Dali Anyone

I am a devotee of Salvador Dali. His symbolism and his works are very cool. The epic center of his works can be found at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersberg,FL. If you've never been, it's a must see and be sure you take the tour which is an excellent way to understand Dali and his paintings. The most awe inspiring paintings are Dali's life works, which are huge floor to ceiling paintings and should not be missed. Also, don't forget the gift shop for some cool surreal trinkets.
Surrealism is a very visual and creative art form, one can immerse themselves within the picture for hours contemplating it's meaning or the theme. Dali is the true master of surrealism, the depth, meaning, symbolism's, and obsessions all blended masterfully within his paintings. His life, work habits and obsessions adds the aura to the canvas of this great surreal master.
In 2011, the Salvador Dali Museum moves into a new building with more works and added features. I'll be there--will you?

Pet Vacation

We have two dogs, both medium size (40-50 lbs), both rescued, well behaved and a lot of fun.
So like many pet owners we thought it would be great to bring them on vacation. So we took a week and went to Treasure Island, FL. It was great, the weather was good, the shopping/ restaurants were good and the dogs liked us around and they enjoyed swimming in the gulf at Fort De Soto Dog Beach.
Unfortunately, the "dog resort" was more of the pits, but we made the best of it.
Pet friendly motels and hotels are a big thing these days as many pet owners want to take their best friends with on joyous holiday, but in some respects, you may not be doing your pet a favor. Pets work on routines and are very environment orientated, although adaptable, they still become overly stressed with new situations, especially with vacations since everything they are use to is totally changed. Just thought I'd mention that to anyone considering a pet vacation.
But back to the "dog resort." The concept was nice, an enclosed place were your dog can roam free, if behaved, and socialize with other dogs. Most dogs are sociable and are no problem, it's usually he owners who have all the issues, so our dogs got along well and so did we with the exception of one guy who thought he was Cesar Millan. Anyway, I found this "resort" on pet travel.com which is a good site and I wrote them of my experience at the Lorelei Resort Motel.
Here's the review I sent of my experience, I hope that all pet lovers will read this so they are aware of these types of places.

I had to write you about my bad experience at the Lorelei Resort Motel in Treasure Island, FL.
I am from Chicago,IL and have two dogs (approx. 40 lbs each). We stayed there for a week at the beginning of May.
First, the rooms don't look like the pictures on their website. Our room was very small with the bed consisting of an old box spring and worn out mattress on the floor (no frame). The window air conditioner was ancient and did not go below 60 degrees, so it did not adequately cool off the room from the 90 degree weather. In fact, our dogs had a case of heat stroke because of these conditions.
Second, the owner and office staff (if there is any) was never in the office, you had to call a cell number on the door and they would call you back whenever they wished.
Third, the room was never sprayed for insects. We killed a couple of Palmetto bugs (cockroaches) climbing up the wall, luckily it was almost our last night and prompted us to leave the next day.
There are many other problems so here is a list to help other pet travelers:

*The hot tub/Jacuzzi was broken and filthy, you could tell it was out of commission for a long time.
*No maid service, although their informational material states that the service is available.
*No phones in the rooms.
*Minimal provisions of towels and toilet paper.
*No complimentary soap or shampoo.
*No garbage bags or paper towels.
*No additional fans available or access to any irons, hair dyers,mops and buckets.
*No information available on restaurants, attractions, tours or shops.
*Not handicap accessible.
*Dock unlit with no safeguards.
*No security.

As for the dogs--
*No dog amenities or any fun dog functions.
*No listing of emergency vet facilities or phone numbers.
*No information on dog beaches that are in the area.

To say the least, the accommodations were very disappointing and probably worse for our dogs. I hope you will post this on your site for other pet owners to see. In conclusion, I like your site and will use it again, it is a great place for pet owners.

Wayne

Earth Day

Today is Earth Day. A time to appreciate Mother Earth and respect all that she gives to us. We need to reflect about all we have, the air, water, earth, forests and animals that surrounds us, gives us joy and helps us to survive. We need to better understand our place within the big picture, we tend to forget just how small we are within the grand scope of life and what our surroundings can teach us. Animals are a good example, we could learn much from animals, caring, loyalty, forgiveness, and harmony. Instead we tend to exterminate species and conduct overt acts of cruelty. We need to live in harmony with nature and not slaughter it, we need to show compassion not deceit to these creatures that have lived here a lot longer than us.
Let's start today, feel the earth, smell the flowers, breathe the air, drink the water, and watch the wildlife. Take it all in and experience the wonder and beauty of Mother Earth.

Looking at the Rain

Gentle thoughts on gentle rain,
Droplets fill the window pane
Each drop lamenting sweet refrains
Of dreams that have remained

Patterns dance upon the glass,
Stirring thoughts of now and past,
Of love and life’s enduring times—
All the thoughts entwine

Patterns change, a sweeping rain,
Bring memories yet explained,
Cleansing all the doubts and fears—
The rhythm is all you’ll hear

Droplets smeared across the pane,
Faded patterns to none remain
Clouds part, the sun appears—
Thoughts and dreams still linger here.

Rain

Today is cold, windy and raining, a mix of a faded winter and approaching summer, but rain in itself is very creative, symbolized as a cleansing, a renewal and associated with fertility.
I always think of rain as Mother Earth trying to cleanse the abuses we enact on the earth and nature, a depiction of sorrow and a mirror of reflection on the past, present and future.
Rain comes in many forms, hard, soft , gentle, sweeping, etc. , all invoking many emotions, visions and dreams. Stirring memories and soft tones (gentle rain) that allow insight into our spirit from different perspectives. It sometimes makes us dwell on the inhumanities and sorrows of the many tragedies that occur in our complex world. Nonetheless, rain reflects our triumphs, our failures and creates a portal to create our future.
Look closely at the rain, feel its sorrow, its creativity and reflect within its raindrops.

The Passing

Today our dog Moonie(aka Mr. Sunshine) passed away of old age. He was a male westie of 19 years of age. We got him through a westie rescue and he had an excellent life with us for 10 years. He will be deeply missed and greatly remembered. I buried him like the ancient kings--with his dog bed, a blanket, and a biscuit for the journey.
Like my other dogs that have passed before Moonie, saying goodbye is bittersweet, glad that he won't suffer, but would rather have him here. It's tough to accept their passing, their personality, unconditional love, loyalty, forgiveness, and companionship on a daily basis will be forever lost. However, although the body is gone the bond with the spirit is strong. Forever our spirits are entwined and will never be broken, and in joyous reflection I smile, knowing that he's with his brothers and sisters in the grass of the hereafter, rolling, running, playing, and barking waiting for the day I join them.

Spring

Spring is a time of preparation, when Mother Earth starts to awaken from her winter sleep shedding the blanket of Father Winter, heralded by the robin. It's a start of new beginnings in the cycle--a birth of new plants and animals.
Dominated by the East (wind, sunrise, beginnings, and change) it takes our spirit to new beginnings and our thoughts to new creative directions. Spring brings us a sense of rejuvenation among rebirth of flora and fauna. It's a great experience to behold if we only stop and look.

Hi!

Welcome to my blog. Please feel free to comment on any of my topics. Questions are always welcomed and options/feedback are always good as long as they're constructive.
I am glad you came along for the journey.