Two Conferences in One Week

I have become very familiar with the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. I've been there before, but I just attended two conferences in eight days. Now, I really know my way around. I know the location of every women’s' restroom!

The convention center is beautiful and it is the largest Gold LEED certified green convention center in the country. I am proud of our city for making a commitment to the environment! Way to go Pittsburgh!

Yesterday, Pittsburgh hosted the Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women. The breakout sessions were exceptional. I took a group of high school girls to participate in workshops for young women. They attended sessions focusing on positive risk taking, self respect and on being a positive force for change. They, and I, were inspired. There was also time to attend other sessions. I most enjoyed a keynote address by Naomi Tutu and listening to and meeting writer Sara Davidson.

The previous Thursday I attended a conference on Women’s' Health and the Environment hosted by Teresa Heinz and McGee Women's Hospital. This was a GREAT conference! It was very exciting to see 2000 women eager to learn how environmental factors affect health. I wish every woman could experience this program.

I am disappointed in myself for not taking any photographs to share. But, guess what? I'll be back at the convention center Tuesday for The National Materials Science and Technology Conference. No, I am not an engineer. That is one career I never tried. LOL I do have more than a few brilliant science students who want to study engineering so off we go. The organizers of the conference have graciously invited high school students to participate in a variety of workshops. I'll take my camera.

Fun in October

I have a plan to enjoy every delicious moment this month. I want to have fun, take photos, write, be outdoors as much as possible, and - well - do it all! But, and this is so very important. I want to move in slow motion and with mindfulness.

October has started perfectly. Last night, I attended a meeting of the Three Rivers Birding Club. I love this group of people. They sponsor GREAT meetings and outings, have a very strong membership, and have helped teach this novice birder about more than a few new birds.

The meeting last night was, as usual, awesome! Bill Thompson III was our guest speaker. Yes, Bill of the Birds, known for his birding skills, books, The Birder Watcher's Digest, and his wonderful blog, shared stories and music. He is a funny, FUNNY man.


We all laughed at his stories of birding adventures and mishaps. We even had a sing along. "Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be cowbirds..." Oh, it was a good time. Thank you, Bill!

September

"It seems a shame to see September swallowed by the wind..."
John Denver


September is gone. I lost a beautiful month. It whizzed past in a whirlwind and ended with a tear. I was overbooked day and night so I lived in fast forward and on adrenaline. It was not how I want to experience the world.

October, my favorite month, a glorious month, promises 31 days filled with magic.

An Española Mockingbird for Wordless Wednesday

Turtle in a Tidepool

Look in the water. Can you see it? There is a turtle hatchling stuck in the tidepool. He hatched the night before and was so new to the world he still had yoke on his belly. The tide was long gone and he could be an easy and tasty lunch for a cormorant. No. Please let him make it.





Our Galapagos guide, Carlos, helped the little guy. He picked him out of the tidepool, gently placed him on the lava rock and let him find his way. The little marine turtle turned toward the sea and made a mad dash. He knew what he had to do.



Fifteen feet to the ocean is a long way for a little one, especially when when a bunch of birds are looking down on you wishing all the people would go away. We all watched, prayed and cheered him on. He made it to the sand! Yeah!



Come on baby! Climb that rock! You're almost there!



Home. The water feels so good. God speed, little guy. May you live for a hundred years.

Galapagos Penguins

Everyone on the zodiac was bursting with joy! We could not contain ourselves and we sported the largest grins ever seen on Homo sapiens! We were watching penguins!! Galapagos penguins, Spheniscus mendiculus!!

Seeing the cute penguins while visiting the Enchanted Islands in June was, well REALLY COOL! The opportunity to swim with penguins in their native habitat was one of the main reasons I wanted to go on the trip. That did not happen, but I was able to get very close to these adorable creatures who have the magic ability to make humans smile.

The penguins were very tolerant. They were not bothered by our zodiac as it eased closer and closer to the edge of their rocky home. Ahhh... click, click, click. Many memories were captured in photos.



Aren't I handsome?

This pair staked claim on a perfect cave-like home on Bartolome Island. I wonder who was inside?
Unfortunately, recent news about the health of this unique bird is frightening. The New York Times reported August 18 that a new parasite has infected the Galapagos penguin. Researchers are concerned that, "it could lead to avian malaria, a disease that contributed significantly to the 50 percent extinction rate of endemic birds in Hawaii." It is believed that the infection is the result of increased tourism. Ugh! This doesn't make me feel very good about being one of the tourists.

The good news is that the penguins are showing no signs of illness. Researchers are trying to determine which mosquito is responsible for transferring the parasite to the penguins. Steps are also being taken to protect the island from non-native spieces. When we were landing on Baltra, the flight attendant shocked us all as she fumigated the overhead bins and therefore, passengers as well, with an insecticide spray.

I would love to add a link to The New York Times to make the article easily accessible, but because I am having difficulty adding links to my blog, I am only able to provide the site address: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/19/science/19peng.html?_r=1&ref=science&oref=slogin

Week End

I've thought a lot about posting this week. I had stories and photos to share, but I wasn't able to make it happen. I was just finding my blogging rhythm before I returned to school and now I need a new, revised version.

This first week was exhausting. Every minute, and I do mean every minute, was busy. I am happy for the weekend to make final preparations for school, finish a few things around the house, and have some time to check in on a few of my favorite blogs - including A Glorious Life. I'll be posting again by Monday morning. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy a great weekend!