Landbound merman says hey

[Ransom]

Blessings to one and all, Mernetwork!

Ransom here -- I'm from Singapore, and work as an independent copywriter and book editor. (My real name is a Chinese one, and nearly impossible to remember :p)

I was inspired to freedive by underwater performers nearly a decade back, and now hold an AIDA 3 freediving cert and a couple of old-type Magictails. Sadly, some years ago I had to abandon the sea I love to become a caregiver for a loved one. My freediving days are over for now, but my current life brings its own set of joys and challenges that I wouldn't trade for anything.

But not a day goes by when I don't promise that one day, I'll return. And when the tides are right, I'll design and buy my own tail, and swim right back out to where I know I belong.

(My username comes from the hero of C S Lewis' Space Trilogy -- I love Lewis' work, and see my own life as being spent for a higher purpose.)

Enough about me tho. I'm truly impressed at seeing so much fellowship and support here; would love to make new friends among my fellow mers, and help out whomever I can :)

Thanks for having me!

[Slim]

Welcome to the mernetwork

[Ransom]

Welcome to the mernetwork
Thanks Slim! Florida is definitely on my to-visit list, and it'll be my pleasure to meet fellow mers and freedivers when I'm there.

[Satine]

Yes welcome, hope you get back their soon

[Ransom]

Yes welcome, hope you get back their soon
Thanks for the good wishes Satine!

[MermanJamie]

Welcome to MerNetwork! I've had a tough time with family stuff as well, and I hope you have an awesome time here!

[Ransom]

Welcome to MerNetwork! I've had a tough time with family stuff as well, and I hope you have an awesome time here!
Thanks Jamie! I'm sure I will :) all the best in writing and life!

[MermaidLiara]

Welcome Ransom :D

[Ransom]

Welcome Ransom :D
Thanks Lyara! Always great to meet a fellow mer

[AniaR]

Hey it's nice to meet you!

I have published three books about the mermaid industry. I am working now on a children's book and would love to possibly work with you in the future. We'll have to chat!

I am a member of AIDA Canada and just finished my beginner freediver through PADI (though our instructors were from AIDA). I am working toward my advanced, but need to do a few things health-wise before I am cleared to do it :)

I love CS Lewis as well, but haven't had a chance to read that trilogy yet.

I'm sorry you had to give everything up for a while. But as someone who deals with chronic illness and pain, I know how important caregivers are. I would be nowhere without my partner who also takes care of me and empowers me.

Welcome to mernetwork! I know you saw a bit of drama, please pay no mind. I think it was fairly out of context by the time it was moved, lol.

[Khaleesi Daenerys]

Welcome to mernetwork, shame I didn't see this earlier. C.S. Lewis wrote Narnia didn't he? Anyways, welcome and I hope you have a good time here and find whatever you need. :)

[Ransom]

Hey it's nice to meet you!

I have published three books about the mermaid industry. I am working now on a children's book and would love to possibly work with you in the future. We'll have to chat!

I am a member of AIDA Canada and just finished my beginner freediver through PADI (though our instructors were from AIDA). I am working toward my advanced, but need to do a few things health-wise before I am cleared to do it :)

I love CS Lewis as well, but haven't had a chance to read that trilogy yet.

I'm sorry you had to give everything up for a while. But as someone who deals with chronic illness and pain, I know how important caregivers are. I would be nowhere without my partner who also takes care of me and empowers me.

Welcome to mernetwork! I know you saw a bit of drama, please pay no mind. I think it was fairly out of context by the time it was moved, lol.
Hey Raina, I'd be honoured to help, or at least point you in the right direction where I can't. Thanks for the kind words!

I'm still nominally a member of a freediving club and keep in touch, though I haven't wet my fins in more than 2 years. This isn't the place to talk about my PBs, but I hope I can return to training and reach that level again soon.

Yup, would love to chat and learn more! What's the best way to get in touch further?

[Ransom]

Welcome to mernetwork, shame I didn't see this earlier. C.S. Lewis wrote Narnia didn't he? Anyways, welcome and I hope you have a good time here and find whatever you need. :)
Thanks Khaleesi! I'm sure I will :)

Yup, C S Lewis wrote the Narnia books, but he also wrote a science fiction trilogy before that -- it's very heady stuff and goes into his ideas of consciousness, good and evil and alien life, all within a Christian framework.

You can easily find it on Google Books -- they're entitled Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra and That Hideous Strength. Highly recommended [emoji106]