November 2023 | Connection
Playlist : Winter’s Eve - Kishi Bashi | Mistakes - Gregory Alan Isakov | What Is Yet - Blind Pilot
Favorites : Wool Sweaters | Attack on Titan Final Finale | Roasted Root Veggies w/ Rosemary
Life :
How is it already November? Watching folks start to roll out the holiday decor has thrown me for a bit of a loop.
Upon reflecting on my initial thoughts for creating a harbor seal, there’s been a specific moment in time that has stayed with me involving these whimsical creatures. It involves Alaska, a kayak, and one of the most still evenings I’ve witnessed.
During my first journey to Alaska in 2018, I had the privilege of spending my evenings floating through the inside passage, with the Chilkat Range illuminating a rosy hue in the distance. Dragging my kayak down to the shore, stepping in and getting settled, and then eagerly scooting my butt forward to launch the boat into the water—I never took these evenings for granted. The ocean would reflect the alpenglow off the range as the cruise ships would fade off into the distance. The only ripples in the water were coming from my gentle paddling, taking in some of the most extraordinary scenery I’ve encountered to this day.
On one particular evening, I remember paddling calmly along the shore towards smugglers cove. I gave one big push with my paddle and let myself glide, looking over my right shoulder at the shore. When I went to put my paddle in, I looked to my left to find a Harbor Seal’s head out of the water, locking eyes with mine, and looking straight into my soul about five feet away from my boat. I could tell we both felt incredibly awkward and a bit stunned. It felt like neither of us could look away out of shock. There was an interesting moment of connection— two intelligent mammals bridging a gap between worlds for a short moment.
I slowly let my boat continue to gently pass on top of the water. After a few moments, the harbor seal abruptly submerged it’s head, barely creating any sign of movement. It was incredible to ponder the rest of my paddle about a world right underneath my boat that I will likely never experience. There were probably numerous seals swimming freely underneath me the whole time—I would never know.
Updates :
Now that Harbor Seals have landed in the shop, the last to arrive are now the hummingbird earrings that I am hoping will be here soon for you all—I know they are going to be really lovely.
Here’s a bit of holiday notes to remember while shopping this year:
Please shop local if possible! This helps stimulate the local economy and supports small artists like myself!
Orders may take longer to ship due to high volume of packages this year. If your order is time-sensitive, please select priority shipping to make sure it gets to you on time. I make sure those orders get out as soon as possible.
Although I cannot guarantee delivery dates, ordering by December 15th gives about a full week to be delivered by December 25th. Ordering after this date means there is a higher probability that your order will arrive after December 25th.
As always, if there are any issues with your order, please contact me ASAP. :)
