Marine Monday, episode 2, February 27, 2017

Knowledge is power! Marine Mondays, through Menagerie Studio's blog, seeks to educate and suggest concrete action steps so that we can all do a little(or a lot) to help support our planet's oceans.

                                 Today I would like to introduce you to Mission Blue

One of my heroes is Sylvia Earle; oceanographer, scientist, pioneer, and the woman who started Mission Blue, a non-profit organization with a brilliant idea. Here is their mission statement:

"Mission Blue inspires action to explore and protect the ocean. As of Dec 2016, 5.1% of the global ocean was covered by marine protected areas. From the seamounts of the high seas to the shallow sunlit reefs, Mission Blue seeks to bring about a significant increase in ocean protection to 30% by the year 2030."

In other words, Mission Blue works to create "Hope Spots", which act like protected national parks on the land (think: California's Redwood Forest or Yellowstone National Park in the ocean!) These Hope Spots are places chosen in the ocean which have:

• A special abundance or diversity of species, unusual or representative species, habitats or ecosystems
• Particular populations of rare, threatened or endemic species
• A site with potential to reverse damage from negative human impacts
• The presence of natural processes such as major migration corridors or spawning grounds
• Significant historical, cultural or spiritual values
• Particular economic importance to the community

This week's ACTION STEPS

1. To learn more about Hope Spots, Mission Blue's mission, and what you can do to help, visit their website at https://www.mission-blue.org/act-now/ . Donating money is good, but just learning about what this organization is doing is excellent, too. 

2. Watch Mission Blue's documentary! It is streaming on Netflix. Check out the trailer here: https://www.mission-blue.org/the-film/

3. Sign up for Mission Blue's newsletter at https://www.mission-blue.org/

Have a great week!

Marine Monday, February 20, 2017. Episode 1

Welcome to the first weekly blog post through Menagerie Studio dedicated to Ocean Friendly tips, products, and general goings-on.  The purpose of these Marine Monday episodes is to inform and empower people to take some sort of action in order to be more mindful about what could be easily done (or maybe, in some cases, require more of an effort) to sustain our oceans. By personally choosing one action (or more!) to adopt per week, we can effectively make a positive change for the world's oceans and for our quality of life on Earth.

But I don't even live near the ocean! How does the ocean affect me? I'm only one person..what can I do??

First, let's take a look at why the oceans are so important...

http://climatekids.nasa.gov/ocean/

Yes, this is a "kids" site, but I think it does a really good job of explaining things in a very clear and concise way. You can even watch a video for all of you visual learners out there!

In a nutshell, the oceans are important (in part) because
1. They soak up heat from the atmosphere
2. They soak up excess CO 2
3. They sustain a large and intricate food web/ecosystem
4. They affect the climate and weather
5. Without healthy oceans, life may eventually cease to exist on Earth

Action Step This Week
Click on the NASA site listed above and  begin to educate yourself about why future conservation and personal action steps are important.

“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” 
― Robert F. Kennedy

For a long time, I have been looking for my purpose. This seeking, continuously searching quest is life-long. I believe these opportunities to find purpose present themselves much more often when a person is open and grateful. If we take action, even if it is small, we have the power to affect greater change for the better. The Universe is extremely generous if we let it be.

I am moving from my hiatus from (active) artmaking back into the fold, having given a lot of thought to where I want to go with it, and I came to the realization that my purpose is to utilize my talents to do what Robert Kennedy said, so simply and eloquently,  to 'contribute to make things better.'

Given the current state of affairs in America, it is easy to get bogged down with negative thoughts. I have gone to sleep many nights being plagued with stress and outrage. Many times I am, and continue to be, overwhelmed. Taking small, positive actions can help manage these thoughts, and I have really thought about where I want to put my energy regarding this vital push back against the machine of fear, intimidation, and destruction.

So, I have spent the last few months reflecting, being open and communicating to the Universe. I have applied to 3 artist residencies, taken an oil painting class, started my scuba certification, and done a lot of reading; all of which led me to deeply exploring marine conservation and what my contribution as an artist could be.

This week, I am finally getting back into the studio to paint with my new medium: oil paint. It's always difficult to jump back in, to get that groove back. But I am ready and excited to see what this next exploration brings to light.