Inspiration, 42 x 42 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2004.

My primary purpose on a spring break cruise is to be a discreet chaperone for daughter India and, this year, neice Brittany. Besides having someone cook for me and clean my room, my favorite parts of a cruise are the quiet times. Since they are sensible girls, I have plenty of time to indulge myself.

I love having an early breakfast on deck with just the sun, the sea and the sky for company. I love sunbathing on deck reading something that is one step above trash. I love pulling into port and capturing that first glimpse of a beautiful island with plants of every color and the clearest, bluest water you can imagine.

I love the slow pace of cruising. I have turned off the cell phone and the Internet. My only task is to make sure they (India and Brittany) are still on the boat.

I await inspiration and embrace my peace.