Humpbacks spreading hope
Humpback whales making beautiful rainbow art. The first photo is of 2 whales who look like they are forming a rainbow heart.
Nothing like a little whale rainbow to fill the air with hope and gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate. I'm thankful for all your support!
Photos are from Monterey California
Angel Wing, A female Humpback
I think this is the female humpback whale called Angel Wings, she has 3 white dots on her tail.
The males were competing for her attention and in the end it looks the male called Trainwreck won. He's the one with white on his tail. He's way bigger than he looks in this photo.
If you like whales, check out Slater Moore photography, he is who took me out and showed me the ropes. His videos and photos are amazing!
Stay tuned for more whale tales!
Angel Wings the female humpback
Angel Wings the female humpback
Angel Wings again
Trainwreck is a male humpback with the white on his flukes
Tales from the lagoon~ Nature’s toys
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- More Playtime with Toys from Nature.
It's the time of year when the dolphins love to play with mangrove seeds because they are like sticks and really fun to play a game of fetch. Sometimes they play fetch with another dolphin and sometimes it's a solo game.
They also love to toss leaves around. I've watched them play with a leaf for 20- 30 minutes at a time. And of course the cannonball jellyfish which are shaped like balls and don't sting so they make for a great game of play ball!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Dolphin playing with a leaf from a mangrove tree
Dolphin has a cannonball jellyfish
Cannonball jellyfish playtime
Mangrove seed toss
A message from penny
Hi Everyone! It's me Penny. If you are just meeting me, I'm head of Shelley's Hooman Relations Department.
She has flown the coop again....
I'm confused how she can fly without wings but she said not to worry, she will be safe. She went on and on and on about some kind of a photography adventure.
She said, "Penny, make sure you let everyone know I will be sharing Tales from the Lagoon while away and hopefully stories about new friends along the way."
She was giddy with excitement as she flew out the door, saying something about having a whale of a time.
Stay Tuned!
PS~I posted another tale from the lagoon in the previous post…
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Hugging, Touching and Squeezing
ales from the Lagoon~ Episode- Hugging, touching and squeezing.
The dolphins have been extra playful this week. I've noticed they can be more playful around new and full moons. They are affectionate and hugging everyone in the pod. The youngins' have also been more playful, catching fish and darting around like a pinball.
Never gets old! Stay tuned for more tales!
You are important and purposeful
Mother Nature went for an almost black and white sunrise with a temporary splash of sweet pink. The ocean purged layers of seaweed filled with tasty treats for the birds. The flock of seagulls were squawking with delight over the breakfast buffet.
A few vultures flew in for the buffet as well. One of the vultures brings us the message today. He said, “I may not be a favorite bird but I have a very important and necessary role in the eco system. You see, we are all important and purposeful. “
“I’m here to remind you that the service, no matter how big or small, you offer to humanity is helpful. It’s not just actions, even positive thoughts towards others is helpful. Please remember little bits coming together add to the whole.”
Down the beach I had the pleasure of hanging with a huge flock of skimmers resting in the comfort of each other. In an instant, they took flight just a few feet away, did a circle and landed back on the beach. They said, “We bring the message of rest so you are prepared for spontaneous changes. We highly recommend bing flexible and open to change.”
And if that wasn’t enough, a herring gull amidst the flock of skimmers pooped and said, “Let go of the poop. Take a deep breath and let it all go.”
Wow! Big day! Wishing you a day knowing you are purposeful!
PS- Check out the previous posts for a turtle rescue and some Tales from the Lagoon playtime
Poop happens
Sunrise Rescue 911
Sunrise Rescue 911
Sunrise photos are on the way but first a story of teamwork, love and resilience.
The sunrisers are a group of people who come for the sunrise. We are a group of walkers, joggers, trash picker-upers, photographers, cyclists, meditators, lifeguards and of course the wildlife.
We look out for each other and often come together as an amazing team to assist each other and the wildlife.
Although we were once strangers, we are now are family.
Today, one of the sunrisers saw an injured turtle, called 911 who contacted the local lifeguards to send help. The turtle was still alive but was definitely in need of medical attention. With all the barnacles, this turtle is most definitely resilient.
Another sunriser ran to find me so I could call the turtle people. When I arrived, a sunrise couple and another woman were keeping watch over the turtle, ensuring the birds and ocean water didn’t cause more stress.
The lifeguards came and gave the turtle a lift to the station where the turtle expert would meet them and give it a lift to the hospital.
I call people doing positive acts of kindness, Shineadoors. They shine the light and make the planet a brighter place. Today was a heart expanding day of love watching so many Shineadoors come together.
Speedy recovery sweet turtle!
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode- Fun with mangrove seeds!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Fun with Mangrove Seeds!
This dolphin was having a great time playing with a mangrove seed. He played with it for about 20 minutes. He would rest it on his rostrum (nose) then toss it in the air, chase it and do it again. Sometimes he would just rest it on his nose and swim around for a few minutes. The joy of play was infectious!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Dolphin with a mangrove seed on his rostrum (nose) getting ready to toss it.
Swimming with the mangrove seed on his rostrum (nose)
Embrace your shadow self
The air temperature was warmer this morning contrasting the cool sand underneath my feet. The clouds on the horizon were set up perfectly to have the sunshine stream through filling the sky with golden rays of hope.
Pelican Highway traffic was light compared to yesterday. The usual flock of seagulls were present and quite chatty. A few herring gulls are back in town and joining in the breakfast buffet.
One of the herring gulls was filling in the flock on her trek and at the same time bringing the message of standing out in a crowd. She said, “Go ahead, be bold, stand tall even when you feel different. Boldness leads to a sense of personal freedom.”
A seagull flew by with her shadow on her wing saying, “Embrace your shadow self. You see, loving all of you makes it easier to soar higher and feel happier.”
Wishing you a bold and beautiful day friends!
A moment from yesterday.
And then……she said……
Embracing my shadow side
Fly together for strength
Ah, another beautiful day in paradise. The pre sunrise sky filled with soft pink ribbon clouds, giving the morning a romantic and heart opening vibe. With less wind the ocean was calm except for the perfectly formed waves catching the rainbow of colors as they rolled into shore.
The flock of seagulls flew in at their usual scheduled time for our much needed bath time. A few herring gulls are starting to show up with the flock. One of the seagulls having a bath said, “Sometimes we have to read between the lines to receive guidance, not to worry, you can trust your intuition to guide you when thing don’t seem clear.”
Pelican Highway was jamming with heavy traffic in both directions. They were using the energy of the waves to glide down the coast. They looked like their wings were linked up giving them the strength of many. The remind us to fly together for more physical strength and emotional support.
Wishing you a groovy day friends!
Tales from the lagoon ~Episode- I’ve got my eye on you
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - I've Got My Eye On You
The fishy was getting some air time courtesy of the dolphin. This dolphin and 2 other adult dolphins were enjoying a festive lunch.
After the last photo, the dolphin kept swimming, so I'm not sure but that fish may have lived to tell a whale of a story in school tomorrow.
Stay tuned for more tales from the lagoon! They were playing with mangrove seeds, cannonball jellyfish, the camera and each other!
Weeeeeeeee
Just playing around
The dolphin is watching the fish
Stretch out of comfort zone
The wind whipping and chilly this morning. Mother Nature used her winter colors with a rich pink, golden and red mixture. The flock of seagulls flew in when it was still dark.
Peg, the seagull was in the group along with Hook and One Legger. I’ve known Peg since the winter of 2017. She returns to New Smyrna Beach each winter with the rest of the flock. Her foot doesn’t seem to deter her at all, she is very sweet, resilient and strong. She said, “I bring the message of hanging in there even when things seem challenging.”
After sunrise, one of the resident kingfisher birds was hopping to different locations around the marina. The kingfisher represents peace, wealth and taking action. She brings the message of taking a leap of faith. She said, “Sure diving into the unknown may seem rash and a little scary but stretching out of our comfort zone can help us grow and find unforeseen treasures.”
Wishing you a day filled with unexpected treasures.
Peg the seagull. I’ve known her since the winter of 2017
Tales from the lagoon~ Episode It’s Boy!
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode- It's a boy!
For the last 3 days this young dolphin has come into the lagoon with his pod to play and grab snacks. After looking through the photos, I'm pretty sure he's a boy. Male dolphins have an exclamation point slit on their belly while females have slits in the shape of division sign.
This little guy loves to show off for the camera. I swear he is saying, "Look at me!" He also loves his mom and podmates and seems to love physical touch. Like most youngins, he has a lot of energy! His mom and other adults are very patient and if they are not resting are involved in play time too!
Lots of foggy day frolicking from this morning to share.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Momma giving baby a push from behind
Momma and baby playing
Trust your intuition
The breeze was chilly and invigorating this morning. As the sun came up it gave the ocean a kiss goodbye. The sun brings us a message from nature, reminding us the healing aspects of sunshine. The sun reminds us how nature can lift our spirits, boost our immune system, reduce stress and help us feel centered.
The flock of seagulls flew in as I was walking toward the ocean. It seems more have arrived to enjoy another Florida winter. Royal terns, sandpipers and ruddy turnstones joined in bath time. One of the seagulls said,”It’s important to wash under both wings, gotta get the bugs off both sides to feel balanced and of course squeaky clean.
Piper walked over to grab snacks at my feet bringing the message of discernment. She said, “You can trust yourself to know who you can approach to connect. Use your instincts, trust what they say and enjoy the rewards of your stellar intuition.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Loosen your grip to be more steady
With a light breeze, a heavy layer of fog was hang over the shoreline. The ocean was calm and catching ht sweet light like a velvety blanket. When the sun came up as a huge golden ball, it brought warmth that filled the air but only shortly because the fog rolled in thick and enveloped everything.
One Legger, Hook and the other seagulls flew in for lots of connection and posing for photos before heading to the water for our daily other time.
After sunrise several dolphins came in to grab snacks, including he adorable young dolphin from yesterday who really loves to play to the camera. More from him later.
A green heron was close by and very chatty, which is unusual. They are normally very shy but today this one wanted to bring us the message. She said, “It may feel opposite of what your instincts tell you to do, but I encourage you to loosen your grip. I find if I hold on super tight, I’m more wobbly and not as efficient. Rest into your feet, relax your feathers and lighten your grip to be more steady."
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Thick fog rolled in when this young dolphin popped up
Thursday Lagoon Party
The sunrise from Friday is the previous post…
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Cloudy Day Sushi Rave
In between rain drops, the sushi rave was in full swing! The excitement started with schools of fish flying across the lagoon which got the attention of the pelicans who were resting on Pelican Pier nearby.
The pelicans started rapid fire diving for snacks. The dolphins must have sensed the action, because a few dolphins cruised in to join the fun for a quickie before heading back out.
As winter comes so will more pelicans, looking forward to more raves! Stay tuned for more tales!
Tuning in to your podmates
Sorry for the delay, I couldn’t leave the dolphin party after sunrise.
It was a moody bluesy kind of sunrise with thick layer of clouds and fog hanging over the ocean and shore. The sun stayed hidden giving us low light and a romantic vibe.
The flock of seagulls flew in for bath time. There must have been 50 seagulls in the water flapping their wings getting squeaky clean.
After sunrise, two dolphin came in to grab breakfast. It was obvious they were besties as they showed each other affection. They were chasing fish like a perfect team in synch. They were making beautiful water art as they swam by at mach speed.
The dolphins bring the message of community and teamwork. They said, “We know the importance of tuning into our pod mates to stay connected. We are like a choir who listens to the other members so we can blend. Coming together as a team gives us twice the abundance and we get to have company!”
They also said, “We love to make water art. Art has a way of bringing smiles and joy. We highly recommend seeing the artful beauty in nature as a way to open your heart and relieve stress.”
Wishing you a happy day friends!
Incoming flock of seagulls
Dolphin under the wall of water
Dolphin making water art
Play can lighten your mood
With the smell of rain in the air, a gentle breeze and low tide, Mother Nature gave a soothing sunrise. The salty, moist air felt good in my lungs as I took in the reflection on the wet sand.
The floc of seagulls flew in at their usual time for some close connection, chat and bath time. Pelican Highway was flying on the horizon in front he of the big sun that looked like it was getting squeezed between the clouds and ocean.
A couple dolphin friends and a cormorant stopped by the lagoon after sunrise. Just as the rain started, a dolphin tossed up the first cannonball jellyfish of the winter season. The cannonball jellyfish don’t sting and make for great balls to play with. The dolphin bring the message of joy. They remind us to take time out for giggles, and play. They said, “Just a couple minutes of play can lighten your mood and make you feel better.”
The cormorant coming in to join the fun used her tail to help slow her down for her landing. She said, ”Use all your resources to steady yourself. Slowing it down to take in the moment, soaking up each morsel of the experience, brings a special sweetness.”
Wishing you a playful day friends!
Symbiotic relationships rock!
The sunrise from yesterday is posted before this one, my apologies for the delay.
The pre sunrise sky was almost back and white with a splash of pink. The flock of seagulls were already partaking in bath time when I arrived. They were super cute enjoying being close while getting squeaky clean.
One of the seagulls bathing in front of the sun brings a message. She said, “Relax all your feathers and feet, lean in and let the energy carry you forward. It feels so good to be in the flow.”
The sun came up behind a wall of clouds illuminating the sky with a buttery yellow glow. In the past few days the ocean temperature has cooled off and is now colder than the air temperature.
While hanging with the seagulls, a flock of skimmers flew in, circled us, a few landed to join the flock while the rest continued down the beach. I love skimmers! When they talk, I think they sound like a dog barking. They have very soulful eyes that are usually hidden by their black feathers. They get their name because they drag their lower beak through the water, ‘skimming’ for fish.
This morning one of the skimmers who stopped had ankle bracelets from his stay at a hospital. He said, “I wasn’t feeling well and the nice hoomans took me in, gave me a warm place to rest and lots of fish to eat. I like to be strong and independent but I also know receiving assistance is necessary at times, especially in the winter when the trek south can be challenging. The hoomans seemed to really like helping the birds, so everyone wins! Symbiotic relationships feel so good!”
Wishing you a symbiotic day!
Pelican Highway
Skimmers flying in
Flock of seagulls hanging
Bathing seagulls. Relax your feathers and feet, lean in and be carried by the flow
A Golden Skimmer
A skimmer who was in the hospital
Flock of skimmers
A tiny shift can create a big change
My apologies, this didn’t get posted on Tuesday November 9.
With lots of fluffy clouds in the sky, Mother Nature brought us a dramatic sunrise. The air was moist and chilly with the wind continuing to howl. The wind was blowing the tops of the waves bringing us more beautiful Florida snow. That what I like to call the white sea spray tossed in the air.
The ocean was churning and sounded like a fright train from a distance. When the ocean is churning like this it tends to spit out tons of plastic and other garbage. It was impossible to walk a step without finding a pen cap, bottle top, sunglasses and loads of other garbage. The ocean brings us the message to purge toxins that cause harm. If you are local and headed to the beach, the wildlife asked if you could help pick up some of the debris?
Piper was so adorable this morning, hanging at my feet next to the sparkly sea foam. She said, “I bring the message of connection and closeness. Connecting with other beings help us to broaden our world and see life through the eyes of another.”
I saw an osprey coming my way carrying a huge sheepshead fish. Mid flight she adjusted to get a better hold on her breakfast, then flew by really close to brag a little. She said, “Sometimes the tiniest shift can make things feel easier.” She went on to say, “I highly recommend celebrating your wins! A moment of gratitude also creates a shift and can help attract more positive experiences.”
Wishing you a groovy day friends!
Piper looking super cute
Osprey adjusting mid flight
