I was talking with a group of students last month who were all sharing reasons why they couldn't quite find the time to sail as often as they liked.  Now I'm not about to turn this section into an ad for sailing, so stick with me here, okay. It seemed that one's dog was sick and couldn't be left alone for anytime at all, another had twin 5 year olds and I think this couple needed body doubles.  One student was in the midst of having her life ruined by her self centered employer, like no one can relate to that story! I reflected on a comment one of my students in a class had shared about how their marriage might have been saved had they just found the time together to do what each of them alone now were managing to find the time to do separately. Hum? Then one of my senior students in the group, a school teacher, offered the following story.  Several years ago they were studying the "Seven Wonders of the World" and the students were each asked to come up with their own personal list.  After a brief time several were offering items from their personal list that included the Great Pyramids, the Grand Canyon, the Panama Canal, and China's Great Wall.  How Stone Mountain missed that list is beyond me because I think the trails through the woods that wind around past the lakes and up one side of the mountain is certainly on mine. I love to bike and hike there several times a month and manage to take in a laser show each year and lately have fallen in love with Miss Katie's restaurant in the new village area where they literally "Toss" you biscuits to your table!  To continue with my point, my student said that after a while one of the quieter classmates was asked to share the items on her list. It was short and to the point.  1) To See, 2) To Hear, 3) To Taste, 4) To Feel, 6) To Laugh and 7) To Love.  Hum..  The point was that we take so much for granted yet search for and value material things which in the grand scheme really don't deserve our energies and resources. Our health and those around us don't get the attention that each deserve.

This month's tip is from the heart.  I don't care whether it's sailing, biking, hiking or sitting in the backyard spending time with your family, make it a priority before it's too late in your life, your marriage, your kids life, or that of your parents or other friends.  In the end it's not whether we win all the world's riches because in the game of life we all exit at the end.  What's more important is how you've played the game; the game of life. It's the legacy that you leave behind and the lives that you touch along the way.  It's the life experiences that you've gained and shared with others.  It's more about what you've contributed that what you've consumed.  Make it a goal by week's end to "See", "Hear", "Taste", "Feel", "Laugh" and "Love".  I'll add just one item from my list.  Be "Loved".  It's not free nor easy, you have to "Earn" it.  I think sailing is a good place to experience many of the afore mentioned items.  Okay, you're right. I just couldn't resist the promotion at the end, but you know that I'm right!  You know I am right.....

Toastmaster's Team Outing!
	Long time student, Lisa Adams and her toastmaster's group enjoy their 1st annual team cruise.  Lisa was an early winner of our "Blue Light" team game aboard.	"We just thought we were a tight group until we got on a boat together.  What fun!"
July 4th Weekend's Fireworks!
		Ever watched the fireworks on TV celebrated over the river in Washington D.C. or along any famous waterway? The reflection on the fireworks on the water among all the anchored boats is exciting. Being there in person can't be beat.  Okay, we were on the water but not in Washington D.C.  This year's fireworks display by University Yacht Club across the bay from Holiday Marina was even better than the one in Washington D.C.  The view was incredible and being on the water and hearing/feeling the percussion was a great feeling just being there!
		Dr Khalsa and his wife Mutka joined us for the annual event and social gala.
		Jamaica Lieu was decorated for the festive occasion as we waited for everyone to arrive. The lake was filled with excitement and energy as the evening's show began. A highlight was the outburst of horns, whistling and patriotism shouted across the waters following the conclusion of the fireworks.  What a wonderful evening for us all!

Fall Is Just Around The Corner!  

Windsong T-Shirts -     Get 'Em While              They Last! These are great T-Shirts to tell others about             your sport                   and                      accomplishments.
Only three dozen were initially ordered and there aren't many left.  This is one of our annual Fund Raising events to offset the costs of providing the "Something Special" that we've all grown accustomed to throughout the season.  We all enjoy the benefits that these activities make possible. The white T-Shirts have the prestigious Windsong logo on the front and the FULL COLOR artwork on the back that makes this shirt so unusual.  Full color for just $15, what a deal and a great way to support your sport.             Call us TODAY and we'll get one to you. LOOKING FOR Gear? Boat U.S. and West Marine offers widest selection of sailing "Toys".  Whether you need sailing gloves, hat, boat shoes or gadgets you'd be hard pressed to find a better "Candy Store".  If you're not a member, join!  It will save you hard earned cash on purchases.  Don't want to spent nearly $20 to join?  Tell 'em to give you the Windsong "Participating Group" membership discount.  If you're a member of the Windsong family, you qualify for the discount. Give them our "Participating Group Membership Number of GA-83236S".  It will drop the membership cost by $10, down to $9.50. They will call us to verify that you're an active student, so if you haven't seen "US" in a while, you'll need to keep your participation current with us too!

"For whatever we lose, it's always ourselves we find in the sea"

FOR SALE!  GOT SOMETHING TO SELL?  Try Our For Sale New Site Free.
Although we intend to limit items for sale to our student members, we will consider items submitted from the general public as well.  We'll play it by ear to see how it goes.  Just remember to let us know when the item is sold so that we can keep our web site current.  So here's the link Items For Sale.

GOT A BUSINESS YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE?
As a suggestion from one of our students, we're starting a Student Business Links web page. If you work for, own or are a principle in a business or hobby that you'd like to have included on this free links page, send us your web address and a brief description about your business and services. Any special discounts extended to fellow students should be mentioned as well.  Students would certainly like to do business with one of their own over a perfect stranger, so let us know about your business, service or hobby.

I WANT TO CHARTER A BOAT, BUT NOT SURE I KNOW ENOUGH.
At Windsong we are very responsive to student suggestions.  We are here to serve you and your needs and continue to rapidly implement ideas offered by our students.  Most every week during the summer we offer "Fun Sails" for advanced students who want to charter a boat by themselves, but aren't sure about their abilities to do so. Fun Sails do have a Captain aboard for safety purposes, but what you do and where you go is up to you and the others aboard your outing.  These are not "Instructional" outings but could include some instruction if requested.  You are on your own to strut your stuff or merely to kick back and just enjoy some time on the water without all the "Tacking" and "Gibing" every two-seconds.

"There is something about going to sea. A little bit of discipline, self-discipline and humility are required."

Warning To Returning Students:
If you don't already have outings booked through December you should seriously consider doing so now.

HATE THAT SPAM?

Ever noticed that all official Windsong emails have the word "WINDSONG:" in the subject? That's so that you can use a filter or rule to intercept and redirect Windsong emails into a dedicated folder based upon this trait.  That way we won't ever wind up in your SPAM folders and accidentally deleted.  This is actually a two-way street.  Any replies from you will automatically contain the same identifier in the subject and we can prevent it's accidental deletion as well.  So any emails from you to us should contain the words "WINDSONG" in the subject or you risk censure by our anti spam software.  Daily we receive just over 400 SPAM emails and find the use of filtering software imperative.  Don't risk loosing our emails, filter TODAY!

	Friends don't let their friends go through life without experiencing sailing! Invite someone to join you today!

PLEASE, REACH OUT AND TOUCH US,                 We're listening!!

Many times students' suggestions are implemented on the spot!  We pride ourselves in our customer service and attention to the needs of our students. If you have thoughts or ideas, drop us a line or give us a call.  All things are possible; you simply need to ask. 

Thanks!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our students for their loyal support through the season(s) and encourage everyone to bring one new friend along each year as you sail.  As we grow and expand our operation, we want to make our products and services available to all who may be interested, but some one has to make the introduction.  Share the love of your sport with those who may be interested in our unique collection of programs. You'll be glad you did and so will they!