Mapplethorpe and Smith Exhibition

 The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota is currently showing an exhibition based on Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, one-time lovers and longtime friends.  "Frames" throughout the garden show plants the simple and straightforward way Mapplethorpe might have photographed them.  

Smith lyrics are on boards throughout the park and her music is played in several places.

This was fun.  When we walked into an area with a circular garden, a simulated record player started turning and a Patti Smith song from her "Horses" album was belted out from hidden loudspeakers.

And, Faces in the Crowd at the St. Patrick's Day Parade

 

Everyone is Irish.

The Floats, the Bands and the Marchers

Begorra, it is St. Patrick himself!

Some of the faces were better than others.

The St. Patricks Day Parade Starts

The Naples parade always starts with active and retired police, active and retired military, and active and retired firefighters including floats honoring NYFD firefighters who died on September 11, 2001.

It is a very popular parade.  Everyone is Irish for the day.  

(My DNA test showed that I am 100 percent Irish and Scottish.)

Retired New York state police.

343 flags honoring the 343 New York firefighters who died on September her 11.

Collier County Sheriff and his vehicle.

Before the Parade

 

"I Make Irish People" in Mommy's shamrock.

And . . . clearing the street so the parade can begin.