Science Sundays

This past Sunday, I organized a “small group” of kiddos for beach experiments. I wanted to see if there is a desire to have more hands-on science with elementary-aged kids. I invited a few parents to bring their kids so we could create sand volcano eruptions and experiment with density (how oil reacts with water, detergent, honey, etc.).

I expected around 6 kids to show up. Luckily, I had enough food coloring to paint the Sistine Chapel… since over 20 kids appeared at my table. (When in doubt, give kids food coloring– nothing can go wrong!)

We created “water fireworks” with warm water, oil, and food coloring. We made colorful glasses of different liquids as each created a layer depending on its density. We tested the properties of warm and cold water (how they mix with each other due to their density/volume.)

 

Now I have parents asking me if I can do this every month, come into classes, organize a science club… The pressure is on! So glad to see parents and kids excited about science.

If you would like to order a copy of Stinky Stardust Feet (the behind reason Science Sunday) please click here.

Many thanks,
Chelsea

"Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge." - Carl Sagan

Stinky Stardust Feet: Why Even?

One does not become a children’s book author for the fame and fortune. In fact, it’s a cut-throat industry where most of the people who “make it” are well connected in the publishing world. 

Unless you have an original wizard story with a boy named Harry, it’s hard to make a career out of books. 

Which is why I think my stance is pretty good. I’m not trying to raise enough money to be profitable, I’m trying to make a difference– no matter how small. 

I was recently asked what motivated me to write Stinky Stardust Feet. 

Basically, I don’t like the direction the world is going in. I’m hoping for a better future, and if we want to make real change, we must educate our kids. 

Often times we don’t give kids enough credit for their brilliance. The concepts in Stinky Stardust Feet may seem suitable for advance learners, but it’s great to introduce these topics early on.



Let’s develop a love for discovery as they take literal (and figurative) steps into the world. I don’t want to dumb kids down. Let's challenge kids in a way that they are encouraged to be proactive.

We can all agree that learning is most effective when it’s enjoyable. I want to see a generation of kids who care deeply about what’s going on around them. Not kids who are waiting in line to take selfies so they can hashtag the photo and get free #Nikes.



Do you see what I mean? This book is my effort to put a little more good in a pretty stinky world. 

I’m honored that you’ve already ordered a copy (or two!), now I ask you to THINK. Who else could benefit from a little educational fun? (hint: everyone.) If we can spark curiosity in kids, then we can snowball out of the instagram vacuum and into things that matter and beyond.

Let’s do some good.

Many thanks,
Chelsea

Children’s Book Turns the Taboos of Religion & Science into Educational Laughs

Greensboro, NC, December 28, 2018/ Press Release

On January 1st, Stinky Stardust Feet launches on crowd-funding site Kickstarter. With a range from $5-$10,000, backers can reap rewards from the indie publisher on any budget. Stinky Stardust Feet encourages questions, critical thinking, being silly and unity towards all things earth. 

The link: https://kck.st/2SwhgNg is LIVE!

The main character, Judas, has to open his mind to figure out and understand the significance of personal hygiene. From the very first page, the reader is introduced to a notorious name. In this book, however, he is seen as a curious and misunderstood boy. Judas goes on to discover why exactly his feet smell like rotten onions, and how he can use his method to solve future problems. 

Author Chelsea Pyne explained, “I wanted to give kids and parents an opportunity to discuss science, religion, traditions, and any questions about the universe around them. And to do so in a lighthearted manor. It’s okay to ask silly questions about serious topics."

"The book touches on The Big Bang, evolution, natural selection, the scientific method, cultures and traditions, and the importance of clean feet. 

The takeaway is for kids to not believe everything they hear. This is especially important today, when so many stories are passed on as exaggerated truths. This is also the beauty behind science. It’s unbiased. We shouldn’t take so and so’s word for it because they are popular or powerful. Look for evidence, test your hypothesis, and then come to your conclusion. We want to encourage kids to think outside the box and to question authority. 

In a time when people are constantly divided, it's important to remind the next generation how alike we truly are. We all share an important history, embrace it! (For future sake.)”

The book is nearing completion this month. The water color illustrations can be found on the Kickstarter page, and are even included in a reward. The author has added print and ebook versions, poems, art, science education for kids, and sailing and adventure rewards to fund the book.

Books will be printed with funding goal of $5,000. The printed and ebook version are available for $25. 

For more information visit the kickstarter page: https://kck.st/2SwhgNg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StinkyStardustFeet/

Instagram: @stinkystardustfeet

Email the author: stinkychels@gmail.com

New Year Nature Adventures

I decided to bring in the new year with a few "closer to home" adventures. Before 2017 ended, I managed to wiggle my way aboard a brigantine tallship and spent Christmas viking style. That was enough adventure for awhile; 2018 will be a bit more relaxed. By 'relaxed' I mean no major disappearing acts as I venture out into the unknown. No, this year I will behave and stay close to home. Luckily for me, my backyard has adventures of its own.

Natural Pools

A short hike around Point Blanche takes you to the Natural Pools. (I now claim to have two natural pools, as the villa’s pools have turned swamp green with a good bit of life swirling around them. As much as I’d like to be back swimming in there, how can I take away this abundant habitat? The ducks would surely be upset.)

Anyways. The Point Blanche Natural Pools are of a different sort. Connected to the South Eastern side of the island, they get rough waves from the Atlantic. The Tradewinds also make the swimming conditions not so ideal. However, it’s totally fine to take a dip in the pools which are protected by the jagged rocks. Okay, mildly protected… we still get some big waves and swell into the pools. Which could be dangerous. And there are a number of sea urchins, so be careful where you step. 

As a matter of fact, just hire Margo and me as your guide. Better be safe than lost and sorry.

Garden Blues (& Yellows)

I built a couple of gardens out of debris. I was pretty proud, seeing that I spent no money on the materials, and instead pulled them from mangroves and the beach. Then I grew many plants from seedlings. I like the start to finish process; I have a seed and soon I will have a fruit. Or so it goes. Plants surely teach you patience. 

Unfortunately, when I left on my sailing trip in December, caterpillars bombarded the island. Masses of caterpillars marched in like I’ve never seen before. Over night they could strip a plant down to nothing. Ooh how they do love squash. My pumpkin, yellow squash and zucchini were finished in a matter of days. I would spend hours picking them off, one by one. Just to find a new hatching the next morning. 

At last I left them to feast. I could have bought an insecticide, but poising myself isn't on my to do list. So this time, the caterpillars won. And soon enough we had “Caribbean Snowflakes” which are white butterflies that dazzle around you. They are so beautiful. And I hate them. 

I now know their true nature, and what they did to my innocent plants. It’s not easy not being able to enjoy a butterfly (aka flutter by). It’s a strange feeling. So bitter towards those beautiful beasts. 

But the caterpillars were wild. Hundreds of them in our house. They would repel from the ceiling with Bond like dexterity. Landing on my shoulders until Andy would point them out. “You’ve got another one.” “So do you.”

I did manage to keep a few of the plants alive. The tomatoes survived unscathed. The okra went unnoticed in a different part of the yard. My brussels sprouts proved to be brussels sprouts (why does nobody like them?!). And my sunflower replaced the fallen palm tree. 

So the caterpillars weren’t totally ruthless. But taking 50% of my yield right as flowers were blooming was pretty damn mean. (Did you know they shit where they sleep? Who can respect that?)

I've decided for the next time they're in season, I will welcome them with arms wide open. Right into my pan. (Okay, first I'll freeze them which is more humane then once they're no longer they get tossed in the pan.) From there I will take back my food. I grow a garden to supplement my diet. So if they are going to eat it, I'm going to eat them. And thanks for doing the digestive work for me! Don't mind the extra protein either. 

It's clean, sustainable, organic, local, nutritious... and tasty. Yes, believe it or not, anything fried and seasoned correctly will taste good. It's all in your head, man. 

Surf's Up in St. Martin


(Okay, bad play on words, still keeping it.) This will be the year of my surf debut. It's time to conquer my very realistic fear of being discombobulated in the ocean. In addition, the last few times I went surfing I would throw up a tiny bit. Which is really weird and funny; I just couldn't take the pressure from lying on the board. I took it as a sign that surfing wasn't for me.

But now I've been watching others carve the waves and I'm a bit jealous. So I've decided to invest in a wetsuit and board. I've spent time on the smaller waves and it turns out surfing isn't that scary. Especially when you're surfing the waves, not on your board paddling until you barf. Big difference there.

Keep an eye out for me– SXM's newest and fiercest surfer. I am now taking on early sponsors. I have ways to improve, but I'm accepting lavish gifts in return for surf promotions/ related material.

Day by Day; Bits and Pieces

It’s amazing what you can get done when you don’t have internet.

No phone distractions make for a steady mind. Although I have many questions that I’d like Google to help me solve. Now I must write them down before I forget and look them up later– when I have driven down the road to borrow public wifi.

Even when I am using the wifi at the next neighborhood, I don’t stay long. Oh... the mosquitoes... They are something. I quickly load my emails, send off the ones I’ve prewritten and check in with mom.

Dust off my hands with a job complete and head back to my internet-free day... with a few new mosquito bites on my ankles.

…

We average a 6:00 wake up call via sunlight streaming through the port lights. It’s one of the best skies of the day. Big, bubbly clouds over the hills and the lagoon. Beams of light blasting through.



Such a nice way to wake up– an instant smile to my squinty eyes.

After a hearty breakfast (we've given up sugar, grains, and dairy for Nov.) we outline our day. By 8 o'clock, two others have shown up to clear debris from the villa above. We spend several hours sweeping glass, scrubbing walls, and removing family knickknacks that have fallen and splattered.

By lunch we are exhausted and smelly. The heat sets in so we eat and turn up the fan blast. Depending on my energy level, I will return to my garden and play in the soil some more. After I've had enough of the mosquitoes biting my bum through my heavy pants, I give up. Retreating indoors to shower and head up the road for wifi.

...

My mission since returning has been to create a good harvest– be more sustainable, organic, hippie-like. Last year I grew a few cucumbers and tomatoes in a bittersweet battle to have a successful garden. But after finishing a large book on Caribbean Gardening, I feel more confident not to screw it up, again.

I have many vegetables sprouting and need to transfer them into a protected garden soon. I was able to retrieve an huge white box from my neighbor's bushes. And I found a matching white fence that washed up in the mangroves. I am a few weeks in growing eggplants, zucchinis, tomatoes, squashes, pumpkins and cucumbers.



The plants are doing well, given they have taken a beating with the monsoon rains and erratic winds. I have boxes that I throw over them before big rains come. To offer them a little protection from wind and rain, but I don't think they appreciate it.

Anyways, I expect to have fruit in 3-4 months if we can keep the iguanas out. Just today we were sending bbs at one who came too close to the garden. I am lucky the neighbor's dog (a stray who showed up, made her home and adopted them) is an expert hunter. She will come to our marina and scale the mangroves in order to force the iguana into the water. Two much larger dogs wait for the lizard drop. Makes my eyes water; so proud of them. Margo, on the other hand, cowers from the screened-in porch.

...

The stars are out by 18:30. It feels so late by the sky-clock that we decide to have early dinners. Curry, curry, and more curry. I've just learned how to make it, and we've been so happy with the results we can't not eat it... often.

At the moment, I conquer the kitchen Whole30 style (look it up). Pumping up ze captain so he can fix the boat-lift motor and prepare the new mast. Andy is truly amazing. I have never seen someone work so long and hard (every single day!) Our kitchen is covered in his lists. A hundred-million things to do; he flies around all day fixing this and that. Now he is working on sawing a couple of masts and reassembling them.



Once he can get Nai'a fixed, he can have a vacation. But first we need to get a crane to take our mast out and put the new one in. In the meantime, we have to store both masts on the boat. They rest on giant, wooden Xs that are in place from the bow to the aft. Causing a bit of a hurdle to get on and off.

...

If one thing is for sure it is that we are sleeping well. We're expending so much energy, even at four meaty meals a day. Maybe it has to do with the low sugar in take or maybe it's the reassurance that hurricane season is over. People keep saying it is at least. The water has cooled enough so therefore hurricanes can't form. But I don't think Mother Nature cares much for slight differences in water temperature.

If she doesn't hit us with a hurricane, it could be something else... just as bad. But I shouldn't leave this on a gloomy note, aye? We are happy to see all the flowers blooming again!



My garden, the boat and the villa are all shaping up. One splattered mosquito, one bead of sweat, one coconut curry chicken at a time.

Slowly, but surely.

First Impressions of St. Maarten Post Irma

After nearly three months, I returned home. My first impression of the island was not what I expected. In fact, I felt people were pretty joyous. October has already proved itself a thousand times better than September.

The good part: My plane only had a handful of others. Therefore, I claimed an exit seat and watched Despicable Me 3 in full legroom comfort.

The bad part: As we approached the island I was fixated on the "white caps" I saw in every direction. These waves turned out to be debris miles out at sea. Everywhere. I was in awe at the never ending floating trash.

The good part: Green! Life is sprouting in every direction. Sure it's chaotic, but it's alive and it's happening– quickly. Our TV certainly didn't survive Irma, but this flower did. Do humans actually rule this earth? Debatable.

The bad part: Although the islanders and military are working hard to get everything back to normal, the mountains of trash will be growing for quite awhile. And I'm not exaggerating when I say mountains. They are larger than life... and, well, everywhere.

The good part: The beaches are rebounding. We drove past Mullet Bay, which was the deepest turquoise I'd ever seen it. This may have also been due to its contrast against the lagoon water. (This area used to be blocked by trees, so you couldn't see both at the same time... now it is all open.)

The bad part: In my area, we are not able to get a hold of machinery yet. We need excavators and trucks to remove the piles of broken trees, washed up plastics, and the endless amount of boards that litter the area. Some people have resorted to just burning everything... which is toxic for our lungs and the atmosphere.

The good part: Nature rules. The sun sets and the landscape stays in a shadow. Few lights twinkle in the hills, but billions more from above. Again, nature shines on where humans cannot. So thank you, Universe, for not going dark on us– even when we take room and board, pay no rent, and do little to upkeep our home. We love you, we just don't always show it.

St. Martin Wildlife and Nature Fund

On August 4, 2017 I took a plane up to New England from my tiny island home in Saint Martin. I planned to travel for a month throughout New England and Norway before returning to paradise. 

On the day I was to return, Hurricane Irma hit. The biggest hurricane ever recorded, she was a monster. I was expecting to arrive a few days later in case power was lost at the airport... only to find there was no airport. It shattered with the rest of the island. 

I expected this hurricane season to be bad... I believe in science, in global warming, in climate change and the likes. I know humans have taken advantage of earth in every way possible. So I'm not surprised she lashed back out. What goes around comes around. 

So as we start supplying aid to those who have lost their livelihoods, we also need to start thinking long term. How can we try to appease Mother Nature? Start over in a way that we are more gentle on her, and perhaps, she will show us the same respect.

Before homes, businesses, and attractions can be rebuilt in SXM, the natural foundation and landscape of the island must be secured. Inhabitants cannot continue their lives if the foundation they build upon is jeopardized. There has to be harmony between the people and the environment. All land and sea habitats/vegetation need restoration and rehabilitation asap. 

As St.Martin scrambles to bring order to the people, the island itself cannot be ignored. In order to move past Hurricane Irma and restart the economy and livelihoods of thousands, the environment must also take a forefront in humanitarian efforts. This will be a long term fund that will try to help the environment bounce back. Whether it be through planting trees, rescuing stray animals, making sure debris does not damage coral heads, and so on. The goal is for this money to help clean up and replant the lost island of Saint Martin/ Sint Maarten. Every donation will go into benefiting the island's natural infrastructure. We can do much better for the planet. 

As much as I appreciate people sending their prayers, we need tangible donations. The only way the island will be able to come back to fruition is through money, supplies, sweat and tears. I've got the second half covered. Please help with the former. 

The glory days:

China the Beautiful

People are amazing. Especially women. 

What some women go through for beauty and style will forever confound me. 

America is home to plastic surgery– both words sounding equally terrible. Voluntarily putting them together and paying large sums of money for them, absurd. Couldn’t they have come up with something better? Permanent beauty solutions? Enhanced imaged specialists? Plastic surgery sounds so gross.

But that’s not what I’m here to whine about. 

For 20 days in China I brought two carry-on bags. I made a serious effort to travel light, something I’ve never been too great at. I brought one pair of jeans, one pair of rain pants, one pair of compression/yoga pants, five t-shirts, two long-sleeve shirts, a rain jacket, a fleece, and a leather jacket (leather jacket was key, though). A few pairs of socks and underwear, but with plans to get anything else I needed in China, for a quarter of the price.

I also made sure not to bring any nice shoes. Even though I love my heeled boots, and to tower even further over the mass of people excited me, I only packed one extra pair of sneakers. I wore my bulky hiking shoes and shoved everything else into my bag. 

I knew my fashion would be lacking for this month, but beauty is pain and I ain’t got time for that.

So I took on the greatest national parks I’ve ever experienced looking like a complete scrub. China went way beyond expectations when building Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and all the accompanying caves, canyons and bridges.

I have a fitness watch that tracks my steps, calories, sleep, heart rate, and any activities like swimming, biking, running, etc. When my dad and I took on a different part of the park each day, we were hitting up to 25,780 steps, around 10 miles or less each day.

This is where I get back to people being amazing. Because as we were spewing sweat, climbing stair after stair after stair, crying out to people to see if they speak English and if we’re close to the end… these little Chinese women would fly past us in heels, skirts and sweaters with their arms raised angling a selfie stick. 

I always wondered if there might have been secret elevators that the sign-makers ‘forgot’ to translate into English. How in the world could these women keep up with us? Most of which I’m sure were not very athletic. But it wasn’t just the fashionable ladies in three inch heels and felt hats, (who I’m sure went home with gnarly blisters), but there where elderly couples marching along too.

Hordes of tour groups came at a steady rate. Most of them catered to older people. Sometimes my dad would tell me to pull over so they could pass us. I would quietly curse them for being able to overtake me on the trail. And these are no little day tours. We spent at least five hours each day forcing ourselves up stairs. (Chinese people really love stairs. This is why I think they are not obese– seeing as they eat friend noodles rather often.)

In America, this wouldn’t happen. I’m absolutely positive. Just last October I hiked six miles of the Grand Canyon and not a single person was able to keep up with me. Now in China, where my stride is even greater than the average, I was being out maneuvered. Forced off the trail by giggling girls and grannies alike. 

Maybe all of the Chinese tourists came from Beijing and Shanghai, so once they tasted fresh air, they could breathe and had a renewed sense of life. But I just don’t find it likely. I should also mention that the Chinese people at the parks were not fit. There were a handful of skinny guys, but otherwise, everyone was average or a little chubby. 

There has even been quite a few Chinese women who looked down on me. Which irked me because they are taking away from my authentic Asia experience. “It isn’t supposed to be like this…” I would grumble– not posing for a photo.

Asians take their fashion very seriously. Men included. But I can’t agree that their fashion is ‘fashionable.’ At least in my time and space. Although as I write this, I’m wearing an XL men’s t-shirt and the same jeans for the past three weeks. Still, I think we look equally bad. But I didn’t waste time on trying to look decent, and I’m pretty comfortable. 

So I have to say, beauty is an avoidable pain. The fashion industry itself is the foundation of this pain. A major player in waste and pollution all over the world. Especially so in Asia, where most of the clothing is made. Clothing that is no longer fashionable/wanted/useful once the season is up. 

I used to only buy trendy, cheap clothes that didn’t mean a whole lot to me. So if I stained or lost a shirt, it didn’t really matter. But now I’d rather pay substantially more for a shirt that was sustainably made, by people that get paid a decent salary, and that will last for years. 

But I’m sure I’m the only one who feels this way. Hundreds of people have passed me in the Shanghai airport looking fresh to death. I’m here in my most pajama-like clothing. Even now they enter the duty-free shops and stock up on big brand novelties.

So in all, people do amaze (and confuse) me. The people who build the most impressive national parks I’ve ever laid eyes on; the people who are willing to limp home in order to snap the perfect selfie on top of a mountain; and the people looking a little ragged from hiking 105 miles during a few weeks’ vacation. So I do suppose I might just be amazing myself. As I sit here and write this, a woman and her child in the seat across from me smile widely. I smile back and give an awkward wave to the child. The mother steadily returns my wave and leaves me candy. 

Plastic socks. My crunchy way of keeping my feet dry from my monsoon soaked shoes. Below is the outfit I was given for a massage. I cannot explain it.

Chinglish

The opportunity I've been searching for:

Rice.

Accommodation or new dance style? You can't say it without smiling.

"letoh ssensiub gnijiiew" Nobody noticed it was backwards or nobody cared?

Walking: no. Skipping: yes.

Also, come with your own toilet paper.

The French...... am I right?

Confucius once said...

Singing birds and flourishing flowers are natural fire fighters.

"Milky way waterfall. Its torrent dashes down from a very high place."

"The Spring of Bamboo Fairy. Fragrant flowers flourish for the kind tourists; the water is clean for the clear spring."

Seriously tho.

The view was quite beautiful though, can't argue with that.