The Storms of Chance

Once in a great while the storms of change will overshadow the plans of man. That would happen today. A cold wind blew over Tampa Bay this morning, a brief repose from the subtropical heat ever-present most of the year. The cool air felt good on my face and brought my spirits to a new high. I needed a lift.

I had a ride out to Boco Ciega which is a beautiful part of the area. I had a scheduled ride of some significance and I felt hopeful. This ride I was on would put some serious money and my pocket. I was excided because I needed a break. Today was going to be a good day. Would I at least have an auspicious start?

 It is believed Desoto once landed in this area. It was all jungle prada then. It had to have been very inhospitable to his gallant crew. Today, it is airy homes, many built in a time of no air conditioning. The natural winds off the bay during storm season will cool a house off. You just need to be near the shore.

Its the end of winter in Tampa Bay. Winter is our spring. It brings a sense of renewal and hope. There is something optimistic about sunrise this time of year. The sky is clear and birds seem happy as they celebrate a new day by soring high - just like my hopes. Hope was is in the air as this new day dawned. I needed a good day to make up for all the no shows I  have had lately. The trip I was now rolling on was scheduled to go out of town. Good. I could use a decent charge.

I arrived on time to see no lights on inside. It was a quaint, if not charming cottage across from the bay. This was a typical Key West home with a wide porch, wicker furniture, wind chimes, and other bric o bac, the things that bring comfort to the soul and a sense of the spiritual.

Standing at the door, you could see the functionality. Homes built by the bay are subjected to summer squall lines that move in fast during storms. The wind and rain can be brutal. The clouds eventually roll offshore and a couple hours later they become distant gels that cast color for a beautiful sunset. This pattern keeps repeating itself almost every day.

I knocked on the door and noticed the artwork hanging inside. I wondered what decisions he had made that resulted in the direction he took in life. Clearly he went on a path much different then mine. I wondered if he had a clue as to how important it was for me to actually pick him up and take him where he was going. Thoreau said most men live a life of quiet desperation. Did the home owner know how desperate I really was.

He answered the door in his bathrobe - never a good sign. He said his doctors appointment was scheduled for the next day. He wanted me to cancel the order. Great. Just what I needed. A capricious act of no order to him. Devastating to me. You may have figured out business has not been going well. I am doing well.  There is so much in life now that gives me meaning and identity. That was not possible in my youth. I just need a gig that will justify my pursuits.

Anyway, I did take advantage of the situation to get some great images of the bay right at sunrise. The storms of chance seemed to iron out in the long run. The images were not bad for a cell phone.