prayers wanted

Send your prayers this way, please!
On pins and needles waiting to hear about the future of my department here at UPR.
Read the news article here.

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a week in photos

A week in review, via hipstamatic.

{all images by me}

Some lovely links:

Here's an awesome recipe for a cupcake that I want to try!

Another neat photo collection blog.
A book of local Puerto Rican eateries all around the island.

Really unique cards and prints.

Tell me about your experience here in Puerto Rico!

a day in the life + dry season woes

Such a true statement haha. Classes just started back up for me and let me tell ya... I'm already exhausted. Especially this week, I have class every single day - in Mayaguez (30 min drive) and La Parguera (1.5 hour drive). I'm pooped! Let me give you a little insight into my Wednesday and Friday mornings...

1. At 5:30am, I awake in a sour mood because it's still pitch black outside. The sun is not even up.
2. I brush my teeth, let Sophie outside and put some water on the stove to boil
3. I get ready. I go back to kitchen and put tea in the water to prep. I eat breakfast. All in silence. Not a happy camper.
4. I put tea into my mug, which will be too hot to drink until approximately 15 - 20 minutes into my long commute
5. I get my stuff together and leave the house (bye, Sophs!) at 6:30am. Get in car, don't turn on lights because I don't want to wake the people on the top floor of my two family house
6. Drive. For a while. In the dark.
7. Sip my tea, feel a little better while discovering some new music on Pandora.

When Evan is riding with me, we will chat, but later in the car ride. I'm not a morning person, so I don't enjoy conversing when I am already unhappy about being awake so early. I've had this schedule for two weeks now. I hate it haha. But... I must get used to it for this whole semester.

However, coming home to Rincon is absolutely wonderful. I love to finally pull down my driveway, let Sophie out and then lay in my hammock for a little while. There's a wonderful breeze, it's nice and quiet with just the birds around me.... and relax. Today, I left the island early to get back home and just chill. I finished reading The Ragged Edge of the World, and also picked up a new box of books from B&N that just arrived today: two non-fictions and one baking cookbook. Having my homebase in this town lets me:

(Well, my mind.) Something interesting that I've discovered about the dry season on this side of the island. There is a plant (a vine, actually) that produces these fuzzy pods with fiberglass-like threads. It's called pica pica (which means "itch itch"). Apparently this is the time that this vine reproduces and releases all these tiny, unseen fiberglass threads into the air. Of course, propagated by the wind that blows incessantly at the same time as this reproduction. The result? Itchy clothes, itchy couch, itchy dog fur, itchy everywhere. You hang clothes out to dry, the pica pica gets on it. We leave all our windows open all the time (with screens on them, mind you), pica pica gets in the house... everywhere.. unseen, so you can't simply clean it up. You just get to discover it when it lands on you and makes you itch... an itch that cannot be quenched.

Thus, this silly vine has led to the mass fires that the locals have now sprung up everywhere in town. Remember... we're in the dry season... we are basically a tinder box. But that doesn't seem to bother anyone... or rather, I suppose they are more concerned with ridding their backyards of this annoying vine than the chance that their fire might cause the entire hill to go up in flames. In fact, as you take the road that leads into town, you can see the hills covered with little smoky patches.


Note to self: find the pica pica around my house. and kill it. sans fire.

Read more about pica pica here.
Get updates about the upcoming art festival from mi amiga, Karla.
Amped to find Papaya!Art products at Marshalls yesterday!
Love this song by the group M83.


Update on 2012 Goals: [Travel] $40 has made it into the Evan & Chelsea's US West Coast Summer Travel Fund. Alrighty!

{all images, click for source}

Diving in Aguadilla

This is my first attempt with the GoPro Hero HD video camera. 

I took mine out for a casual dive in Aguadilla at one of my favorite sites, Crashboat. We always bring our mini spear for lionfish, and then I bring them back for my research. So, I decided to record the process so that you guys could check it out! The underwater world is certainly a world of its own! Enjoy.

Diving Crashboat from Chelsea Harms on Vimeo.

the travel bug

My greatest dream is to travel throughout the world. This is one aspect that contributed to my move to the Caribbean. It's getting my feet wet with the experience of a new culture and a new destination. Not to mention, several close destinations around me (i.e. the Caribbean islands). A lot of my reading lately has been focused on others experiences in new parts of the world. It's so fascinating to me to read about people who can literally uproot themselves from their comfortable existence, and then transplant into a new, different, sometimes dangerous and chaotic place. And then thrive at that place!

Where would you like to go?

There are several places on this totem that I plan to visit. Dominica being one of the first, since it's rather close to me here. Evan has visited Trinidad & Tobago and just marvels at how beautiful the island is, how friendly its people are and how well they take care of their island and surrounding waters. Who knows, maybe I could retire on that island one day... with my little cozy B&B, little gardens and an assortment of baking and painting... not to mention sharing my nerdy science stories with visitors.. and hopefully still diving too :)

Of course Mexico is an obvious site, since I adore Mexican architecture, colors and food. You may remember the house I rented in July 2009, with all the Mexican colors? (It's here.) Malaysia and Indonesia will be a joint travel venture - as I plan to visit my long term pen pal and friend, Natalie, who lives in Malaysia. Together, we'll see India (for me, a second time.)

I want to take a cooking class here in Mexico.
This site is great for finding a unique lodging, all over the world.
This book and this book are on my reading list next.
Can anyone find this watch anywhere else?


I am working on a video that I compiled on my last dive at Aguadilla. It features some lionfish hunting and some various underwater views. I hope to have it up here by this weekend, so get ready to check out some neat Caribbean dive sites!

{all images, click to view source}

local art festival

I'll be featuring my handmade accessories (and possibly some new mixed media) at the next local artisan craft festival at the end of February. Located at Puesta del Sol in Rincon off Calle 413. Come check out the other wonderful artisans, listen to some live music and eat some delicious food! This will be my first craft show :)

the loss of culture

I'm currently reading a book called The Ragged Edge of the World by Eugene Linden. It's a well-written account of the author's travels to some of the most remote places in the world - and then revisiting those places years later. His purpose was to illustrate how each of the visited cultures had changed throughout the introduction of modern (and usually Westernized) consumerism. It's unfortunate to read about the loss of culture when younger generations of indigenous people grow up and venture away from their nomadic lifestyles and earth-driven customs. I've noticed throughout the book that this loss generally occurred in the younger, most easily influenced (and "wowed" by materialism) crowd. I wonder if this is something that Puerto Rico experienced after its colonization by Spaniards?



Puerto Rico was first called Borinquen by the native Taino indians (who died out after European settlement due to introduced diseases - pretty typical, eh?). The name means "the great land of the valiant and noble Lord" or "land of the great lords". The original name is actually still used pretty frequently around the island. It took me a little while to figure out that Puerto Rico and Borinquen were the same place.

Of course, Columbus first ventured here to Puerto Rico and staked claim on the island for Spain. He wanted to call the island San Juan Baptiste (after John the Baptist) and the town Puerto Rico, but those names eventually ended up being switched. I've noticed that Puerto Ricans claim that Juan Ponce de Leon was the founder of Puerto Rico (so I'm a bit confused.. was it Columbus or Ponce de Leon?). In fact, the island claims to hold this body in the Catholic church in old San Juan. Apparently, Ponce de Leon is credited with creating a trading port from Puerto Rico and was the first to begin colonizing the island. He was also named Governor.

After talking with many native Puerto Ricans, I've noticed a trend of bittersweet appreciation for the United States. The island used to grow a surplus of sugar cane (which is used heavily in the production of Caribbean rum), but once the US took her under its guardian wings and started pumping welfare money into the island, agriculture ceased and many islanders took to collecting government money (which was more than what they made after a hard day of work in the field). That system is still how it works today. Some islanders are content with this lifestyle, but I've noticed that many are disgusted with how the support has ruined the work ethic of their people. I don't take a side, because technically I'm just a visitor, but it's difficult to comprehend the complacency. I'm sure it would take several more generations to change that mindset.


Just an interesting outlook from the perspective of a US citizen. It's not like we are ever really taught much about the territories that our government supports. You don't really get a true feel for the attitude until you live amongst hard workers and expatriates.




Long thoughts short, I don't see a huge loss of culture on the island. I'm proud of the Puerto Rican people that don't let typical US customs influence how they life, work and play. It's great to see families and extended families support each other; the polite kiss on the cheek greeting; the "Buen Provecho" at the start of meals (even from strangers); the respect for the older generations.... I'm always delighted to discover a new custom (many with European roots) that hasn't been influenced by American presence.

If you want to read more about the history of the island, check out this page.
(p.s. this is just my interpretation of what I see and hear... it may not be totally accurate)

san seb via old san juan

The Gallery Inn, Old San Juan

This past weekend, Evan and I ventured up to San Juan for the festival of San Sebastian. It is an annual festival that's been going on for about 42 years now. It's centered at the heart of Old San Juan and features a extensive celebration for Saint Sebastian.... through loud music, fried food and debauchery? Yes, it's practically like a Puerto Rican version of Mardi Gras. We went down on Friday night (park somewhere in Condado and get a taxi! It's a flat rate of $5 and it saves you the headache of no parking). Once on the street on San Sebastian, you'll see parades of people in costume, people with hand drums chanting and playing, typical Puerto Rican music and food stalls of fried food. We felt adventurous, so we pushed our way through the horde of teenagers, pausing every now and then to listen to some reggaeton. I didn't take any pictures because I literally could not move my arms as I squeezed through the throng of people hustling down the cobblestone streets. I'm sure that if I was a heavy drinker (or rather, a drinker at all), it probably would have been more enjoyable. But it was an experience, nonetheless!

During the day, there are rows of artisans and handicraft booths that line the plaza and a select few streets. So, we came back Saturday afternoon (and got lucky with parking again because Hacienda made their complex available for free). We had a delicious lunch of sangria and tapas at Triana which is situated right on the corner near the bank building down by the docks. We then spent the next hour or so wandering through the streets (which were already starting to get packed by 4:30pm). I didn't see any artisan goods that I was particularly impressed with, but I was able to see several new streets that I had never been down. Of course, one of my favorite parts was discovering the three story vintage store, Franky's,  which I am eager to visit again (Here's a link to another vintage shop that I didn't get the chance to check out).

I didn't make this, but I thought it was neat :)

Now I'm back in Rincon. I love this little town on the west coast of the island - it's more underdeveloped and natural. Definitely a great place to relax. Currently, I'm procrastinating from finishing a couple grant essays. It gets so tiring writing endless proposals for funding... Perhaps I'll get positive results this time around? *fingers crossed, prayers*


I found this quirky blog for yoga & pilates.
This is my favorite site for tea.
Find out what I'm currently reading.
I'm going to make one of these.


The owners of my house are vacationing down here for 3 months. They are really friendly... and right now it smells like they are burning a heavenly candle scent of some kind of flower, and listening to some music outta the 50s. I feel like I'm in a little Bahamian cottage *sigh* but now I must get some work done!

creative expression

My first ever mixed media original!

Created with scraps from Anthropologie & Free People magazines, lomography photo taken by me, a bit of lace, a piece of a French envelope... and bits and smidgens of inspiration from nature, of course :) The quote is by me, just thought of it a couple days ago and figured there was certainly some truth to it. Reminded me of the phrase, "not all who wander are lost".

I have several artists who inspire me to create art with pieces of "me" - such as, photos or travel journal pages, postcards or doodles. Two of my favorite artists are Katie Daisy - who teaches me to be whimsical and free - and the lovely Mae Chevrette - who inspires me to find beauty in what's around me. I drew a lot from Mae when I created this piece. She incorporates her love for the ocean in many of her works (I actually have a couple too!). For my first mixed media, I  thought about the place I visit when I need a moment to meditate. Tall grasses, fields, slowing moving water, blue skies, dreamy afternoon sun..... Yes, this one is for me. 

embracing something new

I'm back! After a much-needed, wonderful and relaxing trip to Texas.. I am finally back on the island to start a new year and a new semester of my Ph.D.

It's always difficult to leave my family. I never like to do it. In fact, I hate doing it. 

Sometimes I catch myself wondering if I made the right decision by choosing a career path that would inevitably always take me away from my home in Texas. The comfort of what I knew; the way of life of an honest, hard working family; the morals and values of strong Christian communities..

But then I remember how my parents were always so supportive of my dream. Of course, I don't think they knew quite what to expect when they sent me off to a  marine biology summer camp (*cough.nerd.cough*) down in Texas A&M Galveston during the summer of 7th grade. To their bewilderment, I came back as a girl who fell in love with the ocean, wildly exclaiming that I wanted to become a marine biologist!

Well, only part of that dream actually changed - now, I'd prefer to be titled a marine scientist (because I no longer focus on solely the biological aspect of science blah blah blah is what you're thinking haha).

Now I have a whole new year to think about and lots of goals and resolutions to stray from, I mean work toward!

Here's a little sample of some of my ventures for 2012:

• work out 2x a week and run 2x a week
• learn to surf (I do live in a surf town, after all!)
• travel someplace new
  (California, Washington, Oregon.. all on my list. Not to mention, several little places in Puerto Rico!)
• Find a church community and get involved 
• Add more fish sketches to my developing children's coloring book
• create more art
• start a prayer list, and commit to praying with it nightly

What do you plan to do different in 2012?  Are you living in a new place, having to learn a new language or embrace a new culture? What are your challenges? I'd love to hear :)

hello & goodbye

Welcome 2012!

I'm not much on really celebrating the coming of a new year because I really feel that little jump from the end of December to the start of January is particularly linear. Isn't the new year more fully symbolized in the start of new seasons? Such as, Winter blossoming into Spring and all the old, dead leaves become green and new- full of life. But regardless, I do usually take a little time to think about the happenings of the past year and make some resolutions for the next. So here is a brief 2011 in review... 

* Worked my bum off trying to finish my M.S. thesis by February and an application for a huge grant by March

* Didn't get the grant (oh welllll... I'll be trying again this year!)

* Did produce an awesome piece of literature for my thesis and graduated with my M.S. a year early! The first student at Florida Tech to make it work in the Department of Biological Sciences!

* Opened my Etsy shop

* Finished several books on my reading list! 

* Drove the entire east coast of Florida in two days

* Went to Disney World after graduation and had a wonderful time with my parents and Evan

* Got accepted to the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez

* Moved my entire house full of belongings home to Texas in July 

* Spent the month visiting family and friends

* Went to beautiful, rustic Arkansas to camp with my best friend, Morgan

* Taught my dog to understand property boundaries - now she listens very well!

* Tried all sorts of new food and different cuisines 

* Saw my first octopus on a beach dive to Blue Heron Bridge in Jupiter, FL

* Got stung in the mouth by this jellyfish

* Worked on becoming an amateur model and was featured in several publications and art shows

* Caught my first lionfish 

* Went sailing for the first time!

* Created a few more marine life sketches for my potential coloring book!

* Bought my first car!

* Moved to Puerto Rico !!

* Finished the first semester of my Ph.D. program

* Learned to live with no A/C in a hot summer

* Came to appreciate conveniences of life

* Learned to live without those conveniences

* Witnessed some amazing sunsets

* Spent some awesome and much-needed time with family and friends back in Texas for Christmas

Now I'm welcoming 2012 and all the wonderful things that may come!

Time to make those resolutions into attainable goals!

May God bless you and yours during this new year.