Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thanks Teresa!
Out of the blue a friend of mine called me the other week. After the "long time, no see's" she brought up an idea that clicked instantly with me. She mentioned how much she enjoyed reading my blog and that I should do something more with it. Not wanting to let the cat out of the bag, let's just say it was right up my alley and what started out as a simple cookbook became something more. Later that day after mulling it over I was compelled to call her back and thank her. After speaking to a couple of more people to bounce it around the consensus was "that's a great idea!' I got alot of positive feedback and some other ideas on how to produce said book. Traditional book publishing or more of an online approach? I still like the traditional route, but the online approach also has its advantages. Either way more research is needed to flesh it out more and set the tone of the book. There's alot to weigh out and it'll require a lot of work and development, but I'm pretty stoked about it. Thanks T! So what's your cut?
How Could I Not Post This??
Thanks James (Hawkman) for this killer dig. I'm sure every designer/animator gets sick of this attitude from prospective clients. What are we - idiots? It's amazing how many people claim "no budget" or "next time we promise to throw more work your way" or some other seriously lame excuse. If you can't afford to pay for it then why are you trying to hire someone to do the design work for you? Better get your Microsoft Word software and crayons out then...
Monday, May 04, 2009
Marineland!
Things feel like they've been on the up and up - not that that they were really bad or anything. Eleanor made a pact a few weeks ago to try and break out of our regimented lives and do more as a family. With her back at work fulltime there seemed to be no time to be together and do things - one of which is travel. Since we planned on making a move sometime we thought to take advantage of Florida's attractions and see all we could. I've always wanted to revisit some of the places I went to as a little boy. Silver Springs was one of them. This weekend we planned on heading to Marineland.
A few years ago a wave of hurricanes nearly flattened the 1930's water attraction and it closed down for a couple of years. I was pretty saddened that one of the things I remembered best as a child was gone. But then it reopened and advertised it was rebuilding its former self, although much smaller. Gone were the birds, otters show, whales and other sealife. Instead it had turned into something of a Dolphin experience and research center. No matter. At $8 a person it would be a steal.
We left Orlando as early as the two kids would allow and were on the road before 11am Friday. By lunch time we arrived and I was surprised at how much had changed. It was evident they had simplified the attraction, but it was clean and modern looking. After speaking with one of the workers he talked about the place's history and what they're future plans were. Enough chatter! I wanted to see the big aquarium with the dolphins!
We left Orlando as early as the two kids would allow and were on the road before 11am Friday. By lunch time we arrived and I was surprised at how much had changed. It was evident they had simplified the attraction, but it was clean and modern looking. After speaking with one of the workers he talked about the place's history and what they're future plans were. Enough chatter! I wanted to see the big aquarium with the dolphins!
Two hours later after a quick hot dog lunch at the park we decided to chill at Anastasia Island Beach. The kids got a quick nap in beforehand (very quick).
Nico even was able to hold himself up and sit with his sister to play in the sand for the first time. I know El was itching to get to the water so I held Nico Boy while the girls played and collected shells.
Tee shirt courtesy of Uncle Goose and Auntie Aimee when they visited a couple of weekends ago.
Tee shirt courtesy of Uncle Goose and Auntie Aimee when they visited a couple of weekends ago.
On the way there we pit stopped by the lighthouse before close to take a few snaps and walk around. Once over the bridge we were in downtown Augustine. I forgot how quaint this town really is.
I don't think I could live here (too small), but it's certainly worth the visit. We had dinner at Columbia's. Mine was great...Palomilla, a grilled sirloin with lime and basil, fresh onions, yellow rice and plantains. El got her typical seafood pasta, but said it wasn't that fresh. Ick.
After dinner was spent walking in the night air with the kids and window shopping. It was pretty crowded with foot traffic and alot of Flagler College student. Y'know the ones? All black clothes that don't fit well, bad hair, trying to look artsy but looking like they tried-too-hard types? Yeah plenty of those. I mean else are you gonna do when you go to school on a tourist island? Hang out at the outdoor mall of course! There were alot of out-of-town couples dressed for dinner and families taking ghost tours. It was interesting to hear some of the stories, but didn't quite have the eerie effect when you're trying to scare your listeners, but Buffet is playing in the background and people are streaming in and out of restaurants and bars. After letting Isa smear her face with coconut ice cream she called it quits and we packed up to go home.
After dinner was spent walking in the night air with the kids and window shopping. It was pretty crowded with foot traffic and alot of Flagler College student. Y'know the ones? All black clothes that don't fit well, bad hair, trying to look artsy but looking like they tried-too-hard types? Yeah plenty of those. I mean else are you gonna do when you go to school on a tourist island? Hang out at the outdoor mall of course! There were alot of out-of-town couples dressed for dinner and families taking ghost tours. It was interesting to hear some of the stories, but didn't quite have the eerie effect when you're trying to scare your listeners, but Buffet is playing in the background and people are streaming in and out of restaurants and bars. After letting Isa smear her face with coconut ice cream she called it quits and we packed up to go home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
