Friday Feelings: SUP and a Confession

Friday Feelings: SUP and a Confession

Haven’t had too many chances lately to go SUPing with the winter winds in American Samoa.

It calmed down just a little bit on Friday and the ebb tide was just high enough when I got home from work so I grabbed my board, paddled against the current, and realized later that I forgot my board leash.

Floated back to shore just before dark.

I was just so glad that it was the weekend.

SUP American Samoa
SUP American Samoa
SUP American Samoa
SUP American Samoa

After paddling, and Ian getting back from checking out the surf on the stretch, we sat down at Tradewinds to say our goodbyes to new friends who were leaving the island, and came back home for fun game night with the neighbors.

SUP American Samoa

CONFESSION: 

Before I went to bed that night, I had a mini break down because I suddenly felt a wave of sadness that the only thing I was looking forward to lately was the weekend. And when I say I had a mini break down, what I mean is that I was feeling a little frustrated with my day to day routine… and there’s nothing wrong with routine, but I was getting bored with just getting up for work, spending hours at a desk, eating (and not exercising), binge watching Netflix shows, and spending more late night hours behind a screen. There’s a smattering of other fun things that I usually do in between all the routine that keep me going, but like I mentioned in another post, I’m still learning to live slow. Doing more meaningful things that inspire me and keep me motivated instead of crossing things off a list just because. I always feel better with my camera in hand so this weekend I’m going to cherish the moments and take snaps that make me feel. I want to live consciously and live my life with care. I’m sorry for blabbing, but now that I’m over it I just wanted to share… it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes you gotta be the caterpillar in a cocoon, and eventually you’ll break free from the chrysalis and fly away.

Hello Little Starling

Hello Little Starling

Samoan Starling

Thursday evening was beautiful and calm.

Just another day at Coconut Point right?

SUPing at sunset

Sabrina and Max SUPing at sunset

Starling Head Hopping

Tuni swims after a tennis ball

Puppy swimmer

HELLO LITTLE STARLING

I had just gotten off of work and went to the beach to join the usual gang hanging out by the treehouse.

And tonight we had a visitor – a Samoan Starling (Aplonis atrifusca).

Samoan Starling
Samoan Starling
Samoan Starling
Samoan Starling

It’s still a young starling – gradually growing it’s adult feathers and learning to fly.

It made us all laugh nervously as it flew for only a few seconds…

 

Hopping from head to head

Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping

The Starling perched on my shoulder and nipped on Paolo’s ears.

This is the friendliest wild bird I’ve ever known

Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping
Starling Head Hopping

American Samoa ornithologist, Kim Kayano is rehabilitating this juvenile and hopes to have it return to the wild soon.

Starling Head Hopping