Memories are made of this
We had a lot of stuff to carry; two sleeping bags, two pillows, two yoga mats, a backpack, a purse and an overnight bag; a LOT of stuff. Between the two of us we had a pair of six year old arms and some old gramma muscles. One of us was too excited to focus, […]
Senor Cinco and I
I took a step back into my old life last week – I did my Thursday afternoon volunteer shift at the aquarium. It felt strange and good. I love the aquarium, I find the dim galleries relaxing and the exhibits mesmerizing. Things are both familiar and new every time I visit. I haven’t done a […]
Mourning in the morning
I’ve slept on the sad news about Chester, the false killer whale, twice. Twice I’ve awoken to the fact he really died and twice to the fact my heart is really broken. I’ve written about grief before, I realize it is the price I pay for the awe I feel; for the love that fills […]
Human Care
I am heartbroken today – love did it to me. Love and connection. My darling false killer whale, Chester, passed away this morning. One of my favorite friends at the Vancouver Aquarium – he represented everything good and possible for animals living in human care. He was loved by many. There will be more than […]
A Nice Surprise
I got a lovely surprise at the aquarium last week. I was presented a certificate of nomination for a Tourism Vancouver Award. This award is generally given to someone for going above and beyond their call of duty when aiding tourists. I figured to qualify someone would have had to have administered first aide, or […]
Sealing the deal
My volunteer experience at the Vancouver Aquarium is so rewarding that often times I feel I am receiving far more than I am giving. I love the Aquarium, love the creatures in its care, love the people who do the caring. I am learning so much and the more I learn the more I discover […]
A Super Special Friday Night
It’s one o’clock in the morning. I’m tucked into a sleeping bag and laying on a cement floor (I forfeited my flimsy yoga mat to the six year old who is sleeping beside me). We are tucked in – the lights have been turned down and there are 61 other campers spread out around the […]
A change in the weather
No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced. David Attenborough I walk by that quote on the wall of the aquarium several times every Thursday afternoon – it hits me in the heart every time. I’ve always cared about the living things we […]
Building Confidence and Making Friends
After a few months of volunteering at the Vancouver Aquarium I am becoming fairly confident giving directions to the nearest restroom, the cafe, the water fountain. I can navigate the dimmed hallways to the shark exhibit and point children in the direction of Clownfish Cove. I am loving the adventure. I find I am developing […]
Behind the Glass
I started 2017 off with a resolve to give away some time – I now volunteer at the Vancouver Aquarium. It’s a perfect fit for me. I’ve always loved the aquarium – we had a yearly family membership when the kids were little (young enough to think an afternoon spent with their mother was a […]