Dutch savanna! Stargazing before new moon in Drenthe. We are on our w. Better together! #drenthe #netherlands #newmoon #nightwalk #silhouette #nightsky #stargazing #bettertogether

Love your pet day 2024! We love you, Smokey. Actually, you are our Kahu as we are yours. Thank you for all your being and the wonderful energy. Adopt, don't shop! Take a look at https://devocean-pictures.com/animal-shelter-in-statia-adopt-a-dog/ (link in bio) #loveyoupetday2024 #loveyourpetday #loveyourpet #loveyourdog #loveyouranimal #loveyou #kahu

Happy New Year! We have a whole year to grow more and more into our true selves. Enjoy as life is about the journey, not the destination! #2024 #newyear #happynewyear #loveanddevotion #lifeisajourney #makeityours #devocean

I am sorting out pictures and cherishing memories: One of the highlights of 2023 was my mother Angelika visiting us in the Caribbean. Four weeks we could spend together, mainly in nature on Statia, Saba and Saint Martin. Granted I was a little worried about how she would deal not only with the climate but also with our little house on the prairie and all the big and small animals hanging out there. She did take it humming and smiling throughout the stay. Even when she got attacked by cockroaches, she kept calm. Very impressive. The most impressive, however, was our hike "Around the Mountain" in appr. 7 hours as I lost the path once. She is 75 years old and always looking forward to spending time in nature. That's the very best when you can share one of your passions with a loved one. She thought Saba's nature was even more impressive. After all, it was her first time walking through the rainforest. Let's see what 2024 brings. Thanks to all the wonderful people who made her stay on Statia even more special. #memorylane #saba #statia #caribbean #motherlove #hiking #naturelovers #impressive #highlight2023 #devotion #love #devocean

One of the lovely aspects of coming back home is to rediscover all the wonderful little pieces we collected over the years. I love the card and its message. On top of that, it takes me back to a yoga retreat at one of my best friends' birthday a couple of years ago. Life is better together - surrender to the journey! #cominghome #card #surrender #surrendertothejourney #journey #bettertogether #lifeisajourney #retreat #yoga #friends #love #devotion

We will miss all cats and dogs from the animal shelter. Fingers crossed these nine cuties find their very own forever homes soon. There are short clips in the current story as well as in the story highlight "Adopt don't shop" to take a closer look. This Friday is the last chance for us to film and photograph one or all of them on request. The volunteers at St. Eustatius Animal Welfare Foundation walk them every day, cuddle, brush, and play. They even have an outside area to roam a little. But nothing can replace the feeling of joining a family and finding your pack to love unconditionally and protect for life. Take a look at more pictures and read descriptions of all the dogs at the animal shelter here: https://devocean-pictures.com/animal-shelter-in-statia-adopt-a-dog/ (link in bio). In certain cases, there is support for off-island adoptions, including travel to Europe or North America (discretion of SEAWF). If you have the slightest interest in adopting one of these coconut retrievers, ask us anything regarding their character, health, or look. They are all different, yet all wonderful. The adoption fee is $70. Plus $20 for rabies for dogs going to Europe. This includes 2 vaccinations, microchip, and spay/neuter. You must have a securely fenced yard. If you are interested in adopting one of our dogs, please send a message to SEAWF, phone/WhatsApp at +5993181102, or write to contact-us@seawf.com #adopt #adoptdontshop #adoptadog #shelterdogs #rescuedog #mixedbreed #animallovers #animalrescue #statia #doglover #dogrescue #eustatius #coconutretriever #caribbean #adoption #animalshelter #europe #Eu #usa #canada #sinteustatius #familydog #volunteer

Where do we go now? The glorious feeling of new beginnings, endless possibilities, and fresh experiences starts to unfold itself. It is as if little bubbles make their way to the surface of our own beings. The air is crackling. We can smell the sun, taste the wind, and smile to ourselves within ourselves. Do you sense your future? It is right there, a the tip of our consciousness, waiting for us to get ready. Don't look back in anger. See you out there! #newbeginnings #beginagain #freshstart #experience #senselife #manifest #seeit #beit #feelit #rearmirror #lookback #devotion #devocean

We love exploring new horizons. After more than two years on St. Eustatius, we were blessed with venturing into unknown territory. Yoeri asking if we could come along another time, after a tour that consisted more of climbing and balancing than hiking, says a lot. Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of accompanying Jobo, one of the STENAPA (@stenapastatia) rangers, and Eleanor, the Marine Park Manager, to examine the nests of the Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) along the Caribbean side of Pilot Hill. These seabirds rarely appear close to land. Luckily, a third of the global population breeds on the Dutch Caribbean islands Statia and Saba. Once the gray-billed young have left the nest, they can spend up to four years at sea before returning to their island to breed. Read more about the lives of these beautiful birds and the work of STENAPA, in my latest Dutch column on Dossier Koninkrijksrelatie (link in bio). There is more to the story. SInce life is a journey, don't get stuck in a place or chapter that doesn't feel right anymore. Swipe to see my highlight of the tour - more pictures will be published on our website soon. #tropicbird #birding #birdwatching #statia #stenapa #eustatius_and_saba #saba #redbilled #chick #tour #bird #devocean #caribbean

Second part of the selection for the Art Expo on Statia Day, 2023 November 16th, at the museum (7.30-9.30 am) - See invitation in our story Prices rangefrom 5 to 69 USD Apart from art prints in various styles, there is a unique sculpture made from local material that can also serve as a light (only white or only colour or both - like it is shown in the last picture). Get your artist Christmas tree! #art #artsandcrafts #devotion #devocean #statia #statiaday #statiaday2023 #artexpo #artmarket #artprints #artistic #localart #upcycling #artsale #driftwood #sculpture #christmastree #unique #local #upcycling

Selection for the Art Expo on Statia Day, 2023 November 16th, at the museum (7.30-9.30 am) - See invitation in story Prices range from 5 to 29 USD The last picture shows locally made upcycling boards to organise sunnies, jewelry, photos, cards, etc. (jewelry and sunglasses are just for decoration and not included in the sale) #art #artsandcrafts #devotion #devocean #statia #statiaday #statiaday2023 #artexpo #artmarket #artprints #artistic #localart #upcycling #artsale

What an end to the day and to the week! There is a lot in motion for us at the moment. However, today was a day for introspection. I (Nicola) took the time to connect to my essence and my family. Five years ago, my father passed away. When I meditated, I noticed regrets hiding inside me, like a hot, black, banana-shaped bar scraping in my stomach. They wanted to be felt, to be acknowledged, without judgement or oppression. Grief is a tricky process. Take your time and your approach but, most importantly, be gentle. #sunset #goodbye #devocean #statia #regrets #meditate #grief #dayofdeath #memories #love

Meet your photographing and filming tour guides: Yoeri and Nicola. Smokey can be booked as an add-on for certain tours. We were on the way back from a film session for an ongoing project for one of our valuable Statia clients when we spotted this picture opportunity on the beach. Neither Yoeri nor Smokey particularly enjoy being in front of the camera. At least Nicola proudly presents her certificate for Statia tour guides from @statia.tourism They organise an art market on Statia Day (16th of November) where we sell our arts and crafts and have the time to explain our whole portfolio in more detail and with lots of love and devotion. With our new services on Statia and give you the opportunity to plan and book your personalised island exploration with us - Devocean Pictures. These guided island excursions are designed for anybody interested in photography and filmmaking while diving into the nature and history of St. Eustatius (link in bio). #statia #tour #photography #filmmaking #filming #guide #tourguide #islandtrip #islandexcursions #devocean #devotion #beachwalk #caribbean #bookaguide #bookatour #explore #caribbeannetherlands #nature #history #steustatius #sinteustatius

Certain underwater creatures remind us of fellow ocean lovers: In the case of the Leaf scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus), this is the passionate dive instructor and talented artist @fossaluzzasilvia - Happy birthday sunshine! May the sea and all its weird and wonderful creatures continue to heal and inspire you on your journey. We are so happy to see your portfolio and you grow into your full potential - painting after painting! Scientific classification/taxonomy and more information on the leaf scorpionfish below Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Scorpaeniformes Family: Scorpaenidae Subfamily: Scorpaeninae Genus: Taenianotus Species: T. triacanthus The leaf scorpionfish, also called paperfish, is definitely the most elegant of all the ambush predators. Ambush predators, also called sit-and-wait predators, are carnivorous animals that get to their meals by stealth or by strategy rather than by speed or strength. Ambush predators sit and wait for prey, often from a concealed position and, in the case of our marine candidate here, concealing themselves by different methods of camouflage. Blending in has created some remarkable features, giving these creatures quite unique looks. As one would expect from animals specialised to suck their prey in, their heads and in particular their mouths are quite large in comparison to their overall body size. By opening their mouth quickly, they create a sucking motion strong enough to catch and swallow their prey in one bite. More in the caption of our clip on our YouTube Channel: Take more minutes to relax and enjoy your Sunday! #scorpionfish #leaf #camouflage #ambush #ambushpredator #takeaminute #relax #underwater #diving #marinelife #Taenianotus #Taenianotustriacanthus #leafscorpionfish #wakatobi #indonesia #artist #diveinstructor #devotion #devocean #passion

Yoeri fixes Mr Giraffe for Smokey. Repair is such an important step towards a (more) sustainable life. Yes, he opted for the Frankenstein look. In general, he can stich in a way to hide the seam. Btw, he does this much better than me - Nicola. He also reuses my sarong - or maybe co-uses as I wouldn't mind wearing it myself again. Let's break free from stereotypes about gender, values, and the "right" way to live, particularly from the need to buy and comsume. Only recently, I discovered my love for baking. For a long time, I would stay away from the kitchen as I didn't want to be associated with the label housewife in any way, shape, or form. Now, I embrace it. I love cooking - and baking. It is creative. It is useful. It is healthy and definitely more tasty than processed food. It supports our sustainable life and core values. Feeling, smelling, and tasting the ingredients deepens the connection to myself as well as nature on multiple levels. Creating or fixing something with your own hands is so fulfilling! It can even be a form of mindfulness or meditation practice. What did you discover about yourself within the last weeks or months? Yoeri loves wearing sarongs since he tried one for the first time many, many moons ago. Even though they are seen as skirts by many, he wore one for our wedding. Be yourself! Or, more precisely, become yourself again. Thank you! #sustainable #reuse #repair #beyourself #becomeyourself #create #thankyou #stiching #giraffe #frankenstein #sustainableliving #ilovecooking #ilovebaking #sarong #breakfree #corevalues

What is the story regarding free-roaming animals on Statia? We start with some observations, facts, and questions for the Dutch column "Bericht uit Sint Eustatius" on Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties and our German blog "Abgetaucht" (links in bio): Where do they go and what does that do with the island? #statia #roaminganimal #eustatius #caribbeannetherlands #observation #columns #islandlife #goat #cow #sheep #erosion #conservation #slavepath #oranjestad #freeroaminganimal

It is the International Day of Peace! I surrender to love, compassion, kindness, solidarity, and curiosity. We are in conflict on so many levels. The world is on fire - literally and figuratively. Countries against countries, even though it is just an elite and certain economic sectors profiting from the ongoing wars. Rural against urban. Neighbours against neighbours. Male against female energy. ... Last but not least, we are fighting against ourselves (how we look, feel, perform, live, ...). Peace begins within me. Nobody is better or worse. Let's embrace diversity and the wisdom within ourselves. #iunderstand #internationaldayofpeace #internationaldayofpeace2023 #surrender #embrace #diversity #peacebeginswithin #peace #love #compassion #curiosity #kindness #solidarity #devotion #devocean

One ability that makes the octopus stand out is how to change the colour and texture of its skin in the blink of an eye. This way, octopuses can blend in with their surroundings perfectly or show bright warning or hypnotizing patterns at will. We love this skill. But how do they do it? Just below the surface of their skin sit thousands and thousands of chromatophores (colour-changing cells). Each chromatophore contains a sack of a particular pigment (black, brown, orange, red or yellow). By stretching the sack, the colour appears brighter. A complex system of nerves and muscles controls this magical transformation including the texture of the skin from smooth via small bumps to high spikes. Additionally, some cephalopods have iridophores, plates reflecting greens, blues, silvers and golds, while leucophores mirror the colour of the surroundings to perfect their camouflage. They use their skill as camouflage to hide from predators as well as to sneak up on their prey. But colour patterns are also a way to communicate, like flashing bright warning colouration. This octopus, most likely a young reef octopus, was hanging out on top of the house reef in Wakatobi. The house reef is a wonderful spot for long dives with plenty to discover in the shallows. Like the vast majority of Wakatobi's reefs, it is ideal for snorkelling and admiring the health and abundance of the underwater world. #underwater #unterwasser #diving #tauchen #uwphotography #uwpics #underwaterphotography #ocean #wakatobi #indonesia #nauticam #olympus #em1 #marinespecies #scuba #devocean #devotion #wildlife #lovetheocean #savetheocean #octopus #night #magical #cephalopod #reefoctopus #housereef

The time is now! It is #internationaldogday These six cuties are ready to celebrate. The volunteers at St. Eustatius Animal Welfare Foundation walk them every day, cuddle, brush, and play. They even have an outside area to roam a little. But nothing can replace the feeling of joining a family and finding your pack to love and protect. Chip has been in the shelter for more than 2 years already, while Jack and Jessy came with their mother Indi as puppies last year. All puppies of Anubis have left the shelter while the black goddess stayed behind. Athena's brother went to enjoy a wonderful life in the Netherlands last year. Take a look at more pictures and read descriptions of all the dogs at the animal shelter here: https://devocean-pictures.com/animal-shelter-in-statia-adopt-a-dog/ In certain cases, there is support for off-island adoptions, including travel to Europe or North America (discretion of SEAWF). If you have the slightest interest in adopting one of these coconut retrievers, ask us anything regarding their character, health, or look. They are all different, yet all wonderful. The adoption fee is $70. Plus $20 for rabies for dogs going to Europe. This includes 2 vaccinations, microchip, and spay/neuter. You must have a securely fenced yard. If you are interested in adopting one of our dogs, please send a message to SEAWF, phone/WhatsApp at +5993181102, or write to contact-us@seawf.com #adopt #adoptdontshop #adoptadog #shelterdogs #rescuedog #mixedbreed #animallovers #animalrescue #statia #doglover #dogrescue #eustatius #coconutretriever #caribbean #adoption #animalshelter #europe #Eu #usa #canada #sinteustatius #familydog #volunteer