Did you ever go to the grocery store without a list? Not intentionally, but by accident leaving the list on the kitchen table after laboring over what to buy? Items listed so the resulting purchases are in the neighborhood of what is needed?

For example, the last time I pulled this trick, I had a relatively short list of things, but on my way out of the house I got a phone call which required my full attention. In my experience, this would be referred to as a distraction. I was doing pretty well until my cell phone buzzed. Of course, as I chatted on the phone, I continued to make my way to the car while stopping to pick up a camera and look for my wallet. Herein lies the source of my tendencies to forget. Too many games without a helmet!

When I got to the store and realized that I had forgotten the list, I attempted to recall what we had hoped to have for dinner along with some accessory items. As it turned out, I got two containers of cottage cheese, and forgot the fake hamburgers. Plus, I got Popsicles and some hummus. When I returned home the list was where I had left it on the kitchen table, which I immediately scooped up and threw in the trash before an inventory of my purchases could be made public.

I’m sharing this experience because it seems that fewer things in my life are the result of precise intent. More often, it is becoming evident that it may be better for me to head south and see what turns up. Grocery shopping has become more of a social event meeting old friends than a means for better living. I often do buy bananas, though.

Recently, during a visit to Spruce Point Inn, I had a very pleasant request to photograph with a family who had come together for a week of Maine love. They were pretty excited to be here. Having photographs to remember was key. I was on time and ready to go and so was the family, with multiple generations. We had fun bopping around the property with a variety of compositions and mixtures of family members. The little children were delightful, adding a brightened dimension of chaos. We always do the obligatory funny faces pose which helps everyone relax.

On our way to the waterfront for some ocean backdrop photos, I noticed a fellow carrying what appeared to be a small model of a sailboat. It did distract me momentarily, but not completely. I remained focused on the job at hand. But as we moved about, around the swimming pool and along the pier, more people carrying boats made their way to the Inn’s float. This is where the list would have come in handy. I wasn’t totally distracted, but I could feel a slight tug. Something had shown up that was unexpected, which I have come to appreciate, not ignore. My distraction did not interfere with family interactions and photos but it was also not overlooked. We finished up with photos and I returned to the waterfront to find that people were racing these model sailboats, as can be seen in today’s accompanying photo.

Apparently there is a very considerable group of racers who meet up from time to time at different locations along the coast. This, for me, was an unintended moment of spontaneity. Sort of like coming home from the grocery store to find the list! You just never know what might show up when you’re not looking.  

Happy Windjammer Days everyone. Leave your lists at home.