A Proud Parent

After dropping Patrick at the airport for his trip home, we moved to familiar Kissimmee, FL to prepare for Shelby's arrival. One of the great things about traveling, is the benefit Shelby gets from picking locations to visit. We try, at least once a year to fly her into a new place to vacation for a week. This year was Orlando and of course Disney World. Our daughter is still - and will probably always be -
a Disney Princess at heart.

Before we get into the vacation pictures, I wanted to share how proud I am of Shelby. We talked at length about what we planned when she started college after high school. We would stay around long enough to get her settled in Coeur d' Alene and into her first year in college. We thought initially, it would take at least another year after she graduated, to sell a house in Davenport, WA...

...it took four months.

So our time lines sped up quite a bit, and before she knew it, Shelby was making her own way. That was almost four years, four apartments, four roommates and a couple boyfriends ago. There have been many tough learning curves, many tears, many frustrations, and many disappointments.

Through all the difficulties, she maintained a positive view of the world around her. She stayed true to the wonderfully happy, smiling, beautiful, young woman she was when beginning her solo journey.

She's truly a joy to be around. And we're extremely proud of her.

* * *

Because of work Shelby's commitments, we still had a week before her arrival. Sheila and I took the opportunity to visit a local museum.

I might as well cover this now. I know there are a lot of people that have very negative feelings about animal entertainment businesses. The Circus has been around forever. Since the Roman days. Yes, animals were poorly treated, caged and forced to perform for the entertainment of humans. Times have changed some. I personally believe that today, there are some benefits that come from Zoo's and Marine Parks in the form of conservation advancements, rescues and endangered species protection. I wonder if funding for those things would be available relying on just donations? But, I would also rather experience nature in it's natural environment instead of shows. I've actually spent some time reading reports from "news" sources as well as "activist" groups. I've read hundreds of opinions from people around the world that base their comments on mixed-up facts. I've seen Orca's in the wild and at SeaWorld. I've watched Blackfish...and I'm not an expert.

But I do want to continue to learn. I watch almost every friend I have, play with their pets (as I do). I watch those pets share their learned tricks for reward (tails wildly wagging with joy). I also watch as we love and care for them like human partners. What would the world be like if all animals were set "free" to the wild from hence they came? I've seen cities in Texas overrun with wild pigs and deer, I've seen law protected, wild chickens running everywhere in the Caymen Islands. I've seen starving dogs, barely able to move, wandering the streets of Mexico looking for food...and I'm not an expert.

All I've really learned is there are very passionate people on both sides. People that will - with any given opportunity - manipulate information to support their personal beliefs. That's the human way. An "either you're with me, or against me." mentality. It's our grossest human flaw.

I've read the following statement many times...

"There are three sides to every story.
There's you're side, there's my side,
and there's the truth."

* * *

Ok, where was I? Oh yes, Sheila and I visited the Barnum and Bailey museum in Orlando. I have very endearing feelings from my childhood of the circus. I would probably prefer a "circus" today that didn't include performing animals. (we've been to almost every Circ de Soleil show in Vegas). Anyway, I was still interested in the history of the circus, so went we did.

This was not just a circus museum, but a museum of the life of Barnum. His home, his art collections, and of course his history with the circus.

Just the museum grounds alone were worth the visit.

They would not allow photography inside the art exhibits, but there were collections representing many art periods from all over the world. Including a very modern glass sculpture section. Cool.

The circus areas were split into the historic "old world" era and the modern that still tours today. The miniatures were excellent. The history was fascinating. Back in the day, when the circus came to town, it brought with it a fully functioning city.

Sheila also gave circus performing her best shot...

* * *

Which brings me to the first thing we did when Shelby arrived in Florida. We of course went to the Circus. I will admit there was an uncomfortable feeling as I passed the small group of protesters outside the arena. I do understand their point of view and being passionate about something they believe in.

Inside the arena, the crowds were excited and children were giddy with anticipation.

 

 I thought the human acts were far more entertaining and found myself wondering, sympathetically, if the elephants at all enjoyed performing? Most performing animals are now born into the entertainment business, so really don't know what they may or may not be missing. Aren't most of us born into a predictable lifestyle? Sure we humans can choose to be whoever or wherever we want. Or can we really? Don't most of us just settle into what's most comfortable, or easiest and content with just that?

And, I'm not an expert.

* * *

I'm leaving you here with some "Shelby Art" or "Art of Shelby".

Thanks for reading!