Life isn’t a pailful of herring, you know. Not for Freckles the harbor seal, any more than it is for the rest of us.
Not for nothing does Freckles have this spindle-shaped sleekness. He forages the Pacific Ocean for hours at a time every day, grabbing snacks on the go because he’s also got to keep an eye out for predators. Manmade dangers, too–like gill nets and ship propellers.
Freckles navigates rough waters every day, so no surprise! When he finally hauls ashore, he’s exhausted. But as leader of this pinniped posse, it also falls to Freckles to defend their onshore habitat.
You might be wondering: How does he manage?
Look deep into those liquid brown eyes, and you’ll find your answer. There’s wisdom in that sleepy-eyed gaze of his, not fear. He’s been around the tide pools a few times, our Freckles. He’s earned every one of those grey spots.
He’s not afraid to go nose-to-nose with his problems, but he also knows when and how to chill.
You’d never guess, for instance, that he’d just squared off with Clancy, the interloper up front. Once Freckles laid down the ground rules, he nestled himself into the algae-softened rocks again, angled strategically between his long time friends and this brazen newcomer. Peaceable kingdom, restored.
That’s how Freckles rolls. He just takes care of business, tra la la, and then settles in for another nap.
We could all take some cues from Freckles, now couldn’t we? Tuned in, blissed out…finding our happy place, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.
Rainy days and Mondays, included.
Amy
This is wonderful!
Pamela Reese
the world would be better if we could learn life’s lessons from our natural neighbors. Show them the way, Freckles…earn your keep, take care of those important…and know when to kick back and relax.
Thanks, Melodye…and Freckles
Liz Jones
<3
Janet Miles
Such cool pictures! No wonder getting tattoo freckles is the latest craze!
Carol baldwin
Fun post. As usual, great pictures!
Margaret Buffie
Freckles has a LOT to teach us. Including keeping our waters clean and safe for him and his family. He’s a hero!
Sheryl Hames Torres
Melodye, this is delighful! You never fail to bring something special for us, but in pictures and words. My children loved these kinds of books when they were growing up, and the new littles love them just as much. You’re not only a natural born writer and photographer, you’re a teacher as well.
Looking forward to your next post…
Jeannine
Those eyes are simply amazing!