Tag Archives: Art

My Adventure in Ucluelet: Kayaking and Aquarium Insights

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I am sitting in the Mercedes Benz waiting area in Medford, Oregon. I pulled up my WordPress Dashboard and discovered I have not posted since the third week in July.

I realized I needed a break from posting on my blog. I wanted to just enjoy my travels and visits with friends. Yet it feels like it is time to catch up. I will create several posts over the next few weeks. I will share with you some of the interesting places I visited. These include Vancouver Island, The Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest.

Kayaking Secret Beach

I have been on the move. I left my house sitting gig at Qualicum Bay behind. I moved to the west side of the island and the Pacific Ocean. I spent three days kayaking out of Secret Beach near Ucluelet. It was rainy and misty and very quiet.

Ucluelet Aquarium

The Uclulet Aquarium was my next destination, to explore a small but mighty Collect and Release Aquarium.

Ucluelet Aquarium

In 2004, the Ucluelet Mini Aquarium was opened as a pilot project on the Ucluelet waterfront. Philip Bruecker conceived it as an alternative to large modern public aquaria. Its focus was solely on local species, interactivity, and open display of infrastructure. Most importantly, it employed a “collect-and-release” model. This approach released specimens back to their home habitats each autumn. This pilot project proved popular and the not-for-profit Ucluelet Aquarium Society was formed to oversee and grow the aquarium.

The new Ucluelet Aquarium opened its doors in May of 2012. Designed by Blue Sky Architecture and built by local tradespeople, the aquarium has proved popular with residents and visitors alike. The aquarium now attracts international attention.

Collect-And-Release: How it works

1. Application for a Permit

Before we begin collecting, we must first apply for a collection permit from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The permit dictates which animals we are allowed to collect, how many, and where from.

2. Collection

Our exhibits are recreations of habitats from Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds. We collect with a mix of scuba diving, seine nets, traps (crab, prawn), snorkeling, and low-tide gathering. Weather can be pretty unpredictable in February so collecting can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to over a month. The GPS location, species, water conditions, and weather conditions are all recorded so that we can return the animals to the right place when it’s time to release them. 

3. Transportation and Acclimation

A major benefit of collecting locally is that the transportation time from the collection site to the aquarium is minimal. Once at the aquarium our staff compare the water conditions from the collection site to the conditions at the aquarium and make sure that the animals are properly acclimated.

4. A Brief Visit

Most of the animals in the aquarium visit for around 9 months. Others, like our giant pacific octopus, spend 3-4 months. Still others, like most of our perch species, stay for roughly a full calendar year. The time spent in the aquarium varies between species depending on their unique needs, seasonal migrations, and growth patterns.

5. Veterinary Inspection

Before any of the animals can be returned to the wild they need to be inspected by our veterinarian and declared healthy. And it’s not just the fish that get a check-up – crabs, urchins, sea stars, even scallops get inspected too!

6. Release Permit and Release

A special permit from DFO is required before we can let any animals go back into the wild. Once approved, we take the animals, rocks, sediment, and seaweeds back to their collection sites.

Flow-Through System

The water in our exhibits is drawn from right outside. This makes the transition to and from the aquarium easier for the animals. Any changes in oxygen, temperature and salinity that happen outside will be happening in the aquarium as well.

The water pumped through the aquarium is full of life. From microscopic algae to sea slugs and baby crabs, these tiny animals are a key part of the aquarium. Some of this life (plankton) feeds our filter feeders (barnacles, scallops, plumose anemones and more) and some of it settles in our tanks and grows. These settlers include urchins, scallops, hermit crabs, shore crabs, tunicates, anemones, tube worms, and so much more. At then end of the year our release list is much longer than our collection lists.

Ucluelet Aquarium Story Page

This was an amazing stop on an interesting summer. There was a Giant Octopus in the Aquarium. It had been in the aquarium for four months and had tripled in size during its stay. I visited on a Friday and they were planning its release the following Sunday. The water in the Bay and the Aquarium tanks would slowly become too warm for this cold water creature.

The staff both volunteers and paid staff were amazing. Their wealth of knowledge and their willingness to share it with the public was amazing. I will never see barnacles or rock fish the same again. I learned so much about the sea life while I was there. The enthusiasm of everyone there made me want to return again and again.

I enjoy the discovery of the unique and unusual. I really like visiting museums and aquariums. The Ucluelet Aquarium surpassed all my expectations. The next trip to Vancouver Island will give me the opportunity to visit this aquarium again. Each visit will be different as the release and collect each year. How fun.

Today I am thankful for good friends that live in beautiful places in this world. I really enjoy the local recommendations and this one did not fail to meet expectations. Today I am thankful for the wild oceans. I am thankful for all the large and small things. These things keep our world a lively and wonderful place to learn.

Today I am thankful.

The Importance of Community During Tragic and Unsettling Moments

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I am sitting in my lovely VRBO this morning, thinking about the last week.

FIRE

The Los Angeles fires were horrific. So many people lost their homes, their livelihoods, and so much more. What saddens me is hearing people say that because some who lost their homes were wealthy, they can just replace what has been lost. If only it was that easy.

Emotionally, no one’s life is the same after a horror like this. Money or no money, the emotional toll remains for most.

Did you know that many organizations in Los Angeles are helping their own and those further abroad? When I began exploring how to help those in need, I found organizations I did not even know or think about.

How The Arts & Entertainment Industry Is Supporting Los Angeles Fire Relief

Alt Comedy All-Stars 2025

On Jan. 31, Alt Comedy All-Stars 2025 will occur at the Fonda Theatre at 8 p.m. The benefit show for Comedy Gives Back will raise funds for comedians affected by the wildfires. The talent lineup includes Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis, Bob Odenkirk, John Ennis, Jill Talley, and more.

Celebrity Donations & Volunteers

An abundance of the Hollywood elite has taken to Instagram, donation drives and more to help rebuild Los Angeles. Paris Hilton, whose Malibu home was destroyed by the Palisades Fire, launched an emergency fund through her foundation, 11:11 Media Impact, to aid displaced families with young children. She urged Instagram followers to donate and kicked off the fundraiser by committing to match the first $100K raised and contributing another $100K.  Beyonce’s foundation, Beygood, also announced a $2.5 million LA Fire Relief Fund to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area, during the week after the fires began (Jan. 13 to 17). As confirmed by People, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have taken in friends who were forced to evacuate to their homes and have plans to take action through their Archwell Foundation. Eva Longoria was among volunteers cleaning up the streets of Pasadena. She also pledged $1 million to support relief efforts and urged followers on Instagram to support The California Community Foundation and The Latino Community Foundation.  

Getty’s L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund

The J. Paul Getty Trust has teamed up with the Mohn Art Collective (Hammer Museum, LACMA, MOCA), East West Bank, Mellon Foundation, TheBroad Art Foundation, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Qatar Museums and Ford Foundation to establish the $12 million L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. Administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, the emergency fund will support artists and arts workers in all disciplines who have lost residences, studios or livelihoods or have otherwise been affected by the wildfires. Applications open on Jan. 20. 

Hollywood Pantages Theatre

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre donated $125,000 to five organizations: the Los Angeles Firefighters Foundation, the Los Angeles Police Foundation, the Entertainment Community Fund, Project Angel Food and Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires impacting Los Angeles and our surrounding communities,” said Jeff Loeb, president of The Hollywood Pantages Theatre. “We are deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of our firefighters, first responders, and the countless neighbors who have stepped up to lend a helping hand during this difficult time. Your courage, resilience, and compassion inspire us all.”

LA Gives Back Fire Relief

On Jan. 29, The Bellwether will host LA Gives Back, and 100 percent of proceeds will benefit charities that support the community, firefighters, and animals affected by the wildfires.

Netflix

The streaming titan donated $10 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Community Fund Wildfire Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, Motion Picture and Television Fund, and Entertainment Community Fund. “For many people who aren’t familiar with it, Los Angeles conjures images of palm trees and red carpets; mansions and movie stars,” co-CEO Ted Sarandos said in a statement. “But for those of us lucky enough to call this city home, Los Angeles is far more than that. It’s a family — one made up of extraordinarily talented, hardworking people from all over the world and all walks of life, many of whom came here chasing a dream.”

The Producers Guild of America

The Producers Guild of America and the Entertainment Community Fund have established a fund to support film, television, and emerging media producers affected by the fires. Producers can apply online for financial assistance, and those seeking help can donate through the Entertainment Community’s website. Already, $300,000 has been raised. 

Universal Music Group

Leading the way for the overhaul of Grammy week, Universal Music Group canceled all of its Grammy-related events on Jan. 13. Instead, it will redirect the resources it would have used for the events to assist those affected by the wildfires. “L.A. is home to so many of us,” UMG said in a statement. “We are committed to helping and supporting the music community, our artists, our teams, and the people of Los Angeles get through this horrific episode.” 

Warner Bros. Discovery

Alongside setting up an emergency relief center on its studio lot, Warner Bros. Discover pledged $15 million to immediate response and rebuilding efforts. “Our studio has called Burbank home for more than 100 years, and we are focused on what needs to be done to help those impacted rebound from this disaster and rebuild in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”

YouTube x Google

YouTube teamed up with Google and Google.org to donate $15 million to organizations offering immediate relief in Los Angeles, including Emergency Network Los Angeles, the American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and the Institute for Nonprofit News. “Los Angeles is the heart of entertainment and storytelling and has an impact on culture all over the world,” YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said in a blog post. “It’s also where many YouTube creators, artists, partners, and our employees call home. Like so many, we’ve been heartbroken by the devastation from the wildfires and want to do our part to support the community as it rebuilds.”

And these efforts are just an example of how Los Angeles and those further away are helping everyone recover from this life-changing event.

Loss on a Local Level

The North Shore community has been suffering a tragedy for the past four days. Over the weekend, there have been big waves, up to a forty-foot face on some waves. Two local teens disappeared after a date at Sharks Cove on Friday night. Sharks Cove is a well-known snorkeling spot.

When they didn’t return home, the girl’s mother notified the authorities. They found their clothes and car on a beach north of the cove. The Coast Guard, the Life Guards, and local organizations got involved. Over the weekend, they dove, snorkeled, flew helicopters over the site, and used jet skis to transport all the searchers. The family sat on the shore and looked out to sea. As of today, they have not been found. Slowly, the energy returns to normal, yet losing these two young lives will forever affect the community.

It makes me aware that no one is on permanent vacation or holiday. Reality has a way of shaking me out of my comfort zone. What can I do? For now, I can donate money to the victims of fires. I can help in the best way that I can. I can hold them in my thoughts and give prayer.

It is more complicated with the local community here on the North Shore. When they asked everyone to keep an eye on the water, I did. I noticed others walking among the lava rocks on the rocky coast. Everyone was looking. For a brief moment, the community, locals, and visitors alike searched the best way they could while not getting in the way of the Coast Guard and Searchers. Now, through breath and prayer, we can hold these families of such tragic loss in light, in prayer, or however you individually honor those in need of loving, non-judgemental, emotional support.

As my world gets thrown asunder, for a moment, a day, or longer, I will continue to find ways to lovingly support those in need. I can do this physically, financially, or through prayer. I can identify when making an unsound judgment on others, take a breath, and release the judgment so those unfounded feelings are not released into my universe or the universe. These are not the times for personal judgment. This is not about me; it is about others and me stepping out of the way so those in need will find unconditional love and support.

Today, I breathe deeply and send what I can to those in need. I hope that my breath will wrap around all of them, and maybe I will create one little spark of love and hope in a world that needs it so desperately now.

Today I am Thankful.

My Photo Journey: From Game to Gallery Recognition

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I had a new experience the weekend before Christmas. I don’t enter competitions with my photographs very often. I am my own worst critic. Nothing is good enough. Everything needs to be improved.

I am part of an online photography game, Gurushots. In the game, one enters different contests, and other members vote on which photographs they like. It is fun, and I have met very nice people through participating in the game.

Another aspect of this game is that you can enter your photos in showings in galleries worldwide for a small fee. This exhibit has two aspects. About fifty photos will be on the gallery’s walls, and the rest will be represented digitally. Over the years of my involvement with this game, I have had mine accepted as a digital entry a handful of times.

This past fall, I was notified that my photo had been selected to hang on the gallery walls at the Coningsby Gallery in London for a three-day gallery exhibition. Whoa, I didn’t know that would happen. I was thrilled to know it had been selected.

On opening night, they showed a video for those who could not visit the gallery. London was a bit far, especially since I have some big plans for the near future. I followed the video through the two photography exhibits in the gallery. One was a nature photography exhibition, and the one my photo was chosen for was Portrait Photographer of the Year. And…just like that, there was my photo.

The photo was taken on a Photo Safari in Kenya in 2019 with Pangolin Photo Safaris. I traveled for ten days through two reserves. Three professional photographers on the safari taught me so much in the time I was there. On the last full day, they had us rise before dawn, and the people who worked at the reserve we stayed in came in traditional dress. With the help of the first morning light, we learned to take photos enabled by this magic moment of the day. This was one of the photos.

Here is a sampling of other photos from that morning shoot. It is a Slide Show, so click the arrow.

Every day, small moments of joy bring us happiness. When things are tough, or I am having a bad day, these moments of joy help lighten the sadness, chaos, or whatever else is happening in my life. I am so thankful when I can recognize these moments.

Finding out I had been accepted into this show brought me more than a small moment of joy. It made my heart lighten. Undoubtedly, a little self-pride is involved, but not all is wrong. I am thankful for the opportunity this presented to me. It is good to know my hard work in learning photography comes with these moments of reward.

I often work on my photography skills, taking workshops and exploring how to improve. I have improved my photography since 2019. Yet, this photo shows my progress, and I feel so good that it was acknowledged. And it is fun to share it with you.

Today, I am thankful for a moment in time, for a fine photo being acknowledged, and for the opportunity to share it with you.

Today, I am so thankful.

Looking for Acts of Kindness, Faith & Hope

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At a time when life has changed and we are all learning to “shelter in place”, I have been looking for the good that continues to reveal itself. I have been looking for hope and faith.

Several times a week I take a walk around the neighborhood, and I find the innate goodness of people all around me. As we walk by each other, at a safe six-foot or more distance, people say hello, give a wave and a smile before we continue. I wonder in our hurried world pre-Covid 19, how many would be taking the time to say hello before moving on.

On my walk yesterday I found a neighborhood art gallery that someone had created next to the sidewalk. It is a unique way to encourage creativity and share it with the neighborhood. All ages are welcome. One simple act helps each of us feel a bit less isolated and alone. It helps foster a sense of community in a neighborhood.

Social Media helps me not feel isolated in this novel time. Facebook has helped me stay in contact with my friends scattered throughout the United States, Canada and further abroad. The Coronavirus posts I look at occasionally, however,  if there is news of family and friends I read it. It is a good reminder that we are all still out there in this big wide world. I am also enjoying all the funny videos and cartoons people are posting. It is good to laugh a little every day.

Via the Nextdoor App, I am reminded of the generosity of others. People can be generous in unique times. If someone makes a plea for hand sanitizer, paper towels or toilet paper, Nextdoor neighbors respond. people are shopping for the elderly. Yesterday someone was looking for a cap and gown to borrow so she could take photos of herself for her canceled graduation from college. Within the first few minutes, she had over six offers. When humans slow down and find themselves in unique situations they exhibit kindness and thoughtfulness that are often forgotten when we are hurriedly moving from one place to another. And…those folks on Nextdoor are still keeping an eye out for the ever-elusive Elsie the cat.

My Great Niece, Arden

Zoom, a meeting app, offers me the opportunity to say hello to my sisters, welcome a new great-niece into the world, take a Scottish Dance class with other dancers from all over the world, practice yoga with one of my favorite yoga teachers, and so much more. Zoom, Facetime and other communication apps, allow my world to remain large.

I do not need to look far for an example of generosity. My friends, Cynthia and Ward have opened their home to me. They have opened their arms and invited me in. I have my own bedroom and a big, real shower. And the view from my bedroom is lovely. We have been getting along well and enjoying each other’s company. It is good to be with others. Even I would grow tired of my own company.

I will continue to search for the unique in this very unique time. I am grateful for continuing signs of faith and hope small and large. I am encouraged by the kindness of strangers and friends. Today I am grateful.