LGBT Pride the Mermaid Way

 “I've held a 'Mermaid' by the hand, as she grew up - they do exist, but many have no tail, or scales, or cannot even swim. But they do find their place to stand, given time.”

Today, June 26th 2013 has left a monumental mark on history, the DOMA Act has been overturned! June is a month where spring is in the air, fathers are celebrated, and it is the month of Superman’s birth. It is also an entire month dedicated to the LGBT community and today gives us all something more to celebrate! The Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and everyone else in between pride month! Here in California we have huge pride festivals all of over, Disneyland holds a special “gay day” and Parades line the streets of cities around the country.  While this a wonderful month to express your individuality, what does it have to do with mermaids?

EVERYTHING!

Coming out of the closet, transitioning from one gender to another and drag, all harkens back to the mermaid myths and mysterious power of TRANSITION.  From the very beginning legends have told us that mermaids hold the power of transition.  The Celtic Selkies are seals until they come on land and shed their seal form and YawksYawks of Australia are known as dancing mermaids, at night they emerge from the water with legs and dance about the land. Some stories tell us that if a mermaid dries out she will turn human and some mermaids do not have the power of transformation so they seek it out with a magic spell from a sea witch.  The heart and the very base of mermaids is the mystery behind their ability to transform and fit into two very different worlds.

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The word Drag comes to us from William Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Women were not allowed on stage, so naturally young men would play the female roles. Marked next to the male actor's name who was to play the female role was... D.R.A.G or Dressed Resembling A Girl.

Alexis Mateo RuPaul's Drag Race

Some of us are familiar with one little girl…Jazz the Mermaid, is a little girl on big mission. Early on Jazz knew she had been born into the wrong body; thankfully her parents came to her rescue and raised her to be an outstanding young woman.

 Now in her teens, Jazz is an activist for http://www.transkidspurplerainbow.org/ an organization

 helping transgender children and their families. 

To read more about Jazz, check issue 5 of Tail Flip magazine http://issuu.com/t_obrecht/docs/tail_flip_issue_5  

or follow her on MerNetwork!

In the UK, a small group of families started a support group that took the ideas of transitions, mermaids, and strength and applied them to their children. Children who were struggling with idea that they had been born into the wrong gender, children who identified as the other sex and children who were scared and frightened because they weren't like anyone else.  It all began with one of founding families son when he asked….” his Mum (when he was about 9) 'Would you still love me if I was a Mermaid?' - on other words, no matter how different I am, will you still love me? When we were looking for a name, this was mentioned, and the then director of the clinic that sees our children (Domenico Di Ceglie) said that the Mermaid was a popular image among trans woman of all ages.” Quote by Linda, Mermaids Liaison.  Their brochure is full of poems, artwork and helpful information!

 Mermaid Brochure.pdf

All Mermaid.Uk.Org images and poems are copyrighted!

When you allow your children to grow up in a family that understands and accepts them for who they are it will benefit them greatly. 

Mermaidsuk.org.uk does just that. ….

Quoted from the website

Mermaids is a support group for gender variant children and teenagers, and their families.  Our goal is to relieve the mental and emotional stress of all persons aged 19 years and under who are in any manner affected by gender identity issues, and their families and to advance public education in the same.

To this end, Mermaids advocates: Let the child develop as he or she is naturally meant to, whilst loving and accepting them for who they are at the present time.  Seek help to alleviate any distress they may show.  Childhood is precious, and children should be allowed to enjoy it to the full.

In support of this we:

• Offer support to parents, families, carers and others.
• Raise awareness about gender issues amongst professionals (e.g. teachers, doctors, social services. etc.,) and the general public

§  Campaign for the recognition of this issue and an increase in professional services

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I love that Mermaidsuk.org.uk has taken the old myths and made them relevant to today’s issues. They are keeping out legends alive and at the same time our legends are keeping them alive.  These children will bring a future where hate crimes and sexual inequality are a thing of the past.  We must all learn to live and love together, it is not enough to tolerate we must embrace! To the LGBT Community and the Mermaid Community, I love, accept, and embrace all of you. 

Words from Mermaids (transgender children),

Quoted from the website

Day by Day

by Bree
Age 17

I dread the next day
I have come to dread everyday
for each one I live
the life of another not mine
I can never live
the life that first meant for me
this life I now live
is a prison unfamiliar
my soul is now trapped
in bones it never knew and foreign flesh the torture never dies and my hopeless cries cover my smile now and forever

Drawing by a Transgender Child

Sea Views

By DJ Kingsbury

I stare out into the sea
Wishing I'll be able to shine as me.
Though the outcome of who I am
Mixed with the nature
Of the cruelty of this world,
I just don't want to exist any more.
So I stare out into the sea
Wishing to reel in a part of me.
Only to fall out of it again.

Personal Account

By a Former Mermaids Member
Now in their 20's

How's about starting a normal life?
But won't starting in the middle always be difficult?
But I suppose I never thought life would be so, well - tricky!
What happens when the only thought that occupies your mind is
"I WANT TO BE NORMAL!"
and suddenly you realize that's the only thing you'll NEVER be. Of course you have friends offering to help.
But when they will never truly understand, what's the point?
As soon as you get close to normality somebody moves the barriers.
Sometimes I try to convince myself that I am normal,
it's just the ones who don't understand or don't try to,
who aren't normal.
Somehow, I never can truly convince myself enough. But when I ask for help what happens?
Nothing.
Exactly. Perhaps I'm being selfish, stubborn, paranoid, or one of the thousand other things I've been called.
Why does it all have to be so f****** hard?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These words are hard to read and even harder when you are the one who feels them, celebrate peoples difference, be curious not cruel and remember we are all of the same flesh and blood.

Love, Peace, and Mermaids,

    Meridian Mer-Gyver

Ps. there is a new book coming out “Mermaid Drowning” by Terry & Tiffany Jacobs. It is about a transgender woman coming to terms with her secret after 10 years of blissful marriage and three children. If you have a Kindle you can purchase the book through Amazon, otherwise you will have to wait for the hard copy!

The Men behind the Mermaids: Jesse Caldwell ~ Mermaid Creations LLC.

Photo: Merman Jesse and Sasha FireGypsy

Jesse was born in 1982 and grew up in Florida where he lived on a lake, where he was often found either near the water’s edge or completely content to be in the water. It wasn’t until a warm spring day that Jesse first laid eyes on a mermaid. While visiting the famous Weeki Wachee Springs and seeing the mermaids perform "The Second Magic Show", and later "Mermaids of the World” show, Jesse was hooked on mermaids and there was no looking back! He began by creating fabric tails and over the years he created several, but today, Jesse’s choice is silicone around 2011, Jesse began playing with the materials and by August of that year he had created his first silicone merman tail.  With no training, tutorials, or school to learn from Jesse taught himself through Trial and Error.


In 2012 Mermaid Creations, LLC was born; I had the privilege of meeting Jesse that same year at Mer-Palooza. Mermaid Rentals teamed up with Mermaid Creations and we did a little underwater filming one night after the pool party. Behind scenes footage Jesse recorded:

Meridian: What makes your Tails unique?

Jesse: Our attention to detail, our pricing, our 50% payment plan, our warranty, unique styling, and our free lifetime maintenance set our tails apart from everyone else. You simply won't find a better value from any other tail maker in the price range that we offer.

Meridian: Have your Tails ever appeared in Print or Film? Tell me about your favorite experience.

Jesse: No print or film work, yet. However, we are the new tail providers for Pacific Beach Hotel Honolulu. I have been invited to swim in a tail in their Oceanarium! As more and more people become familiar with our tails, I am sure they will start popping up in ads and on TV.

Thom Shouse on the set of "Splash"

Meridian: Which Tail was your favorite to create and why?

Jesse: Any tail that resembles the tails used in the Splash movies are my favorite to make. I am completely in love with the Splash tails. If you compare the look of my tails to Mermaid Rental Tails, you will see where I get my inspiration.
Meridian: Do you have a muse or idol? If so, who?

Jesse: I based my fluke off Thom's tails, but changed it slightly so that it was not identical. Thom Shouse would be my idol in the Mer business. I am truly thankful to be able to call him a friend.






Meridian: As an Artist, what is your favorite part of creating tails?

Jesse: My favorite part of creating tails is seeing the final product on the mermaid or merman it was intended for.

To find out more about Mermaid Creations LLC or Jesse please visit:

Mermaid Creations LLC. Website: http://www.mermaidcreations-inc.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MermaidCreationsByMermanJesse

MerNetwork: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1224-Mermaid-Creations

Mermaid Natalie & Mermaid Amber
 swimming in Mermaid Creation LLC.
Tails. Mer-Palooza 2012

Love, Peace, & Mermaids,

 Meridian

Things to Look For this Month!
“The Men behind the Mermaids: Tail Makers”
“Merman Minerals Review” and more blogs by Merman Ryan
“A Merman’s Guide to Preening”

Make sure you stop by Merman Minerals.com to check out all the products from shave creams to shampoos, this stuff isn’t for the Mermaids! Merman of the Month Contest in now in full swing, swim on over to Merman Minerals Facebook page to vote for your favorite Hunky Merman or Sultry Pirate.

Check back with Mermaid Talk for more blogs, photos, and adventure!

Leave a comment, stay connected and be sure to follow Meridian Mer-Gyver at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meridian.mergyver

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeridianMerGyve

Blogger: http://meridianmer-gyver.blogspot.com/

Merman Jesse & Angel the Little Merman at Mer-palooza 2012

Art Meets Ocean Conservation!

"Wish you were here?"


On July 18th, 2010 an artist named Laura Keeble dropped off this fantastic sculpture outside an Essex Starbucks on Southend High Street. The installation "Wish you were here?" only lasted 30 mins until Starbucks employees hauled it away. The effigy was the artist's contribution to UK's first annual ARTSIDE project (www.artside.org.uk). Artists participating within ARTSIDE were encouraged to re-evaluate British holiday town traditions by showing an alternative to common seaside images. The mermaid-consumer was left perishing in a sea of coffee beans, grounds, half molten Styrofoam cups and filth.

I wish I knew where she is now!

I absolutely love seeing people take a political stand that speaks volumes without issuing one word! There is very little info out there on this particular installation, however you can look up the Artist at:

http://www.laurakeeble.com/

 All of her work is compelling, everything has a deep and profound meaning. Besides this installation, Christmas Shopping and Idol Worship are two of my Favorites! Please check out her work and share it with others, Art with a message needs to be heard. Many of her installations only last a few hours, the stores are quick to remove her work. The Medusa from her installation "Without Consent" was confiscated by the Versace employs. When Laura Keeble asked about the statue she was told it belonged to Versace and that is make an appearance at Halloween as part of their decoration! If the art must perish for the cause then lets keep the message moving!

Close-up of the waste humans use to destroy our planet.

Close-up of Mermaid Consumer

Love, Peace, and Mermaids,

   Meridian Mer-Gyver

Mermaid Ambassador & Social Media Corresspondent

for Mermaid Minerals and Professional Mermaid.

www.facebook.com/meridian.mergyver

Mermen in Lore and History

If I asked you to name a famous mermaid from literature or film, I bet you could tell me the name and story of several famous mermaids. If I asked you to name a famous Merman, could you? Most, I am sure would say King Triton, Ariel’s Father from the Little Mermaid. 

 But can anyone tell the story of the Foss Grim or The Blue Men of the Muir or the Manx Dinny Mara. Names like Hoori, Ea or Oannes, Tangaroa, and Glaucus are all but lost to the modern Merfolk. I am storyteller and a believer that nothing dies until it is forgotten, these names and stories are of the Merman who are part of our History and Lore. I will keep their legends alive and now you can too.

The Legends

Foss Grim ~ Found in Germanic Lore, the name Foss Grim means “river horse” in Old Norse. The Foss Grim is a water spirit, with the body of a man and not that of a merman. He is said to be strikingly handsome, seen near rivers and bodies or water, barely clothed, and playing haunting music from his violin. His music would lure Women and Children into his watery home and their final resting place. However, it is believed that if properly approached, the Foss Grim will teach a musician to play so adeptly "that the trees dance and waterfalls stop at his music"

The Blue Men of the Muir ~ Dangerous, Cruel and Dark, The Blue Men of Muir (Scottish Gaelic word for “Sea”) are no strangers to the harsh ways of the sea. They are called blue men because their skin is a blue gray color and they live in the Minch Channel off the coast of Northern Scotland. It is said that the Blue Men will swim up to passing ships and ask the mariners a question or riddle, if he could not answer correctly the Blue Men would wreck the sailor’s ship and drag them down to the depths.  They are also known to cause turbulent tides and sea storms.

The Manx Dinny Mara (Man of the Sea) ~ Manx are the people and language spoken on the Isle of Man off the coast of the Irish Sea. The Dinny Mara is similar in appearance to mermaids, with the upper half of the body of a man and the lower half the tail of a fish. However, the Dinny Mara is quit ugly! They are believed to have pig snouts for noses that are red from drinking the brandy from shipwrecks and wrinkled foreheads, it is also said that you will know a Dinny Mara by his red cap. Though the Dinny Mara is an ugly creature, they are wonderful Fathers and quite helpful and friendly to sailors. They warn the sailors of coming storms or bring them fish to eat if the sailor’s food supply runs low. The fastest way to get on the bad side of a Dinny Mara is to whistle while aboard a ship at sea. The whistling will awaken and anger the Dinny Mara, which will cause him to seek revenge upon the sailor who disturbed his rest.

Hoori ~ In Ancient Japan lived two brothers Hoderi, a great fisherman and Hoori, a great Hunter.  One day Hoderi loaned his lucky fishing hook to his brother, with the hopes that it would enable him to be a successful fishermen. Unfortunately Hoori did not catch any fish;

in fact he lost his brother’s lucky hook. Hoderi demanded that Hoori return to the sea to find his lucky hook. Hoori descend to the bottom of the sea, but instead of his brothers hook, he found Toyotama (rich Jewel) the daughter of the Sea God. They fell in love, the Sea God granted Hoori a tail and gills, so he may live underwater with new bride. As always the day came when Hoori longed for his home on the land and the Sea God beginning of a gentle heart, gave Hoori the missing hook so he may return to his brother and home.  Before leaving their home in the sea Toyotama, made Hoori promise to build a home for them on land where she could deliver their child. The night of the birth Toyotama told Hoori he must not look at while she was in labor, curiosity got the best of him and when he spied on his wife he saw her in her true form…a dragon. Toyotama found out that Hoori spied on her and she returned to the sea, living her Husband and child behind. Toyotama’s sister raised the baby and when he was of age, they were married. It is said that one of their children grew up to Japan’s first emperor, Jimmu Tenno. An emperor with Merfolk and Dragon blood!

Ea or Oannes ~ One of the most ancient water deities, the Babylonian god Ea, known as Oannes the Merman who taught early man the art of agriculture and architecture  . God of wisdom, art, farming, building and of course he was the primal ruler of water.

 

Tangaroa ~ In Polynesian mythology Tangaroa rules the seas and all the creatures of the seas. It is believed that Tangaroa is so big he breathes only once per day

with each breath it causes the tides to raise and to fall. He is the God of fertility and the Oceans and he is considered to be one of the Great Creator Spirits. Tangaroa’s mother is the Creator, Earth Goddess known as Papatuanuku.

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Did you know that Tangaroa is at Disneyland? That's right our own water God can be found at the Tikki Room! So next time you are at Disney, stop by and say Hi to a hidden Merman of the Islands! 


Glaucus ~ In Greek legend, a fisherman named Glaucus turned into a merman after eating what he believed to be enchanted sea grass. Feeling drawn to the ocean, Glaucus dove in; the sea deities turned his human legs into a fish’s tail. He is said to have green hair and a Metamorphose.

green beard and skin of a blue-green color.  The Roman poet Ovid wrote stories of Glaucus in his work









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                                                                                         Glaucus Atlanticus is a species of blue sea slug!                                                                                                    

And of course a little Lore on Triton, the Titonesse and Poseidon….

Triton the son of the Greek God Poseidon (ruler of the sea) and Husband to Aphrodite the Goddess of Love and Beauty, bestowed upon his wife The Tritons. The Tritons were said to have evolved from Triton himself, they served as personal bodyguards and entourage for Aphrodite. The Tritons where described as having green hair, small hard scales, sea green eyes, and rough hands, a dolphin like tail, and gills behind their ears. The female, Triteness’s’ were of course beautiful but dangerous, they are often depicted as twin tailed mermaids.

Merman tales are few and far between, but they are out there. In every culture since the beginning of man’s time here on Earth there have been tales and sightings of Merfolk.  Stories that have been past down, names that have been kept alive and now I give these stories to you.  It is important that we keep our own legends alive and strong and it is even more important to have these Mermen to look to for strength and masculinity in a world that is so dominated by women. Even in this modern day, we must look to the past and our ancestors. 

Love, Peace, & Mermaids,

 Meridian

Make sure you stop by Merman Minerals.com to check out all the products from shave creams to shampoos, this stuff isn’t for the Mermaids! Merman of the Month Contest in now in full swing, swim on over to Merman Minerals Facebook page to vote for your favorite Hunky Merman or Sultry Pirate.

 

Check back with Mermaid Talk for more blogs, photos, and adventure!

Leave a comment, stay connected and be sure to follow Meridian Mer-Gyver at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meridian.mergyver

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeridianMerGyve

~My Stories are dedicated to my dear friends David and Chris DuFour ~

~Thanks for making my life CHOICE~

Mermen on Stage: Interview with Angel the Little Merman

In 2012 I attend Mer-Palooza, a convention for Merfolk and the Mer-Lifestyle. I meet many people and some I have the privilege to call my friends to this day. One such friend is Daniel but most people know him as Angel, The Little Merman.  Like most Merfolk, Daniel fell in love with Disney’s The Little Mermaid and of course, Splash. But it wasn’t until High School that his passions and talents would emerge, learning about Marina, The Fire Eating Mermaid and seeing how she took her passions and turned them into a career, only fueled his desires. Over the years to come Daniel, befriended Marina and many other Mermaids, began to develop his Merman character, and honed his talents.  In 2008 Broadway released “The Little Mermaid” and Daniel began creating the tail he would come to be known for. Angel, The Little Merman was born and he stepped into Mer-Palooza and my life wearing his hand made Broadway inspired walking tail… Since then Daniel has continued to perform and create new tails his latest tail is inspired by the new costumes from the revamp stage production of the Little Mermaid, in which the mermaids doesn't skate on flapping tails but they fly with flowing fins.

I am very interested in you as an acting, costume designing, Merman. Tell me anything that pertains your theater work and shows!

Meridian: Where did learn to sew and create costumes?

Angel, The Little Merman: Learning to sew and create these costumes was all coming from ambition. I had no one teaching me, and at the time I couldn't afford any sewing lessons. I know how to sew mainly because I use to make these little dolls for my collection, and me being a young high school student looking at these different costumes, I just felt "I have to make my own!"

Meridian: Tell me more about creating your Broadway Tail

Angel, The Little Merman:  The creation of Broadway Tail came from the obsession of the costumes that were being created for the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid. It really was a different approach on the stage presentation of what a mermaid is. For a costume designer it's so easy to create a walk-able mermaid tail and simply call it a day, and that was not the case for this. They learn the art form of gliding which is a whole lot like skating, and find a simple but effective illusion of seeing a mermaid tail move. Which earned a lot of respect from me and I felt I have to do that! There were early attempts, they weren't bad, but they weren't good either. It wasn't until the book on how they did the stage show came out and that became such a major BIG help for me! It's all about transparent fabric and snap rod wires... and of course Heelies! 

I had been in theater since middle school where I basically ditched studying art to learn drama and for me getting roles was SO limited and it still is today, because I have such unique singing voice. Most male actors have that "dashing, manly voice" and I have a high, husky voice for a tenor, that's why I idolize Frances Ruffelle. But it never stopped me from giving up, I go to audition after another, and I give it all I got.

The first major moment for doing theater was that in my senior of high school I was honored by the drama department at the time for: "Most Dramatic Performer" cause they always used to joke on the fact that not only I get dramatic on stage but also dramatic back stage. Looking back I found it quite humorous.

Meridian: What is like being a stage performing merman?

"...a spandex tail hand sewn and painted
 another labor of love project." 

Angel, The Little Merman: Being a stage performing merman was that wonderful idea, where I felt I could just mix two of my greatest obsessions and blend it into one and plus how often you would see a merman singing to Andrew Lloyd Webber. But really that was an important thing for me because as a performer creating their own character it's not an easy thing to do it takes a really long to do, until you could relate to him/her and find a relationship with him/her. Angel The Little Merman was a really long developed character for me cause I at the same time not only I'm mixing my favorite things but I want to make this person universal where anyone could like him. The name Angel came from the birth name I was given but I personally dislike it. So I decided to use it for my character to give it a positive light to it, "Little Merman" came mainly due to fact the that it honors my favorite red headed mermaid, but also the fact I'm a short little dude.

Meridian: What projects are you currently working on?

Angel, The Little Merman: At the moment I do have upcoming projects mainly all for my YouTube page one of the major ones is a series of shorts called: The Angel Shortz, and I'm not giving away too much of it just yet. But believe me it's Angel, The Little Merman as you wouldn't expect to see him. Of course there will be more swimming videos because I know a lot of young people enjoy seeing that. Theater wise, I'm planning to develop a one man show all devoted to mermen, I'm at the moment working on the script for it. It's a really short piece but at the same time I really want to make this a love letter to the merfolk community itself. I am currently looking for a composer for a really and I'm mean REALLY long in and out of developed project call: "Little Angel: The Musical Adventure" no merman here, but it's a rag doll and he's part of my "Angel Universe", Lol.

"inspired by the new costumes from the revamp stage
production of the Little Mermaid,
in which the mermaids fly with flowing fins." 

I just did a small local theater piece in the ending of April called: "Reliquary of Saturn" for one night only, it was created by our director: Chris Vila, it played off like a fever dream almost, and one point at the very beginning the room turns into a ocean and that's where Merman me basically comes and he's gives me an awesome punch line that I'm planning use "I'm NOT a mermaid! I'm a merman!" there was a last verse but I'm not saying that, no, no.

I feel I'm truly being honored/blessed right now, because since last year all the doors I've been working so hard to get to is finally happening. I made so many awesome friends in the merfolk community who understood what I wanted to do as performer and give me such glowing encouragement, and it's coming from the people I consider my heroes: Thom, Marina, and the other's and that's something I rarely get in my life other than my family so it meant a whole lot to me. I'm so grateful for it. Meridian, thank you so much for giving me this time to answer your question this means a lot to me. And anything to support thy fellow merfolk!

As anyone can tell Daniel is a talented and kind creature, if you would like to stay in touch, get advice, or just see what Daniel is currently working on you can follow him at…

Blog Page: www.angelthelittlemerman.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/angellittlemerman

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/AngelLittleMerman

Make sure you stop by Merman Minerals.com to check out all the products from shave creams to shampoos, this stuff isn’t for the Mermaids! Merman of the Month Contest in now in full swing, swim on over to Merman Minerals Facebook page to vote for your favorite Hunky Merman or Sultry Pirate.

Love, Peace, & Mermaids,

 Meridian

Things to Look For this Month!

“Merman in Lore and History”

“The Men behind the Mermaids: Tail Makers”

“Merman Minerals Review” and more blogs by Merman Ryan

“A Merman’s Guide to Preening”

Check back with Mermaid Talk for more blogs, photos, and adventure!

Leave a comment, stay connected and be sure to follow Meridian Mer-Gyver at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meridian.mergyver

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeridianMerGyve

Geek Pride Day with Merman Ryan & Meridian Mer-Gyver

 On May 25^th a select few gather to celebrate Geek Pride Day. That’s right people; this is the day to let your geek flag fly! May 25^th was chosen to be Geek Pride Day in commemoration of the release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977.  Myself and Merman Ryan are self-admitted Geeks and we love it! One thing we both share is joyful childhood memories of a certain cartoon mermaid from a planet called Etheria. To help spread the Geek Love Merman Ryan has provided us with a little history and lore of She-Ra The Princess of Power and her watery friend known as Mermista.

Merman Ryan:

“As started in the introduction, I was not too keen on the exploits of Ariel as a lad. However there was one animated mermaid that got my attention: Mermista from She-Ra: Princess of Power.

One of the first things I was every into as a kid was He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. I had He-Man, Skeletor, Castle Greyskull, Snake Mountain and so on. I loved the mix of science fiction and fantasy that continued the epic adventures each week through the Filmation cartoon, comics and action figures. Then came the spin off series She-Ra: Princess of Power (also by Filmation). We saw He-Man’s sister fighting off a new villain named Hordak on another realm. Much like He-Man, She-Ra would be joined by many in her fight against evil……including a mermaid.

Mermista came from city the Salineas lead by her father King Mercier. However King Mercier wants nothing to do with the Horde and decides to stay out of the war between the people of Etheria. However Mermista realized that the Horde would eventually stop to no end to conquer the planet and the universe completely. So Mermista joins the ranks of She-Ra and the Great Rebellion. Mermista’s powers included the ability to go from land to sea (being able to go from legs to fins), control over water and the ability to communicate with sea based animals. Mermista appeared in 4 episodes of the series including Flowers for Hordak, Wild Child, The Pearl and Sweet Bee’s home. She also made an appearance in the He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Special. 

This is my Mermista Doll, I was 4 year old when I got her!

Mermista did receive a toy from Mattel in 1986. The She-Ra toy line was focused more for girls so it did have more tendencies of a girl’s toy line of the time. Mermista was still able to transform from legs to fins much like her cartoon counterpart and also included various accessories. She could also be featured and used in the Crystal Falls play set.

When the 80’s and the Masters of the Universe brand started to wind down, Mattel tried to re-launch the brand through a live action film and a spin off series called The New Adventures of He-Man however neither took off. Mattel again brought Masters of the Universe brand returned to Cartoon Network in the early 2000’s but again didn’t take off.

However in 2008 Mattel created a new collector’s themed toy line called Masters of the Universe Classics. With the help of toy designers the Four Horsemen and Matty Collector He-Man was given new life but not just He-Man and the Masters of the Universe but New Adventures, concept characters and She-Ra would be included. While we have had many characters so far Mermista has not made the cut but Masters of the Universe will not only have an Adult Collector’s line, a new comic books series, and a new live action movie  in the works, my favorite mermaid might have another chance to appeal to a whole new generation. “

Keep your Fins crossed, Merfolk, I am sure there are several of us out there who would like to see Mermista and the rest of the cast of She-Ra and He-Man return to the main stream world! This year in Torrance, California Power-Con. A fan convention in honor of She-Ra, He-Man, TMNT, and Thunder Cats that is held in September. Both Merman Ryan and I are looking into attending this year’s Power-Con, it will be my first Convention! If any of you would like more info on Power-Con please visit their website at http://www.thepower-con.com/

Love, Peace, & Mermaids,

 Meridian

May 25th is Geek Pride Day, In celebration of so much awesome geek-ness, I am offering a coupn code avialible until the end of the end of the Month!

Enter Coupon Code:
GEEKPRIDE2013 at checkout and get 10% off your entire purchase!

 In The Eyes of March~ Chic Geek Jewelry, Mermaid Art, & One of a kind wearable art!

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/meridian.mergyver

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MeridianMerGyve

If you have any questions about being a Merman or Merman Mineral Products, or Cosplay, or you just want to chat with a real life Merman you can find Merman Ryan at:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/merman.ryan?ref=tn_tnmn

Facebook Fan Page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Merman-Ryan-Fan-Page/201631649888046

Tumblr:

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/mermanryansfinds

Merman Ryan and Merman Minerals, New and Exciting News for JUNE

Good Afternoon, FINS! I have exciting news for Mermen, Landsmen, Mer-Papas and Pirates! Next month Mermaid Minerals will be all about MERMEN! Check out all the great Merman Mineral products and at http://www.mermanminerals.com/index.html ♥, ☮, & ><((((º>

Now, Mermaids love a well groomed Man, so I have enlisted a Merman to help me with product reviews, advice, and tips. I am proud to announce Merman Ryan will be working fin and fin with me, Meridian and Mermaid Minerals, to bring you a month dedicated to the Men in the Mer-Community!

Please meet my friend Merman Ryan…

“Oddly enough I didn’t gain interests in merfolk as a child. I never really was fond of the cartoony mermaids offered by the likes of Disney. My love of Merfolk didn’t come till my teenage years. The internet had just begun in the mid 90’s and I was looking up stuff randomly finding merfolk art, stories and fans dedicated to various Mers in the media.  I was reintroduced to the likes of popular films like Splash and the lower budget films like Fathom Films Mermaid Island. As the years went by in my teens I realized I wanted to join the ranks of the merfolk and not just watch the lovely ladies of the sea. I soon met Garnette of Foxmoon Productions who made fully swimmable tails. It took me a while to gain the confidences to don a tail (let alone being a man wearing a fish tail) but now I’ve made new friends and live out my dream of being a merman. I’m not a professional but I still enjoy making fantasy reality and give a shining glimmer of happiness and imagination to this sometimes depressing world. I not only want to continue my love of mers through cosplay, I also want to bring a new mythology and identity to merfolk.”

If you have any questions about being a Merman or Merman Mineral Products, or Cosplay, or you just want to chat with a real life Merman you can find Merman Ryan at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merman.ryan?ref=tn_tnmn

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Merman-Ryan-Fan-Page/201631649888046

Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/mermanryansfinds

Merman Ryan’s photos are curtsy of Sarah Walker of Walker Moving Pictures; you can find her and her work on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Walker-Moving-Pictures/254086441285736

Love, Peace, & Mermaids,

 Meridian

Things to Look For in June!

All things Merman, including Myth and Lore, History, Real Life Mermen, Tail Makers, and of course some words from our very own Merman Ryan!

Leave a comment, stay connected and be sure to follow Meridian Mer-Gyver at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meridian.mergyver

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeridianMerGyve

Natural Hair Care from Mermaid Minerals and the Mermaids who Use Them

All walks of life from all over the globe have honored the power and mystery of Hair. We see its power told in stories from the Bible’s Samson and Delilah to O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, from the Brother’s Grim Fairy Tale Rapunzel to Han Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid wherein Marina’s sisters cut their hair to buy a knife for her to secure her return to the ocean.

Perhaps, we as mermaids, do the most damage to our hair. On land we have gel, hair spray, curling irons, flat irons, hair dryer, color, bleach, toner, and it all takes a toll on your hair. If that isn't bad enough we live half our lives in water. Chlorine, pool chemicals, sun, tangles, salt water and dry beach air is never a good combination. So what is a girl to do? Try going Natural! Use products that are vegan, organic, and natural. Mermaid Minerals offers several Hair Care products that are all natural and even 96% Organic! Like Mermaid Mane’s Hair Protect ~ Leave in Detangle Spray, plus it is certified Vegan! I have confessed to my thin hair and tangled mess, so here is my little tip…wet your hair before you hit the pool spray with Hair Protect and braid your hair. After you swim unbraid your hair spray again, comb out your hair before you shampoo. This should help keep down the tangles and help keep the frustration of combing said tangles to a minimum!

We all have little beauty secrets and a few lovely ladies have gathered their knowledge of  natural hair care you do at home for little out of pocket cost that will result in beautiful healthy, shiny hair!

Mermaid Patti suggests,

“Kukui Nut Oil it is recommended for people who are suffering from dull and unhealthy hair, massage kukui oil onto the scalp because it acts as a conditioner and helps hair to regain lost moisture, protects against split ends, and works as a stimulating agent on scalp for hair growth. It also checks the growth of dandruff and soothes dry, itchy scalps.”

Mermaid Marina suggests,

”Use hot almond oil  at night, just heat it up for 10 seconds and apply it to the roots. It does wonders; it grows faster and gives a nice shine!”

Lady Raven suggests,

“Wash with Dawn, apply warm olive oil to hair (not on scalp) especially to ends, braid, wrap up in warm towel from dryer, relax for a couple hrs...wash with normal shampoo twice, condition as usual, air dry.”

Mermaid Vira suggests,

“…and apply coconut oil (Yes the kind you can cook with) very sparingly to ends underneath at nape 1st, then add more to your hands (always making sure to rub thru your hands and get to body temperature before applying) so to spread evenly and absorb. If coconut is not absorbing and seems to heavy, you did not need oil there, so work slowly applying. After ends and nape are oiled let the rest of your hair drape over your hands and allow your hair to pick it up where it needs it (on top and sides) never forcing it into the hair.”

Lady Crystal suggests,

“Soaking your hair in coconut milk (found in the grocery store) to remove dirt and residue and replenish your hair's natural shine and strength.  Saturate your hair in coconut milk let it drip through your hair, when it stops dripping tie it in a bun and leave for about an hour. Wash your hair normally.”

Ps. washing your hair with Coconut Milk also helps remove chlorine and its smell from your hair. It is also wonderful to use on your skin!

Mermaid Meridian Mer-Gyver Suggests,

“Give your hair some moisture and shine with my favorite hair mask you can make at home. (This is really good for those of us with dry damaged hair!) Mix 1 tablespoon of natural raw honey and 3 tablespoons of olive oil, microwave for 30 seconds. When the honey and oil is cool enough to touch work the mixture through your hair from root to tip. Put your hair is a bun cover your head with a shower cap and then wrap your head in a warm towel. Leave in for about 1 hour. Wash and style as normal.”

Love, Peace, & Mermaids,

 Meridian

Things to Look For next Month! New and Exciting News for JUNE

 We have amped up Merman Minerals! Let all of the Mermen, Landsmen, Mer-Papas, and Pirates know that the month of June will be all about them! I have teamed up with Merman Ryan; he will be reviewing Merman Mineral products and blogging about Merman life! Check it all out on our new Facebook page!  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Merman-Minerals

Check back with Mermaid Talk for more blogs, photos, and adventure! Leave a comment, stay connected and be sure to follow Meridian Mer-Gyver at:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/meridian.mergyver

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MeridianMerGyve

“Mermaid Beauty Parlor: Top Advice from Hair Stylist Mermaid Vira”

Photo By: Pamela Newman, Russian River, California

Vira, the official California Mermaid and my very own Auntie Mer-Ma has offered me some great hair care advice and today I am sharing her words of wisdom with all of my FINS!  Vira is the only licensed mermaid by the State of California or any other State as far as I know.

She is known thru her countless appearances at many ecological festivals and oceanic awareness events and 21 years at The Fishermen’s Festival in Bodega Bay blessing the fleet and entertaining the fest goers. Mermaid Vira is also the owner and stylist behind Never Ends Salon in Guerneville, Ca. and last year at Mer-Palooza she was awarded

The International Community Environmental Mermaid of the Year award!  With all this and more Vira is an amazing Mermaid who has done amazing things. She is someone we can all look up to! For more info on Vira, check out.... http://www.thecaliforniamermaid.com/

Advice from Mermaid Vira

1.        

“Use vinegar to wash your hair 1st before or with no shampoo after. Put vinegar in spray bottle (diluted with water if lessor strength preferred) and spray in at the scalp and under the hair.  Make sure to do this on dry scalp and hair. Let the vinegar drip thru ends as it is being rinsed and prepared for LIGHT SHAMPOOING OR NOT SHAMPOOING AFTER AT ALL. Vinegar has already stripped the dirt and cleaned the follicle of buildup, the vinegar has also picked up the natural oils from the scalp and transported the oil where it clings and was needed down at ends of hair. Further shampooing, just strips these needed oils further and will get smell of vinegar out but the smell will go away by just conditioning. Now you can use your regular conditioner or simply let your plain vinegar hair dry and apply coconut oil (Yes the kind you can cook with) very sparingly to ends underneath at nape 1st, then add more to your hands (always making sure to rub thru your hands and get to body temperature before applying) so to spread evenly and absorb. If coconut is not absorbing and seems to heavy, you did not need oil there, so work slowly applying. After ends and nape are oiled let the rest of your hair drape over your hands and allow your hair to pick it up where it needs it (on top and sides) never forcing it into the hair. Done Deal.”

2.       “I recommend using a boar bristle brush 1st from ends and work up to scalp. Once all ends are free from knots, Roll brush on scalp, down thru ends to pick up scalp oils and move them to ends. Never let anyone else use your brush. Always clean hair out of brush each time you re-stroke it thru your hair. (Reason for this is each hair that is in the brush has a snag /split end that could tangle healthy hairs and break them off. Make sure all comb and brush bristles are free from snags and roughness. If there is roughness on a bristle or comb tooth, sometimes a quick file job might smooth it, if not discard.”

3.       “As far as haircuts go, I do not believe in cutting across the bottom (Length of hair) What made it to the bottom, made it there because it is the healthiest hair on your head. I believe (and do) what I call Split End Removal. I methodically go thru section after section of all the hair and cut every end of every hair. I measure before and after cutting each section to determine where the bulk of hair in each section is and document these measurements as I go. I suggest the client comes in yearly to re-do this whole process. By the end of the year they usually have gained 6 inches of new hair growth in that year, (provided that they do not destroy what has been split end removed, by chemically over processing or any other damaging process , after they have left my salon.”

I have been using Mermaid Vira’s Vinegar wash for about a month. My hair is overly processed, super damaged, and dried out! Now there is marked improvement to my hair! The vinegar has returned the natural oils to my scalp and hair, my hair is really soft and some of the healthy hair shine has started to return!  I spray my hair with vinegar, then lightly condition with Mermaid Minerals Peppermint Condition. If I have been using a lot of styling tools, product or hair chalks, I apply coconut oil to my hair and usually leave it overnight. You can get coconut oil at your local grocery store or you can get it in the   Hawaiian Beauty Secret Trio by Mermaid Minerals! It comes with Coconut Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil and Kukui Nut Oil; all these are great for Skin and Hair! I love using natural oils, the Hawaiian Beauty Secret Trio, is a must have for me! Check out this link for more info on the amazing benefits these natural oils have! http://www.mermaidminerals.com/hawaiian-beauty-secret-trio.html

Hawaii is a very special place for Mermaid Patti and all Mermaid Mineral products are based on her love for the islands! Because of this I would like to share with you a little Mermaid Lore from the beautiful islands.

A Legend of Mismatched Lovers

“One night Hina, a beautiful young women, noticed a handsome man swimming in the ocean not far away and instantly fell in love with him. His name was Tuna and couple vowed to be together as husband and wife. But Tuna had a secret and he made his beloved promise never to search into his past or try to discover where he lived. In addition, she had to agree to only see him at night.  After a while the mystery and the limitations of the relationship frustrated and saddened Hina. Seeing Hina’s unhappiness, the fisherman Divinity, Maui, approached her. Maui being familiar with sea, knew of Tuna’s true identity – he was a merman. That night, Maui waited by the sea until Tuna emerged from the water to visit his wife, Tuna, sensing danger lurking nearby, told Hina he feared for his life. He asked her to promise that if he were to die, she would cut off his head and plant it in the ground. A tree would grow from it, he said, and the fruit of the tree would resemble his face and his matted hair.  As Tuna made his way back to the ocean, Maui leapt from his hiding place and killed the merman. Hina kept her promise and planted her husband’s head, from which grew the majestic coconut palm tree. Each time she picked a coconut, she saw Tuna’s head in her hands.”

Quoted from “Mermaids the Myth, Legends, & Lore” by Skye Alexander

I hope you enjoyed this blog and find Vira’s advice as helpful as I do! I know it is important to take of your hair and I must confess, I am lazy about my hair! If I can follow these tips and tricks to healthier hair, then so can you!

Love, Peace, & Mermaids,

 Meridian