A Pirate's Ponderings

In this episode, A Pirate's Ponderings: Turning 69 with a Classic . . .

When was the last time you were so compelled by a quest that you had your bags packed and your boots on before the first rooster crowed? For me, this summer has been exactly that, a journey where the world outside faded away and the one inside my head roared to life.

I felt like that young cabin boy in training, with the vast ocean of a great story stretching out before me. My hand was on the wheel, navigating every swell, riding the waves, and eager to see what lay just beyond the horizon. This wasn't a journey across lands, but a flight of imagination that has been an exciting ride.

My adventure took off on the deck of the Hispaniola as I became lost on Treasure Island. My imagination soared, and I could almost taste the salt spray and feel the ship's timbers groan as we sailed toward our destiny. Below deck, in the narrow, shadowy depths, I could smell the hearty meals Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins prepared (or was Lori cooking breakfast)—a brief truce between pirate and cabin boy.

When we finally landed on the island, the mutiny exploded, and the book became a breathless race. I cheered for Jim as he narrowly escaped the pirates and felt a thrill of discovery when he met Ben Gunn, the wild, marooned islander. This chaotic scramble for buried treasure was a powerful reminder that an epic adventure is as much about cunning as it is about courage.

The most gripping part of the story, though, was the complex and unforgettable relationship between Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver. It’s an outstanding example of rich character development, showing how a bond can form between a boy and a man, and how even a ruthless villain can carry heartfelt feelings—though often overshadowed by greed and self-interest. This is the kind of reading that keeps you truly hooked.

During these morning escapes, I wasn’t just reading words on a page. My mind was painting vivid images, and I was completely immersed, hearing the rhythmic waves on the shore and the chilling cry of Silver’s parrot: “Pieces of Eight! Pieces of Eight!” This was an incredible feeling of freedom away from the real world.

This summer of rediscovering classics has been the perfect prelude to a big milestone for me: my birthday is just around the corner on August 16th, and I'll be turning 69. It’s a moment of reflection and celebration. But it also has me thinking about your next significant milestone. Perhaps it's a birthday of your own, a graduation, a new job, or an adventure you've just begun.

Whatever the next chapter holds, a truly profound escape awaits you within the pages of a classic. These stories, which have filled my summer mornings with purpose and excitement, remind me that no matter your age or circumstance, there's always a new page to turn and a new story to discover. My next adventure is a Jules Verne classic, Around the World in 80 Days, and I can already feel the engines rumbling.

This renewed passion for classic literature makes me wonder: what have you been missing? Which old favorite on your shelf is waiting for your revisit, or what timeless story have you always meant to read?

So, here’s my challenge to you, as I turn a new page in my life: Find a classic you've always meant to read and immerse yourself in its world. Let its prose carry you away, expand your imagination, and give you the same thrill of a great escape I found this summer.

Whether it's a tale of adventure, a story of self-discovery, or a biting satire, I promise you won't regret the journey.

I’m Patrick Ball. Stay curious and ask questions. See you next episode.