Capt. Mark East’s Advice to the Careworn, Confused, Lovelorn and Other Outdoor People

Dear Capt. East,
We live on the coast and my daughter has wanted to be a lobster fisherman since she was a little girl. She’s a teenager now and has her own boat and traps. She's also a very gifted musician and writes her own music. My husband and I are so worried she won’t make the best choice for her career, Lobstering or music. Can you please advise us.
Signed,
Hand Wringing Mother

Dear Hand Wringing Mother,
My advice to you and your husband is to encourage her to do both. The lobster fishing lady, Linda Greenlaw, writes lobster chronicles. Your daughter could write “The Lobster Overture” which would be a tremendous best seller. Imagine, boatbuilders would give a free CD of it with each new lobsterboat built. Every lobsterfisherman would be playing it as they fished and Maine could adopt it as it’s official overture. Wish her my best.

Dear Capt. Mark,
I am an outdoor artist who enjoys painting characters, rough hewn individuals as they work at their trade. Lately I have been trying to paint fishermen, but I find it hard to get permission to come along on their boat for the day or overnight. They’re concerned about my easel. What would you suggest?
Signed,
Begging Brush

Dear Begging Brush,
What if you found a very attractive young lady to come along as your assistant to hold your easel? You could dress her in tight, cut offs, “Grundens” when you ask the skipper of the boat for his cooperation. You might find a completely different attitude. You also might get some great facial expressions from the crew.

Write: capmarke@gmail.com