surfing on Truly Massive Waves


I'm completely (and equally) mesmerized by surfers riding big waves. What would it feel like to be in the barrel of one of Oahu's North Shore Backyards, a brutal yet rewarding reef-filled surf where the waves are fast and furious? Or in the epic mecca of Nazaré, Portugal, where waves can reach 80 feet and over and intimidate even professional big-wave surfers. (Check out the video ... scary/exhilarating/hail the dudes that dare the waves of Nazaré.)

I can watch these clips for hours:

Mavericks, CA

Jaws, Maui

Teahupo'o, Tahiti

Shipstern Bluff, Tasmania

Punta de Lobos, Chile

The rabbit hole thing takes over. It can be a household problem.

Husband: "Hon, what did you do today?" 

Me: "I watched surfing clips on YouTube."

Husband:  "The entire day?"


The fixation may have been ignited with "Subway Surfer," a writing project I did for a music video. To kick it off, I rode every subway line in Manhattan from start to finish. 

How to "Subway Surf?" 

Walk to the first car, stand at the window, and don't grab onto anything. Your arms need to help you keep balance as you sway to the subway's twists and turns.

I share my obsession/passion for surfers and surfing with the venerable Diana Vreeland. (Check out "Diana Vreeland: A Wannabe Surfer"). She said,

"I'm really only envious of one thing, and that is a surfer. I think it's the most beautiful thing. See I'm mad about water. I think water is God's tranquilizer. To be in it, to drink it, to look at it, and to be a surfer -- oh, between the sky and the water -- would be to me, the most wonderful thing."
                                                                                         ~ Diana Vreeland



~ ~ ~ To get the full drift, be sure to read "Part I: Crazy Ships on Wild Waves" ~ ~ ~
















March 13, 2024

Part I: Crazy Ships on Wild Waves

You know those people who can spend hours on Instagram Reels or YouTube on any subject? I am one of them. 

I can go deep into the rabbit hole with anything pertaining to boats, cargo ships, luxury liners, and vessels of any sort in foul weather. 
I love watching ill-tempered waves crash over the bow.
The higher and scarier the wave, the better. 





Can't you just feel the thrill?


 

Stay tuned for Part II: Obsession with

~ ~ ~  SURFING ~ ~ ~











March 7, 2024

Cole Brauer, 1st American woman to sail, single-handed, non-stop, around the world


I was mesmerized last night and stayed up until 3:30am, glued to Instagram. Cole Brauer, 29, was tacking her way to the finish line of the Global Solo Challenge, a 26,000-mile race around the world. She's been three months alone at sea, being challenged by Mother Nature with wind blowing more than 58 knots and mighty seas reaching over 20 feet. 


Cole's boat is called "First Light." Appropriately enough, she slowed her course so that she would arrive at first light of the day.

This inspiring woman, who shared nearly every step of the voyage on ColeBrauerOceanRacing, proves that WOMEN CAN DO IT!! She's the first American woman to sail, single-handed, non-stop, around the world. Cole is our "Amelia Earhart of the Seas."

"They" said, "You're just a girl," "You can't do this," and she said, "Hold my beer!" Whattabadass!!





March 5, 2024

Upcoming book talks in April at BEDFORD PLAYHOUSE (4/9) & POUND RIDGE LIBRARY (4/20)

 April will be a busy month. Mark your calendars for . . .


Tuesday, April 9 at 7pm


A N D



Saturday, April 20 at 3pm



More info to come!!!





February 27, 2024

"What to do after spilling your guts in a memoir?" (The challenge? 150 words. No more. No less.)

 

What to Do After Spilling Your Guts in a Memoir

The ending starts a new beginning

Color picture of “My Stroke in the Fast Lane” book cover shows distant shot of a suspension bridge
Photo by Author

I just finished writing my memoir, “My Stroke in the Fast Lane: A Journey to Recovery. I’ve been told that once you’ve written a book, there are feelings of “What do I do now?”

Is it despondency? A big let-down? Yes and no. When I have my wits together, I feel proud that the six years of the practically full-time writing project is f-i-n-i-s-h-e-d. That there is a book! With chapters! And Acknowledgements!

Then I think back to the days and nights writing, and 24-hour obsession with the title alone. Does this work? Is this one better? What about keywords? Do I continue even though it’s flippin’ difficult after having a stroke?

For inspiration along the way, I have a magnet from Strand Bookstore on my desk. “Keep Calm and Write On.” Okay. Fine, but . . .

What do I do next?





Bonni Brodnick
The Shortform

Writer. Creative. Thinker. Humorist. Author of "My Stroke in the Fast Lane" + "Pound Ridge Past." A proud Stroke Survivor. Visit me at bonnibrodnick.com





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