Wow, I can only imagine how great that must have been.

I've rode an elephant and held an alligator, but never got to hug a wild animal. I've always wanted to hug tigers ever since I could remember, and at one time I thought having a monkey would be cool. Or an ocelot cat, they are a little more docile than other wild cats.

The St Louis Zoo is free. I took my family there a lot.
The greatest impact besides the white bengal tiger (no dead) was the gorilla enclosure.

The Gorillas, when not eating, had this look in their eyes of pure loss. Distant, heartbreaking stares. I stared into the eyes of one, thru the glass of a viewing portal and it nearly brought me to tears. I felt so bad for that animal.

By comparison, years ealier, the chimpanzee I met was full of life.
The contrast was soul wrenching for me.

I've dispatched a wounded deer while hunting. The deer was full of fear and pain. I could sense it when I looked into his eyes.

Its been my experience that most wild animals are shallow in their eyes. Not like a dog or cat but more like an empty stare.
The empty stare of the gorilla had a sense of despair. Almost so vivid you could taste it.

The eyes clarify life.
When I cup the head of someone I love and peer into those eyes there is also a sense of life. In the film Avatar, "I See You" was a demonstration of that recognistion that I do in real life. I usually don't say "I See You" but I do say "Hello" even though I know her personally. Every time I do that, I get a smile.

I'm thinking I need to find a woman that I can hold close and peer in her eyes and see her as she is. Its that intimacy that I long for. The realization that someone actually sees her as she is and the vulnerability of image we both share.

I'm thinking how lovely that would be.

And I'm thinking about the poor gorilla and other animals who are stuck in the zoo rather than their own natural habitat... and how sad that is for them.

I think the major difference between the gorilla and the deer was the impression I had that the Gorilla realizes what is happening but the deer does not.

I'm thinking that makes sense and you could be right.

Well it all depends upon the perceptions of the observer.
What is right for me, may not be how others see it.

I didn't choose to make these connections with these animals, Its just how I look at life. I notice things many people don't.
Its usually not until I point out what I see that others see.
Sometimes, they never see.

Cup the head of someone special gently in you hands and peer deep into their eyes. Wait until they match your gaze and then smile and say hello. See their reaction. It is pure joy.

Some people will avoid your gaze, never making that intimate connection with you. They don't do it on purpose. Its a vulnerability thing. When the connection is made, there is an honesty that can't be expressed with words or emotions. Its that connection I search for in every being I meet. Whether its a gorilla, a chimpanzee, a deer or a person.

I had it at one time with my X. Then it got lost and never came back. I miss the closeness to another living soul. I'm thinking if I keep looking, perhaps I can find it again in another set of eyes. Its the fundamental reason I search for someone.

On a plus side, I'm told I have the deepest bluest most comforting eyes possible and getting lost in them is like floating into a warm embrace.

...and such is my contribution to the Valentine's Day endeavor.

I'm thinking tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I have to put in a 12 hour shift... not going to have time.. to give out cards and Valentine's flowers... why can't they make Valentine's fall on a weekend...lol

I’m thinking in a girl, her name is Norma she might be the One

I'm thinking about the only one special in my life right now, in close enough range to gaze into their eyes, is the horse I visit at the stables. The particular one I've connected with will come to me and we spend several minutes gazing into each others eyes.

I've yet to experience that with a human soul. The eye gazing yes, but not the connection of our souls, guess I should have paid more attention to the lack of connected souls, could have saved myself and them a lot of heartache.

Some day perhaps!

I'm also thinking that I truly hope that some day you find it again in another set of eyes.

Thinking "the talk[/]" is never fun, but better to have it and receive an answer.

Im thinking... Wow! What a surprise! *giggling*

I´m thinking...a million and one things.

I'm thinking some people could use a cute kitten picture today

serves you right

I'm thinking those kittens are adorable.

In heart and spirit sis

I'm thinking today (70 degs) would be a great day for a BBQ.
Grilled BBQ chicken
Macaroni salad
Baked beans with onions and bacon.
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking...

thinking about the things we have spoken with mum.

Im thinking... I wonder what the day will bring...

I'm thinking just get through today and then it's a four-day weekend... Yahoo.