JAPAN! When will you stop killing whales and dolphins?

I watched "the Cove" and saw such horror.
It changed my life in the fact that I had NO idea in this day and age dolphins and whales were being hunted with acoustics ( banging on poles) to lead them into their death

The cute ones these Japanese fisherman sell to a life of captivity. The ones not picked are brutally killed in front of the others.
Dolphins and whales mate for life.....like we do.
You can imagine how you would feel if this were your family. They are no different.

The Japanese people seem to be doing nothing to stop this, and we need them to get them involved, as a country somehow. This is proving to be very very difficult!
HOW? Is the big question.

For starters....... "The Cove" is a must see, in my opinion, so you know the truth. Then pledge to never see a whale or dolphin in captivity of any kind ever again.
No swim with dolphins programs, no Sea worlds, no shows where Orca's, belugas or dolphins are in cement pools.

If this would stop being such a profitable industry, that in itself would help a great deal.
Convincing people this is wrong is very difficult!

They are brainwashed into believing these are "rescued" dolphins......or that they are born in captivity.

You can't believe any of this!!

In my lifetime, the dolphins of Japan could become extinct.
They slaughter them ( whales too) year round.

"The Cove" is online and you can watch it for free.
Please help us stop this!

Dolphins and whales deserve to live and not be in captivity and killed off because they are not cute enough for Seaworld.

Alaska is where it's at

Just got home from paradise.
Saw Orca's, Humpbacks, Otters, Sea Lions, Colony Seals, Harbor Porpoises, Black and Brown bear, Eagles and the most beautiful sunsets and snow capped mountains.
I'm just in awe of all the beauty I got to experience the past 15 days.
This was a Jyl Trip........I planned it myself and decided to go alone.
One of the BEST trips I've ever had.
When you travel alone it's totally different than traveling with a friend or spouse.
Not that I'm going to always do this....but it's nice to know that I can enjoy myself just as much as being with someone.
I was more open to letting other people into my life instead of focusing and sharing with the person I'm traveling with.
I did things with people I'd have never done things with had I been with someone else.

It just all worked out beautifully.

The Bed and Breakfasts were all on the ocean and gorgeous.
The Marine Highway (ferry) that the locals use was awesome.
The eco-tourism yacht I found was the BEST of the BEST!!
A wonderful captain who books 8 people. He could book 15, but he's not just about the money, he's about quality for the people he shares his love of Alaska with.
Rare in this day and age to find someone like that.

The boat was built in 1931 and she was a true beauty. He keeps it up so perfectly.
His son is taking over in January. I hear he's as awesome as his dad.

I'm just on cloud 9 after this trip.

Being in nature is ALWAYS and FOREVER where I am most complete!

Feeling so grateful!

Sup?

Glorious Day! Cool and perfect! Off to run errands and get ready for Torch Lake. Love the great Up North of Michigan and getting out of Birmingham so I can see SUNSETS!! The bigger the houses keep getting around here......less and less sky is even being seen. I love my little house. Bigger is not better to me. Huge houses on postage stamp lots is something I don't quite understand. But people do what they do. I've always been content living within my means because I love to travel. We all have our priorities and mine is seeing the world and has been for quite awhile now. Nothing is more exciting to me than being in nature with wild animals or exploring a culture so unlike mine. If I didn't have 5 dogs.........I'd leave for months at a time. I love my doggy kids and they will always come first. So far I've written 3 days in a row. It is kinda fun to read old posts and see how I was feeling. That's why they say "journaling" is so great. One thing hasn't changed in what I've read...........I HATE PEOPLE HURTING INNOCENT BEINGS OF ANY KIND!! I've always had a soft spot toward KINDNESS to ALL CREATURES on EARTH. I always will!

Starting a new habit.

And going to try and write everyday. I can't post pictures from my iPad so that's disappointing because when I sit outside I'm always on it. Going to Torch Lake next week and a wedding on Saturday in Traverse City. Can't wait to paint and sketch the beautiful lake and sunsets, and hopefully do a lot of gesture sketching. Brett won't let me draw him so we've been going to parks. I put-on my dark shades and sketch away. Maybe I'm sketching you. My little buddy DJ is laying still so I'm going to draw him now and I'm going to try once more and see if I can post a picture from the iPad. Or i'll have to learn to paint the pictures with words only on here. Whoop....there goes DJ.....squirrelly!

So much for New Years resolutions!

I just refound my blog and New Years resolution. Oh well.....writing my thoughts not a top priority this year so far. Although I do believe I just made a new word up.....refound.....:) I'm good at that. Been sketching all day....Brett doesn't sit still....nor do the dogs.....or the birds....or the squirrels....I need to learn to sketch faster! And seriously I do. I am amazed at how much I've learned in the last 3 years. My life has become so different. I've realized that so much of what I did then created the illusion of well being for me. Without you calling up telling me how much you love me and appreciate me, I've had to learn how to do that myself. And....I'm not being sent out on appearances or remotes or DJing parties so I've had to learn to create my own schedule and figure how to make myself fit into my life. Anyone who's been through a loss..... Know's what I'm talking about. But its all good....great in fact....and it's time for me to get a haircut..... See you soon Love to you always

Swimming with wild dolphins

was too amazing for words. Although I will be describing my time in the ocean with them in a day or two. They took my breath away. I am so in love with these magnificent beings!
So stay tuned..............I need to sleep now.............didn't do to much of that on this trip!

Happy New Year! It's going to be a great one for us all. I feel it........and pray for it too!

p.s. this is a Humpback Whale's tail not a Dolphin's. You probably knew that but just in case! ;)