Bringing Wild Childhood Dreams to Life

I launched my tenth book, this one is the story of Mertrina Marine Minded Network and how an ocean loving island girl found her fins and the voice of the Ocean. You may laugh, but the goal of this is multifold. On one hand, it reflects a childhood dream to be a mermaid, an author and a marine biologist. On the other it is a fanciful adventure that captures the imagination of others. On another hand it is an ocean literacy tool, bridging creativity and scientific communication. Finally, it is my way of maintaining my stance that creativity comes from human hands as every painting was acrylic on paper or canvas, and I used basic software to put the book together.

I wish sometimes that I can get a hundred percent recycled or sustainable paper or inks, that it produced less waste, that I can support more local businesses or do the publishing myself... But I can't control everything. I did what I could do, walked the talk and talked the walk and flipped the pages night after night for a year.

I am so proud of this book. I knew what I wanted to make, a culmination of all the 9 titles that came before, just this time with more control and deliberation. I wonder if some day this book will inspire more young people to protect our Ocean. I hope it starts a wave and gathers strength, carrying change to the places it needs to go. I hope that the work I do will keep my family comfortable long after I am gone. Such I believe of the power of art and words from the hands of a well intending soul.