Sketch to an Island and Visit Your Arl

I'm the kind of person who probably wouldn't make any money if I had my own business.   I'm very much like my dad in that way.  We would rather come out short handed on our side than have the other person end up with any sort of loss.  Trade is usually what we opt for in situations where the other person would compensate us for something.   Some people see that as not wise, but some of the trades I've done in my former life have left me with very memorable experiences. :)

This post is about one of those experiences.

When my best friend finished school, she got the most awesome job managing the park at Half Moon Caye.  She'd be on a secluded island for fifteen days at a time chilling with the Sea Turtles, Iguanas, Boobies (the bird, you sicko) and random people who came to pay their fees for snorkeling at the Great Blue Hole.  Oh boy, did I envy her! 

As it turned out, her boss needed a sign made that would inform people to NOT feed the sharks.  Apparently, people don't obey rules unless they're in the form of a sign.  As the Belizean system of "I know somebody weh know somebody weh could draw" would have things, my friend was my ticket to the job. So I had fun with it!

I made a sketch and sent it in.  They loved it!  The compensation? Well, how was I supposed to make a price for something that took 20 minutes?  I had no idea.....so I said: "I want a trip to Halfmoon Caye".   And just like that, my wish was granted.  Two weeks later, I was on a boat to Half Moon Caye to see my bestest friend at her office by the sea!

We  laughed and talked while I watched her work.  I swam in the Great Blue Hole and returned to explore the Island with my favorite Arl.  We frolicked through the forest reserve among the Iguanas and birds.  I saw where she slept and learned where to find the water tank from where they hauled water to use around the house.

Leaving was hard but I had to go.   I had to give up my friend for a few more days before she can come back to the mainland with us land-folk.

I cherish the memories of that trip dearly.  Really, it's almost not fair that a quick sketch bought me a priceless experience with a very special person.  Money could never buy that.  Ok, so maybe it could....but on a student budget, let's just say it wouldn't be very easy to do.

As for Arl, she's still my bestie.  She's a scientist, wife and mother of a literally-very-bouncy little girl.  I've learned a lot from her about relationships, growing beans in jars and pre/post nuptual molting in birds; among other things.  She's a fireball of wonderful that I'm so grateful to call my friend.  I love you, Arl!

So, you might be wondering where can you find your own, Arl.  I don't know....but this one is mine! Get your own scientist best friend!