At approximately 1500hrs (AEST) on Saturday 15th May 2010, Jessica Watson and Ella's Pink Lady came to a halt alongside the Man 'O Wars Steps at the Sydney Opera House, ending their epic voyage of adventure around the world which took them 210 days and 23,000nm to complete.
Upon disembarking her trusted vessel of the past 7 months, Jessica reported that although she was overjoyed to finally immerse herself in the loving embrace of her parents, she found it very difficult to let go of Ella's Pink Lady at the same time.
After celebrating her 17th birthday with family & close friends and indulging in some well deserved R&R in Manly, Jessica has graciously faced a lot of media attention and is currently in Brisbane on a "meet & greet" tour. She has the same engagement in Melbourne and is due there on 27th May.
It is reported that after her meet and greet tour, Jessica will sail Ella's Pink Lady back to QLD, after which she will work on finishing her documentary as well as her book "True Spirit" which is due to be launched in August. She will then do a "book launch" tour around the country which will hopefully include Perth.
By way of ending my "Voyage Art" experience I sincerely wish Jessica Watson and Ella's Pink Lady a long and peaceful life with an abundance of love, health and happiness.
So long and thanks for the inspiration.
Very sincerely yours...........samurai (Aunty Sam)
And to everyone who's supported me throughout this journey.......My sincere thanks for all your kind, inspirational words. I've enjoyed telling the story of Jessica and Ella's Pink Lady through this blog and was very humbled by all the comments I received.
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteThis is my final piece and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all your kind words of support and encouragement throughout this entire experience.
Thankyou so very much from the bottom of my heart. I appreicate each and every one of you so much more that you may ever know.
Take good care of yourselves and bye for now.
Kindest regards,
Sam XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Dear Sam,
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely piece of art. Thanks for sharing with us once again.
I'd like to extend my personal thanks to you for all that you have done and contributed over the months during Jessica's voyage and since.
Your posts on her blog have been supportive, encouraging and enjoyable, as well as at times, informative, to read.
Your Voyage Art has been excellent!
Always pertinent to the stage of Jesse's journey, colourful, detailed, and always always fun!
You've welcomed me here to share in and enjoy your work, and I've greatly appreciated it.
Thank you! :)
I know you've obtained great pleasure from compiling your work, Sam, you have put in considerable time creating these lovely pieces, and it's greatly appreciated and admired.
Wishing you every happiness in all that you do, and THANK YOU for the happiness you have brought to others.
Warmest wishes and a BIG ((((HUG))))
From .... Soldier's Mum xxx
Hi Sam ~ It is with mixed emotions that I write this note. Thrilled and ever-so-grateful that Jessica completed her voyage, and sad that this is your last "creation" on her behalf. I have enjoyed your beautiful art work throughout her amazing journey, and every post you made touched my heart. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings always,
Marie from WA St., USA
Hi, Sam!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to add anything to what Soldier's Mum has said, she's said it so brilliantly!! And, I think you already know how much I've admired you and your unique talent from the very beginning! But I also feel the love and the warmth you exude in every blog comment, every e-mail exchange, and also every piece of Voyage Art you've created! It's no wonder you are loved in return by all who have met you, or even have come to know you through Jessica's amazing blogsite.
It's been an awesome voyage and Jesse's ability to galvanize people to help her share her dream through her website and blogs, has been phenomenal. How she was able to, not only attract such a great group of people that have become her World-wide Family, and, of course, the Jess-a-holics, but to mesmerize us and capture our hearts!! As precious to us as a child of our own, we feel deep pride in her accomplishment, and in the lovely way she has handled her new celebrity status, and the opportunities to speak to her fans. So much composure, and, I think, a new-found confidence! Yes, she was confident before, or she wouldn't have been able to make this dream come true, but I notice a definite change in her. A new poise, and ability to speak in such a down to earth and easy manner . . . no notes, or script, just heartfelt remarks. Possibly having to describe her various experiences in her updates, and, maybe even having so many excellent comments to read, ones that have given her a well-rounded "education" . . . much like reading a lot of good books, helps one with their ability to express themselves!!! I noticed a difference even from when she was "narrating" her videos . . . she seemed a little uncomfortable having to talk on the video, and they were usually cut kind of short! But, now, she's blossomed into quite a good speaker, seemingly very comfortable and at ease while addressing these large crowds! Quite an impressive improvement!
Jesse's website would not have been the same without you and your spot-on comments, Sam, and your encouragement of others by your appreciation of their contributions, and by telling them so in your own comments. I'm sure you helped to set the tone of Jesse's blog . . . not one of a competitive or self-promoting nature, which is so often the case, but an atmosphere of camaraderie and team work . . . pulling for each other, while we all pulled for Jesse to help her successfully reach her goal . . . we wanted others to be so inspired, so as to reach for, and be successful in their own goals!!! So, in your very own way, Sam, you too helped inspire people to act . . . to do something special!!!
I love your final Voyage Art: "Mission Accomplished" !!! While we have been thrilled with all of your creations, we will have our own "separation anxiety" at the thought of you wrapping up this part of your contribution . . . so, it's going to be another important part of our last 7 months that we will be losing! And, I don't mind telling you, that it saddens me greatly!!
I know you have much more to your own life, Sam, and the fact that you "have a life" is what has made you so interesting to observe! And, like all of us, we have to "get on with our lives" . . . some with much more to look forward to than others. But, I guess it's time that we all act on the inspiration we've received from Jesse, and do things to make our life and the lives of others better and more purposeful, more meaningful, really! My mother had a favorite quote: "Learn. . . as if you were to live forever, and, Live . . . as if you were to die tomorrow!" And, if we follow that (I think it was a quote from Gandhi) I think we can all lead a full and happy life, with no regrets!!!
Thanks, again, Sam, from your #1 Fan!
Carol Florida U.S.A.
Dearest Soldier's Mum, Marie and Carol.
ReplyDeleteTHANKYOU SO MUCH!!! I am touched beyond belief at what each of you has written here and words cannot express how very much I truly appreciate all of you.
Every one of these creations were indeed inspired by Jessica in their content because they were in effect snapshots of her various experiences through the course of her voyage around the world.
However, the positive re-inforcements I've received from each of you are what allowed me to rise to the challenge of producing these timely and consistent creations.
I got to the point where I looked forward to posting another piece and became quite passionate about not letting you down. Knowing that I had an adience that could relate to each story I tried to depict made it all the more enjoyable for me as I thrived with all your support and encourement.
I have never considered myself a particularly talented person. This has definitely been an opportunity of self expression for me and owe a debt of gratitude to Jessica for her inspiration as well as all of you for your encouragement.
To say the words "thankyou very much" just doesn't seem adequate in expressing my gratitude to all of you for all you beautiful comments but, from the bottom of my heart I do thank you so very much.
My kindest and warmest regards to you all.
Sam XXX
Hi Sam, I would just like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for Jess and all the other fellow bloggers. You have been truly an inspiration to us all thru thick and thin and thu all the knockers. Hope to run across you again some where some time on another blog or what ever.
ReplyDeleteCheers for now Dave. Akld, NZ
Sam,
ReplyDeleteI think that we all have mixed emotions about Jessica completing her voyage. On one hand we’re elated that Jessica has successfully accomplished her goal. On the other hand, a chapter in Jessica’s life which we have all felt such a part of is coming to a closure. It is however the end of just one chapter of Jessica’s life and I just have a feeling that there will be so many more of her adventures for us to follow and support. Sam, there has been no one more supportive than you throughout Jessica’s trip and you have provided so much for all of us through your Voyage Art. I would like to sincerely thank you, and hopefully we can stay in touch.
Take care and best wishes always, Sam.
Your friend,
Mark
Dave D and SaltyDog,
ReplyDeleteThankyou both very much for all the kind words of support and encouragement you've given me throughout this whole experience.
I hope you've enjoyed them as much as I have enjoyed creatng them, all of which would not have been possible without the inspiration I gained from Jessica's and Ella's Pink Lady's epic voyage of adventure around the world.
Take care and kind regards,
Sam
Good onya Sam,
ReplyDeleteA mighty fine effort and it was great seeing you on TV in Sydney. Hoo Roo ☺☺☺
Hello Magpie...thanks. Shame I missed you in Sydney.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for all the support and encouragement you've given me throughout this journey. They meant a lot to me and I appreciate it.
Hoo Roo 2U2...Sam XX
Dear Sam
ReplyDeleteI endorse each and every loving and grateful comment above. You were truly so inspiring to all of us and such a special part of the voyage.
I will always remember you and, who knows, maybe on some blog somewhere down the line, we can enjoy your magnificent work again.
All the very best.
Fay from the Gold Coast
Dear Fay,
ReplyDeleteThankyou so much for all your kind words of support and encouragement through this whole journey. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have.
My best regards to you.
Sam