Daniel Ford

Why I wrote

The Marlin and the Mermaid "Help save the Bay"

I grew up along the East coast of Virginia, in the largest city of our state, Virginia Beach. Having this unique lifestyle at a young age, I took for granted what a privilege it is to have lived near the ocean, the bay, and its tributaries.

Looking back after having traveled around the world, via the Merchant Marines, I see what a treasure the Chesapeake Bay is to Virginia and the other five states, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.

I know now how important these States are to the Chesapeake Bay and vice a versa. We must help protect this precious commodity and resource!

I have the privilege to use my imagination to bring this story to life. I am very honored that so many wonderful individuals have entered into this project, individuals I would have never known or gotten to have known if it was not for this project! Individuals, who brought their own unique gifts and talents to the table.

Personally, I have learned over this past year not to take obstacles as inconvenience's or road blocks but as opportunities. Opportunities that at every turn opened a new door. In which a new opportunity presented itself. What a great opportunity that lies ahead!

I've learned self-publishing from the inside out, (and still learning), on how to work across many different parts of the spectrum. Collaborating; with artist, educators, graphic designers, to the printers. I've learned how to use the right-side and left-side of the brain, not necessarily in harmony. LOL

So much has been gained on this journey, what an awesome experience it has turned into!

And it started with a play on words, Marlin and the Mermaid!

This project/book is designed to help convey to our children the importance of taking steps to curb pollution. By using a Marlin and a Mermaid, the hope is our children/students will gravitate to these characters, associate with their cause, and will one day "Help save the Bay."

For if we can instill these values and concepts at a young age to our children then they will not waiver when making choices as adults. Whether they are parents, policy makers, or CEO'S they'll have principles to stand on and believe in.

Daniel