Recap:
This summer in Halifax sure has been busy. If you've been watching my facebook page you know I've been up to a lot! I got to participate in some AMAZING things including:
The Multicultural Festival: Where I spoke about mer-myths from around the world and the environment
World Ocean's Day: I got to speak about our oceans, conservation, and empower kids!
Mount Saint Vincent Kid's Carnival: Did my eco thing for excited children
Dr Sketchy: This year I modelled with Mermaid Mimi
Tall Ships Parade: Got to ride in the TS parade with the Pirates of Halifax
Tall Ships & Premiers: Spoke outside of the Fishering Museum and met some Premiers!
Pride Parade: Supported LGBQTA on the Casino float
Photoshoots: Lots, for different things!
And lots of private events, functions, and kid's parties!
I have such a wonderful time participating in all these events but I was also working a full time job with children who have special needs. I worked specifically with a 2 year old who had autism. I also worked with a 5 year old who had gigantism (the child was nearly as tall as me!) It was a unique experience, one I learned a lot from and reflected on frequently. However- between the full time work and 2-3 mermaid events/gigs a week I was feeling pretty worn out by mid August so I took a 2 week vacation away from mermaid stuff. It was perfect as I celebrated my 5 year anniversary with my mertender, and we took a lovely trip to PEI
I was also fortunate this summer to receive a bit of publicity. Check it out:
My Disguises
Sea & Be Scene
The Coast
Present
As it stands I am currently experiencing my first time being unemployed! Unfortunately the job I had was seasonal, and with certain road blocks in my way I wont be able to apply for regular teacher work again til January. I am lucky as some of my peers are waiting longer. In the meantime I've been lucky enough to pay my current bills being a mermaid, I've been volunteering, and focusing on my health.
I had a few blips through the summer and more than a few with my health this fall. I have several chronic illnesses including Interstitial Cystitis, multiple chemical sensitive, environmental illness, an inability to metabolize acid, and we suspect adrenal fatigue. On top of those I have minor scoliosis- (not noticeable from the outside) and the way it's combining with my IC puts a lot of strain on my hip causing it to be out of place and my entire left side is mega weak! Been doing physio, yoga, massage, and hopefully soon chiro. I can usually go a good long time symptom free but sadly I just seem to be in one of those states where it all flares up at once. I am finding myself in a lot of constant pain and exhaustion- and with that comes a bit of a mental fog too.
I will admit I get frustrated. I am 26 and I have *never* felt healthy as these conditions have been around most of my life. I am used to them yes, but I see what the people do around me and I get frustrated I can't do the same thing. It's also difficult to deal with an invisible illness- if people can't see very often they don't understand. I'm still coming to terms with the fact there are no cures and treatments have a low success rate at this time. Being a mermaid keeps me motivated though. I don't want to lose my range of motion or my ability to swim so I am always working on those things so I can do it. I hope it inspires other people with chronic illness to keep trying to be a mermaid too!
I get frustrated also because I feel like I can't do what an average person does and I am an over-achiever. I am also a person who feels emotionally the best when I'm helping or contributing to something. Right now I'd like to be involved with some activism going on in my local city where they're trying to save a local reef. But I've just been so sick feeling and exhausted- I haven't made it to any of their meetings :( I do try and share their stuff constantly though and invite friends and family members to go participate. Sometimes all I can do is share information and it has to be enough for now. I always try to balance my need for activism by making sure my birthday parties and events all include some form of environmental information :) That helps!
Getting away from the doom and gloom, I co-run a community magazine called "Tail Flip". You'll see it linked on the right hand size- please click away! Sirena and I worked super hard on this issue and we're already gathering articles and resources for the next one!
I also picked up an extra monofin for fitness and it slips easily in a tail skin I own. My little sister has been taking up tail swimming with me and it's been great. I have a Mermaid Creations Tail coming on the way too. It'll bring the tail count up to 3 which will be nice as I can hire helpers and standins. I'm planning on modding the fabric tail to be covered in sequins.I have a weight belt on the way too
Future
I have some exciting things coming up, and exciting plans for the winter too. This week I'll be going to see film maker Rob Stewert at the Atlantic Film Festival. He is the Canadian responsible for the world's #3 topping documentary (trumped only by Supersize me and Fahrenheit 9/11) Sharkwater. I get to meet him and have a bit of a fan girl moment. I also get to be one of a select few to see his latest documentary, Revolution. I wont write too much about it now as I plan on making a blog post once I see it. But yes, I am so excited. This man is just a year younger than my boyfriend and it's AMAZING to see what he's been able to accomplish.
I am also very excited that on the performer end of things I have booked a music video. I begin shooting on Saturday and I'm playing a mermaid who wants to be "American". Haha should be cool.
On the educator end of things I've been booked for two different speaking events. One will be focused on ocean mythology and will go hand in hand with a private school that does theme based learning. The other will be public school and based on ocean conservation. We'll also be watching The Little Mermaid that evening as a fundraiser. So excited.
Other things and events are on the horizon- and of course birthday parties. I think I'll do a post specifically dedicated to birthday parties later on since so many people have questions for me.
Speaking of questions- for specific ones you can ask me here.
Also, check out the links on the right hand side of my page. You'll see a fin-tastic resources link- check it out and email me if you have something I should add. I am focusing a lot on local charities etc.
I think that's it for tonight little fishes & sea monsters. This little mermaid needs to hit the kelp bed. Much love!
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