For no good reason

I don’t know how it started and I don’t know why, but I have a thing for manatees.  I simply adore them.  And it appears that I’m not the only one.  But what is it about these gentle sea cows that make them so lovable? I’ve never seen one in person nor can they cuddle with me at night like my puppy.  But somehow I’ve created this persona for them – a kind of snuffleupagus (yes, that’s actually how the Muppet’s name is spelled) meets Andre the Giant, innocently loping through the waves peacefully.  Still, there are plenty of endangered species to be passionate about, and I’m sure I could find ones that rank higher on the cuteness scale.  Yet, ever since I was in the 4^th grade writing poems about Manatees, I’ve been a fan.

My love of manatees falls into the category of simplicity, adoring them from afar for no good reason, just because I can’t look at a picture without smiling.  I find there aren’t many things I support without explanations, justifications, and rationales.  Usually, I have proof and evidence, anecdotes and personal experiences.  But with the manatees, I merely adore their rounded noses and oversized eyes. I don’t march for their protection or even really know that much about them. They just tickle my fancy, and I’m perfectly happy to leave it at that.  We could always use more things that make us smile for no good reason.  It keeps my mouth limber and dashes my spirit with whimsy. 

So for today, I’m dreaming of swimming with the manatees.