Tim’s Tuesday Morning Woody

On social media I used to post photos and videos of vintage wooden sailboats under the heading “Tim’s Tuesday Morning Woody.” I just love how these classic yachts combine form with function so harmoniously. If you love ’em too, check out this article in Classic Boat Magazine about the 66′ ketch Adele.

Bad things happened, an entire run of them that shut me down, caused me to withdraw from everything except my inner self.

One afternoon, in a hammock, I took a photo of myself. Just my legs. But there was no one to send it to. No one to understand.

I needed a sidekick so I sketched an armadillo because they’re crusty on the outside but not within. I made him my butler. Crusoe’s manservant Friday.

We began interacting—my hammock photo speaking to that critter, that critter speaking back.There’s a folder of cartoons somewhere. For now there’s just this one. (LINK)

Eventually after that I began writing novels.

I’m still a hermit, marooned you might say, but leaving my shell more and more—my inner self seeking its freedom through writing.