Creative Photography Post#5... Do You Want To Know A Secret?

Sparks Of Insanity By Vinny "Bond" Marini Wednesday, July 16, 2008



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This week I was going au natural as it were. No creative enhancements to this picture.

Memphis Zoo, the last time I was there with darlin' Nancy and her sons. The one tiger kept stalking the other....around and round...

and I decided to make the photo a puzzle of sorts...there was only one stalking tiger.

Can you tell which one is real and which is a clone?





OK, so the other day - OK, it was MONDAY - I had written the following:

"Sure I play the lottery....don't you? Do you have plans for the money if you do? Hell sure I do...well at least the beginning...There are about 6 things on the list I wuld do and one of them would then lead the direction for my life going forward...

What? OH, you are waiting to hear the plans....hummm OK, let's see...do you believe talking about things like this jinx you from having it happen? Or do you think you should voice your dreams and fantasies for them to happen? Or don't you think it matters one way or the other?

Let me know your thoughts on this and then depending upon the responses and my personal feelings, I might give you the list of items...bwahahahahahahahahha"

OK, so Turnbaby and Anndi both wondered why I 'buried' a statement like that...thought provoking and good material to get a grand debate/conversation going in comments.

I was blogging that evening in a 'gonzo/ stream of conscientiousness' mode and did not even realize the significance of the question...

So, do you - as they used to say on Sunday mornings on a local station in NY - which is weird since it is a Chinese Proverb and it was some Religious Show that used it - "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness".

DO you talk about wishes - not the 'I wish it would rain' wishes...but the 'I wish I could win the lottery' type wishes?

OR are you the type who feels that if you say it out loud it might not come true? Like the chance of getting a huge promotion or raise...do you call people and tell them about it, or do you hold it in, not wanting to 'jinx' the whole thing?

I have been thinking about it for a few days now. When I was out of work, I got to the point where I refused to discuss interviews and rarely told friends and family I was going on one. Because you know what happens if you talk about it...it probably won't happen.

Then I thought about the 'lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness thing'. Maybe if I talk about it, it will happen!

I kinda feel the same way about the lottery. My basic usage of the money has always been the same. Family. Mortgages paid off. Colleges for all nieces and nephews paid off. A big family cruise (which would probably never happen now that all but one are in college!). And the last thing is a foundation. It's initial purpose...the resurrection and rebuilding of youth baseball fields around the country and into Canada.

Working with Little League and Babe Ruth and American Legion and Cal Ripken and some of the other organizations, find areas where the desire is there, but the funds are not.

I know that the first area we would work in is the area destroyed by Katrina and the towns still flooding along the Mississippi this year.

Yes, there are things I would also want. I would buy something small here in Memphis. But I would also take a nice long vacation...I am thinking some golf at Casa de Campo in the Dominican, a week or so in a small little place I know in St. Thomas..nothing fancy, but right on a beautiful small harbor with great scuba and snorkeling and a fantastic bar! I think it would be exhilarating to share this terrific place with a most wonderful woman...

I also mentioned a few weeks ago wanting to rent/buy an RV and tour the country. That would also happen down the line.

OK, I fessed up...anyone else want to talk about whether they hold them in or let them out to the world? Do you 'curse the darkness' or 'light the candle'?

And what is that one big wish?




Do You Want To Know A Secret...Secret...Wishing On A Star...Sitting Waiting Wishing...The lyrics are not really on topic...but what the heck...



"Do You Want To Know A Secret?"
The Beatles


"Secret"
Maroon 5


"Wishing On A Star"
Beyonce


"Sitting, Waiting, Wishing"
Jack Johnson


33 Of Your Sparks

  1. Schmoop Says:
  2. HA. I rarely say what my wishes are or things like that because I don't want to "jinx" them. Cheers Vin!!

     
  3. does i wish i could sleep for days count????

     
  4. DrillerAA Says:
  5. What! No "When You Wish Upon A Star" by Jimeny Cricket?

     
  6. Travis Cody Says:
  7. I've always kind of thought that the positive energy you put into dreams is what helps them come true. Maybe that doesn't help win the lotto, but if you put positive energy into the other dreams of things you would do with the money, that energy will help something else positive happen.

    One of those "if money were no object" dreams of mine is to build youth basketball facilities...indoor ones with locker rooms and scoreboards and stuff.

     
  8. RW Says:
  9. A awesome and puzzling Creative Photography submission Vin. I think I know the answer but will keep mum, as not to spoil it and of course I could be wrong to lol! Thanks Vin!!

     
  10. Jeff B Says:
  11. Never been a big one for superstitions. I'm more of the "it's gonna happen or it isn't" type.

    I like your list too. Sounds pretty practical to me.

    On the picture, I 'm thinking to clone is the one on the right. The tail is hidden by the other one and if it was the real one then the other wouldn't have a tail visable.

     
  12. MATT-MAN: One vote for not 'lighting the candle'...

    CHARLENE: I think in your case, that might count. Hope dad is still recovering

    DRILLERAA: LOL..see now, That is one I did not think about!

    TRAVIS: OK, so we have baseball and basketball covered...and I agree...positive energy can help

    ROGER: Thanks dude...Let me know your answer

    JEFFB: Interesting read on the photo...we will see if you are correct...
    Thanks on the list...nothing wild - well maybe that '71 Hemi Barracuda I would also buy would be the one WILD thing...

     
  13. Yeah I am a big believer in no speaky, no jinxy like Matt. That said if I were to win the lottery, I'd help the family, give half to the ex (yeah I know people think I am nuts but my motto where he is concerned is it's only money) and then get one of those round huts on the water in Bora Bora and Tahiti and travel. Oh and send my daughter to school in England which is her hearts desire.

     
  14. Dianne Says:
  15. I'm a light the candle, play loud music, shout off rooftops kind of person. And the older I get the more I'm just 'out there'.

    As for 'win the lottery' dreams - it has been the same for years and years - after the practical stuff is cared for I want a farm, a big-ass farm, and I want to adopt tons of kids and animals and elderly folks. Anyone who doesn't have a voice and doesn't have a porch to sit on and feel safe - I want them all.

    Maybe I need an island?

    Love the photo - I thought the guy in the middle wasn't real.

     
  16. Jay Says:
  17. Sometimes I keep things to myself just so that I don't have to explain to people why it didn't work out or didn't happen. You know the "I don't want to look like a loser" thing going there. But, for the most part I light the candle. But, it's not a really bright candle and the flame kind of flickers sometimes.

     
  18. Liz Hill Says:
  19. I spent about 10 hours almost a month ago not 'talking' about something I wanted more than anything in the world because of that baseball inspired idiom 'don't jinx it'.

    it came true but the reality is I DID talk about it--all that time. ;-)



    As for the lottery---pay off debts--trusts for family--set up a foundation to help people with modest means pay for emergency care for their pets---spend a LOT of time traveling and being with my love

     
  20. Kimmie Says:
  21. @Dianne...I just want to Hug You!

    Hey Bond,

    I don't believe in superstitions, I believe if something is meant to be it is in the hands of Our Maker. He knows whats in our hearts. He knows what we Wish for. The rest is up to fate.

    I hope your Wishes come true bond, they are grand. You are a good and generous man. Hugs to you!
    Kimmie

     
  22. desert rat Says:
  23. You know, Vince, it depends.

    If there is something I wish (or dream), to accomplish and it is something over which I can exert some element of control, I generally don't speak about it because I've found, for myself at least, that speaking of it tends to diffuse my energy - particularly if the person(s) to whom I am speaking derides my dream or idea.

    If I have a "wish" - like winning a million dollars - than I might talk about it with intimates.

    One time I did write in a journal what I would do if I had a million dollars - the funny thing is that years later when I looked at that entry, I discovered that I had ticked off most of the "wants" on my list. Perhaps I need to dream bigger?

    Your aspirations are admirable: I loved your list.

     
  24. Bud Fisher Says:
  25. It interesting post. I am not superstious. But even when I play the lottery (which is almost never) I've neveer spent the money first. The one on the right is cloned...

     
  26. STARRLIGHT: One of the things I did not mention is giving the ex a lump sum of double to cover the money I promised in the divorce

    DIANNE: Nice wishes...and an island...can I come visit?

    JAY: totally understand

    TURNBABY: yeah, I know...I listened... SMOOCH

    KIMMIE: I guess that is what I was saying also...talk or not...it will not impact what is to be

    ADR: Lucky you for being able to tick them off...wonderful

     
  27. desert rat Says:
  28. Oh, I'm thinking the tiger on the right - it's missing it's right front paw and if it was the "real" tiger it would be front-lit like the leaves in the foreground.

    Just sayin'...

     
  29. Patti Says:
  30. Interesting shot. Definitely the tiger on the right is cloned..


    I dream but tell no one! It's a secret. guess I don't want to jinx it.

     
  31. Unknown Says:
  32. Very nice creative photo *yippee* Regarding SezWho, I don't know if it will be a hit yet or not. so far everything is going well. i like entrecard because my traffic's increased...so decided to give it a try. thx for your visits. i love them!! good luck in the contest.

     
  33. ADR: Well it really is not missing the paw...look at the other one...the same thing there

    PATTI: Definitely? Are you suuuuuuure? OK, you keep it in the dark.

    CHUCK: Thank you Sir and I appreciate your visits also...

     
  34. I don't talk about winning the lottery because I think I SHOULD win the lottery and it's so sad that I don't. I'm a little nuts, Vinny! :)

     
  35. Ralph Says:
  36. I'm hesitant to approach a carnivore, even if they're fake. Therefore, is it real or is it...My mind in not so inquiring as to interview the trio and ask "Will the real tiger...please stand up"!

    I don't even try to analyze my dreams. It can be the twilight zone in dreamland that even Rod Serling couldn't figure out!

     
  37. CreativeMish Says:
  38. I believe in the law of attraction. If you believe it you can achieve it. How am I going to win if I don't talk about it and make plans? Of course I have to buy a ticket first. I would travel, share with family, donate to needed charities and relax on the beach somewhere.

     
  39. Tug Says:
  40. So the tiger on the left is real?

    I like your list...very nice. I talk about mine for the most part, but since I don't buy lottery tickets, the odds of winning are pretty slim. I'm with Kimmie - it's all about fate and what He has in store for us - talking about it won't change that.

     
  41. Anonymous Says:
  42. I think I've got the answer of the clone. But ain't sure if I'm right though :P

     
  43. Dana Says:
  44. I don't wish ... I make things happen *wink*

     
  45. Gattina Says:
  46. I think the sitting tiger is the real one !

     
  47. Julie Says:
  48. Well....**gets comfy**....I don't wish, I don't live by what ifs..I don't dream...I'm too busy being a realist. And I'm okay with that. I'm also a pretty happy gal..considering.....

    ...but yeah the mortgage is a biggie...would love to clear that debt!

     
  49. RW Says:
  50. Alright I think you cloned the standing tiger from another photo pasted them on that photo and inverted one of them, I am just guessing. That is one hell of a lot of photo shop work.

     
  51. Linda Says:
  52. Came by to see your photo contest entry and it's quite a nice picture. I would guess that one on the right is the one that is cloned but then again, I don't have my glasses on!

    As for lotteries and wishes, every great once in awhile I find myself dreaming about what I would do with a windfall of cash but I'm too much of a realist to think that it would every really happen - especially considering I very rarely by a lottery ticket! But, like they say, it only takes one, right?

     
  53. THE TEACH: Mary then I am nuts too!

    RALPH: OK, with your explanation of the tigers, Rod is calling to examine your brain...

    NAPA: LOL THEN GUESS!

    DANA: OOOOOO There ya go girl!

    GATTINA: LOL yes it is but one of the two standing is also real

    JULIE: OK...realists move to the left side of the Couch

    ROGER: Ummm nope one of the two stalking IS real...but it was a bit of work...

     
  54. Anndi Says:
  55. Realists are on the right.. never the left. *giggle*

    I told you this was an important question, I'm glad Turnbaby agreed.

    I've already told you I don't believe in jinxes.

    I think people stop sharing those things because they don't want to have to rehash when it doesn't come true.

    The lottery?

    -Pay off my debts
    -my father's (which aren't really his)
    -set up a trust fund for when Chicklet becomes a rocket scientist
    -college money for my Booboo
    -support an organization which helps pay for ice time and equipment for kids who want to play hockey (the better sport) but can't afford it
    -set up a scholarship for budding scientists
    -fund a summer camp for underpriviledged kids from single parent families
    -set up a fund for veterans to ensure whatever isn't being covered by the government is taken care of
    -buy an RV and take the blended family on a cross coutries road trip.

    ...and buy SHOES!!!!!!!!!!! Bwahahahahahahahaha!

    The people who keep rebuilding in flood zones? Are you kidding me? They keep doing the same thing expecting a different outcome... insanity. Sorry, but I'd help them relocate.

     
  56. Julie Says:
  57. As you look at the couch or as you sit on it?

     
  58. ANNDI: Nice list of things that you would do.

    JULIE: Looking at The Couch silly!

     

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