Connections

  

Yes, this is a small embroidered whale on the sleeve of a sweatshirt.  I know this photo is a little different than the ones I usually post, but there’s a marine mammal, as you can see, so there is a natural history connection.  :)

Last night one of my college friends that I hadn’t talked with in many years submitted a comment to the NHBH…such a nice surprise!  Kathy and I rowed together on the UNH crew team, so when I heard from her I thought of my UNH crew sweatshirt with this little whale sewn into the sleeve.  At one point, someone on the team came up with the idea to personalize each team member’s sweatshirt with something that represents them.  I was interested in marine biology, and believe it or not, I’ve treasured this little whale friend on my sleeve for over 30 years!  (Champion made the best sweatshirts back then.)

Life has been a bit circuitous since I first met this little whale, and I’m so glad that it has worked out for me to live and work near the ocean.  But hearing from Kathy made me think about my former teammates and how their support of my marine biology interest stayed with me.  Not only were they amazing athletes, but they helped me believe in myself and my ability to pursue a path, no matter how difficult.  I love seeing connections, so here’s one that you (or I) might not have thought of before — in part, the Natural History of Bodega Head comes to you from my UNH crew teammates!  I’m so thankful to them, and I hope you, too, can trace the many connections from different parts of your life that have provided support over the years and helped you pursue your interests.

 

 

Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) near Cordell Bank in October 2018.