Wow, what an experience (the storm sailing). And to top that off for me I am just finishing Paul Lynch's "Beyond the Sea" which starts out with a debilitating storm and goes down from there (Lynch is not someone to read for his cheeriness, but he's a brilliant writer nonetheless).

You are a truly great writer, Shaler, a joy to read, and I'm really happy to read that you've got a creative handle on sleeplessness.

The unfettered mind can be a cruel mistress.

I wouldn't call my self afflicted as such, but I do wake up sometimes, churning, but usually with things I want to say or write, so I keep pen and paper nearby and put them to use. That helps.