Use your intuition to guide you
It was a combination of a moody blues, fifty shades of grey with a dash of pretty in pink. The ocean was churning while the wind howled, blowing the tops of the waves as they crested.
So many little birds this morning, darting here and there grabbing breakfast from the seaweed buffet. 2 littles eating together bring the message of sharing resources. They said, “It’s true birds can be very territorial, but us littles know our success comes from sharing and working together. “
2 ducks flew by checking out the surf. They bring us the message of using our intuition to guide us forward. “We can fly, walk and swim. We use our intuition to know which tool to use guiding us forward. We bring the message of being flexible so you can adapt to your surroundings as needed.”
Lastly, a suave seagull was quite chatty. He said, “I believe in saying how I feel. It’s better to get it our than hold it in.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
And then……he said….
A Duck Couple
Pippa Tales ~ Episode- Pippa takes a road trip
Pippa Tales! ~ Episode - Pippa Takes a Road Trip!
Hi everyone! It’s me Pippa again with an update.
If you are just tuning in, I’m an immature brown pelican, which is a lot of words to say I’m young, probably less than a year old.
At the end of march I tried to eat a filleted sheepshead carcass and well, that didn’t go so well. Those fish are very pokey like a porcupine and it got stuck in my pouch for a few days.
3 Hoomans came to my rescue! They used their hands to hold open my pouch, turn the fish around and pull it out.
Did you know I only have 4 toenails….have you seen how many fingers Hoomans have!? 3 people, 10 fingers each! OH My! So many fingers in my gullet! I like finger mullet but Hooman fingers, not so much.
Anyway, It took about 14 days for me to feel better. I was doing good. I visited Shelley almost every day and hung out with the dolphins and other pelicans.
I have a few funny stories to tell about those days, like the day I had the beak of another pelican in my gullet and couldn’t get it out! Oh and that pelican was stuck under water, oops. Not to worry, he came up just in time to get oxygen. Boy was he grumpy with me. It has been quite the adventure. More about that later.
Last week I started to feel sick, but not to worry, it’s not the bird flu. I was dehydrated and my gullet was yeasty keeping the fish from sliding down the hatch. I was hungry but the fish just stuck to my pouch. I could smell and taste the fish but couldn’t get it down the slide. So frustrating. Oh and I was popping a lot too. I hear that added to my dehydration.
I was tired, and struggling to catch my own fish. I may have eaten something bad for me. You see I’m a lot like a puppy who likes to put things in my gullet that I shouldn’t, you know like shiny objects. Shelley calls them plastic. When I do that, no matter where is, she yells, “PIPPA! No! That’s not food! Drop it!” Geeez, She gets so grumpy when I play with trash.
Since the local hospital is closed, Shelley has taken me under her wing. She found some very nice people who helped out but I wasn’t thriving on my own anymore. One of those very nice people found a place for me to go in St. Augustine. It’s about 70 miles from the lagoon. Shelley said, “This place is taking sea birds and can give you the medical attention you need to feel better."
I was a little nervous to leave the lagoon and my friends, but I trust my Hooman friends and went on my first car ride! WOW, I was mesmerized by the road. I watched where we were going the whole time. The hum of the road made me feel relaxed. Although it wasn’t as fun as flying, it was way less tiring than flying myself.
My new place has a large enclosed area where I can belly up to the sushi bar and eat all I want! Can you imagine, an all you can eat buffet! SO good. This is a good thing because I only weigh 8 pounds which isn’t bad but I'm a little on the skinny side they say.
They are checking me out to make sure they know why I wasn’t feeling good. Once I gain weight and get the all clear, I can be outside with the other birds and come and go as I wish.
How cool is that? If I struggle I can come back, visit the outside area and my new friends, and the best part is I can get more food. Speaking of food, I‘m not very good with numbers, like I said I only have 4 toenails to count with but I ate about 25 sardines yesterday! I have never eaten a sardine before, whoa, it was so tasty! I really, really like them! A total party in my gullet! YUM!
I miss Shelley and my dolphin friends, we spent the last 7 weeks together and feel I made friends for life. I am very grateful for all the help, love and support. So many kind Hoomans on social media giving an overwhelming amount of great ideas and resources. Thank you!
I’m not sure what the future holds but I’m certain the compassion of my Hooman friends, fish and sunny days are why I’m sill alive.
Stay tuned for more tales!
I don’t feel very good. Saturday 5.7.22
A little pep talk before the road trip
My first car ride
My new place for now. So many fish!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Wild Party with the Big Boys
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Wild Party with the Big Boys
The whipping wind and rough water seemed to make the dolphins extra playful today. They were rapid fire feeding with several pelicans in tow.
The party started with 2 dolphin and 2 pelicans. Word got out quickly and soon another dolphin joined along with 8 more pelicans.
All of the dolphins were flying out of the water often, especially one who was coming close to give me several photo opportunities. One one approach he Mae a last minute turn and I just missed his nose in the shot, but I loved his eye in the image.
I think they enjoyed the cool breeze wen they were out of the water, making it even more fun for them to fly.
Stay tuned for more tales!
The pelican and I were on the same page, We both thought he was going to the right. :)
Honor how you feel
The wind was whipping again today with gusts up to 30mph. Waves churned toward shore giving us a lively vibe. The birds were staying low to the ground avoiding the wind, reminding us to be creative when life feels challenging.
The color show was subtle but the energy was powerful. Soft golden light streamed from behind the clouds on the horizon.
While passing overhead, an osprey and I locked eyes. She said, “I have a recipe for reaching my goal. First, survey the area, connect with others through eye contact, then wait for the moment when you feel inspired to dive in.”
Big Blue, a blue heron, gracefully flew by adding to the osprey message. He said, “I’m one of those birds who can be grumpy and chatty or very still and tranquil.
I bring the message of honoring all your feelings, the grumpy ones too. Let yourself be authentic, even if it’s messy.When hunting, I’m a patient bird, reminding you not to worry, what is meant for you will never pass you by, trust in the timing.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Be open to changing directions
The morning was cool and felt more like fall than spring. A huge flock of seagulls flew in to hang out. They said, “We are waiting for the wind to calm down before leaving town, bringing the message of waiting for inspiration to take action.”
After sunrise I had the pleasure of hanging with a couple dolphin friends who came over to say hello and grab snacks. 3 mature pelicans joined in the breakfast buffet. They brought us a few messages.
A pelican flying in, slammed on his brakes while maintaining his laser focus. Then, he dropped down wings open, coming in close. He said, “I highly recommend being open to stopping and changing directions. You see, people and things change which means you might need reevaluate. Stay aware and know you will know what to do.”
The dolphins were extra sweet this morning coming in close with a whoosh! One of the dolphins was very playful as he unexpectedly leaned in from the left. He said, “Surprise! Expect the unexpected.”
Wishing you a groovy day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Fun with Maximus
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Fun with Moxie (Maximus)
I call this dolphin Moxie because it has a pretty large shark bite scar. Although I’m not certain I think it might be a male, so maybe Maximus is a better name. He is strong and powerful yet loves to play with the camera and the pelicans.
In this series he tosses a fish toward the pelicans while doing a back flop with a huge wave! The wall of water was so big I couldn’t see where the fish went and neither could the pelicans. When the water settled, the birds looked a little dazed and confused. Check out the hang time on the flying fish.
Stay tuned for more tales!
shark bite on a dolphin
Inspired change leads to your full potential
Mother Nature brought us a dramatic sunrise with a grey and purple color show until the sun came up to stream golden light through the clouds.
A huge flock of seagulls showed up full of life and very chatty. They said they were stopping by to visit on their way up north.
A mighty dragonfly was holding on to sea oat with her head into the wind. She said, I”’m here to inspire the changes needed to reach your full potential. It’s time to let go of the baggage weighing you down so your wings can carry you forward toward your heart’s desire.”
“Us dragonflies are are able to change direction quickly and easily, encouraging you to be open to stepping sideways or even backwards to go forward. Take a deep breath, let go and see what new doors open for you. “
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Thank you Momma’s for all the adorable babies
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Thank you Momma's for all the adorable babies.
Wishing all the momma dolphins a Happy Mother's Day! Gratitude for the joy they bring to all.
These are just a few fro over the years showing the babies playing and hanging with their moms. The darker dolphin with stripes is very young. The stripes are called fetal bands.
The fetal bands come from being scrunched up inside the momma. The dark color and fetal bands slough off after multiple weeks. The dark color is used to camouflage the baby for safety.
Stay tuned for more tales!
A very new baby
Momma Jade and her latest baby Topaz (Taz)
Pop goes the baby!
Indy playing with a leaf, he played with this leaf for 30 minutes. age is around 2
Opportunity knocks
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, all the moms, Mother Ocean, Mother Nature and Mother Earth. May all the moms feel the gratitude for the nurturing and love they provide.
A lovely spring day with a cool breeze, calm ocean and so much life! So many messages too. Sharks kicking in the shallows, seagulls and pelicans feeding everywhere while fish jumped.
The sun came up large and bright adding to the beauty of the morning. Pelicans were rapid fire diving for snacks bringing us the message of diving in. They said, ”Don’t be afraid to change directions quickly and dive in. Look for the channel markers to guide you along the way, trust in the timing and go for your goal.”
A seagull was sanding on a pelican for a better view of the fish saying, “It’s nice to have the support of a friend to thrive.”
On the way off the beach a sweet woodpecker said, “Hello! I’m here to encourage you to pay attention to opportunities that come knocking. Like the pelicans today, seize the moment, go for what your heart truly desires. The secret is to let go of the outcome, take action when you feel inspired and enjoy the journey!”
Wishing you a day filled with love!
Look for the channel markers of life to guide you when to dive in
Standing on a friend for support
It’s ok to change directions quickly
woodpecker
Dive into the waves
Storm clouds and lightning were on the horizon as I walked to the beach. Subtle rays of light jetted into the sky filling the air with hope.
Pelican Highway traffic stopped at a rest stop to belly up to the breakfast buffet. So much fun hanging out in the waves catching snacks. They bring the message of letting the waves roll under you.
They said, “It’s best to allow the waves to roll on by. Don’t be afraid to dive into a wave to grab your goal, not to worry you will always come up for air. Use the waves to your advantage."
A seagulls landed on a pelican to get a better view of breakfast adding to the message, “ it’s fun to ride the waves with friends. Helping each other is a great way to feel abundant.”
Wishing you a day in the flow!
Reset with alone time
Fluffy clouds soaking up a purple passion and pretty in pink mix gave us a sweet sunrise. As the sun came up it kissed the ocean good bye for the day, then created dancing sparkles of light on the ocean.
The flock of seagulls flew in with wings and hearts open ready for a new day. The combination of a light salty breeze and low light created a serene vibe.
After sunrise a solo dolphin came into the lagoon to grab breakfast. He said, “It’s true us dolphins usually hang out in pods, but sometimes I like a little alone time to reset. As you can see I grabbed a pretty large fish, bringing encouragement to go for your goal, no matter the size. You got this!”
Wishing you an abundant day friends!
The power of community
Mother Nature brought us a lovely start to the day with a pink and orange filled sky. The striped sun came up as a fishing boat was passing. The light breeze and calm ocean added to the serenity of the morning.
The flock of seagulls and a solo skimmer flew in to watch the sunrise. It was strange he was the only skimmer hanging out with the seagulls. Skimmers are cool birds, when they talk they sound like a barking dog and have soulful eyes that speak volumes. They are usually shy but this one walked over to say hello.
When I said to him I could see the sunrise through his eye, he said, “I’m a reminder to have compassion for others by seeing life through their lens.“
He went on to say, “I somehow got separated from my flock, so I’m hanging with the seagulls for safety. We know the power of a community coming together for a common goal. Even thought we squabble and don’t always agree we give each other comfort.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Chatty Skimmer
Gone fishing
Seeing the sunrise through the eyes of another
Deep breath and swim forward
Another nice and easy sprint time sunrise with a light breeze and calm ocean. Before the sun came up a young shark swam at the waters edge looking for breakfast. The clouds looked like a mountain range on the horizon and for a few minutes one of the clouds had eyes piercing through.
She said, “I’m here to remind you that opportunities are abundant, all you have to do it take action. Take a deep breath and swim forward.” Sharks are very sensitive encouraging us to use our senses to know how to navigate moving forward.
After sunrise I ran into Ozzie and Harriet, a pigeon couple. They have a waterfront home in a boat where they are raising their kiddos. They said, “The secret to keeping our relationship fresh is dancing together. We highly recommend taking time to play together as a way to connect and keep the energy light.”
“We also encourage expanding past your comfort zone. Not to worry, if you get too uncomfortable you can return to your nest. Join us in dancing like no-one is watching, stretch your wings and see where they take you. “
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Shark int he shallows
Seagull sunrise
Eye see you
Same shark cruising by
Tales from the lagoon ~Episode - Relaxation is contagious
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Relaxation is Contagious.
One of the things I enjoy the most is watching the dolphins relax with each other and the pelicans. Not only is the chill vibe is contagious, it is really fun to watch. They enjoy rolling over, snuggles, relaxing on their backs and sides.
I hope the photos help you feel relaxed.
Stay Tuned for More Tales!
Make several attempts
As my feet hit the sand the pink swirly clouds in the shape of an angel caught my attention. Purple, bluesy wispy brush strokes filled the sky and reflected on the wet sand adding to the creative beauty of the morning.
The absence of wind made the stillness palpable. I could feel my body match the quiet which felt amazing. Seagulls and ruddy turnstones were dashing to and fro looking for snacks as the sun came up.
The messenger of the day is a pelican who was circling and diving for snacks. As soon as he was in the water he lifted up quickly and went again. He said, “I bring the message of taking action without dawdling. You see, sometimes you have to make several attempts quickly to reach your goal.”
“I know it can be scary to dive in, but I’m here to remind you to enjoy the dive whether you get your fish or not. You are stronger and more brave than you think.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Hi Shelley, I’m circling to grab reakfast
Go ahead dive in!
Grab and go
Pippa Tales…a video with sweet pippa
Thanks to Brent Eite with Focal Point Videography, I was able to create a sweet video sowing the sweet connection with Pippa.
If you told me a few years ago I would be a photographer, I would have said, “No Way.” If you told me a few years ago, I’d be friends with dolphins and pelicans I would have said, “No Way!” I’m in awe how things have unfolded over the past few years, with Pippa being a definite highlight.
Just click the link to see the video.
The sunrise for Sunday and more Tales from the Lagoon posts are in the previous posts.
Trust the process
Ahhhh the wind was less today giving us a serene morning with wispy clouds gently floating in the sky. A scraggly flock of seagulls flew in to say hello. Despite being a bit tattered they were spunky and full of life. They bring their usual message of opening our wings and hearts to let the light in.
A light layer of moist salt filled the air and my lungs. The scent of seaweed added to the beach ambiance.
I met a snail after sunrise who was quite chatty. As I bent down to take her photo she turned toward the camera and said, “It may seem like something is going too slow, I’m here to remind you to trust your process.”
“You see this moment creates your next moment, so I highly recommend savoring the pace and allow the magic to show up.”
Wishing you a day filled with beautiful moments.
Tales from the lagoon ~ Episode- Pippa comes to rest
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Pippa Comes to Rest
Hi Everyone! It’s me Pippa the Pelican again. I flew in yesterday to say hi to my Hooman bestie. She was in her usual place in the water so I sauntered over to her and she knew I didn’t feel well. I told her the wind was making me really tired so we went to the beaching the sun out of the wind for a nap.
Ahhhh, the sun and sheltered from the wind was perfect. As I was relaxing, a blue heron came flying in all discombobulated. You know those tall lanky birds with attitude? He came in flustered, landed near by, gave himself a good shake, you know the really good kind of shake where your whole body feels invigorated, and your feathers go all crazy for a minute.
Shelley and I sat on the beach for a long while until I felt better. She was able to snap a few dolphin photos from the beach while I pooped 7 times which made me feel way better. I guess that saying, “Better out than in” is true!
Shelley says, “Stay tuned for more tales!”
This is me, Pippa, flying into the lagoon
Me again, looking super cute even though I feel bad.
Big Blue coming in all flustered
He gave himself a good shake, that’s me in the background
We spent a few minutes together before he left
Shelley was able to snap a few photos from the beach while hanging with me.
A steady foundation
Mother Nature brought us a soft and swirly sunrise, keeping the sun muted but the cloudy haze. The cool wind continues to blow adding to the ambiance of the morning.
Sand pipers and ruddy turnstones flew in together to much on the seabed salad bar. They bring the message to eat more veggies.
After sunrise I ran into a little blue heron looking gorgeous with a hint of light on her feathers bringing out her beautiful plumage.
She was standing on the end of a branch bringing the message of being solid within to feel steady regardless of you situation. She said, “I rest into my long legs to create a steady foundation so I always feel certain of my footing. This gives me inner security that can’t be taken away.”
Eat more veggies
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode- Hanging with the Big Boys
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Hanging with the Big Boys
So much action from 2 dolphins and about 15 pelicans. At one point I said, "Hey, Want to come over and say hi?"
A few minutes later what looked like a wall of pelicans came rushing toward me, wings flapping, beak brething, focusesd on the dolphin under water....WOOOOSH!
Camera went over my head to miss the splash. Boys...they sure are pranksters.
The pelicans were going non stop following the dolphins all over. It was total mayhem and a blast.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Pelicans coming in hot and close. The shadow under the water on right is a dolphin
Dolphin coming up under the fish with pelicans in pursuit…getting very close. I put my camera over my head after this shot to avoid the splash
It’s a party!
