20: a good reason

Dear Friend,

Hello, I hope that things are going well for you and yours. What is on your horizon this next week, see anything? If not, may the unknown be full of good things!

A few weeks ago, Frank and I visited the Pacific Grove Art Center where we met an artist named Norman Muhl. His photography show was in the main gallery, entitled: In Plain Sight.

For 30 years, Norman was an art teacher at Pacific Grove High School. And though he has retired from teaching art, he has not stopped making art and he has not stopped teaching.

Norm’s work in art is from his heart. He told us that he’s most interested in the making of the piece. When it’s finished, he is thinking about what’s next. Creating is something that he is. His art includes photography, raku pottery, drawing, painting, music and whatever is next.

Norman shared some photos of his work with us and invited us to tour his home studio.

We had a great visit with Norm and his lovely wife, Sherry (architect and artist).

Norman also volunteers as a docent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. He is there to answer questions about the aquarium and creatures, and enjoys educating people about the importance of the ocean, sparking life-long interests, helping to nurture an ever-growing global concern for the ocean and all of its inhabitants, one person at a time.

We were Norm’s guests one Monday at the Aquarium and enjoyed our tour very much as he shared his knowledge of, and genuine enthusiasm for, all of the creatures living there.

Norm introduced us to one of his favorite creatures, the nudibranchs, a type of sea slug. As is true with all living things in the Aquarium, there is a good reason for scientists to study these creatures; when nudibranchs are present, it is a sign of a healthy environment. Here is a quick video: Nudibranch FACTS.

Human beings know very little compared to what there is to know about the ocean. Though it covers over 70% of the earth’s surface, only 5% of the ocean has been explored. There is so much more to discover about its inhabitants, its resources, and how its health directly affects the rest of the world.

I’m sure that you’ve heard disheartening news about ocean pollution, over-fishing (and other causes of and reasons for, diminishing sea life), and while the future of the ocean can look very bleak, it is good to remember that globally there are people who care about the waters on our planet. There is hope when we know that so many other people care, too. Hope brings even more action. For close to 100 years, David Attenborough has observed, worked to protect, and shared about the earth. In his most important video yet, Ocean 2025, he has good news for people who care.

We are so grateful that you have taken the time to read Tracks by the Post, thank you! It is a gift to know that you are there and that we’re on your radar.

We join you in sending thoughts of comfort and healing to so many suffering (in Texas and so many other places) today.

When you have a moment, please write and let us know what’s happening in your world, we care about how you are doing.

Wishing you and yours a peril-free, loving week ahead,

Gently Be,

Leslie and Frank

PS: Thank you, again, Norm and Sherry, for our fun visit and for sharing your work us all!

PpS: Here’s another video with more information about Nudibranchs and Why They are Impressively Good at Existing.