sadness.

The killings persist. If you have seen The Cove, I will warn you, this video is far more graphic. Let the truth of the what the Japanese hunters are doing be known. My heart aches.



For more information on this cause and to get the latest information, visit www.savejapandolphins.org

hope.

Here in our home, we are slowly working ourselves toward financial stability. It has been an ongoing process, and likely will be that way for most of our lives, but I feel just a little lighter in my heart knowing we are making headway. I've made mistakes, and continue to do so with spending money, I think we all do no matter how disciplined we are, but I cannot express enough gratitude to my Mom for teaching me the things she did [and continues to teach me to this day]. She is hands down, the most inspirational person I have met in my life.

Now I entitled this blog entry hope because once we do reach that point financially, I am hoping to be able to give back. Give back to my Mom, give back to those in need, give back to the issues which weigh heavily on my heart. I have learned through my own life that very little bit makes a difference...and I want others to see and know that too. This has become another financial goal on my list.

One of the issues that continue to plague my heart and soul is what is happening over in Taiji, Japan and the work being done by the Save Japan Dolphins organization. If you are reading this and don't know much [or anything] about the brutal slaughter occurring over there, I encourage you to watch the video in the right column at the top of this blog, visit the website listed above or go out and rent [or Netflix!] The Cove and see for yourself why this continues to haunt me.

Part of the things that can help the Save Japan Dolphins organization is the purchase of their merchandise, which you can imagine, have been at the top of my "want" list for quite some time. But because the needs far outweigh the wants, always, these things have moved far down the list and have nearly fallen off completely. I want to show you just a few of the items that are on my list; not only because they help raise awareness of the issue and are great conversation starter pieces, but because a portion of the funds from all merchandise sold goes directly to the cause. And that is why I am trying to move these items up my list.

A daily reminder: Save Japan Dolphins bracelet


A simple statement that means so much. I love this.

Who doesn't love a comfy hoodie for a good cause? I know I do!


A conversation piece and a statement. If you click
the photo, you can see my favorite part of this tshirt on the back.
Adore. It.

now more than ever.

Eight months ago, I found myself in the middle of a dream come true. Sitting next to me was a handsome man I now call my husband that years prior to that moment I didn't even know. While I sat, staring at water that appeared to be so pure, so perfect and full of hope, I waited for the creatures I knew would soon appear. Anticipation. Excitement. Hope.

The music started and they appeared. So majestic and surreal to me - this beautiful animal that I had only seen pictures of or read stories about - was now right in front of me. I smiled, as though they were smiling back at me; as though our hearts were now connected somehow that I saw them in person. I envisioned myself there; in the tank as though I belonged there with them, just as I had done so often growing up. My face continued to beam as my heart filled with joy; my love at my side and this dream taking place before my very eyes.

Today, I have a difficult time with my emotions; reliving the picture, the sounds and the feelings all while in the back of my head I fight the issue of captivity as brought forth in the documentary, The Cove. Today, in those very waters photographed by our camera in Orlando, a trainer by the name of Dawn Brancheau, lost her life to one of these majestic creatures. A trainer that we, along with millions of others, watched in amazement as she worked with these animals. You can read the story here. The sinking feeling in my stomach cannot be explained but for reasons beyond my control, I fought back tears as I watched the numerous videos documenting the whales in their tanks thinking how unfair their existence has become. This life that they have been forced to live, is not truly a life at all but merely a captive existence.

I was one of the millions who dreamed of going to Sea World; I was one of probably thousands who dreamed of working as a marine mammal trainer to these very whales and dolphins someday; I was one that completely bought into the captivity industry. But I don't know if I can find joy where I only see sadness...if I can find purpose where I only see dollar signs...if I can find hope where I only see suffering.

In the words of a man I not only highly respect but admire, Richard O'Barry states that " Dolphins [and whales] are free-ranging, intelligent, and complex wild animals, and they belong in the oceans, not playing the clown in our human schemes." We need to see the bigger picture...we need to end it...now more than ever.

more.

If you sit down and have a conversation with my Mom about what I was like as a child, she may tell you that I hated when she brushed/braided/touched my hair because I thought she pulled "too hard"; or maybe she would tell you that I was obsessed with mimicking my brother's every move; but most certainly, I am sure, my Mom would tell you that I was absolutely in love with dolphins.

I'm not sure when it started or even how. As much as I hate to admit it, it could possibly have come from my mild addiction to Baywatch. I can't lie to you, I still know every word to the theme song and if you don't believe me, just ask me to pop in my soundtrack the next time you are in my car. You are in for a treat. In any case, I found a special place in my heart for dolphins and animals of all kinds.

That is why the video I stumbled across this morning hit me so hard. I understand we live in a society with HUGE issues; healthcare, budget and spending, the economy; international relations; just to name a few. But for me, those things always seem out of my hands. I live my life, day to day, as we all should. After awhile, at least in my case, you begin to feel as though you can do more. You can do more than wake up, go to work and come home at the end of the day. I can do more. And this video made me realize that.

A documentary film will be released at the end of the month that although I don't want to watch, I know I can't not watch it.


I invite you to visit the following link and watch the trailer for yourself.


Perhaps it will make you think about just what you can do. On the other hand, maybe it won't. All I really hope is that it makes you think.