The Life of Pi - the movie -

The Life of Pi - the movie

I just watched the movie The Life of Pi - it was not at all what I expected. Not even close. Perhaps that was what made it so good. It is a movie one should watch several times to get a grasp of what the movie is - what it is saying - which I believe would be different things to different folks. First, the movie is told from the view point of a person from India and that is were the symbolisms of the animals must be taken into account. For others from another background they could and may mean different things. The end result is a story of giving up oneself to God (whatever god you believe in) and letting him have control of the outcome of what comes next.  It is really a good movie, one worth seeing and it is up for discussion. It is a 'thinking movie', not  for entertainment, but one that says sit and stay awhile and ponder this...

Take into account the symbolism from an Indian culture and what are the meanings of each animal.

The Orangutan: Creativity, logical thinking, family bonding, strong mother-child bond.

Zebra: Power, grace, individuality, meaning of stripes: has to do with the integration of opposites (Buddha and gravy)

Hyenas: Laughing, evil

Tiger: Triumph, power, energy, strength - also capable of destruction and violence. 

With these key reference points the story takes on a totally different meaning and point of view.

The Life of Pi - even the name, the symbol, is not just a name of a swimming pool - what does Pi stand for - pretty much infinity as it goes on and on...   in India lots of folks believe in reincarnation - life goes on and on.

Look at the movie from your belief system.. the end result is hopefully we come out the other side of our struggles, hardships, impossible situations with a stronger foundation in our God of choice,  our outlook on accomplishments amidst the storms of life, our ability to triumph because of our releasing ourself to the control to our proclaimed higher power... and when our tiger walks away, without looking back, we know he is with us, in us, and will be there for us, if needed again.

It is a good movie - and another thing, we all land on the Algae Island - at some point in our life travels, if we stay on the island or go, is our choice.    If we stay where we are in our life now - or die trying the unknown - it is all a choice - our choice, alone - 

Faith - is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  It is a good movie, for the Spirit, Soul and Body.

Judged by Association

Judged by Association
All are fake?  All are Real? Not Sure?

If you think most are real, then it is possible are all. If you think most are fake, then most probably all are as well? But this collection all comes from the same source.. they are all together in the photo... since they are all hanging out together you can at least be sure they are all pieces of jewelry... and that is really about the extent of the knowledge you have from seeing this photo...

The tricks to knowing if each individual piece is real or not, you can ask the owner about each piece, you have a jewelers loop, you have a knowledge of gem stones and what to look for.. but just from this surface..in actuality you can only guess and assume as to wether they are real or fake. Other key element is...if you ask the owner will they tell you the truth? Another dilemma.

Old sayings still ring true today: Beware of the company you keep. If you lie with dogs you could wake up with fleas. A good name is the best reputation you have. There is no honor among thieves. Abstain from all appearances of evil, lest you be judged amongst them.  The list goes on, take just the word LAWYER, that one word conjures up a multitude of thoughts and opinions. 

Facebook is like an association of company we keep. We have groups, we have hobbies, we share... some are real, some are fake, we all are different pieces of jewelry and until we get to know each unique piece individual we can only judge by the association we have in common. The reminder is some pieces are flawed, chipped, scratched, real stones replaced with fakes, some are bent out of shape from wear and tear, and some pieces never get taken out of the box to be worn and admired. The most worn piece of jewelry is ones wedding ring, but some wedding rings are not on the finger to proclaim one is married, but as to keep folks away...stating you are unavailable. A few rings stay on the finger for a short period of time, and some never come off even as the casket lid is closing. Judging by association is an overview of preconceived ideas, which is fine for the most part. People need as starting point to migrate towards those of like minds, hobbies, lifestyles. Taking the steps beyond to find out if you really want to hang out with them...and how they will affect your outward and first impression to others is a call only you can

make.

      Discretion shall perserve you, understanding shall keep you.  Proverbs 2:11

Dog Show Follies

Dog Show Follies

Yes, I agree what I know about dog shows would fit in a thimble, but..

when I had a dog to show I enjoyed the adventure. Studies say that most dog show people stay in the show life for 5 to 7 years. They get a Show Dog, buy the stuff, learn to show, get a Championship on their pooch and go back home. A few ribbons, a piece of gilded paper and a photograph to commemorate the accomplishment. Owner, handler, Proud Dog moment. What makes folks stay showing, basically is getting another dog or breeding a litter and keeping a pup to try once again to repeat the experience. But AKC is wondering what is keeping folks away - in droves - first the economy - that is a given, but then again if folks really want to spend money on something they enjoy, they will find a way. I just have another thought and it has nothing to do with money in fact it costs nothing to bring folks into the dog show world and to keep them showing. I think, it is just being nice. Being nice to the newbies, being nice to your competitors, being nice to your apprentices, being nice to spectators. Let us look at the newbies first: treat them like babies first learning to walk.. encourage them, tell them what they are doing right, teach them what to look for in other handlers that will strengthen their skills... don't stand on the side lines just outside the ring fence and tell your friend next to you, OUT LOUD on purpose, just how awful the newbie is doing and how the dog is so not show worthy, of course you talk just loud enough for newbie hear. Thereby, crushing perhaps newbies confidence and in fact bullying the newbie with your words. The hurtful words that come from your mouth - may affect more harm than you'll ever know. Take your knowledge, and share with newbie... one day you may need newbie to bring in same said dog into the ring so you can get your final major point! Unless you have a kennel full of dogs that you can load the ring with and get your majors that way. Next your competitors, you want them!! You really do. They keep you on your toes, they may be breeding some very fine animals that you want a pup from. Be a friendly competion competitor ,  this is not a sport where if one dies, you win. Actually this is a sport where folks show the best they got and show how they and their breeding program is actually (hopefully) improving the overall qualities of the dog. Might as well be nice, you see each other every weekend anyway. Now onto the Pros and the apprentices, don't treat them like sweat shop workers, and belittle and berate them. They are under you to learn, teach!, and yes you can be nice about it. You want to raise up and train these young folks under YOUR care to learn the skills nessacary to be competitive in the Pro Show Circuit ... how they behave and conduct themselves is a reflection of YOU. Some day you will be showing against them, win or lose in a sportsmanship like manner. The youngsters you mentor today, become the driving force of the sport of dog showing tomorrow. ALL showers of dogs, invest in the newbies of today. Some will continue on into dog show greatness, and some will take home their final ribbon and enjoy the time they had. If treated with respect, mentored with kindness, encouraged with excitement and found friendships along the way, they will pass on the love they experienced to others and the thrill of the show ring they speak of, will attract others. Lastly, if you think your behavior is not being watched, you are wrong, some spectators are there to watch whom they may want to buy a pup from, they may be looking for someone to handle a dog, some folks may just be there,  just to observe human behavior, show them you best!  People look for a refuge in the storms of life, I believe the dog show world can be one place it can be found.  I was one of the lucky one, as I did find this bit of reprieve from a taxing world. Some day, I shall return, with a new dog, buy new dog show stuff, take conformation show classes, win a big ribbon, receive a gilded piece of parchment paper, add another Champion Show Dog photo to the album and have another fine pup to curl up on the couch next to me.    <3

Different Ways to get to the Finish Line

Different Ways to the
Finish Line

We all run on the same track - planet earth - but we all have different life paths on our way to the finish line. We come out of the starting gate of life the same... but the way we travel is unique. Some of us ride the standard horse - school - games - jobs - family - hobbies - all normal, pretty typical. Then we find someone doing things a bit different, and we watch and wonder... how on God's Green Earth? Be it the artist, the activist, the one SO Passionate about something they are totally consumed with the goal, the guy down the block who loves model trains, to the mechanic that can fix anything. We all have a skill set, we all have a destiny to fulfill, we all will somehow get to the the Finish Line of our  life... and we all will not ride the same beast of burden to get us there, in fact some of us may just crawl. Don't forget to smile while you are on the track, stay out of the trainwrecks that may happen, if you can, help someone in need if it is within your power to do so, share a laugh, shed a tear, enjoy all the blessings God bestows upon you and cross your finish line knowing you have run your race well.

Light the Sky

Light the Sky

The sky was ablaze with the power only the energy that lighting can create. With the world in turmoil, and the rumors of war, threats of attacks, and just the destruction of nations within themselves. We must wonder, ponder, question... is this the beginning or World War Three, is the end of the world and the biblical signs of the return of Christ...  I thought these things last night as the sky was alight... yes I was waiting for the Trumpet to Sound, yes I was... however it didn't happen and another day dawned with possiblities and uncertainites. The one good thing about sitting outside in the coolness of the late night, watching Gods Light Show, it brought me once again closer to the power and majesty of God and reminded me that He is still in control.  A comforting feeling in such uncertain times. Yeah God!!!!   I am still waiting for the Trumpet to Sound any day or night, but I shall also continue to live with the knowledge that he cares for his own and is still waiting for more to get thier name of the pages of the Book of Life.