I admit I was pretty nervous when I approached the table where she was signing books. I recognized her sharp brown eyes, weathered face, and winning smile immediately, yet I had never laid eyes on her in person before. My intention had been to tell her about my blog, upon meeting her. However, suddenly in her presence I felt inexperienced and insignificant. How could such a tiny woman have such an enormous presence? I was humbled standing there in front of her. Instead I told her how I am a sternman, careful not to use a gendered noun, since I know she doesn't believe in that. I went on to tell her that I've read all of her books and what an inspiration she's been to me. She signed my dad's copy of her latest book Seaworthy and was moving her focus to the next folks in line when I asked if I could have my picture taken with her. Before I knew it she jumped up
and threw her arm over my shoulder enthusiastically. I was surprised to have to bend toward her to level our shoulders. I was wearing pumps but there was still a difference in height. She's actually shorter than me!
Then she spoke. The room was completely packed--I had to kneel since all of the sitting and standing room was taken. That woman may be mousy in proportions, but her presence and her words are enough to move mountains. To hear her speak it's no wonder that she could command the 70-foot Sea Hawk and three men who are each close to three times her size. She had the whole room roaring in laughter at the story of Uncle Paddy, her only crew member who died on board (from drinking), which she somehow managed to make a funny story. And she had me close to tears several times, when she spoke of her passion for the ocean, simply because I could relate to her words.
Here were some of the highlights from her talk and some of my favorite quotes:
"Seamanship is half experience and half common sense."
"I didn't have anything to do with being born female. I was just lucky." This was with reference to her wanting to be recognized as a great captain and a good writer, independently from being acknowledged as a woman.
5 Points of Advice for Students:
1. "When opportunity knocks, you have to answer the door." In other words, it doesn't just fall into your lap; you have to snatch it up when you get the chance.
2. "Gender isn't an issue."
I wondered what Linda would think of my blog. Would she think that I'm making an issue of gender, when it isn't a big deal? Did attending Smith College give me a gendered view of the world? Is my blog too gender-centric??
While I agree with Linda that the sexes are equally capable, I also don't pretend to ignore the differences between men and women and how they are sometimes still perceived differently. The differences, in my view, are strictly biological. Yet those biological differences can indeed carry greater implications for behavior and experience. This is a topic that I continue to develop my opinion on and probably will be doing so for the remainder of my inhabitance on this planet.
3. "Hard work is my greatest asset. I'm not better than anyone. I just work harder than most."
4. "Education can't be wasted. I use it every day on the boat." This was in response to past comments that she was "wasting" her Colby degree. I could definitely relate to this point and was glad that she addressed it.
5. As a child she asked her mom: "Do I have to be a girl?"
Her mother's response: "No!"
Lesson? You don't have to follow societal gender roles. Be yourself!
It was impossible to oversee Linda's deep passion for fishing. Fishing is clearly what inspires her. She comes alive when she talks about it. Her written words are further evidence of this love. Upon hearing her describe how fishing makes her feel, I realized that while I enjoy the adventure of it, I'm not "consumed" (to use her word) by fishing the way she is. Our attitudes undoubtedly reflect our different positions on the boat. Being a captain is a more fulfilling role: the captain actually thinks. Whereas a good sternman is described as having "a strong back and a weak mind." I have a fairly strong back for my size, but my mind needs to be engaged for me to feel fulfilled with my work. I value diversity and balance in my life and daily activities. It's hard to describe the redundant motions of fishing as "diverse" and it is hardly a balanced lifestyle. This was perhaps my most important conclusion from hearing Linda speak: I don't want to fish for the rest of my life. Power to ya woman, but I could never do what you do!
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