Etsy Item of the Week - Turtle Footstool

When I started this blog, I had hoped to feature one handmade turtle themed item per week.  I haven't been keeping it up regularly, but hope today's post is the first in a new regular habit.

Turtle Footstool in Solid Oak by ilbok on Etsy

Today when I browsed etsy, this footstool caught my eye.  Others are making beautiful jewelry and crochet turtles, but there were no other pieces of functional woodwork.  This little guy is so strong that even I could stand on him, but he's probably more appropriate for a children's bathroom than my den.  I hope he finds a good home soon.  I also hope the Acorn Furniture Folks make and sell many more of this adorable design.

You Tube Tuesday - Thirsty Turtle

Josh from "Its Tiger Time" invented You Tube Tuesday so we could each share one video a week which we found to be fun, inspiring or otherwise noteworthy.  If you choose to participate, don't forget to leave your links in my comments section (so I can come visit you) and on Josh's page (so you can be part of the contest).   I hope you like the funny turtle video I chose for you this week!

Alice Keck Park

If you asked me to list the things I would miss most about Santa Barbara, Alice Keck Park would definitely be on my list.  It is a gorgeous park in downtown that is landscaped with native plants and enhanced with a turtle and duck filled pond.  It's a landmark example of conservation and home to my favorite animal.  These are the places one loves most... and can take hundreds of pictures in under an hour.  Hehe.  Enjoy!

YOU TUBE TUESDAY - Tour de Turtles 2011

Of the many things being done to promote turtle causes, Tour de Turtles is likely the most creative.  Begun in 2008, this turtle marathon is a race and educational journey to see which turtle travels the farthest in it's annual migration.  The sea turtles are sponsored by conservation agencies and corporations all over the world and tracked using satellite telemetry.  Their website is absolutely amazing.  The home page shows what place each turtle is in at the moment and how far they have swum to date.  From there you can click to a world map with drawings of the routes each participant is swimming.  However, without a doubt, the "meet the turtles" page is my favorite.  If you scroll your cursor over the turtles, they do an animated dance.  It is completely hilarious.  Pokey and I are routing for Bubbles because we like her dance the best.  She's in 8th place at the moment, but we believe in her.  Go Bubbles, GO!!!

I couldn't find any videos of Bubbles, but it seems that Rapunzel has a sufficient fan base to land herself an appearance on You Tube.  So, without further adieu, happy You Tube Tuesday everyone!  I hope you'll enjoy this break from my humorous turtle video contributions.

Josh from "Its Tiger Time" invented You Tube Tuesday so we could each share one video a week which we found to be fun, inspiring or otherwise noteworthy.  If you choose to participate, don't forget to leave your links in my comments section (so Pokey and I can come visit you) and on Josh's page (to enter the contest).

Turtle Reef at Sea World® San Diego

As of this summer, Pokey and I live about 215 miles away from the largest sea turtle display in the world.  That is when they opened the Turtle Reef exhibit at Sea World® in San Diego.  In August, I paid my beloved sea turtle friends a visit.

The nearly 300,000 gallon tank is breathtaking.  Wall-to-wall coral reefs are home to nearly 60 hawksbill and green sea turtles and a vibrant display of tropical fish.  I stood there staring with the childlike wonder of a four year old for nearly five minutes before snapping a hundred pictures with my camera.

It was apparent that the turtles don't always like their tank mates...

or perhaps they just get bored and like to put on a show.  (No sea turtles were injured during this fin and neck nibbling moment, however, many bystanders were overcome with giggles watching them play.)

The tank at Sea World® is also home to quite a few baby sea turtles which hatched there in 2009.  Although some may feel more than a sigh over the fact that their fins have never truly felt the currents of the big blue, I think they are quite happy in this serene environment, carefully protected from the harsh realities of everyday ocean life.  Sea World® shows it's dedication to sea turtles in the wild through it's non-profit foundation, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which donates millions of dollars to animal conservation projects every year.  It made me smile to know my ticket proceeds would spoil not only these turtles, but also other needy populations all over the world... and many other animals at the park and elsewhere.

Farewell Turtle Dreams

Image © Rachel Hoyt.  All rights reserved.

I'm one of those people that knows you have to live life today or you'll miss out on the special moments, but somehow, despite living near it for 15 years, I failed to visit Turtle Dreams before it closed.  I've heard about the "place in Montecito for rescued turtles" for years and wished I could build an extravagant enclosure for my turtle Pokey for even longer, but somehow I never tried to visit until last week.  Jeanie Vaughan rushed to answer the my call just ten seconds after the answering tape began, but moments later her tired yet cheerful voice told me it was not a good time for me to visit because they were closing down. 

Jeanie and her husband Dennis retired to Montecito in 1995 with 15 turtles.  By 2008 they had built their own private zoo and were caring for 500 rescued turtles and tortoises.  These days it is just Jeanie, her daughter Christy, and community support that care for the elaborate collection.  Jeanie says she has friends all over the world helping her find new homes for the turtles and tortoises currently living with her.  I hope that wherever they go, they will always remember the woman who showed them a small slice of heaven, but feel equally pampered, loved and nurtured by their new environment.

I think the thing that is hardest about loving turtles is knowing that if you nurture them well, it is highly likely they will outlive you.  It is every parent's worst nightmare to leave their child penniless and forced to take care of themselves.  Nearly every turtle owner must face this terror, or worse, the knowledge that their inadequacies as a caretaker may have shortened the life of a mystical creature.

Jeanie, Dennis and Christy Vaughan have offered a dreamlike experience to turtles and turtle lovers for over a decade.  Pokey and I wish to thank them for their years of service.  Your contribution to turtle and tortoise conservation will not be forgotten.


FOOTNOTES:

An anonymous commenter below states that they are close friends with Jeanie Vaughan and that she wants the public to know she is not closing down completely.  Call Turtle Dreams at (805)969-5128 for more information.


Topaz & Tillman saw this post and wanted to say thank you to Jeanine for finding them a lovely home.

THIS MOMENT - Green Sea Turtle

THIS MOMENT – A Friday ritual.

Photos – no words – capturing moments from the week.

Simple, special, extraordinary moments.

Moments you want to pause, savour and remember.

“This Moment” was introduced to me by Sarah-Jane of Almost There and Alejandro of Raising Amelie

Image © Rachel Hoyt.  All rights reserved.

The Sea Turtle Restoration Project is holding a raffle for a luxury dive vacation!
Click here to help the turtles and possibly win a dream vacation to swim with turtles.