Big and Beautiful, 2 Notch

 

Speak to me your tidings,

            The salt water was calling my bones and I needed to write in the log, when the phone rang. It was Mary calling to tell me that the manatee who thinks I am her pet (2 Notch) was hanging out by her property. In my e-mail was the pic of the big girl- guilt at its finest. It did not take long before I caved in and agreed to come. I got ahold of Crystal River Kayaks and they had no problem squeezing me in.

 

My husband reluctantly went with me as it was about to storm that day. The trip from my house was 2 hours and we left at 6 in the morning. We grabbed breakfast at Mc Donald’s and enjoyed the journey. I was excited to be on my way to see my friend, I had missed 2 Notch and was glad to know she was okay.

 

After getting our kayak and hitting the water, life began to feel normal. When we paddled and got to 3 Sister’s Springs, we saw the amount of snorkel people- I was thankful fish and wildlife had shut down the springs. I looked over all the Manatee I could see but, could not find her. We paddled over to the nursery and none to be found. The storm clouds began to fill in so we began to paddle back. I was a little disappointed. Suddenly the familiar tap on the bottom of my boat. It was my Big Girl. She had brought many of her friends and family. I sat still as they all played around me. Then I saw 2 Notch swing around and push her pup forward for me to see. I began to cry, the baby is beautiful and looks healthy. I got video of 2 Notch’s Surprise to share with you.

 

On the way back, I felt light as a cloud. Walter and I made several stops to act like tourists (lots of laughs). This coming week, I will be in the water between the Smith Islands all the way up to Hudson Beach. I will also be making an appearance at the Pasco County Fair Rodeo on Friday- Hope to see you there.

Good Day to You,

The Girly Pirate

 

Recap of 2014- Amazing

 

Ahoy My Brethren,   

          I am happy you have come to join me in celebrating a wonderful year with us here at the Sunshine Paddle. We have accomplished so much with the help of so many- really it is staggering when I think about. With people from 18 countries working together, many women and children are much safer.

          The start of the year found us working on our goal of practice and pledges for the paddle of 26 miles down the coast of Pasco. My graduation with my Master’s Degree was one of the happiest moments of my life- as a person with Battered Women’s Syndrome I was told this could never happen for me…it was not easy, but got done with a 4.0 GPA. We made an appearance at Gumbo Limbo the sea turtle hospital and the Dolphin Research Center. Spreading love, awareness and learning from the top people in the state.

          The 26 mile paddle was amazing. It was deeply spiritual session and nature showed me how wonderful she can be. The manatee, 2 notch, joined me for part of the paddle. Shortly after she left, Fred (the shark who thinks I belong to him) came up and swam with me until I got to Green Key. The weather was all a sailor could want and then some. By Dutchman Key the dolphins caught up with me and we played all the way to the park. I was blessed. With one Kayak we raised $750 in cash and goods, this was split the food bank and the battered women’s shelter and we were even able to get a bonus for some of the workers. I am so thankful.

          The summer found us calling for people to post us pic of them cleaning a beach near them. I took 3 different groups to 4 different beaches to clean up and we got over 200 pictures of others cleaning. I was blessed that Cathy has allowed me continue use of Yum Yum and practice helped keep me sane as my doctoral classes required more of my brain. Upon my return from residency, I was faced with Necrotizing Faciitis and red tide- we were terra bound. I learned to play tennis whenever I cannot get to the water to keep my muscles moving.

          My health presented real challenges. At times, I got angry knowing the person who created this situation walks without pain and does not have a brainstem issue- as I breathed in that pain and anger, I exhaled and let it go. All my being angry does is create problems for me, this is not an easy concept to learn but necessary to heal.

          The holiday challenge was taken on to help 3 families, it seemed simple enough until we realized how many needed help. In total we had 5 toy drops in 3 different countries, several Publix gift certificates and the original 3 families. All of my crew worked hard and was impressive to watch- no one at this charity gets paid, we do it to bring up our community on a local, coastal and global level. With one Kayak we raised over $3900 in cash and goods.

          As the year drew to a close, a final gift was made to the shelter- a new cannon scanner. This way it can be used for women to make a cyber-copy of their important papers while they are in shelter, in case they have to move quickly. This is a way to replace them until help can arrive and take just a little bit off the shoulders that carry so much.

          We welcome 2015 with open arms. Taxes are almost complete and practice continues. We now have new water video cameras. April 20 will be the Paddle of the Pasco Coast and next month we will be putting out pledge sheets. In March we will have a meeting to discuss the holiday challenge.

Carry On,

Captain D

The Girly Pirate

 

Holiday News

 

Gather the Crew,

          There is much to be discussed. First as we roll into another holiday season, I would like to say thank you to all of those who have helped me make the world a better place. People do not always understand how much it takes to keep a Girly Pirate on the move or how many people have taken time to help me pull off the Sunshine Paddle- this charity has been blessed. I could not do this alone.

          The Sunshine Paddle Holiday Challenge is in full swing and we are almost at our goal of having enough for all 3 families. This is very exciting. It has been really neat to see the generosity coming forth from all over the world. These are families that would not have otherwise, it makes me happy to see so many help me make this happen. I have to admit, I want to play with all the toys. They make some really neat stuff for kids now.

          Please take time this year to let those around you know how much you love them. Take time with your children and let them know- even if you do not always approve of their actions, you love them. Focus conversations on reality and positive progression instead of belittling and berating- this is sometimes easier said than done. This is a double edge blessing, the family will expect you to do the same- move forward in a positive way. Not the easy road, but the most rewarding one.

          I got out on Yum Yum and paddled the 26 miles between Hudson and Anclote. It is an enjoyable paddle. Two notch usually makes about half the distance, then she is pooped and swims over to the seagrass beds. When doing distance paddling, one should have a shore buddy- this is someone to call each time you get on or off water until you are home. Going fast is not a big deal, but getting there is.

 

May you all have a wonderful holiday,

D. Cooper-Rooney

The Girly Pirate

The Menu

Hail and Good Day to you,

          I went into town today and could see people check me out and start talking…one girl finally had the nerve to ask if I was okay…lol…yes, I am losing weight and no, it is not because I am trying…let me explain what is going on…

It was 4 years ago I started have blood and weight issues…2 years ago we found out I have a brain stem injury and started treating it but, that has not stopped the sugar issues…I have never been diabetic but I have been on the high side of normal and can go from there to hypoglycemic in a heartbeat…this coupled with the BSI has left me in a very dangerous position…this is the reason for the last 2 years the Sunshine Paddle has been held off the coast of Pasco and will be until it is safe for me to distance again…

          3 weeks ago I fractured my ankle…it took a week by the time the X-ray report got to the doctor at Lunasol…I went to see him and found out my blood report had just got to him…he shot my ankle with an anti-inflammatory…then he muttered as he was going through my file…he pulled all the blood work from the last 4 years…then he and I went back and forth- I do not take any pill unless you can prove to me it is necessary…the only way to reset the situation was to strip it down nutritionally…for the last 2 weeks I have been on a high protein menu…a true protein fast is not nutritionally smart…I get 4 ounces of orange juice, a banana and meat (red, chicken, pork, fish, eggs) daily with supplements…I get spinach or green beans every other day…a milkshake made with an egg happens every other day…one piece of wheat bread is allowed a day…other than that the only thing I can have is water…this will go on for 6 weeks…2 down and 4 to go…

          With my high velocity lifestyle, this has been a pain in the butt…the first week, I had 3 big sugar crashes…this week I have only had 2 so far…I stopped weighing myself when I no longer had to do it to keep my job (many years ago) so, I had not really noticed the weight loss until the girl asked…my clothes are much looser- I guess I just did not notice…I miss real food…dad smuggled me some McDonalds Fries today

          I have been in the pool most every day and the rain has left it quite cold…it is still a good work out and the hydrotherapy helps my ankle…The ankle is sore but doing much better…I hope to be in the gulf this weekend

          Why would I share something so personal…if you live through the beatings, it will have a lasting effect…it can be treated and you can go on…for those around us who have been beaten, you can help by being honest, patient and understanding…I am blessed to have loving people…

Carry On,

Captain D

The Girly Pirate

 

Endless Summer

 

Avast Me Hearty,

          It has been a long summer…I got to go across the state my doctoral residency in Fort Lauderdale…It was long hours and lots of work…it was so groovy, I got to meet many new people, share lots of information and introduced to many new concepts…I had my first real brain hangover…it was here I was first introduced to my dissertation topic…I also got to meet Kim DelValle, who like me is trying to show women there is a better, more positive way to get past the abuse…

          As the water heated up, so did the problems…flesh eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis) and red tide have been heavy hitters for the last month…I have been part of 2 different beach clean ups- most of the reason for this is dead fish…if you should find the dead fish and dig about a 3 foot hole in the yard and bury it with any banana peels or egg shells…this will help feed the yard…if you run into either of these problems, please make sure you have no open cuts and soak your head before you get in the water…this will reduce harmful effects- it will not stop them, but it will reduce them…

          Someone said to me that the spring fed rivers do not have that situation going on…no but, it is gator mating season…one person has been bit on the Hillsboro River…Jelly fish are mating on the coast…sharks are trying to avoid the red tide…it is amazing to watch nature…with so much going on, one must keep aware of their surroundings more acutely at the moment…

          Here at The Sunshine Paddle we have started thinking about Christmas…it is our hope to provide Holiday Needs for 3 Pasco County families this Christmas Holiday…We will be collecting toys for children, presents for mom and/or dad and a holiday meal…anything collected above and beyond will be given to the Pasco County Sheriff in order to help other members of the community:)

          Practice, Practice, Practice…at the moment, with so many problems on the coast, I have been working out in the pool…I am swimming over an hour every day and doing paddle workouts on the table and in the pool every other day…this is a must in order to keep my muscles from hurting…I am a woman who needs the water…my happiness level will go up by 10 when I can paddle in the gulf again…it would be cool if I could work my way down to the keys for a weekend to paddle for a few days…

          Fall approaches and my happy dance begins…I will soon be in the gulf playing with my friends…please make sure if you are going out to wear a PFD…it may just save your life…for my Northern friends, as you go to pack your gear for the winter- wash it off and coat it with turtle wax, then pack it away…I have a friend who has a 25 year old yak and it looks brand new, this is what she does…she has sown a jacket for it and the yak is barn kept…just an idea…

Carry On...

Your Girly Pirate,

Captain D

 

 

Ahoy Matey

Avast Me Hearty,

It is hard to believe it is June already…we have been so busy…practice in open water leaves one feeling refreshed…using Hudson Beach as a launch point is really nice during the week…it is quiet and clean…the boaters in the area are quite respectful and friendly…it is one of my favorite places- the beach is not too big, so there are not too many humans and a good deal of wildlife to observe…binoculars are a good thing to bring on a paddle here…

After seeing what is happening on the east coast and in the south, several people called and messaged me about doing a beach clean-up…divers in the water, kayaks on the water and beach combers in the sand…because some of these people are battered women in hiding, these actions were done quietly- it was still really cool to be a part of it…not just because we cleaned the beach…as a battered woman, one feels as though they are useless with nothing to be proud of…during that time of cleaning up the beach these women felt important, useful and at the end of the day they were proud of what they were able to accomplish…the dolphins came out to play with us…just such a blessing

In the next month we will be ramping up the training schedule…it was nice to eat for a few months, now back to the training menu…if you want to improve the coast please use trash cans, avoid straws when possible and even if you are not going to recycle give your cans and paper products to someone who does…being a good community citizen starts with each and every one of us…if not me than who, if not now than when?????

Carry on,

The Girly Pirate

 

 

 

Oh so many thoughts…Gather the crew

 

Avast Me Hearties,

So much has happened this month…some is really weighing heavy on my heart and would really like your help with…we also have great news about the recently completed 25 Mile 2014 Paddle…

First this month was Gumbo Limbo the Sea Turtle Hospital…this is a really amazing place…it disturbs me greatly that US is #7 in the world for finning- this is so horrid, I will ask you to google the meaning…I also noted a number of turtles were being hurt due to be sucked into energy intakes…please tell me if we know this, why are there no grates over these intakes…our water tables are being hurt by the phosphate in the water being released from those same plants…again, why do we not put up forested pipes to clean the water before putting it back in system…lastly, if you live on the coast and have a porch light- PLEASE use yellow, green, amber or blue bulbs…it makes a difference to all of the costal creatures…please ask your representatives for help, these very small things will make a BIG difference…

My next stop was the Dolphin Research Center…did you know Dolphins and Orca are cousins…many animals for a holy host of reasons cannot be released and much like a handi-capable child, they need special homes…they are treated like family and loved- this is HIGHLY visible…this is a place that works with special needs children- OMG touches you heart to watch...to see the trainers just hanging out with the dolphins was so cool…the babies chatted with me swam around for me…there is one who enjoys ‘people watching’ so much that the trainers have to keep SPF on him…if you get to Grassy Key it is well worth the stop...did you know one adult dolphin eat 60 pounds of restaurant quality fish per day

Because I am the Girly Pirate, I get to go behind the scenes…I am not a major celebrity so people act naturally around me…currently there is a horrid move about orca running about…let me speak on a few things of what I observe…all of these places I have been are VERY clean…animals are well fed with top quality food…the are usually happy...as with every animal, a nose may get bent out of shape from time to time…when this does happen BAD things can happen as these are big animals (like a cow or horse or elephant)…the people who work there keep safety a priority…did you know cows kill 6 times the amount of humans as sharks do…that being said why does Discovery not have a ‘cow week’…because of money and ratings…the movie was made to provoke people and make money- not to help the animals…Dawn is looking down from heaven crying- these people used her death to hurt the animals she loved…her poor family has to see all this crapp in the news…I plead with you to ‘Blacklist Blackfish’...

The best for last…I MADE IT ALL 25 MILES!!!!! I left from Hudson Beach at 6 am and arrived at Anclote River Park at 2pm…Sunshine Paddle 2014 is complete…The Helping Hands Food Bank and Sunrise of Pasco Shelter will each get a check for $150…Applebees of Wesley Chapel gave a few gift certificates for workers…we also had an anonymous donor give a brand new piece of baby furniture for the shelter…when I launched it was really crappy weather so I had the water to myself…it is hard to explain how beautiful and amazing the trip was…I got to play with dolphins and 2 notch met up with me along the route…they were all quite encouraging…as I saw Walter waiting onshore…the feeling that was left in my heart is ‘peace be with you’…

Carry On,

Captain D

The Girly Pirate