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Monday, March 16, 2009

Visual Art I Have Become One of Those People

Posted by Jen Graves on Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 9:03 AM

Last week I spent doing as little as possible in Hawai'i. It was my first time there. One morning I found myself swimming for an hour and a quarter in the middle of a pod of spinner dolphins.

Now I have become one of those people who wants to buy dolphin things (I have not bought anything simply because I cannot buy anything dolphin-related that approximates a dolphin, or, more precisely put, I cannot buy a pod of dolphins), who has had more than a passing thought of getting a dolphin tattoo (I have been talked down), and who feels a spiritual connection with dolphins.

As in: I want to think and talk about dolphins as much as possible. I always thought these people were annoying. I am sorry about that now. Now, I see.

Have you been acquainted with these inordinately wonderful creatures? I came across them here one week ago today, just after sunrise. (Later that day I had an experience with what the restaurant called "Stadium Cheese" that we will save for another time.)

My first purchase will be this. I am not sure I can be held accountable for any other dolphin paraphernalia, or extemporaneous dolphin conversation, I will be sporting in the coming days.

^{Photo from Wiki}

Comments (35) RSS

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http://media.southparkstudios.com/media/…

Jen is coming back to the Stanger like this for sure.

Posted by wisepunk on March 16, 2009 at 9:15 AM

I can't wait to talk about dolphins with you, Jen. Can we also discuss sea turtles, or is it only dolphins?

Posted by Betsey Brock on March 16, 2009 at 9:20 AM

Dude, totally. I did a solo kayaking thing in the San Juans last summer, and ended up getting friendly with some dolphins, and I thought I was gonna die from happy.

In Hawaii, for me, it was turtles. Now I know why so many people have those little turtle decals on their cars. Tattoos have been considered.

Let 'em eat their hater tots. We are one with teh nature. Om.

Posted by violet_dagrinder on March 16, 2009 at 9:20 AM

love dolphins. but please, please anyone, DO NOT make the mistake Jen did. Not for the dolphin's safety (they know how to handle themselves), but your own. sharks and dolphins often circle about looking for the same thing - fish!!

Posted by ho' know on March 16, 2009 at 9:21 AM

I think that's just wonderful, Jen. In fact, why don't you just stay there and you can blog about dolphins all day long. That way we won't have to read your lame-o lame-o posts about boring art 16 times a day. Anything would be an improvement over that.

Come to think about it, maybe Paul Constant could join you in Hawaii.

Posted by Prince Albert (in a can) on March 16, 2009 at 9:22 AM

you would like the movie "The Big Blue"

Posted by cay on March 16, 2009 at 9:23 AM

You should have talked about dolphins on NPR this morning...

Posted by Kriss on March 16, 2009 at 9:27 AM

I too have swum with the spinner dolphins at Captain Cook. They're almost magical. But don't get sucked in by the siren song of dolphin doodads. If you spend your money on those, you won't be able to afford a trip back to Hawaii.

Posted by Jeepers on March 16, 2009 at 9:29 AM

The birds are pretty neat too. But I will worship the ground you walk on for eternity if you get a big tattoo of Stadium Cheese.

Posted by Fnarf on March 16, 2009 at 9:33 AM

I was under the impression that stanger staffers didn't make enough money to go on vacation.

Posted by Black Tip on March 16, 2009 at 9:35 AM

ah, Jen... I too have swum with dolphins in Hawaii... did they come close to you? any petting? did they try to molest you in a cross species erotic love tale?

Sorry, I forgot myself for a second

Posted by W2M on March 16, 2009 at 9:35 AM

Cue Man-Dolphin Love guy's 5000 word post in 3... 2... 1...

Posted by Big Sven on March 16, 2009 at 9:35 AM

"I came across them here one week ago today, just after sunrise."

What #4 said.....sharks (and all fish) feed AT SUNRISE AND SUNSET. there was a very good chance the locals were watching you, waiting for you to get et....or at least nibbled by the black tips....

Posted by Crazy, but you lived! on March 16, 2009 at 9:40 AM

Take #8's advice, use your $$$ for more trips. Better yet, use it to get dive certified. If you think they're fun at the surface, wait til you're 40 feet below. The seals come and play, too, it is delightful.

Posted by eric on March 16, 2009 at 9:41 AM

I'm getting you this cartoon on a T-shirt, Jen:

http://www.cartoonbank.com/item/123710

Posted by Christopher Frizzelle on March 16, 2009 at 9:43 AM

were they randy?

Posted by SEAN NELSON, EMERITUS on March 16, 2009 at 9:44 AM

My favorite dolphin tv moment was on Fishing With John, the episode with Jim Jarmusch. Rent it and see what I mean.

Posted by thecatnextdoor on March 16, 2009 at 9:48 AM

You are so right.

I went dolphin snorkeling in New Zealand a few years ago, and it was mythical. My girlfriend (at the time) thought it was weird how much I talked about it.

I'm glad you understand.

Posted by mammal on March 16, 2009 at 9:50 AM

I love dolphins, too! Except instead of a "dolphin person" I became "one of those vegetarians" after several fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving trips where I really felt a connection with, uh, fish.

I am obsessed with sharks (don't believe what you see on TV or read on Slog about 'em) and fish in general and can't eat seafood anymore. I miss it—but I can't go back!

There are several great books, audio and articles about the healing powers of dolphins. Spend $$ on books!

Posted by mkg on March 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM

I love dolphins! I swam with them once and it was amazing. If I were to be an animal other than a human I would definitely be a dolphin. I know for a fact those creatures are a billion times smarter than people and I wish I could somehow come to know everything that they do.

Posted by Queen of Sleaze on March 16, 2009 at 10:14 AM

I've been to that national park and to Captain Cook...both gorgeous...hell that whole island is gorgeous. Have seen the dolphins there but never been lucky enough to swim with them. Good for you!
(glad you didn't get eaten by sharks too)

Posted by Grid on March 16, 2009 at 10:34 AM

dolphins rule. did you know that the orca whale is actually the largest dolphin? i'm a total orca nerd now after seeing the jpod not far offshore from lincoln park in west seattle a few years ago. so fucking cool.

Posted by baby shamu on March 16, 2009 at 10:46 AM

@4, @13 - A vast majority of the sharks in Hawai'i are harmless (to people) reef sharks. Once in a blue moon, someone will spot a tiger shark, and it will make the news.

In the extremely rare case that someone does get attacked by a shark, it is most likely a surfer, not a swimmer.

Bottom line: Don't fear sharks. Fear the drive to the beach, because that is far more dangerous.

Posted by Mahtli69 on March 16, 2009 at 10:48 AM

When I was looking for housing out here in Eugene, I looked at a house that was decorated completely in dolphin paraphernalia. I felt like I was touring a mentally ill person's home. I wish I had taken a picture to warn you of just how crazy-dolphin-lady it's possible to become...

Posted by Julie in Eugene on March 16, 2009 at 10:49 AM

It's easy to romanticize them, but dolphins can actually be pretty dangerous, and encouraging people to swim with them is like encouraging people to hang around with grizzly bears. They're well-known to be rapists and murderers.

Haven't you seen the King of the Hill episode where Hank gets raped by one?

See also:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/3136862…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_sexu…

Posted by hypnotoad on March 16, 2009 at 10:56 AM

@23 Eight words....

Galapagos Shark
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
Gray Reef Shark

Posted by Will get ya! on March 16, 2009 at 11:24 AM

@26 Eight words....

Don't leave your house. It's dangerous out there.

Posted by Mahtli69 on March 16, 2009 at 11:39 AM

I too love dolphin. Lucky for me a lot of what passes for canned tuna especially the stuff you get at the discount food marts is loaded with delicious dolphin, which when you add some mayo, onion and a bit of celery makes a terrific sandwich spread.

Posted by Dolphin - it's the other other other white meat on March 16, 2009 at 11:43 AM

You should listen to CBC Ideas' podcast "Ocean Mind" about the consciousness of Whales and Dolphins. It is fascinating and also quite moving.

http://www.cbc.ca/ideas/features/ocean-m…

Posted by ams on March 16, 2009 at 11:45 AM

@24,

Still can't hold a candle to that woman who married one.

Posted by keshmeshi on March 16, 2009 at 11:46 AM

Swimming with dolphins has been one of the most ecstatic experiences of my life so far. They're amazing creatures.

Posted by Geni on March 16, 2009 at 11:47 AM

Mahtli69. of course, don't fear sharks. but at least be informed before blithely getting in a fuckin' bathtub with them. fair?

Posted by ho' know on March 16, 2009 at 11:59 AM

@10 air tickets to hawaii are cheaper this year than they've been in three or four. if you camp out or stay at the hostels on the big island, it's pretty affordable as far as exoctic tropical vacays go.

Posted by erin on March 16, 2009 at 1:47 PM