I have been quiet here for a while, both writing and on social media. Honestly, I have just been uninspired. I created this blog as a way to stay connected to the ocean, to research, and to that part of myself that thrives on curiosity and discovery. For a while now that part of me has felt distant. There’s been another pause in publishing two papers (more on that another time) and in the meantime, I have found myself searching for inspiration elsewhere. From what I have seen recently, more people in the marine research community have also been feeling this. The fear of uncertainty and a lot of self-disappointment.  

I have been revisiting who I used to be because at times I miss her. The version of me that spent hours lost in art and English literature. I have fallen back into the classics: Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Anna Karenina, Phantom of the Opera, Pride and Prejudice. I have also started reading about artists again, and my admiration for Caravaggio’s work or really the Renaissance-Baroque period. I also have taken up knitting where I am currently working on my first project. The yarn color I chose is called “Marine” which is this navy blue but with purple coming through. Overall, I have been getting crafty again. I have lots of project ideas and some ocean themed. So, I will be excited to share those coming springtime.

I accepted I do not like limiting myself to one passion. And social media has kind of done that to me. “You will be more successful if you focus on one niche.” However, I cannot conform to that. I joke with myself that I am a master of none as I have always been deeply curious about many. While this blog will continue to center on my love for the ocean, adventure, and marine life, it is also going to evolve with me. At times it will include the other pieces of who I am. At my core, I am a thinker, drawn to anything that makes me wonder, research, or reflect.

I have realized a long time ago I have no desire for a big social media presence. I genuinely miss the days before today’s “influencer” culture when people shared things simply because they loved them, not because they were trying to sell something. The Tumblr era is deeply missed. I was pretty big on there but the face behind it was not known. The internet just felt…different then.

In a way, that is what I am trying to find again with this space. To write, create, and share simply for the sake of it, even if no one is listening. I have no interest in selling anything or turning this into a brand per say. Watching the culture of over consumption take over has been, frankly, disgusting. If I ever do share or promote something here, it will only be because it genuinely fits my life and values, not because it is trending.

On a more personal note, we moved completely on a whim. We are still local, but we have been searching for land for a few years but did not expect to find “the one”. We toured this property, and somehow it had literally everything on our check list, which we never expected to find something that would. We figured we would have to make some compromises. The house is an absolute dream: surrounded by wildlife, complete with a pond, pool, two pole barns, and a detached garage for a workshop, etc. No livestock on the land but come springtime a chicken coop with be put up. We have just been enjoying our time here.

More to come!