My dear brother Gordon sent me this picture, which I got in my mail, late Saturday....It is a photograph of his newest acquisition, 11 1/2 ft. "Little Boat"...And it sure is cute! Gordon has always had a boat of some sort for as long as I can remember. 
He built his very first little boat when he was eight years old---(Gordon is a true genius)---having fallen in love with the freedom of boating and the joy of being out on the water after going out onto this lake in Summer Camp in a small kayak, all by himself. Popular Mechenics was a favorite magazine of his and still is....And that first boat was built from directions he found in Popular Mechanics. The directions were for building a "Jiffy Skiff". His Jiffy Skiff was made out of packing boxes because that's all he had. Somehow he somehow glued these cardboard pieces together and then our grandmother made a sail for him out of an old sheet.....When Gordon put it in the water, it sank almost immediately. But he persevered. Gordon improved his design and again put it in Biscayne Bay where it stayed afloat for a little bit longer than the first time and then sank once again. Mother said to Daddy, "You better get him a little boat because he is not giving up on this."....(This all took place in Miami Beach where my parents had the house on North Bay Road down the street from the then Nautulis Hotel. It was the winter of 1938.....) So Daddy walked down the street to The Hotel where there were many many huge Yachts docked in the Hotels 'Marina'...
And he convinced one of the many people who had a Yacht docked there while staying in the hotel, to sell him a 'Tender' for Gordon. Gordon was, by this time, the ripe old age of 9!
As I said, it was 1938...I was not quite seven, at the time.........Some of you may remember a photo I showed of myself, on one of Gordon's boats, back in the mid 50's. It was a "runabout" and had a motor....We used to go out in it all the time throughout the summers. Boating has always been Gordon's "safety valve" of sorts....The Ocean...The Sea....the Water....The Wind.....All signifying 'freedom to him, and very healing to him....I know that is not an uncommon thing for lovers of boating. So, from the time we were little kids, Gordon has loved boating and has always had some kind of boat---Sail Boats, Runabouts, and his most recent boat before "Little Boat", the largest boat of all---a 31 foot Cruising Ocean Going boat, that slept five...had a real galley and a dining area, etc. He named this boat, "Di Ye Foo Yen", which in Cantonese means 'Number Two Wife'! Yes, he has a great sense of humor, too.....
This boat above is similar to his 31ft "Di Ye Foo Yen....I was never on that boat, I'm sorry to say, but he certainly enjoyed many many many trips on it. Dear Gordon will turn 78 on September 20th.....(I cannot believe that.....!) And because of his many health issues he has had to give up "Di Ye Foo Yen" It is a lot of work and he can no longer handle it or take care of it because it is just too much for him physically. He is just not up to that anymore...So, he is in the process of selling that wonderful boat.
But, this is a man who cannot be without a boat. So he began looking for some kind of boat that he would be able to handle, and he found this sweet boat pictured above, "Little Boat". And something about it touched him deeply because it reminded him of that very first boat....It truly brought him back to his earliest memories of that very first small 'Tender' and the great great joy and freedom that boating brought him starting way back when....
And...being that he is a man who cannot live without a boat, he bought it! And just getting it and having it sit in his driveway has energized him in a way I cannot explain....It hasn't been in the water yet, but he has been working on it to get it cleaned up and "seaworthy" once again....I think it is adorable! And it has made him so happy that even if it never gets into the water...(But he will get it in the water, I assure you), the pleasure he has had already just preparing it for 'launching' has been well worth the price of "Little Boat".
Congratulations, dear brother.....Enjoy, Enjoy!More To Come.....
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What an interesting story. I'm happy for your brother & his experience of owning his own boat.
Have fun with "Little Boat", she was totally worth it!- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 12:55:00 AM PDT
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What a beautiful post, Nomi! I have a weakness for boys with boats...that's how I met Mr Mar, he is a passionate hobby sailor and sailed across the Atlantic from France, passed the Panama Canal and down to South America so that we could have that chance encounter that changed our lives :)
We have had a sailing boat but not now due to lack of time ...but my boy dreams about the next boat!
Wishing your brother Gordon fun times with his "Little Boat"!- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 1:03:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
That's a sweet story. I'm glad that you and your brother are still close. I would love to go sailing with Gordon!
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 1:24:00 AM PDT
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An excellent post; what a thrill to own one's own boat.
Michele sent me this way.- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 1:44:00 AM PDT
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That's great to read you're still close to your brother Noami. So many siblings don't talk to each other it is rather sad... And he is very clever. I love the new boat - a little runabout really isn't it? I hope he has a wonderful birthday in the weeks to follow...
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 2:11:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
That is a really sweet story about your brother and boats. Odd is also interested in boats and he even promised me to take me boating at his hometown.
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 2:26:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Hello, I found you thru Michele and I enjoyed reading about your brother Gordon's love for boating.
>>>It just proves to me how important it is to attend to and nurture the child deep inside of us, no matter our age...
This is so true. It was in my fourth decade of life that I finally found my child within. Better late than never, as they say!- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 3:38:00 AM PDT
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Naomi I am so happy for Gordon and I just wish I could have a ride in his boat. It brought back memories of my late brother and our messing about in boats on Lake Windermere, in the thirties. It looks like a wooden boat, rather than a fibre glass boat. I love the wooden boats and I wonder if he has a sail for it. Do give him a cyber hug please when you speak to him.xoxox
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 4:31:00 AM PDT
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I just loved reading this!! What a touching story about your brother..very handsome man indeed btw..great photo.
It's such a testiment to the little person inside us all ..no matter what age we are it's so important as u say to keep the child in us alive ...thanks so much for writting and sharing this ..made me smile.- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 4:46:00 AM PDT
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Wonderful post. We just bought our first little boat and are thrilled to have access to the barrier islands that surround the Virginia portion of the Delmarva Peninsula where we live. It is amazing.
I wanted to name our boat the "Freudian Sloop" (I'm a therapist) but my husband, who is very literal, argued that it is a skiff, not a sloop. So it is unofficially the Miss IndiKate after our two Short People. I like your brother's creative name much better, and it is quite accurate!- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 5:25:00 AM PDT
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your brother is a lucky man to have something that means so much to him and brings him happiness. Most just don't seem to have that as we get "up there in age". Other issues seem to take over.
btw: if that's a recent photo of your brother..he's still a handsome man!- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 5:27:00 AM PDT
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What a wonderful story. I'm so glad he has held onto the boyhood dream. He's also a very handsome man! I hope he has many happy voyages. I've recently "docked" our kayaks at a nearby body of water and now a co-worker and I go out at 5:30 a.m. 3 times a week to kayak at sunrise. It has been such a peaceful healing for my soul that it's worth missing an extra hour of sleep.
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 5:43:00 AM PDT
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That is a very nice story...I'm happy for gordon too.
Kendra- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:36:00 AM PDT
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That was a great story, good photos, good looking brother, and good reminder of how sometimes we have to give up one thing but we can find others instead of whining about our inability to do this or that. :)
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 8:51:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
This is such a loving post about your brother and his love for boats. Hope he has similar good times ahead.
Glad Michele sent me here. And thanks for visiting me.- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 11:01:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I'm so happy for your brother. It's wonderful that he can still have something to do with boats & Little Boat is so cute! (I know he wouldn't call it 'cute' lol)
He sure does look like a boat guy! Happy birthday to your brother. :)- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 11:39:00 AM PDT
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I can see that Gordon is as special as you are and has the same zest for life.
Bravo to him on his new adventure and happy sailing!
You have quite the distinguished looking brother, and I can see that he has the same genes as you for looking much younger than your stated age.
What a great story. Really enjoyed it.- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 12:24:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I am happy for Gordon too!
It is SO important to do the things that energize us.
The basic desire and yearning for freedom that Gordon has gets fulfilled by boating, and even the preparation for boating. What joy!!
You didn't mention if Gordon enjoys fishing or not.
He may not fish at all.
I bet he'd love to take you out on the water in his new boat.
I think Little Boat was well worth every cent Gordon paid for her. What a cute name too!!- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 12:44:00 PM PDT
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That is such a great story. It not only lets us know of his love for the water but your great love for him.
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 12:48:00 PM PDT
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How nice to know that his health problems haven't deterred Gordon in his pursuit of water based fun! Little Boat is a worthy craft, and I'm happy that he's already been out and tested the waters, so to speak. Just tell him I don't think he should attempt an Atlantic crossing just yet!
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 2:18:00 PM PDT
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How grand it is to read of family closeness and the loving pride that shows through your writing. I too admire that the little boy inside is very much alive and that Gordon has achieved holding on to that part of himself as he grows older. Little Boat is sweet and very special in a way that very few experience fully. Mazel Tov!
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 5:09:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
As always, a fabulous post. You have such wonderful stories!
Here from Michele's...as always, a real pleasure!- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 5:34:00 PM PDT
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good for gordon! bless his heart! it is so encouraging to see that he maintains his love desipte his health issues. there's a silly saying, "don't rock the boat" but in this case i say "keep on rockin' the boat gordon!"
smile.- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 5:46:00 PM PDT
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I THINK this is my favorite post you've EVER done! YAY for Gordon! I began a love affair with boats when I was just a wee small child too - but other than just a brief stint with a bass fishing boat that Dennis and I had, my dreams have never been realized. I always wanted a houseboat - or a yacht! LOL! I guess my desire is not QUITE as strong as Gordon's - I've allowed OTHER things to satisfy me! But I DO still LOVE being on the water, around the water, near the water, etc... and it does have a very calming, soothing, healing affect. It surely does! YAY GORDON!!!
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:18:00 PM PDT
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Mr. kenju would like nothing better than owning a sailboat. When we had the money to buy one - he was too busy for it. And now that he has all the time in the world - we can't afford one. Gop figure.
Please tell Gordon I said good luck with the Little Boat!- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 8:52:00 PM PDT
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What a wonderful read! Two bad about "second wife" bat maybe "Liitle Boat"can be his new mistress ;)
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 9:27:00 PM PDT
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Naomi, this reminds me of an episode of one of my favorite recent shows, Gilmore Girls, where the boat represented the relationship between the diner owner and his deceased father. Sorry I'm posting so late - moving truck came just as soon as I popped in to Michele's - so I'll pay another visit to make up for my tardiness! xxoo
- Friday, September 7, 2007 at 10:53:00 PM PDT
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Naomi, the photos of all the old gas stations were sent to me by a friend. I don't know if there is a book with all the pics, but there could be. I'll see if I can find one.
- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 3:30:00 AM PDT
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I was going to go back to visit your blog again to finish reading the rest of your post. :)
My hubby loves to go boating and fishing.
I believe we all have that inner child in us. :)
BTW, Hello, Michele sent me.- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 7:23:00 AM PDT
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What a lovely testimony from a loving sister to her brother! Like Gordon, I truly love being on the water and understand his love. I need to be near water for my peace of mind and so I am considering a move. I've been away from it too long and this post reminded me of it.
- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 8:02:00 AM PDT
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What a lovely post, Naomi! I am glad to be introduced to your brother Gordon! So nice that you and your brother are still close!
Love the boat and I also love your photo with him as young girl! Beautiful and joyful!
Have a good weekend!- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 8:18:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Your brother inspires me. The way you write about him inspires me. This is an encouraging post that I will share with my kids.
- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 11:13:00 AM PDT
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What a wonderful story.
And there is nothing better than having a brother.- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 11:26:00 AM PDT
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Hi Naomi! Just popped over for another look at Gordon's 'Little Boat'. Hope you are cooling down now. Have a great week-end.
- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 12:25:00 PM PDT
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I loved this post and the boat's name.
I've heard the two greatest joys of a boat owner are the days be buys and sells his boat.- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 1:19:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
What a fascinating story. As a Norwegian, I love boating just like your brother and actually when I was young, I also made my own sail boat and a connote.
Btw: I'll get back to you about this Hi5!- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 2:56:00 PM PDT
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What a lovely tribute and little boat looks like a worthy vessel.
I had an Uncle Gordon, he was my mothers uncle by marriage,I have never met another Gordon how strange is that lol.- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 4:28:00 PM PDT
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Naomi.......I am so touched by this wonderful story and all of the important messages it holds. We do have to listen to the child within us....perhaps this is where our spirit and our soul harbours?
A very happy birthday to Gordon and may he always feel the bay breezes on his face.
Michele sent me you way tonight and I'm so pleased.
take good care.- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 6:34:00 PM PDT
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Nothing beats being out on the water!
- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 6:41:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Beautiful post! I've come by from Carmi's... congrats to your big bro and best wishes for many more years of enjoying his inner child passions. So nice that you have such a wonderful relationship with him. Take care.
- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 7:16:00 PM PDT
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This was such good reading! I'm glad I came here tonight!
Junie- Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 7:58:00 PM PDT
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I think it is wonderful that your dear brother found something he adored so much and has been able to enjoy it all his life. I am also very pleased that he found 'Little Boat' so he can carry on enjoying what he loves to do.
He sounds like an amazing person. To have that focus and determination at such a young age is rare. I hope he and Little Boat have many great trips together.
Thanks for your kind words on my blog. I'm afraid there is nothing they can do for my niece. Apparently the damage to her brain is too severe and it will just keep swelling no matter what they do. I can't believe it still.- Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 12:45:00 AM PDT
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Glad to be back here to read this post again.
I suppose michele knows that.- Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 12:48:00 AM PDT
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What a lovely post about your dear brother Naomi!! I'm so glad he found 'Little Boat' to enjoy!
It's so wonderful that just having it energizes him!!
I'm glad he got it so he can still enjoy what he loves!!- Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 7:58:00 PM PDT
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I'm glad he had it christened! Was there champagne?
He is an inspiration for us to see that it's never too late to do something just for the pure love of the idea that lives within. he looks like a neat and handsome man!- Monday, September 10, 2007 at 7:07:00 PM PDT
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Hi Naomi. Your brother is so lucky to have you as his sister who appreciates him and his joys. Wonderful.
- Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 5:51:00 AM PDT
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Great story about the boat and your brother, Naomi. Sometimes we all just need to find something that energizes us anew.
~S :)- Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 10:52:00 AM PDT
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An extrodinary tribute to your older brother and his passion for boats since childhood.
May be I'm wrong, but I have a feeling, or observation, men do conserve their childhood passions throughout their lifes. I love boats. Not big ones. But small enough to feel the nature of water - the sounds - the closeness..... We have a canoe..
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story- Monday, September 17, 2007 at 11:53:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
PS - I must tell you: Your Brother and Anna: Both born on September 20. But she is still very young - she is only 59.
Anna: paddeguri@yahoo.no
hugs from
Summerhouse
(Summer has gone - it's very fresh here now)- Monday, September 17, 2007 at 11:56:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Posted in the wrong spot before.....
Anyway, we are currently looking for a boat and stumbled across Di Ye Foo Yen on Yachtworld's web pages. We hoping to go see her on Sunday. Wondering what the name meant, we did a google search and wound up at your site. This is a very nice story regarding Gordon.
My wife and had a had good chuckle regarding the name of the boat as you've posted here. The boat is the second wife or named for the second wife....only the therapist would know.
My single brother's boat name is "After you" for the inevitable girlfriend who asks "What is the boat's name" and appropriately responded with I named the boat after you.
We look forward to see Di Ye Foo Yen on Sunday and may be making an offer if she looks like she'll suit our needs.
Tom
curriernhREMOVETHIS@hotmail.com- Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 4:57:00 AM PDT
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Hello,
I am the present owner of Di Ye Foo Yen. I came across this post after googling the phrase/name to see what it meant and I was happy to find your writeup on Gordon, his history with the boat, and, of course, the meaning of the name (Number 2 Wife). If Gordon would like an update on the adventures of Di Ye Foo Yen, I would be happy to fill him in or send some photos from this past summers expeditions. Anyway, we love the boat and plan to take good care of her.
-Ben- Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 5:43:00 PM PST
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