Barnacle Babes Magazine Vol 2 / No 2 Spring 2017

Warrior Women of the Sea Connection | Conservation | Community

Maintaining the Spirit of

Earth A Conversation WITH the Planet Vol.2 / No. 2: SPRING 2017

Day

everyday

AWAKEN YOUR INNER FOREST ELF; EARTH LIFE ACTIVISM

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Editorial Welcome to our 3rd issue of Barnacle Babes magazine! ed to bring you this fabulous, Earth

What a ride it’s been!!! I am so pleased and excit Day Issue!

you read your contributors articles You know you’re doing something right when grateful and blessed to have a team and start crying! I couldn’t be more humbled, the environment and the health and of women who are so committed to the ocean, spiritual well-being of women! take on a life of its own! She’s develThis thing called Barnacle Babes has begun to en of the Sea Conferences (our 1st oped and is now growing into Warrior Wom Island NY July 22, 2017), destination in Vancouver June 3, 2017 and the 2nd in Long Salvador in March of 2018 and anothWarrior Training Retreats (one booked for El pick back up our Barnacle Babes er we’re working on in Kauai, HI) and soon we’ll are out there making a difference and web series, to show case many women who contributing to the sea. , the conferences and retreats…it’s The “intent” for all of this…the magazine, the show her to learn and grow. Grow to anall about bringing a community of women toget ually and understanding our gifts. other level of understanding about ourselves spirit back to the World, the Earth, the Sea! Then, it’s about taking those gifts and giving it to come together and begin to make I believe the time of “me” is over and we need our ocean and we need community! things “right” again! We need change, we need are, how they are meant to lead and My hope is that women come back to who they how they are born to heal. we can do! What true changes we I hope that you’re as excited as I am to see what s we can build along the way! can make! And what friendships and sisterhood n to share some of your time with As always, I am forever grateful that you’ve chose with much love! us reading these articles that are brought to you e let me know what you think of I would love to hear from you, our readers! Pleas d like to contribute something the magazine, a particular article or if you woul l at Jodi@barnaclebabes.com and yourself! Please send all comments to me via emai put in the Subject Line: Letter to the Editor.

Making waves,

Jodi Mossop

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Content 08 14 24 28 36

Connection

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Sailing ‘Your’ Sea Saoirse Wang

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Conservation with the Planet Kim Malala Lucien

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The Beaty and Power in the Place of Stilness Susan Knight

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Awaken your inner forest elf Kelli Sroka

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Why you should be thanking plankton this Earth Day? Morgan Knowles

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The beauty that is: A Nesting Sea Turtle Sicily Fiennes

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24

Sharks

Winter Kowbel

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Women of Alaska: Teaching respect for the Ocean to our little ones Shaunna Echo-Hawk Atkinson

28

The Women of Long Island, Part 1 Lisa Michelman

travel

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

CONSERVATION Community

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30

Ocean Nutrition Ashleigh Magill

32

Salty Hair

Morgan Knowles

34

Life on board is a happy one Leanne H Hembrow

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36

Maintaining the Spirit of Earth Day, Everyday Sarah Specker Saar

38

Gemini’s Dream

Captaine Shannon Rae

40

Sailing with HERIZEN™ Jodi Mossop

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Barnacle Babes

Vancoucer, BC, Canada.

JODI MOSSOP Publisher | Editor | Content Curator jodi@barnaclebabes.com IVETA LEKESOVA Graphic/Layout Designer design@barnaclebabes.com

CONTRIBUTORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS SARAH SPECKER, MD medical doctor, conservationist & world travelling surfer MORGAN C KNOWLES, M.S. Marine Biologist, Educator, Social Media Marketer @mawrgun on Instagram and Twitter

SHAUNNA ECHO - HAWK ATKINSON Commercial Underwater Diver and tribal member of the Tsimshian Nation

photo credit is: Michaela Elsie

SUSAN KNIGHT Underwater Photographer

Susan Knight Studios, Connect with Nature Find the stillness, Sea yourself www.SusanKnightStudios.com

SAOIRSE WANG Awakening and Integration Coach

working with creatives, intuitives and healers www.findinghenosis.com

KELLI SROKA Truth Seeker, Earth Healer KIM MALAMA LUCIEN Author, Business Whisper & Facilitator of Magic www.kimmalamalucien.com

ASHLEIGH MAGILL Barnacle Babe Sea-Star & Graphic Designer WINTER KOWBELL Shark conservationist and future marine biologist LEANNE H HEMBROW Blissology Inspired Yoga Teacher

Blissology RYT 200hr 2013, Blissology 200hr Assistant 2016, Yoga Alliance Registration # 122921 www.yoga4yachties.com

LISA MICHELMAN East Coast USA Mermaid Ambassador aka “Splash” SICILY BAMBINI FIENNES Cofounder at the Climate Collective, conservation blogger and volunteer for Archelon, The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece. https://conservationsensationblog.wordpress.com

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WENDY JANE WERNER CROWN Crown Scuba Adventures

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The Barnacle Babes Magazine is an informative and inspirational digital and print magazine platform with interviews, stories, conservation efforts and more. Issued quarterly. If you like what you see, please subscribe at www.barnaclebabes.com Single Copy Price:

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Thank You

Contributors FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR KELLI SROKA ~ Truth Seeker Kelli Sroka is a concerned inhabitant of planet earth, eco activist, permaculture/agriculture consultant, yoga teacher, healer, writer, and believer. She is forever exploring and experiencing all that this wild world has to offer, while actively seeking solutions for saving our species and planet.

LISA MICHELMAN ~ East Coast USA Mermaid Ambassador aka “Splash�

Lisa is currently a certified fitness instructor and Director of Fitness at The Motivation Center in N.Y.C. She is a mom, wife and daughter a nd calls Long Beach, N.Y, her home. Lisa is also a local Paddle Board Instructor and certified Nutrition Counselor. As part of her local Surfrider Foundation, she can be found many days cleaning the local waterways. Lisa is our East Coast USA ambassador and looks forward to continuing to bring the inspiring stories of the Women of the East Coast.

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SAOIRSE WANG ~ Agent of Magic and Light Saoirse Wang is a born intuitive with many gifts, who has been teaching, learning, healing and coaching for 10 years. Saoirse uses her gifts and training in ancient priestess initiation, shamanic work, and body and energy healing.

She works with creatives, intuitives and healers to bridge the gaps and help them to start to live an integrated life. www.findinghenosis.com

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MORGAN KNOWLES ~ Marine Biologist, Educator, Social Media Marketer Morgan Knowles is a professional scientific mermaid with a MS in marine biology. She is extremely passionate about exploring our oceans and finding ways to learn, conserve, protect, clean and educate about the wonders of the seas through science, social media and education. To know more about Morgan visit her at: https://wiseintro.co/morganknowlesms

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Sailing

‘ Your’ Sea

By Saoirse Wang

Imagine, the horizon spreads out before you, clear blue sky and perfect blue water below. Endless possibilities and directions lay before you. The breeze picks up stirring the sails on your ship, lurching her forward. You cast your line and cast your fate with the ocean and see where the wind will take you. You are fully confident in your ability to sail into any storm, any water and into any adventure that lays ahead. You trust, 100%, your knowledge of your ship; how it moves, how to talk to it, how to move it in the subtlest of ways. Your ship is your life companion and the ocean is your home. You have the skills and training to keep her ship shape and ready to sail at any time. You are the captain of this powerful vessel and you have become one in the journey and direction. You chart your course to open water and adventure. Fear is your friend when stormy weather hits, it keeps you aware and on your toes.

Fear does not stop you, it sharpens your sight and determination to move the sails and steer your ship into the safety of harbors known and unknown.

Years of training, practice, and love make the journey enjoyable, fun and creative.

You have practiced what to do in the storms and how to enjoy the light breezes, the amazing sights and smells that delight your senses. The ocean is your domain, enlightening and enlivening every cell in your body. You are alive on the water. You feel things you can never feel on land and nothing holds you back, nothing.

A good sailor knows every crack and cranny of her vessel and would never sail without proper training and guidance. Guided by the stars, maps, the water and the calling of her heart, she sets sail. Always prepared for the journey with a sense of wonder and joy of what awaits on the water.

A good sailor is open to learning more and understands that the ocean is the true mistress, there to teach and strengthen the sailor. The ocean is to be treated with great respect and never, never underestimated. The journey is the joy; not the destination. The destination is the landing place to rest and to get ready for the next voyage, the next horizon. The ocean always calls for more, it stirs the soul, it stirs the imagination and all possibilities.

A good sailor is always ready for the call of the ocean and her ship is ready to answer with her.

It is so surprising to me just how many of us spend time learning how to master a task, a job, a way of life but never really dive into learning the most important ship we sail, ourselves.

We set sail into the ocean of life and never ask the important questions; who am I? What do I want? Who the hell is steering this ship and do I even want to go in that direction. We get taken down and sink to the depths because we have no idea how to steer our own life, we let the fear of a storm or calm water mess with our direction. We panic from fear and stress causing so much harm and trauma to our self and our ship. We feel we can never get to the shore of our choosing. Hell, some of us don’t even understand we can choose the shore and choose as many shores as we like.

We are mermaids, we are goddesses, we are warriors and we are sailors on an ocean of our life.

So many of us are never taught how to sail, how to dream of possibilities and that the purpose of our life is to see what is out on the ocean. How are we to be affective in our life and in the healing of the world if we have no idea of our ship? How to steer and care for her and that it is our ship to steer not another’s. You cannot start a journey if you don’t know how to sail the ship, to master your abilities and trust in your skills. So many of us beautiful sailors have given into the lack of possibilities, sticking to the safety of the land and shallow shores, but dreaming of the open water. We have been taught so many false ideas of what and who we are, that it seems terrifying to think of living any other way. The horizon calls but we do not know how to answer the call.

to sail and start to navigate your life in the direction you choose.

The simple act of getting to know who you are, who you really are, does more to save the world than anything else.

Too many times, we let other things get in the way of mastering our self. We let the world tell us how to live, what shores we can visit, and the limited possibilities of our vessels. We let the world dictate the horizon and our abilities, not our inner calling and knowing. By taking the time needed to heal and learn yourself, you become the captain of your ship, you set sail into your possibilities and you become one with the mistress, our ocean.

This is a lifelong task to sail the seas, to reach our horizons, to taste the adventure. This is the joy of our life, it seems scary and terrifying and impossible. The impossible becomes possible if you remember the I is you, and all you need is you to sail, anytime, anywhere. I challenge you to dream, to learn your vessel, to trust the wind and sails, to take care and love who and what you are. You are the sailor, the ship and the ocean.

You are the answer you have been looking for to have the life you want to live.

So, set course, take the steps needed to sail where you want, live your adventure.

What else have you got to do anyway, live someone else’s life? Hell NO! You are here to captain your ship and sail your sea. Adventure HO! Love and light Saoirse Wang

Let me give you comfort. There is never a wrong time to explore your ship, to learn

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A Conversation WITH the Planet

By Kim Malama Lucien

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W

. e all love the ocean, and by extension, the plant, this beautiful earth. Probably more than the average person. We have a connection to it that is more than others, or we are just willing to be aware of that connection and receive the contribution the oceans and the planet can be to us. So, in honor of our focus on World Earth Day, I thought we’d talk about the planet. About how we can be a positive contribution to create the change in the planet we all desire.

I wonder, is it time to start having a different conversation about the planet?

Possibly having a conversation WITH the planet? Have you ever stopped and really looked at what is being done, the things being said, and the energies behind all of that? In today’s society, we do a lot of ‘fighting’ for things. Fighting for the whales, fighting to stop climate change, fighting…take a minute now and tune into the energy of that. Fighting, how does that feel to you, in your body? Does it really make sense to fight for peace, change etc.? What if fighting creates more fighting. You’ve all heard that saying, ‘You get what you focus on’. What if by fighting, we are inadvertently creating more fighting?

Now I’m not suggesting we should stop everything we are doing, or stand up to point out what isn’t working. I am suggesting we take a closer look at what we are choosing and to start asking different questions, a different conversation. To start that conversation with the Earth I mentioned earlier.

To be one with the Honua.

Hawaiians and so many native cultures all over the planet had, and many still have, a very different relationship with the Earth. They were one with the Earth.

They communicated with the Earth, in a two-way conversation. They asked the Earth what it required and contributed

it, and simultaneously, received what the Earth was gifting and contributing to them and their bodies.

Would you be willing to join me in creating a change in the conversation? To ask questions daily of yourself, of the earth, of the people you interact with? We can create those first ripples of change that are tiny at our feet but spread out across the ocean becoming tsunami’s somewhere else!

How do you do this?

What questions do you ask? This is a simple exercise/meditation I do every day and every time I get in or near the ocean as well. You can do it sitting, standing or laying down. Place your hand over your abdomen, just below your belly button. Take a deep breath in and say (out loud or in your head), “I walk as one with the Earth”. Breath out nice and slow, and then take one more two more deep breaths in and out. Feel your feet on the ground, or your body being one with the molecules of the earth. You can do this quickly, in under a minute.

To change the conversation start asking these questions of the Universe and the Earth. Look for awareness. Don’t be looking for an ‘answer’. Ask the question and let it float away. Then notice what shows up.

1) What contribution can I be and receive from you today?

2) What do you require of me today?

3) What can I be or do different that would create a change here?

And lastly, whenever you think about it, or feel a twinge in your body, often the Earth speaks to us via sensations in our body, take a moment and contribute energy to the Earth. Just think that and it occurs. If you are visual, see the energy of the Universe flowing into the top of your head and out your feet into the ground.

It’s a lie that there is a limited amount of energy available. The more energy you pull from the Universe into your body the more you can flow out. There is a never-ending flow available. It works great if you are feeling tired, or run down, try it, you’ll be shocked at how much better you feel!

Until next time my water and earth loving friends, I leave you with these two questions: What else is possible with the Earth that we have never, ever considered before?

What energy, space and consciousness, can we and our bodies be to create a change here right away?

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THE

Beauty

POWER

AND

IN THE PLACE OF STILNESS

By Susan Knight

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One often looks out at nature and thinks of ourselves as separate. Somehow different. It is out there. We are in here. In our bodies. Indoors. In thought. If what is out is in and what is in is out, aren’t we really a part of it and it a part of us?

Pondering our place in the world and the space that we see as our outer world is a human exercise in separateness.

What if not only am I part of nature but I am nature. Even standing in the midst of a busy city street, I am nature. What this may allow us to do is take responsibility, feel we can participate in making change, taking care, nurturing this place.

Our home. If we learn how to take care of ourselves and others, pets, plants, we can extend this to all the natural world.

got a serious case of the giggles and could barely contain herself. Afterwards, there was a collective sigh of relief that is was over.

A few days later, we gathered on shore, twenty people crammed into a crevice in the cliffs above the ocean. We watched the sunset together in silence. Afterwards, as we traveled back to the larger boat, there was only the slow whirring of the outboard motor and the waves.

Without discussing anything in particular, it was as if everyone suddenly “got it”. The beauty and power in the place of stillness.

The sense of self. The overpowering access to calmness.

I feel like this is what we are all looking for. The next day, the kids asked if we were going to sit again. That made me smile. This is how a practice begins.

The same mindfulness can be an new exercise. An exercise in connectedness. We often refer to Earth as Mother Earth.

What if we can take that role towards her? Nurture a relationship. Spending time together, listening, protecting, supporting, enjoying. The act of mindful caring for the world and for ourselves is the same. As with all relationships, if not nurtured, it can fade away. We lose contact, lose understanding, lose intimacy.

We live in a time of busywork. There is an uncomfortableness with silence, of the spaces between. It is in this stillness

that we can find true peace, wisdom and comfort. That we can truly know ourselves. Even if at first, it feels odd and uncomfortable. In knowing ourselves, we can hear the needs of humanity and the planet.

I was working once on a youth program where we lived and traveled together on a boat. We sat one day and meditated. Just took time in silence as a group. This was the first time many of the kids had done so. To just sit together and “do nothing” seemed ridiculous. There were whispers, sideways glances and eye rolling. One girl

It can sometimes be difficult with all that is unfolding in the world, to contain our feelings of anger and unrest. If truly what we focus on becomes bigger, even simply sending loving thoughts may be useful. If you are drawn to gather others and take action in any way, do so. If you are drawn to silence and stillness, do so.

How will you know when you have arrived? When you find a place of greater love and understanding. Taking action or committing to a practice of stillness from this loving place is very powerful.

Remember that the space between action can also be very powerful.

For Earth Day, try to take pause, even for 20 minutes. Sit quietly by the ocean, a favourite tree, river or lake and watch.

Notice how uniquely the day and the moments unfold. Notice how animals connect with the environment. Close your eyes. Notice the sounds. Notice how you feel. Visualize a heathy world. Visualize a healthy you. Simply be.

This article is dedicated to my Mom. A warrior in Living fully.

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Conservation

Awaken your inner forest elf; EARTH LIFE ACTIVISM

By Kelli Sroka

deforestation and destruction from mining and industry? What would it have been like to observe the biodiversity, the wide array of flora and fauna, the animals living on these lands and in these waters?

ient light at the end of the tunnel.

Technology. The internet. As much as I have tried to suppress the importance of technology in my life, I do understand and appreciate appropriate technology. I have not been able to travel to every edge of the globe (yet), simply due to time, carbon footprint, and financial restrictions, however, I am able to see what is happening on a global scale, and interact with people around the entire world, thanks to the internet. That is why I believe this revolution WILL be different, because of the freedom of information. However, we now face the issue of valid information, truth, and suppression of such freedoms.

An ode to pachamama (translated into Mother Earth, a Goddess also known as the Earth/time mother) after a long, dark, cold winter. A slow, melodic, gentle change of season, observed by all oddities Earth day? In the 1960s, most of life. people were only just awakening Let’s go back 100 years. It’s Earth to the effects of our presence on Day, 1917 (of course, Earth Day was the planet. Senator Gaylord Nelnot actually implemented until son founded this celebrated day, 1970). What is the world like? We first held on April 22nd, 1970, due had just experienced the industri- to the rising awareness of changal revolution, causing population ing circumstances. Here we are, to spike. We were nearing the April 2017, and although most of end of WW1. There were roughly us are so caught up in our daily 1.5 billion humans on the planet. routines and bound by the shackles of the systems of our existence What did it look like, before so to notice the reality of the situamany of the sacred lakes, rivers, tion on a level of personal expe- Earth month? Earth year? Earth and water systems were poi- rience, there is one critical factor LIFE. Permaculture (ethical personed? What was it like before that does offer some sort of resil- manent agriculture) teaches the

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practice of living symbiotically and strategically, encompassing all components of life, and taking into account the best possible situation for all beings. The three main ethics practiced in permaculture are Earth care, people care, and fair share. To really understand these principals, and to embody them, are absolutely critical if we as a species would like a last minute chance at creating a better way of living for humans on this planet. Another major component of permaculture is to understand the difference between sustainability and regeneration. Let’s get the word “sustainable” out of our vocabulary. We are so far past that. To sustain our current practices would not make things better for our suffering planet and its inhabitants, and actually, in or-

der to sustain our current way of living we would need the equivalent resources of 2.5 Earths. If we live through our heart center and work hard to make things better, if we can regenerate and improve systems, we can create a healthy and happy future for generations to come (another principle is to consider the next 7 generations when making decisions).

Atmospheric C02 concentrations are at a record high, greater than 400ppm, for the first time in over 800,000 years, due to the burning of fossil fuels. These molecules stay in the air for hundreds of years, and today’s emissions will effect many future generations.

Every year, 19.4 billion pounds of plastic end up in our oceans, and

over 8 million acres of forest are lost. These forests are critical for carbon dioxide. The world’s population density continuously increases, and we need to produce 60 percent more food by 2050.

Awaken the magic inside of you. YOU are a mystical being of the Earth, and you ended up at this place, at this time.

be here right now, it’s fairly profound. Your parents had to live to a certain age, their parents, and generations before that, needed to have the genetics to survive everything from sabre tooth tigers to disease to childbirth. And so here we are. Placed here at a time when the planet is in peril.

It doesn’t matter what your belief system or operating system is.

You don’t need to be a religious person, or have a psychedelic experience, to have a deep and meaningful connection to nature.

Nature is my greatest teacher and my favorite artist.

going wrong right now, and many of us are victims of these traumas.

More importantly, there are many beautiful humans finding and creating astonishing solutions on the micro and macro scale that allow us to find the inspiration to move in a new direction. Let’s start by defining environmental activism. An environmental activist is a person who advocates for, or works towards protecting the natural environment from destruction, pollution, or degradation. We are all capable of this, and of bringing our unique gifts into the equation.

If you stop for a moment, and Environmental activism, from consider exactly how many things a disillusioned realists point of > Continue on the next Page had to happen in order for you to view. There are a lot of things

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Conservation

r e oth

M

h t r a E

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Warrior UP! The time is now.

How can you make an actual difference this earth day? Here are some quick yet strategically effective examples of things you can do locally in order to live mindfully and peacefully during this paradigm shift.

• Seed bombs

Use a mixture of soil, clay and various seeds to create balls which you can distribute around communities and cities in the spring so when it rains, they dissolve and the seeds are planted. I suggest using a combination of seeds, such as hemp, sunflowers, barley, and other plants that help with bioremediation (cleaning toxic waste out of soil), wild flowers, or food.

• Guerilla gardening

Garden in spaces that are not being utilized. Do not wait for special permissions from your city, create a beautiful space that provides food. The Beacon Hill food forest in Seattle is a great example of a neighborhood community that took on a vacant space as a garden. They now have a full food forest, complete with a gathering space, an educational system, and hold workshops. The local government has now given them additional space to expand their garden, due to popularity of the project and the amount of local organic food they are able to generate from this space.

• Warrior up!

Work on your inner world and on yourself to become your strongest and most true version of self, live in alignment with your beliefs and ideals.

• Grow your own food: organic, non-gmo!

Overgrow the system. Be aware of the seeds you are using, pay extra if you are able to, in order to ensure you are growing organic and non-gmo foods. Save your seeds! Participate in seed exchanges.

• Compost

If you aren’t already doing this, find a way! Even if you are in a small space such as an apartment, there are solutions. Composting returns nutrients to the Earth and creates healthy soil needed to grow nutrien t rich foods and medicines.

• Vegetarianism/veganism

Eating one steak is the equivalent to taking 170 baths! Animals require so much water, and factory farming uses a large percentage of our water supply. This is the most effective way you can immediately cut back on carbon emissions.

• Engage in local clean up/protests

Get active in your community; know what local issues your area faces, engage.

• Create your own energy sources

Again, there is so much information available online, and so many cheap and DYI emerging technologies to make this possible.

• Wild craft

Familiarize yourself with local flora and fauna, wild craft, make your own medicine, share and trade with family and friends. Create your own economy, move away from money as an operating system.

• Stop using plastic.

Like yesterday. Even biodegradable plastics.

• Call people out

If you see someone do something that is not in harmony with these practices, do not be afraid to kindly inform them on more loving practices.

• Buy local, organic

In an ideal world, all of our commodities would be acquired from within 100 kms of our own radius. Organic is important to our health, and to stop giving power to corporations, mass producing our food and goods.

• Plant flowers for bees!

Let’s try to get them off the endangered species list. They are our pollinators!

Of course, it is not realistic to live a perfect life, but it is important to do the best we can! Do not be hard on yourself if you find it difficult or expensive to purchase solely organic food, or if you do not have the time to plant your own garden this spring. But do be mindful when you are making good decisions this year, find the Goddess/warrior inside of you, be powerful in your intentions and manifestations, and do your part.

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Conservation

Why you should be thanking plankton this Earth Day?

by Morgan Knowles

“No water, no life. No blue, no green,” said by the renowned, Her Deepness herself, Dr. Sylvia A. Earle. In this quote, she defines the delicate, yet simple relationship between our blue planet and all life within it.

On this blue planet, oceans take up 71% of the surface area of Earth. However, within the oceans, they take up 99% of the living space available on earth!

Within this huge amount of space, live the smallest of creatures. I would like to dedicate this Earth Day to celebrating the teeniest of organisms that create the largest impact on our planet.

and is not something to mess with).

Anyway, did you know plankton are the backbone of the oceans? They provide a fundamental source of food to the smallest of predators such as barnacles, krill and anchovies up to many of the largest predators such as manta rays, basking sharks and blue whales.

Marine plankton, those tiny little organisms drifting around the upper water column are found everywhere in our 5 oceans. Perhaps you have seen them adding a darker-greenish shade to the sea, or have encountered them through an unfortunate experience of eating toxic mussels or even kept from swimming due to “red-tide” (Which in fact is not a tide at all, but known as an algal bloom

There are two major types of plankton Zooplankton (animals) and Phytoplankton (plants). Phytoplankton are microscopic marine plants which are incredibly unique and vital for the sustained life on our planet. The two main classes of phytoplankton are diatoms and dinoflagellates. Why are they so important?

Imagine the 99% of living space the ocean provides. Now imagine trillions upon trillions upon trillions of these

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ialis, a (Photo credit: Asterionellopsis glac MESA ’s AA NO via chain forming diatom Project)

(My Fiancé and I diving with coastal manta rays in Kona, Big Island Hawaii. At night, the plankton are attracted to the light from boats and flashlights, which makes an easy late night snack for these dancing mantas and an incredible night dive!)

tiny microplants suspended in the water column, producing a byproduct of photosynthesis that is required for human life.

You guessed it, OXYGEN! Phytoplankton and a smaller percent of other marine plants (like kelp, and algal plankton) contribute between 50-90% of the oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere! Sylvia Earle estimates that a phytoplankton, the cyanobacteria called Prochlorococcus, provides oxygen for one in every five breaths that we take. Isn’t that incredible! Sit back and breathe that in for a second, then thank the phytoplankton.

Phytoplankton also produce another interesting compound that is directly emitted into the atmosphere, dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Phytoplankton use a precursor to DMS known as dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) as a sort of sunscreen to protect themselves from the stresses of being phytoplankton (it’s rough out there!) Seabirds and other ocean life utilize the scent of DMS to distinguish phytoplankton rich areas, which are generally jam-packed with fish and other sea life. With a name like “dimethyl sulfide,” my mind thinks it was crafted by the military for chemical warfare, or for it to smell like sulfer-y rotten eggs. This is what leads us to the stinky truth. DMS is the chemical compound that once you

smell it, instantaneously you stop and smile. It is a familiar scent known by ocean lover’s: slightly salty, with just a pinch of seaweed, and a briny finish. DMS IS the “smell of the sea.” When diluted in the atmosphere, we get the misty sea breeze smell straight to our nose’s olfactory glands.

So, why should we be thanking plankton? They are the foundation of all life in the seas, they provide the basis of the food chain for all commercially important seafood, the very air you breathe, along with being ingredients in cosmetics, food supplements, and even used in medications. However, phytoplankton levels have been declining since the 1950’s with some scientists claiming a decline by 40% due to the warming of the ocean. What on earth can we do about this? Taking active measures to reduce your carbon footprint is the first step. Perhaps planting some trees, eating less meat, begin composting, or even refusing single-use plastics is a good start.

With knowledge comes understanding and the power to change. Earth Day is about celebrating life on earth and its continued support and protection. This year, let’s look out for the little guys; without them, our atmosphere would not exist. Thanks Phytoplankton!

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Conservation

THE BEAUTY THAT IS:

A Nesting Sea Turtle

By Sicily Bambini Fiennes

In the thick of the night, hauling herself up a Greek beach, a loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta comes to nest. How she gets here, no one really knows. Scientists believe they may have some magnetic source of orientation which helps them navigate the world’s oceans.

They are motivated by a primal need to reproduce. Ancient Hindu mythology has a legend that “the world is supported by four elephants standing on a giant turtle.”. It’s also observed in Chinese culture.

After meticulously scooping the sand using her dexterous flippers, she prepares herself to lay her eggs in a moment of serene stillness.

Seeing turtles nest is a privilege to observe in all of its glory.

When she undergoes her contractions, she raises her hind flipper and with a fluttering breath, out pops a slick ping-pong ball shaped egg, wet with an antibacterial fluid. After this process, she can be approached by volunteers who will check her for injuries and tag her so her nesting behaviors can be continuously monitored for many years to come.

Then she makes her way back to the sea to rest before nesting again or begins her long migration back to her feeding grounds.

Not only are they evolutionary relics, over 180 million years old, they are so graceful. They represent an idyllic creature which has intrinsic value in itself. They are unique components of ecosystems as they are forage on sea grass and control sponge distribution. They are vital in maintaining the health of the oceans, specifically in the coral reef habitats where they flourish.

This process needs to be as undisturbed as possible as she enters this procreative trance.

Her sole purpose is to fulfil this ecological calling, having travelled over 1000 km from their overwintering grounds.

Let her be at Peace. www.barnaclebabes.com | 21

WATERWEAR COLLECTION

MG Surfline grew out of those moments where we felt connected with nature. Inspired by our love for the ocean, surf and the ’pura vida’ lifestyle, our values reflect those of a business started by passionate water women.

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SHOP @ WWW.mgsurfline.com

We believe in protecting the ocean we love so much, so we are using recycled plastic bottles to create amazing waterwear while helping to keep plastic out of our beloved ocean.

Join us in our mission for a Plastic Free Ocean.

Feel and look great! Our designs emerged from a life lived outdoors and are focused on function, comfort and style.

Each reversible, form-fitting piece is designed to be both flattering and functional so that you look good and have the confidence to enjoy your favorite activities.

From Plastic Waste to amazing Waterwear

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Sharks

By Winter Kowbell

My name is Winter Kowbel and I am in grade 4.

I joined a Me-To-We group at my elementary school which is an organization for kids to learn about problems around the world and what we as kids can do about them. Someone in my group gave an amazing speech about shark finning. That was the first time I heard about it. Shark finning is when someone cuts off the fin of a shark and throws the rest back in the ocean. The sharks need the fins to swim so they end up dying.

Shark fins are most commonly used in shark fin soup but are also used to make some cosmetics.

very important part of the marine What can you do to ecosystem. They are necessary for the world’s oceans to operate. The help? ocean is considered by most to be Do not eat shark fin soup! Dothe most important ecosystem in nate money and/or your time to organizations that help to save Most people think sharks are the world. sharks. Inform others, education, scary animals. But they are not.

Sharks kill about 1 person ev- This has inspired me to make give a speech, spread the word ery year but we kill 100 million posters informing people about about what is happening to the sharks every year! Since the year shark poaching and finning and I sharks!

2000 we have lost up to 90% included names of websites such of the sharks! If this continues as www.wwf.ca and www.sea- Thank you for reading my article. sharks will become extinct. If shepard.org. I hung the posters Have an amazing day! sharks became extinct, bad things around my school and my grandSources: cnet.com | seashepherd.org could happen such as small ani- ma’s neighbourhood. I will con- nationalgeographic.com | www.sharkmal extinction, algae overgrowth tinue to hang the posters around water.com | www.onegreenplanet.org www.stopsharkfinning.net and coarl reef death. Sharks are a other neighbourhoods.

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Women of Alaska

Teaching respect for the Ocean to our little ones

By Shaunna Echo-Hawk Atkinson

Today I want to talk about how important it is to teach our young ones to respect our water, whether it be fresh water or water from the ocean. Water is life.

Even though I come from an Alaskan Native fishing community, we also live off the land and gather seafood from the beaches. Our community believes we must maintain a balance and make sure we do not take more than we can use. We must give back to our Mother Earth and her sacred water.

My culture believes that everything possesses a spirit and all living things are sacred and as human beings, it’s up to us to have respect for everything and teach our children this valuable knowledge. I am very grateful I was brought up in this unique wo rld of fishing and taught to live off the land and ocean. Now that I am older and have children of my own, I have a better understanding of the cycle of giving back. It is up to me to pass down the knowledge I was taught and teach my children, so they can teach their children.

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We must lead by example and show our children that even though we may catch fish from the ocean and gather seafood from the beaches, it is just as important to go to the ocean and give back. As a family we go to the beaches and clean up what we can. We are mindful to never take more than what we need. We only have one Mother Earth and it is up to all of us to love, and respect her.

Many different cultures share similar beliefs. Among the Potawatomi people, women are the Keepers of the Water. The women would carry the sacred water to ceremonies and act on its behalf. My sister once told me, “Women have a natural bond with water, because we are both life bearers, we carry our babies in internal ponds and they come forth into the world on a wave of water. It is our responsibility to safeguard the water for all our relations”.

So let us share our knowledge and pass it on!

Photo of Shaunna Echo-Hawk Atkinson, baby and brutus the dog Photo credit: Michaela Elsie www.barnaclebabes.com | 27

Lisa Michelman's

The Women of Long Island, NY Featuring Jennifer Hanono | PART 1: What is your Soul Purpose?

The salt water heals body, mind and soul. It infuses new life, invigorating and re-inspiring over and over again. In honor of discovering that for myself, I have wanted to give back and “share the stoke” with as many people as I can. It started by founding the SUP program through the Skudin Surf school in Long Beach. For 3 summers we have been teaching paddle skills and spreading joy and confidence, watching so many discover that spark of freedom the way I did not too long ago.

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It’s about guiding people back to nature, living in the moment and in celebration of the Sea. When people fall in love with surfing, paddleboarding, or any activity directly involving nature, they simultaneously realize the importance of keeping it clean and unpolluted. Another reason why it matters. During my lessons I’ll often share some helpful ways to make a difference at home, whether it’s shifting away from toxic products and cleaners that get flushed into our water, or reducing the amount of plastic we use in our daily life.

In a day and age where convenience has taken precedence over sustainability and conscious living, it is our responsibility

as stewards of the sea to bring awareness to the many environmental issues that threaten our planet. We must lead by example. I have grown passionate about the campaign against single-use plastics, one of the biggest current dangers to the ocean, animal life and to humans. Education is key, and progress is being made everywhere - in our town of Long Beach alone there has finally been an ordinance issued to enforce a surcharge on plastic and paper carry-out bags which is a step in the right direction.

As someone who is so fortunate to travel and be inspired by the world, I strive to share what I learn on my journey with others through my new platform “The Funky Sprout.� From ocean conservation and living an eco-frie ndly life, to natural wellness and plant medicine; everything really is connected.

What we take, we must give back. And I think 2017 will see the biggest awakening to this truth, with ocean-minded people serving as role models and using social media as the means to get the messages through.

I have truly become a daughter of the Sea, something I would never have imagined a mere 6 years ago, but now feels innate somehow. As if I’ve remembered and rekindled a deep connection - perhaps from a past life in Atlantis?

Part 2, next Issue

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OCEAN

NU TRITION

By Ashleigh Magill

SEA WATER From your immune system to your skin, the natural healing that comes from salty water is truly remarkable. A simple swim in the sea can increase your number of red blood cells by up to 20% and white blood cells are increased even more!

This is great medicine for those with a weakened immune system, high blood sugar, anemia, and for those with bone and muscle pain, arthritis or circulatory issues. Its magnesium content reduces and eliminates anxiety, and it removes toxins that can attack the lungs; helping you breathe easier. Ingesting a small amount can help cleanse the colon and detoxify the body and also helps with cell regeneration and to fight liver and kidney problems. Seawater is often used to treat dermatitis by rapidly clearing it up and healing it faster. This also helps increase your skin’s elasticity and overall appearance.

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FRESH AIR

BRAIN WAVES

Charged with negative ions, sea air has an incredible ability to help our bodies absorb oxygen and balance serotonin levels that are linked to mood and stress. Sea air can help us sleep better, smile more and feel a sense of calm and joy – just by breathing. This simple act of conscious breathing is meditative in itself, whether you’re on the water or not, as it helps to bring your consciousness back to your body and to the present moment. So many of us (myself included) get lost in the past or future, which can overwhelm you with guilt or fear. Focusing on your breath allows you to come back to the “here and now”, the place we are meant to live. So breathe, be thankful, and be here.

Many of us have heard of people using sound frequencies and vibrations to trigger certain parts of our brain to boost human health, this is a practice that has been used for thousands of years and there is a lot of research that backs it up. Listening to the ocean waves will actually alter the wave patterns in your brain, helping you to deeply relax while rejuvenating the mind and body in the process.

FLOATING Talk about tranquility! Floating on seawater is incredibly peaceful and comforting; especially when I seem to sink everywhere else – metaphorically and physically (lol).

OUR OCEAN. OUR HEALER. In times of stress, confusion, trauma and spiraling emotions, many of us feel drawn to the ocean. Whether it’s through an ocean sport, activism or simply by sitting at her side, letting her in; she helps bring a calming clarity back into our vibration. She grounds us, heals us and recharges us in the most remarkable ways.

Some believe it’s a spiritual healing and some consider the science of it – either way, it’s very real and very beneficial.

I’ve got a lot of muscle density in my body so naturally, in fresh water, I find myself at the bottom of the lake. And metaphorically, well let’s just say sometimes it’s hard to stay above water. Thank goodness for the dense, salty ocean to keep me afloat. Floating helps to divert blood from our lower limbs toward our abdominal region and closer to the heart. This blood brings oxygen to your heart and brain, which will help you to be more alert and active. Blood flow also helps to heal wounds, injuries and problem areas in your body so be sure to look at other ways to get the blood to flow where you’re in need of it most.

SUN KISSES & SKIN HEALTH Heat from the sun affects our endocrine systems and secretes endorphins, which are the natural chemicals in our body designed to reduce stress and help you relax.

Many come to the sea to help treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, ulcers and lupus. Thanks to the small amount of UV rays from the sun, which help to dry and flake off skin, your body is given a fighting chance at healing psoriasis and regenerating healthier skin.

HYDRATION Be sure to hydrate as much as possible while enjoying your ocean healing, that is the one thing this salted beauty won’t do for you.

Pack lots of water and some juicy fruits for your next session with Dr. Ocean.

Thanks so much for reading, stay healthy and remember to be kind to her in return. If you notice some debris or plastic on your next beach walk, be sure to cleanse her of it.

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Tricks I learned from high school swim team. POOL HAIR. You know what it is, green pungent smelling mop on your head. It is so frail breathing on it could snap chunks of hair off (especially in the winter months) and give you the worst hair cut EVER. Before we would get in the pool we would all soak our hair in fresh water and put conditioner on it before put on our caps and jumped in. Your hair is a sponge, if we saturate it with fresh water and moisturize it, it has no room to absorb the heavily chlorinated public pool.

Now fast forward to today as an scientific diver, I have found that wetting my roots with fresh water, and drenching my ends in Argon Oil delays the onset of dry angel hair, pasta..hair.. LOL If I continuously keep my ends full of moisture I can dramatically reduce the damage the corrosive salt inflicts. There are a ton of products out there that you can spray or spread into hair but there are a ton out there that aren’t tested on its effects on the marine environment. This is also another reason I try to limit the amount of products I use. Using natural organic recipes (argon oil is my best friend) to heal and protect my hair while preventing pollutants and more plastic products making it into the ocean is my primary goal.

Good luck fellow salty warriors and let me know how you keep your skin and locks healthy and happy!

By Morgan C Knowles

@mawrgun on Instagram and Twitter

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Connection

OITANRETNI

MEVOM EHT NIOJ

Picture: Anutr Yossundara from Shutterstock

N N A T T I H E O N M

O A V L E Life on board is M E Y O N

G A D

T O

N 12

a happy one

EN

S ...connecting to Nature!

T UJ

By Leanne H Hembrow

Leaving the Coral Sea in June 2009, nearly 8 years have passed. I have been sailing and continuing my Yoga Practice on board our various vessels. I deepened my practice in 2013, now teaching, spreading Yoga4Yachties Blissology Inspired Vinyasa Flow in some pretty cool locations throughout the pacific.

The Sea called my soul and I answered with all my heart.

ment on and off the vessel. The “Mindful Practice” helps in the some times difficult conditions at sea, allowing me to remain calm and centre my thoughts. The various colours d tempers of the Ocean and ever changing sky, cloud formations to brilliant stars and moon all accompany me from ocean to anchorage and fillmy soul to the brim. I have the ultimate connection to nature, which I am grateful for every day.

Plank

I find there is nothing more exhilarating than waking and saluting the rising sun. I have a ritual on our sailing vessel as a cruising yogi, at anchor or in sailing mode. The minute light appears in my cabin, depending on sea conditions, I slip from my bunk … silently dress; I choose a guided practice or favourite playlist and slide my phone into the armband and secure; my earplugs now connected I swing my yoga mat under my arm, climb the stairs to be greeted by ocean or peaceful waterways of an anchorage.

My fondest Yoga on board was crossing from Galapagos Island to Marquesas, a 3000 mile passage, I spent 21 days in the Pacific Ocean, our sailboat was quite heavy, and the conditions were pretty good to us, the slow ocean swells lifting and gliding boat through the water felt as effortless and peaceful as my practice.

My “Physical / Asana practice” of Yoga, has helped build strength in my body, my additional strength helps with handling our sailing vessel & my fluidity of move-

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Pose

astasa Urdhva H

My morning vinyasa flow starts on board our Catamaran “Songlines” with Surya Namaskars ~ Sun Salutations. The solar plexus behind the navel, one of the energy centers of our body is said to be connected to the sun, as I raise my arms towards the sky I breathe in

Navasana Boa t Pose

to Front Body stretch Bridge, hip opener Fire Log … finally lying in Savasana /Corpse Pose allowing the surrounding sounds of the ocean, bird calls, fish;dolphins; whales leaping, turtles, seals, penguins….different landscapes, lush vegetation, surf breaks, ocean swells, palm trees, teaming rain … I have flowed to them all.

na rvangasa a S a h d n Setu Ba se Bridge Po

the ocean air which does wonders for the respiratory system, exhaling folding forward into Uttanasana, lengthening and strengthening muscles, distributing prana/ breath flow around the body, inhaling up half way lift, stepping back high plank, exhaling to chaturunga, inhaling upward dog Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, exhaling easing into Downward Facing Dog, sit bones up & back, chest pressing to ocean below, head and shoulder’s relaxed, always 2 sets.

Roll out your mat in saloon, or on deck anywhere from bow to stern, sailors … your body, mind and soul will love you for it!

I honour the place in you where the entire universe resides. In sharing these things we are united we are the same we are one.

Dhanurasa

Namaste!

na Bow Pos e

Coming to standing reaching hands and clasping behind my back, folding forward opening shoulders, releasing hands, placing hands under feet, relieving stress in my wrists, removing hands and lifting, reaching towards sky above, stepping back into Warrior 2, strengthening and toning legs, Boat Pose Navasana for core, Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana muscles of front leg and side waist opening, heart opening Bow Pose Agni

stam

re na Fi bhasa

ose Log P

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Maintaining the Spirit of Earth Day, Everyday

By Sarah Specker

"If you think you can’t make a difference on your own, you’ve never been in bed with a mosquito."

Still to this day it strikes me that we humans never renamed planet earth as planet water: not only is more than 70 % of our planet’s surface covered by water, but even the bodies of nearly all living organisms – mammals, reptiles, birds, invertebrates, trees, plants, flowers and insects – are made up of at least more than 65% watermolecules.

During the last two billion(!) years the total amount of water present on our planet has remained the same: through the heat of the sun, water changes its state of aggre-

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gation, eventually evaporating into the air, condensating back into its fluid state and returning to the soil as rain. There, it joins other bodies of water, evaporates straight away again or seeps into the ground to form groundwater, only to repeat the cycle again and again. Just like energy, water is never lost, only converted.

During early embryonic development, mammals and birds temporarily develop slits and arches along their throats resembling fish gills. These structures (unfortunately) do not develop into gills but into several facial structures (jaw, middle ear, larynx and cranial nerves). Even so, the striking resemblance with gills has made evolution scientists believe that mammals,

birds and fish share a common ancestor.

So maybe we do all come from the sea…

So if we all come from water, are made up of water, and almost completely turn into water once we die, we are inevitably part of this hydrologic cycle.

Therefor, taking care of planet earth ( = water) means taking care of ourselves.

On April 22nd the world intends to honor our precious planet and tries to raise awareness about (current) environmental health threats : better known as World Earth Day, events focused on environmen-

tal protection are organised annually in around 193 countries. Surpisingly, most of these events have a predominantly terrestrial focus. This line of thought was shared by numerous environmental activist, scientists and devotees, who joined forces, urging the United Nations to recognize the importance of our oceans by proclaiming a separate day of devotion. This led to the creation of World Ocean Day, recognized and celebrated since June 8th, 2008. And these are not the only nature awareness days : international day of forests, world environment day, World Turtle Day, International Tiger Day, Take your dog to work day (brilliant!), etc. etc. The beauty of most of these days is that anyone, anywhere can get involved with a project, as long as the focus is on environmental conservation. It’s not the size, but the goal that matters.

Despite all these noble awareness incentives, the most important question remains : why can’t we maintain this focus every day? Why do we humans not see that the destruction of our environment will eventually – and right now sooner than later – lead to the destruction of ourselves? Why do we need a special ‘ theme’ day to awaken us?

Since a better environment begins at home, I should first and foremost ask myself these rhetorical questions. Do I keep the planet’s well-being in mind with everything I do? Am I eventually contributing to creating and maintaining a better world?

As a ferocious and edacious traveller, my carbon footprint is too extensive, even with buying ‘ compensatory’ credits. I love long

hot showers, fancy take-away coffees and eating tuna. And on a very, very personal level I’ve asked myself several times: if our world is already overpopulated, why would I, as a doctor, want to keep more people alive, especially when we are the reason for the planet’s destruction? Instead of losing myself in this negative stream of thoughts, I tried to put it to use: what if I could use my

put this life philosophy into practice, I’m still trying to find ways to tred lighter in daily life. And for some reason this always seems easier when you’re in the tropics: more fresh, non-imported fruits and vegetables, more opportunities to share – and therefor waste less-food, more alternative ways of transportation, less need for heating etc. etc. Unfortunately the places I visit

profession to regulate use of health care and medication in a more environmentally friendly way, and stimulate a simpler, more natural way of living? And whilst doing so, generate sufficient funds to participate in environmental conservation volunteer projects? Paying forward whilst giving back? And yes, I’ll be honest, catching a few fantastic waves and chilling on a palmfringed beach in between activities are solid fringe benefits. Whilst currently trying to

often struggle with poverty and numerous political and environmental issues, forcing you to reflect on your ways of thinking over and over again.

I hope my future endeavours will bring me more insight and teach me a different way of living, that might contribute to a better planet. Plenty of room for thought.

Until next time.

Love, Sarah

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Geminis Dream

Barnacle Babes is pleased to introduce you to Gemini’s Dream. We will be featuring many blog posts, videos, pictures and magazine articles showcasing the adventure, the passion and the stories of each of these women who have chosen to share and bring our readers, viewers and supporters along on this amazing and heart felt journey with them.

Here is the first, in a yearlong series, introducing the Captaine Shannon Rae, her sister, Nicole Speckmaier, and the boat, MOI!

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our boat! We found her a super berth at Milltown Marina in Vancouver and are slowly readying her for offshore.

YES, we do.

By Captaine Shannon Rae

Life is short and precious, and as a curious Gemini, I have always dreamed of travelling around the world…and somehow knew I would do it on a sailboat. As a lucky and a determined woman who had the good fortune to “just said no” to a rare form of aggressive cancer, I then realized that I had not yet even started to work towards my dream. When I understood I had been given the gift of a second chance: I talked to my sister, who, as another Gemini wanting to travel… promptly announced she had the same dreams as me, and we then formulated a plan to buy the perfect boat for us!

My sister and I want to share our inner strength, positive thinking, and second chances do whatever we put our minds to. We want to uplift and instill confidence in all who join us on our all-female crew entry in the international 2018 VicMaui yacht race! Along the way, we are entering numerous sailing races that gain us all ocean experience.

We have found five other crewmembers, and by coincidence…four of them are Geminis…we did not plan it, it has just happened, like a lot of our good luck we have had since buying our boat…it has been an amazing journey so far, and we have enjoyed every minute of it, and have met so many great people.

In 2017 we will participate in the Southern Straits, Swiftsure, and the VanIsle360 - the pinnacle of sailing on the west coast. If you can “do the VanIsle”, you can sail anywhere in the world Sailing is a way to feel alive, steering with the wind and to be at one with our boat, to travel the ocean, the place where life began and will continue.

We narrowed our search to the biggest boat we felt we could handle and dock ourselves, if necessary, and quickly found her, a 1992 Jeanneau 439 Sun Magic, meticulously cared for by owners in the marine industry.

To us, she is gorgeous, with all the amenities we wanted: great hull shape, very workable deck space, 55hp Yanmar diesel engine, Espar heat, dry, clean, with many add-ons…and lastly, a great price as we needed to do a few repairs to the rudder and keel.

We re-finished her keel & rebuilt her rudder, replaced the heads, & will replace some lines…and found an amazing sponsor in Lee Sails for new sails! Otherwise, there are only cosmetic and safety items to be completed! We are in love with

We sail while we respect the ocean’s magical power and strength; we share that magic with each other while sailing with the ocean. That too is our goal…the oceans of the world…being alive and celebrating challenges and success with each other…every day. www.barnaclebabes.com | 39

Sailing with

HERIZEN™

By Jodi Mossop

Spending time on the ocean with my father as a young girl was probably some of the happiest moments of my childhood. My father was a great man, but a tormented one. The water was the only place he truly found peace. I began my love for the ocean and her healing properties then. Unfortunately, my father passed away at the young age of 48 but my sister, Michelle Kinney, and I had an opportunity to live those happy moments together, once again, while beginning to take some sailing lessons and enjoy a short but impactful trip into Desolation Sound, British Columbia Canada with HERIZENTM™ Sailing for Women.

We needed this time together and what a great way to take in the ocean, some yoga, amazing scenery, and wonderful adventurous, like-minded women. The food was delicious and healthy and my sister and I bonded over this amazing adventure of learning to sail! We were blessed to have gotten to experience this journey with Laurie Untereiner, Avis Oxbury, Julianne White and Monica Glesbrecht and of course, Captain Valma Brenton.

to learn to sail at this time in their life and what it is about the ocean that calls to them.

Placing 7 women together into a small vessel for a few days allows you the opportunity to get to know people and this trip allowed me to get to know each of these amazing women and have each share their stories with me about why they’ve chosen

I have to say, sailing with Valma Brenton of HERIZEN™ Sailing for Women was such a pleasure. Her knowledge of the area and of the boat where mind easing!

In those 2 days, with my sister, on the boat, we started with learning to tie knots.

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My fascination with the sea has been that calling and particularly that calling for women! In all my interviews and conversations with most women, I often hear the same thing; “she is the mother, she is my healing, she is my peace”. And this is so very true, also, for me.

Back Row, Left to Right: Monica Glesbrecht, Julianne White, Michelle Kinney, Jodi Mossop, Cpt. Valma Brenton

Front Row, Left to Right: Avis Oxbury, Laurie Untereiner

Knots to secure the boat when docking and then we moved on to removing the lines as we soon sailed off. After leaving shore, came a quick lesson on currents, tides and sailing maneuvers I still need more time with tides and currents! Valma believes that the core value for women is Safety and through confidence building techniques she creates the ideal teaching environment so that each woman can grow in her own

unique way. Confidence is built through her teaching method – the HERIZEN™ Way. She teaches with great patience and understanding for each individual communicative style.

And we paid our respects. Women share such a spiritual bonding and any opportunity to share these magical moments with other women while on the ocean is THIS woman’s dream come true.

The trip wasn’t just about learning to sail, but communing with other women in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.

I am forever grateful for the time I got to spend with my sister getting to and from the boat, learning to sail, and even shedding some tears and connecting with other beautiful souls.

If you are ever looking for a female led adventure with other amazing women, ust go HERIZEN™ LIFE ADVENTURES at www.HERIZENLIFEADVENTURES.com

where you will find a list of all of the adventures that you can say yes to, in various places like in Baja Mexico, the west coast and islands of British Columbia, Canada and even India.

Her next upcoming trip, HERIZEN™ Van Isle 360 Sailing Circumnavigation for Women will run from June 7 to 23, 2017 and completed in 3 legs. Each leg can be done separately or the whole trip.

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DEB BEATTY

Beach Clean up at Spiaggia Cala Capra, Italy

San Diego to Catalina Island, there are so many mylar balloons in the water. The Hello Kitty was the biggest one yet.

LUCIA DE MICHELE

MORGAN KNOWLES

Salty

Warriors

Morgan Knowles and her twin sister Brittany Knowles doing a (Minute Cleanup)

TARA-LEE FRANCIS

RHONA LOTNICK

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Photos of a beach clean up that a friend and I did on Greenmount beach in Coolangatta/ Gold Coast - Australia. On what we thought was a clean beautiful beach, we managed to collect a total of 1,262 pieces of rubbish in an hour and a half. Of that there was 800 pieces of micro plastic, 284 cigarette butts (and we honestly didn’t pick up all the butts we saw), 25 straws and so on Tara Francis.

The Waves

By Wendy Jane Werner Crown

the waves are crashing at the shore… the sun is setting like a pro but my life is not at all what I thought… it took me by surprise the depths were one of a kind they drew me in & spit me out & I couldn’t come around… but are we here simply to see the sun set or walk by the waves …or more… perhaps to crash with them as they crash & to rise like the sun? maybe, the crashing and the rising is what we are here to do… & maybe catch a few moments to breathe through….

I know one thing for sure; I know sometimes it feels SO unfair…. can you see that sometimes I don’t want to be here? when the grief creeps up from deep inside and sticks in my throat… & suddenly, it feels like I can’t breathe… but here’s what I know for sure… something also deep inside is getting me through is it my spirit?...my soul? ….my fountain of love?

I don’t know… I just seem to be built this way …so hopefully, I can find my way…. through the waves & the hurt the sun always seems to rise in the morning I might not have always known this but ‘this’ has always known me….

Here’s to the ‘me’ after all the waves. and the life I’ve lived in all the ways….

I am my own my hero, my own unique song. the ocean is my inspiration, to keep on ...keepin’ on…& the Son… thank you for your rises… you have been full of surprises… one day the sun will set & I will be smiling on the deck…. perhaps remembering all of life’s disguises until then, I’ll hang with the waves and smile at all their rage… for I am a child of God…just trying to hold on… I keep on swimming ….after all… with the waves & stuff… even if sometimes, all I can do is float & feel the Son…

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