The Mermaid Chronicles: About

First of all, thank you so much for visiting. Now that you're here, I'm sure you're wondering what this is all about.

My name is Devon.

I'm a freelance writer and surfer.

I quit my job almost two years ago to follow my heart and do both. Was it crazy? In this economy? Probably (definitely), but it was just something I needed to do. I feel I had to take that leap so I could start becoming the person I always meant to be. I juggle a number of odd jobs including nannying, surf coaching and property management to keep the dream alive. I feel writing and surfing have given me a place in this world, and it's not one I take for granted.

I keep this blog to practice my writing and share my stories. In high school when I was shy and lonely and felt like my dog was my only friend, I would jot everything about it down in my journal. I remember thinking I bet someone else feels this way, too. I want to share what I'm going through in hopes that maybe you might read this and think "me too", "I know", "been there". I guess this blog is, in many ways, inspired by the notion that we're all in this together. Let's connect and help each other when we can.

I've taken a notebook with me everywhere since I saw Harriet the Spy in 6th grade and I've been in love with the ocean since I saw it. They both give me unbelievable comfort. I swear I can remember this day pictured above; the sticky way the sand felt under my feet and wondering what in the world that big blue thing meant in my life. It turns out, it meant a lot.

It meant meeting my husband and riding waves that taught me about myself. It meant vacations drifting around on our boat as a child that taught me about who we are as a family. I love the ocean for accepting me for who I am and for teaching me about who I am. I have seen that there really are treasures out there.

My dad taught me to surf when I was 9. We still surf together every Friday. I can't give him full credit for my love of the ocean, though. My mom used to take my sisters and I to the beach every week. She and her friends would tan and talk as we ran around eating Doritos, burying each other in holes and swallowing copious amounts of salt water as we navigated our way in the waves on $15 boogie boards from 7-11. Around the same time I learned to surf, my family got a boat and the ocean seemed to become a part of who I was.

I feel as though the ocean is my home and sometimes, I like to think I'm a mermaid.

I was born and raised in Orange County, California, but now my husband Scott and I call San Diego home. We live in a sleepy beach town down the street from my parents. If the air grows quiet and the waves grow big, which isn't that often, we can hear the ocean. On days when the wind blows from the south we could probably even hear my parents. This is the way we like it. We live in a small community, but dream about big adventures.

Scott was born in Ventura County, California. We met while attending college in San Diego. Apart from surfing he loves sailing, photography and adventures. The moment I met him was better than riding my first wave.

This is what I know about my life so far. The rest? Well, I hope to get to that and I'd love it if you'd stick around.

~Devon