Life continues...painfully at times. But it does.

 

 

Rivers flow. Rains fall. Water surge, then recede. Life evolves, grows, and ends...and from endings, come new beginnings. New seasons, new sources of energy, new generations of life.

Today, I was sad to hear of the passing of our dear friend, James Sheen of Blackwater UK. It was a devastating shock and to say it created a void is to make a ridiculous understatement, for sure. James was an instrumental part of the botanical aquarium method movement. He was a passionate, devoted hobbyist, inspirational entrepreneur, devoted father...and all-around  great human being.

James was literally one of the first hobbyists who reached out to me when I started Tannin in 2015. He was so excited, so passionate, and so in to this amazing world. He and I used to share a lot of ridiculous ides, theories, and thoughts about the hobby. God knows, the poor bloke had to listen to my ramblings about everything in the hobby. We'd commiserate about just about everything in the hobby and business sector that he helped to create. 

James tirelessly devoted himself to growing the hobby in The UK...and grow it he did. He helped shape our little sector from circus side show status into full-blown hobby speciality. And he did it all with class, style, and incredible patience. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was never afraid to speak his mind- even if he took an unpopular position. I think that's what I'll miss most about him. He was a loyal friend, a funny guy, and kindred spirit. A bright spot in this dark, tinted world. 

And I think I can take some solace from our love of Nature, and the lessons it teaches us...such as the fact that life arises anew, often at times and in places which seem somehow hopelessly inhospitable. 

Life endures in different, evolving forms. A legacy from what was. The promise of what will be.

James and Ben (from Betta Botanicals)and I have been chatting a lot in recent weeks, as the two tried to coax me out of this self-imposed "sabatical" I placed myself in. And, yeah, I'm back...I'm ready.

I'm sad. I'm devastated. But I'm back.But this isn't about me...we can talk about that later. Right now, let's take a few moments to celebrate James and all he did for the hobby.

He leaves behind a loving wife, children...and a great legacy.

We can best honor him by simply doing what we do best- enjoying this amazing hobby that we all love so much.

James would like that, I'd think.

Hug your loved ones. Stay passionate. Stay true to yourself. Take care of yourself. 

And to you, James...

Stay Wet, buddy.

I'll catch up with the rest of you later on. I need to cry this out a bit.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

Tannin Aquatics

 

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