Hello to a group of people I'm assuming will never tire of talking about octopuses--my friends are burned out! :)

[gjbarord]

Haha. I am the same way about nautiluses...

Greg

 

[LLynn1952]

Hi everyone, I'm Lauren. I had to join TONMO because I really can't talk to those around me about octopuses anymore. I've hit the wall, and met the limits of other humans' standard interest in the subject. So I am here somewhat as a support group. I suspect you all will understand. I look forward to learning with you, and sharing in this truly beyond amazing topic. At times, I don't think there is anything more interesting in world. I'm a psychotherapist and writer, and I've loved animals all my life. I have a little bit of background in wildlife rehab from my California days, and now reside on the Shore in New Jersey, where I am taking up surfing for the first time. Having grown up land-locked in the Midwest throughout my childhood years, I gravitated to the coasts (and further into the oceans, both coasts) as soon as I could hit the road. Really happy to be here, and to provide support and my enthusiasm for learning. I've devoured (like an octopus on a crab) many of the mainstream books on octopuses, and I'm now ready to deepen my understanding. Thanks for letting me coast along with you!

Hi! And Welcome! My name is Leslie and like you, i am new and in love with and ever so fascinated by octopuses. I am not in a position to be able to have one and the people i have met online about cephs are so full of informatio that they so readily share and are so kind and patient with noobies that i think you will enjoy it so much! And, you won't talk to anybody about octopuses and only hear a dial tone in response .

 

[LaurenGonzalez]

Haha. I am the same way about nautiluses...

Greg

Haha. I am the same way about nautiluses...

Greg

I love your Vonnegut quote, btw! Nautiluses are astounding creatures--Cousteau's book really turned me on to them, too, although I haven't read much beyond it (too focused on octopuses!) Would you recommend a book?

 

[LaurenGonzalez]

Hi! And Welcome! My name is Leslie and like you, i am new and in love with and ever so fascinated by octopuses. I am not in a position to be able to have one and the people i have met online about cephs are so full of informatio that they so readily share and are so kind and patient with noobies that i think you will enjoy it so much! And, you won't talk to anybody about octopuses and only hear a dial tone in response .

Hey Leslie! Thanks for reaching out--your words are encouraging. Like you, I can't keep an octopus right now, and feel like a bit of a tourist here (respecting the work of the scientists and those who actually are lucky enough to interact with cephs regularly). I am so excited to have been warmly welcomed into this group, even though I know I bring mostly my curiosity at this point. I am absolutely planning to attend the next conference though, and hope to connect on a deeper level, and perhaps that will make me more confident about keeping octopuses myself. I've been to one wildlife rehabilitation conference in Tahoe years ago when I volunteered, and that was such a peak experience. I can only imagine a weekend of ceph talk! I'm curious to ask you, and will also post to the group...how did you first get into cephs? Do you remember your earliest encounter or awareness of them?

 

[LLynn1952]

I don't really remember. I have vague memories of a movie with maybe James Mason and lots of octopus arms and thinking i wonder if there is a real animal like that. Plus i had a little girl crush on James Mason . My mini-obsession was overidden by lifetime obsessions with animals that are easily accessible, horses and dogs. I never forgot my fascination with octos and have actually been able to seriously pursue my interest in only the last few years. But what a great time to do so!!

 

[LaurenGonzalez]

Sublimating octo love into accessible mammals, I get it! I think I turned toward birds and turtles and lizards in a similar way (and always with a dog or cat by my side)