Life with Dylan

Category: ocean

  • Make today and every day World Oceans Day!

    Taken just moments after he saw a blue whale for the very first time.

    Two years ago Dylan and I shared a magical experience together. We saw our first blue whale swimming freely in the open ocean. The largest mammal to ever live on earth – living in a body of water that covers 75% of the earth’s surface –  breaching right in front of the boat.

    The sheer joy on his face is priceless.

    Let’s not forget that the ocean is home to so many wonderful creatures and just because we can’t see them all the time doesn’t mean they don’t exist. They are living in a world that we take for granted. A world that needs our help to save its beautiful creatures.

    Make today and every day World Oceans Day.

  • Where do you find inspiration?

    After what seems likes weeks of doing some serious soul searching, today I found my inspiration at a very familiar place. The place where I feel the closest to nature.

    What inspires you?

  • Sunset Sunday – Sailing Away

    Last week I had the pleasure of watching the most beautiful sunset from the beach. The sky became one big palette of orange and as the sun went behind the clouds they blended together to create a swirl of  fire. It was like I was watching an artist paint a canvas.

    The sailboat in the distance and the birds flying over the water in the foreground make me wish I was sailing off into the sunset.

    Have a fantastic week and don’t forget to take time to watch the sunsets.

  • Sunset Sunday – The waters edge

    Hands down, my favorite sunsets are at the beach. Watching the sun go down behind what seems to be an endless ocean still fascinates me. I know the world is round, but it is still fun to think the sun is sinking into the deep blue sea.

    Have a fantastic week and don’t forget to take time to watch the sunsets.

  • My Thank You Letter to the Ocean

    Dear Ocean,

    Today we celebrate you and all your beauty. From the blue-green waters of the Caribbean to the deep blue darkness at your depths. From your calm glassy surface to the rough waves you produce during a storm. You are an integral part of the earth and the ecosystem would be off balance without you. Covering 75% of the world’s surface, you truly are amazing.

    You provide a home to millions of fish, marine mammals, plants, and so much more. Your vastness can even make the world’s largest living animal, the blue whale, look small.

    Without the ocean, there would be no “happy place” for me. For you see, whenever I need time to think or to clear my head – I simple go to you. The sound your crashing waves make against the shore and the salty smell you give to the air give me serenity.

    Because I can never see where you end, you give me hope. Hope that there is something more to be discovered. Hope that one day you will not be used as a trash can, but rather respected as a home to other living creatures.

    In honor of you, I will share your beauty with those around me. I will never forget the power you have to give life as quickly as you can take life away. Tonight, I will get lost in the tranquility that you possess when I watch Disneynature Oceans – one of my favorite documentaries.

    Today, on World Oceans Day, I thank you.

  • Wordless Wednesday – World Oceans Day

    Maui, 2007 … the day Dylan fell in love with the ocean.
    World Oceans Day is this Friday, June 8 – How will you celebrate the ocean?

  • Aquarium of the Pacific welcomes new babies

    To some people springtime means flowers and butterflies, but to many in the animal world it means small bundles of joy. Adorable babies that make me squeal with delight and probably share way too many pictures on Facebook and twitter – but I can’t help it – they are too cute!

    In the last month, Aquarium of the Pacific announced the arrival of two new family members. I’m not sure who is cuter, the Sea Otter or the Harbor Seal.

    This baby sea otter was found separated from her mother in Northern California and brought to Aquarium of the Pacific in early March. Once she is big enough and strong enough, she will be placed in the exhibit with the other rescued otters. She has been named Betty, after Betty White, in honor of the long time support White has shown for the aquarium and all animals.  

                Photo courtesy of Robin Riggs, Aquarium of the Pacific


    Now I must admit that I am partial to this little harbor seal pup. She was born to Shelby, a long time resident of the Aquarium, on April 26, 2012. This picture captures a very loving moment between mother and child and I just adore it. Shelby is a first time mom, so Aquarium marine mammal experts are monitoring them both.

            Photo courtesy of Terri Haines, Aquarium of the Pacific

    Both pups will remain behind the scenes for a few months to insure good health and allow time for bonding – but I’m sure the Aquarium staff will continue to post pictures on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram to keep us all updated on the progress.

    Rescuing marine mammals and other ocean animals is something I feel strongly about, which is why I am a huge supporter of Aquarium of the Pacific. Besides being a wonderful place to spend the day, the Aquarium has great exhibits that educate people and believes in protecting and conserving our oceans for future generations. As a non-profit organization, the Aquarium relies solely on donations and annual memberships.

    I’m looking forward to seeing these little pups when they make they debut and watching them grow. Are you a member of Aquarium of the Pacific?

  • 3 simple ways you can help save animals & raise awareness

    Over the years, I have spent hundreds of dollars making donations to various non-profit groups and organizations hoping to make some sort of difference. I went from making the minimum donation of $15 to several places, to now being more specific as to where I donate my money – but that’s another post. My point is that one person can make a difference and you don’t need to spend tons of money doing it.

    Awareness is one of the biggest hurdles faced in animal conservation. Today I am sharing three simple ways that you can raise awareness and help save animals for only a few dollars.

    Even though many of us pay our bills online, there are still times that we need to mail something the old-fashioned way. The next time you buy stamps, ask for the Save Vanishing Species semipostal stamp. (cost is 55 cents)

    This is a first-class postage stamp and all proceeds over the current cost of a first-class stamp go directly to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the Multinational Species Conservation Fund.

    For more information on what conservation funds are supported by this stamp visit the US Postal Service website.

    Do you love having a unique screen lock picture and wallpaper on your iPhone or iPad? Do you admire great animal photographers? If you said yes, then this next one is definitely for you.
    In November 2011, the San Diego Zoo released the officially licensed digital skins through the iTunes store. For only $1.99 you can purchase this app and have some beautiful wallpapers and images on your phone. The app also includes app frames and shelves.

    Here are some screen shots from my phone –

     

    This is a wonderful way to support the San Diego Zoo and show your love for animals – and I can promise the pictures will being a smile to your face too.

    Another great way to support animal conservation and raise awareness is to follow your favorite organization on Facebook and Twitter. By simply sharing a post or re-tweeting something you find interesting may catch the attention of someone and before you know it a domino effect is in place.

    A few of my favorites organizations that I personally support through membership or direct donations are listed in the right side column of the blog. Looking for some organizations to follow? Take a peek at the pages we support on Facebook or who we follow on twitter. Find your passion – whether it be wildlife, parks, or the oceans and start doing what you can to help.

  • Blue Whale Trip with Aquarium of the Pacific aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises

    Dylan and I recently had the opportunity to join Aquarium of the Pacific on a special Blue Whale Trip with world-renowned Blue Whale expert, John Calambokidis aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises. This was not an ordinary whale watching trip. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that required me missing work and Dylan missing school.

    Anyone who knows Dylan, or reads this blog, knows how much he loves animals and learning about how to save the planet – one animal at a time.
    Me, well I’m partial to marine animals. Specifically dolphins and whales. Many people don’t know this, but many moons ago I majored in Marine Biology. Yes, this was my first choice of study … until I realized how much math and science were involved, which have never been my strong point.

    So tell me, how many people can say that they have seen a Blue Whale, the world’s largest animal, up close and in person … swimming wild and free in the ocean?

    Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific, Kera Mathes

    Well, you can add two more people to whatever that number may be because Dylan and I saw not one Blue Whale, but four Blue Whales!

    The weather wasn’t looking good – it was pouring down rain! By the time we arrived the rain and slowed to a light mist and things were looking good. Nothing was going to stop us from this adventure.

  • Wordless Wednesday – Blue Whale Sighting

    Seeing a Blue Whale for the very first time …