Laurel Wreath

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THE UNIVERSE IS GOOD.✌🏻 I'm so fortunate to be a part of this experience, AND get to hang out with sea lions. ........... Last summer Lucy was abandoned by her mother on the beaches of California.😢 At a month old she was left emaciated and dehydrated. That's when a team of rescuers brought her to their facility to care for her until she could be placed in a permanent home, knowing she'd never survive in the wild on her own. About a month and a half ago she was sent to the Long Island Aquarium, where she spent the first 37 days in quarantine (30 days is mandatory). This allowed her to get acclimated and familiar with her new trainers, as building those relationships is essential. Two weeks ago Lucy was brought out to the main pool, where she was gradually introduced to her new home and roommates. Last week I watched a very timid, shy, and anxious Lucy muster up the courage to make her first dive into a pool with another sea lion, Bunker (also a female). IT WAS THE CUTEST DAMN THING I'VE EVER SEEN!!!! And in one week she has made so much progress! She's now free to roam the exhibit with the other 3 sea lions and her personality has blossomed. She is playful and curious. She loves to snuggle (or try to) with her new friends. She's learning basic training techniques, which will be very beneficial when she needs to receive veterinary care. And damn, can that girl sleep!😪 We still have more observations to do, but I'm blown away by the differences that I've seen in just one week.😄 ........... #cspec #wildliferesearch #wildlifebiology #wildlife #nature #animalrescue #actuallivingscientist #sealionsofinstagram #sealion #pinniped #research #animals #natgeo #adventure #kisses #picoftheday #science #biology #research #education #earth #knowledge #life #womeninscience #rescue #saveanimals #compassion #crueltyfree #wildlifelovers #earthfocus #wildlifeplanet #natgeohub #natgeowildlife #marinelife #recycle #sustainability #environment #eco #savetheplanet #womeninstem #stem #tothegirls #womensupportingwomen #tattooed #inked #inkedgirls #instagood #tattoolove #magik (at Long Island, NY) https://www.instagram.com/p/By4EIlrHRKc/?igshid=188mgevtel6pd

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I'm tilting this vacation the "decompress before the stress."✌🏻 Three weeks away from our move (NY➡️MA), taking a well-deserved break with my favorite adventure co-pilot & ❤ @viv_lociraptor_ .🇨🇦 If anyone has any suggestions of things to check out in Niagara Falls, Ontario send em our way.😍 #dontgochasingwaterfalls #ohcanada #getaway #vacationmode #niagarafalls #ontario #hockeynation #decompress #relax #RAndR #tgif #happyfriday #couplesretreat #travel #adventure #vacation #horseshoefalls #canada #weekend #cheers (at Niagara Falls, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuNhdWknRop/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16rj2w7rid56

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Our last NYE in New York was definitely one for the books. We celebrated with family, new friends, and old friends. 🎉 Over the last 3 years I've built quite an incredible life up here. I've made friends that can never be replaced. I was a part of a community that was always getting the people involved with exciting opportunities. I learned and I loved a lot. Now we count down our final 2 months here and then it's back to Massachusetts. I've been looking forward to moving back, close to friends and family, for years now. But I didn't imagine it would be this difficult to leave a place I knew was only temporary. Thanks for the memories. Let's not let them discontinue. #my2018 #2019 #happynewyear #nye #friends #family #love #cheers #upstateny #glensfallslife #adirondacks #tbt #throwback #flashback #throwbackthursday #memories #goodvibesonly #goodtimes #thanksforthememories #bittersweet #bluehair https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLaT5EHvNg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6adh1g53gn7u

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As we come to the end of the year a lot of people tend to focus on the next move and what the new year will bring. We tend to forget about the things we've accomplished (big and small). With 12 days left in the year I encourage you to share one thing each day that you're really proud of yourself for. It could be that promotion you got or the fact that you mastered your margarita recipe. You should be proud of yourself and loving yourself isn't vanity. Encourage the people you know to do the same. ✌🏻🌟💕 (Seasonal depression is a real thing but lifting yourself up is a good way to get out of the funk if you're in one.) #selflove #loveyourself #12daysofvictories #my2018 #thursdaymotivation #thursdaythoughts #tbt #throwback #mentalhealthawareness #raiseyourhorns #seasonaldepression #winteriscoming #newyearnewme #quoteoftheday #picoftheday #motivation #insporation #accomplishments #kickingass #youreamazing #youareloved #youareamazing #yougotthis https://www.instagram.com/p/BrnvipWndNc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ah3c08smxk27

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So how's your Monday going? 😁 I'm just out here studying harbor seals and being kissed by sea lions. 😚 #livingmybestlife #mcm #sidepiece #mondayvibes #motivation #wildlifebiologist #waterdogs #scienceventures #longisland #fall2018 #mondaymotivation #mermaid #lovewhatyoudo #animals #cute #kisses #adorable (at Long Island Aquarium) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bphp_ZDn4HF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4r6tp0rophb2

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We win Halloween! Thank you to @krisp_10 and @santainhisprime for having us over. We had a wonderful time (as always). And we won some magnificent @commonrootsbrewing beer and @krucoffee ✌🏻 #thisishalloween #cheers #drinklocal #kru #halloween #costumes #chimchim #marrypoppins #disney #halloween2018 #coffee #picoftheday https://www.instagram.com/p/BpdrMTTnbSE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mjdher2n43o4

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"I'm like cat here. A no-name slob. We belong to nobody and nobody belongs to us. We don't even belong to each other." 🙌🏻💎#mischiefjosie #cat #livingthemovie #breakfastattiffanys #mylife #audreyhepburn #freespirit #wildthing #iloveyou #thanks #moviequotes #livingmybestlife #blondelife #kittenscarf #furbaby #kittensofinstagram #picoftheday #sundayfunday #instacat #believe https://www.instagram.com/p/BoqW0K1Bwi9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tf3qxwiwmzwa

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I AM 1 IN 10. ☝🏻 A victim of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). 💔 I have been silent about my struggles because, honestly, it's a tough subject to bring up. There's also a part of me that feels ashamed or like somehow it makes me less of a woman. But in recognition of World PCOS Unity Day, I'm standing in front of my condition and not behind it. I want to show my cysters that there is support all around them and while our experiences may vary, we are all victims of a disorder without a cure. This condition has affected my body both inside and out with weight gain, insulin resistance, anxiety, depression, painful ovarian cysts, sleep apnea, sharp pelvic pains, and generally feeling tired all of the time. PCOS is one of the leading causes for infertility, and miscarriages are not uncommon if pregnancy does occur. Women with this disorder are also considered high risk for diabetes and cancer. I've spoken with women who are losing their hair or growing excessive body hair, and who are struggling with their weight, acne, mood swings, and depression. I've spoken with women who have been trying to get pregnant for 7 years with "supportive" medications and some that have given up completely. Our bodies are so out of balance, but nevertheless WE ARE FIGHTERS! We fight to manage our symptoms in any way possible in hopes that we can be "normal" women. I refuse to let this disorder determine my future. September is PCOS Month and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I have already seen my town lightning it up with teal to show support. But I stand among more than 5 MILLION cysters asking for YOUR support. Please consider making a donation to PCOS Challenge, Inc. A nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, conducting health screenings and research, educating women and young girls, and supporting those who have been affected. The link will be in my bio for the duration of the month. Thank you 💕 #fightlikeagirl #WorldPCOSDay #PCOSChat #PCOSChallenge #CystersUnited #OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth #CystersUnite #LightItUpTeal #support #September #NeverGiveUp (at Glens Falls, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnMgsxphZXo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1d3pq7m0u4yp3

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I'm in awe.🦄💎💕 Thank you for this magical, vibrant piece @alexiszog It's always a pressure. 💉🌸 #tattoos #nytattoos #upstateny #saratogasprings #tattooing #inkmaster #inktober #tattooideas #tattoodo #crystalvibes #crystaltattoo #inked #crystals #inkspiration #art #girlswithtattoos #unicorn #inkedgirls (at The Black Dot Tattoo) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnK6QFyBs7S/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12e9qv74kabj8

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HAPPY POST OF THE DAY: This guy's dog is too old to go for walks, so he brings him to the park in this wagon that even has a customized plaque on the back. These pictures don't even begin to show the happiness on this dog's face. And this is a great example of an awesome dog dad? 🐶💙 If this doesn't warm your heart, we have no business being friends. #picoftheday #thinkhappy #doglovers #happydog #toocute (at Glens Falls, New York)

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1 MORE WEEK! Our team, the Kings and Queen of Coverage, will battle 6 other teams to create a sculpture made from JUST water packaging material. @just is an eco-friendly bottled water company produced locally and owned by @c.syresmith and @willsmith ♻️ Come to the @hydecollection on July 19 and drink, eat, listen to music, play games, check out some incredible rare artwork, while watching the teams create their masterpiece. Then cast your vote for your favorite piece. Event information is linked in my bio. 🤟 #justartbattle #just #arccnextgens (at Glens Falls, New York)

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30th BIRTHDAY VACATION: PART 2. No work. No school. No reasons not to relax and enjoy tine ocean. ✌ #vacation #oceancity #maryland #sunshine #saltyvibes #beachseason #summer2018 #zafulswimwear #bikinis #mermaid #shelltop #wildlifeconservation #hbd #mistyofchincoteague #thisis30 #birthdayweek #assateague #callofthewild #dirty30 #blondelife #nomakeup (a serious perk to vacation) #nofilter #wildlifephotography #picoftheday #gemini #nationalgeographic #statepark #neigh #horsecrazy #ponies #wildhorses #assateagueisland #nationalpark #horses (at Ocean City, Maryland)

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30th BIRTHDAY VACATION: PART 1. The main reason we went to Maryland for my birthday was because I've wanted to see the wild horses on Assateague since I was a little kid. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 🐎✌ #wildhorses #assateagueisland #nationalpark #horses #vacation #summer2018 #wildlifeconservation #mistyofchincoteague #thisis30 #birthdayweek #assateague #callofthewild #dirty30 #blondelife #nomakeup (a serious perk to vacation) #nofilter #wildlifephotography #picoftheday #gemini #nationalgeographic #statepark #neigh #horsecrazy #ponies (at Assateague Island National Seashore)

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"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Dr. Seuss (The Lorax) 🌱 I am so psyched to finally get to do something I'm passionate about. I'm well on my way to saving the world, one step at a time. 🐿 #squirrel #squirrelsofinstagram #wildlifebiologist #intothewoods #outdoor #femalescientist #conservation #instasquirrel #drsuess #quoteoftheday #instaquotes #coffee #behavioralstudies #biology #research #instagood #wildlife #blondelife #crazysquirrellady #picoftheday #factoftheday #themountainsarecalling #beastmode #instadaily

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"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Dr. Seuss (The Lorax) 🌱 I am so psyched to finally get to do something I'm passionate about. I'm well on my way to saving the world, one step at a time. 🐿 #squirrel #squirrelsofinstagram #wildlifebiologist #intothewoods #outdoor #femalescientist #conservation #instasquirrel #drsuess #quoteoftheday #instaquotes #coffee #behavioralstudies #biology #research #instagood #wildlife #blondelife #crazysquirrellady #picoftheday #factoftheday #themountainsarecalling #beastmode #instadaily #instalike #tattoos #love #cute #instamood #tweegram #photograhy #pressforprogress #beautiful #follow #animals #animallovers #f4f #girlswithtattoos #inkedgirls #rescue

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"She is suffering but no one knows that because she hides that some place deep inside. Because the last thing she wants is pity." 🥀 It recently occurred to me that there are maybe a handful of people in this world who truly know me... who know my story, my scars, ambitions, mistakes, things I've overcome, my biggest fears, my best kept secrets. They know who they are, and know how much I value their friendship. But overall, I don't open doors for strangers and I'm too afraid of being burned to try. If I keep people at a distance, or just give them a little bit of myself, that way I can't be hurt. But there's a downside. About two weeks ago I found out something about myself that broke my heart more than any human ever could. And because I choose distance. I've chosen to take this challenge on by myself. It's going to be difficult, and exhausting, and lonely... but in the end I will be stronger. 🌷 My point is... if you can relate to how I'm feeling right now, know that you're not alone. You've gotten this far. It's irrelevant to say "I believe in you," because you just need to believe in yourself. Maybe you won't be this way forever. Maybe someday you'll let someone new in. But if you don't, that's ok too. Don't let society tell you that you have to be an open book. ✌ #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthawareness #youareenough #youareloved #strength #fight #courage #loveontop #independent #sundayfunday #cheers #sundayselfie #myfavoriteme #truetoyou #fightit #smileanyways #tattoos #blondelife #goodvibes #girlswithtattoos #takecareodyourself #onebodyonelife #lastchance #awakening #thirdeye #truetoyou (at Glens Falls, New York)

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When you realize that tomorrow is Monday and you didn't accomplish anything over the weekend. 🐺🧚‍♀️ #mondayblues #huskymom #siberiansunday #saywhat #happymonday #bff #girlsday #blondeshavemorefun #cheers #heygirlhey #blueeyes #instahusky #cheerstotheweekend #huskiesofinstagram #happysunday #monday #sundaysbelike #ripleydiaries #motherdaughter #dogmom #furbabies (at Glens Falls, New York)