Depth of the blue sea
Fear of sea monsters conquered
By becoming one of them

Growing up I was terrified of the ocean. My parents had a painting in our living room titled “The Sea” and as a little kid I remember sitting backwards on the couch just staring at it, imagining all of the sea monsters that lurked beneath the dark stormy waves. We also used to visit Cape Cod and my hyper-protective Mom would warn me of the dangers of the “undertow”. Oooh, that sounded sooo scary. In my tweens I developed a fascination for all things pirate. I had a black-light poster (I know, I’m dating myself) called “Ghost Ship” that I would stare at for hours at night in the ultraviolet glow while my imagination spun tales of treasure and treachery. Then in my early 20’s I hiked the cliffs at Point Lobos State Park in Carmel. I looked down through the depths into the dark turquoise abyss and saw anemones and starfish twinkle back. Diving Murre were flying underwater looking for unwary fish to eat. I spoke a promise out loud: “I will learn to dive and come back here”. I was no longer content to look down to study these creatures from my air born world. I wanted to experience their aquatic world from their perspective. Less than a year later I did just that. I got my SCUBA card and did my first certified open water dive at the very spot I made the promise. I was humbled to be swimming with these incredible creatures on their level, in their world. It would forever change me. That day a marine biologist was born. The kelp forest still holds a special place of wonderment in my heart and I am happy to say I conquered my fear of the depths.

In response to Patrick jennings Pic and a Word Challenge #3: Depth