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Exploring Ormond Beach Wetlands: A Journey for Conservation

We're excited to share our recent adventure to Oxnard, California, where we embarked on a mission to document the incredible Ormond Beach Wetlands. Our journey was filled with inspiring interviews, heartwarming community involvement, and breathtaking drone footage - all in the name of preserving this precious natural habitat.

The Ormond Beach Wetlands:

For those who might not know, the Ormond Beach Wetlands are a vital part of the local ecosystem. Located in Oxnard, California, these wetlands have been the subject of conservation efforts spanning four decades. They are home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Least Tern.

Meet the Locals:

Our adventure started by connecting with the friendly folks who call Oxnard home. We had the privilege of interviewing several locals who have dedicated their lives to protecting the wetlands. Their passion for conservation was truly infectious. Their stories illustrated the deep connection between the people of Oxnard and their beautiful natural surroundings.

Protecting the Least Tern:

One of the highlights of our trip was learning about the Least Tern from Molecular Biologist, Dr. Brian Foster. The Least Tern is a small, delicate bird species that maintains a sanctuary in the Ormond Beach Wetlands. These birds are not only adorable but also play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem's balance. Their survival is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the community and organizations like Earth Alert.

Community Beach Clean-Up:

We were deeply moved by the sense of community in Oxnard. To give back, we joined local residents in a beach clean-up. It was heartening to see so many people come together to ensure that this pristine coastline remains beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy.

A Bird's Eye View:

Our adventure wouldn't be complete without capturing the mesmerizing beauty of the Ormond Beach Wetlands from above. With our trusty drone, we collected stunning aerial images and video footage, revealing the wetlands' expansive landscapes and intricate ecosystems.

Our Friend and Earth Alert President, Janet Bridgers:

We couldn't have undertaken this adventure without the support of Earth Alert and its president, Janet Bridgers, who is not only a passionate advocate for the environment but also a dear friend. Her dedication to preserving natural wonders like the Ormond Beach Wetlands is truly inspiring.

In conclusion, our trip to Oxnard was an unforgettable experience. We hope that through our documentary, we can raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Ormond Beach Wetlands and the incredible efforts of the Oxnard community in safeguarding this natural treasure.

Toby

Celebrating Life's Moments: Reflections on Vacations, Mardi Gras, and Freedom

by Shelley Carney

You've set this goal for yourself. You've arrived in New Orleans. You're pushing yourself down Bourbon Street. Then you have this secondary adventure with someone as intriguing as possible. It's still one of those points in my life that I recall not only with fondness but with an appreciation of what a great story it was. It was a good enough story that it could end up in a book.

In the latest episode of the "Our Story Your Story" podcast, hosts and authors Shelley Carney and Toby Younis delve into the vibrant world of Mardi Gras through Chapter 24, "New Orleans," from the captivating tale 'A Gypsy's Kiss.' 

This episode is a celebration of life's experiences, encapsulating the essence of achieving goals, embracing vacation adventures, and finding joy in the journey. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fisMOjoqcV0

Watch the video or download the podcast episode.

Join us as we unravel the central themes and emotions, inviting you to reflect on your own unique adventures and moments of celebration.

Vacations and Goals: Managing Expectations and Embracing Growth

Managing expectations and embracing growth through achieving a goal or completing a journey is akin to navigating the delicate balance between aspiration and reality. 

As we set our sights on a goal, we often envision the end result, fueled by anticipation and excitement. 

However, the journey to attainment is a dynamic process, influenced by unexpected turns and valuable lessons. 

Not knowing exactly how to proceed, and with the bike running, I take a moment to figure out what to do. Before I can decide upon anything, another police officer points a nightstick at me and yells, “Turn that thing off, jackass!” A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 24

It's about understanding that the path may not always unfold as anticipated, but every twist and turn offers an opportunity for growth. 

“Aside from just achieving the objective, I matured a lot in those few days as a result of the experiences that I was having. The second thing that happened was that I evolved socially because of the interactions that I was having with people. There is a maturity that comes from being on the road.”— Toby Younis

Each obstacle encountered is a chance to refine our goals, adapt our expectations, and ultimately mature into a more resilient and informed individual. 

As I lift one of my feet to move forward, the bike locks up as if I had slammed on the brakes, catching me by surprise, and I fall over! Instinctively, I check myself and my surroundings. My head has landed right in the middle of the foot traffic, so my first reaction is to protect my head. But as they notice me on the ground, people skirt around me and my mini accident. For the first time on this entire trip, there seemed to be no one to help me. A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 24

Embracing this evolution, and cherishing the journey's triumphs and tribulations empowers us to reach beyond our initial objectives and discover a deeper, enriched sense of accomplishment. 

In essence, managing expectations and embracing growth involves honoring the process as much as the destination, and recognizing that the journey itself is a teacher of invaluable life lessons.

As we grow older, our expectations of vacations and getaways evolve, often influenced by the glossy portrayals in movies and travel brochures. 

Travel experiences, once simple and unassuming, transform into a realm of anticipation. 

In our discussion, we draw a comparison between our younger, more accepting selves and our mature, experienced perspectives. 

“When my husband and I went on our honeymoon, we didn't think about how we were spending every dime that we had to go on this trip to Hawaii. In fact, we had to borrow money from his parents to get back. We didn't ever think back on that as crazy. We didn't regret it for a minute.”— Shelley Carney

Vacations and journeys, regardless of the hurdles they may present, are the catalysts for personal growth and social evolution.

Click here to read the rest of Shelley's informative article on our blog.

Here's our next week in content:

7 pm MDT, Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Garage Prospecting with Shelley Carney and Toby Younis. Livestream.

youtube.com/@garageprospecting

Humpday Hoedown - Garage Prospecting Paydirt Giveaway Night!

It's Giveaway Night! Join us for a chance to win one of two bags of paydirt with gold from the Garage Prospecting New Mexico Blend Paydirt!

To have a chance at the giveaway, make a comment on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ttr-NOEfrvE

Want a bag of New Mexico Blend Paydirt right now? Get some here.

7 pm MDT, Thursday, September 28, 2023. Our Story Your Story with Shelley Carney and Toby Younis. Premier.

youtube.com/@ourstoryyourstory

Unveiling Destiny & Embracing Romance | Chapters 25 and 26 A Gypsy’s Kiss | Our Story Your Story

Join us on this captivating episode of Our Story Your Story as hosts/authors Toby Younis and Shelley Carney explore the enthralling Chapters 25 and 26 of their book, A Gypsy’s Kiss.

Delve into the themes of adventure, destiny, and the magic of crossing cultures as we follow teenage traveler Miguel and his companion, Mariah, through an exhilarating adventure along the Mississippi River.

Witness the magic of romance as Mariah interprets a Gypsy Fortune Teller's prophecy, igniting a beautiful connection between the two characters, and find out how the title of the book came to be!

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Want to Have It All?

Find our New Mexico Day Trips website to see all our photos and blog posts for NM Day Trips, Garage Prospecting, and Our Story Your Story at nmdaytrips.com

Learn more about AGK Media Studio products and services on our website: agkmedia.studio

You can still find all our past content to improve your content marketing for your small business at messagesandmethods.com

Thank you for spending time with us in the AGK Media community. Scroll down for more information.

Sincerely,

Shelley and Toby

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Schedule a Free Consultation with us to discuss how you can become a content creator, start a YouTube channel and build a community, or incorporate content marketing into your business in 2023.

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