11.30.10

11.30.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

What do you think - these palms need a little trim? :) So often, time gets away from you and before you realize it, a week of neglect has turned into a month...or more! With so much to do and 'so little time', that feeling (and the 'lack of' results) can multiply exponentially. Somehow, though, the most important things do gravitate to the top and get done, even if not at the quality desired. So, like these scruffy looking palm trees, there were other priorities! 4th Ave N & US 41 E, Naples, FL

11.29.10

11.29.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

A little seafaring motif in this outdoor parking lot. The pop of red against the textured and element-worn palm tree trunk adds some depth to the overall view. This photograph is full of linear elements which lead the eye up and down and around, as well. Somewhere there's meaning in it...a bit elusive now!? ;) 10th St & US 41 E, Naples, FL

11.28.10

11.28.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

This toy obviously spent some time in the depths of the Gulf - who knows how long? The barnacles certainly got attached! It arrived back on shore this morning with the tide! A good reason to remember that adage of "what goes around, comes around"...this one certainly came full circle! Perhaps there's a special karma with this one...but I left it on the beach for someone else to retrieve - or perhaps for the Gulf waters to repossess! 5th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

11.27.10

11.27.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Another drive-by shot while traveling to and from Tampa over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge overlooking the old bridge which is now a fishing pier. The pier is rarely vacant, always bustling with the activity and camaraderie of fishing. The sport of fishing is an interesting one with its intrinsic competition both with nature and among fellow fisher-people. It can be both solitary and social, accomplished from solid ground and from asea, and unusually considered 'successful' even if no fish were caught! :)

Unlike fishing, which is usually a bit more relaxed, some days are a blur...as indicated by today's photograph! Thanksgiving weekend is the kickoff for the upcoming holidays and time seems to be more precious as priorities shift to family, gift-giving, and those less fortunate. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa Bay, FL

11.26.10

11.26.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

This regal hawk was a treat to watch this morning - guarded, attuned, and magnificent to view! Wish the usual blue sky had been out, but luckily the cloud cover kept the temperature fairly moderate. What a delight to observe nature at its best! The garden was full of flowers, bees, butterflies, and unusual sights. Walking through the Naples Botanical Garden was a much more pleasant alternative to the popular (and crazed) Black Friday sales. ;) Naples, FL

11.25.10

11.25.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

An unusual find on the beach this morning - a squid! This poor guy was already sunbaked by the time I saw it (though I did try to save a little starfish that appeared to be stranded ashore). There were coquina shells in abundance, the usual birds (plus one a bit more rare), sanddollars, and a fine day in the making. Not a bad way to start a Thanksgiving Day - there's much for which to be grateful! North Lake Dr & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

11.24.10

11.24.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Looking to dig? Colorful and sized, these shovels are taking a rest for the moment. Undoubtedly, they will be put to good use as the sun continues to shine and the rain clouds stay away. Though the tools are rather simplistic, they serve their purpose magnificently...assuming the human labor gets put forth! :) Similarly, there are an abundance of easily used tools and resources for learning, but it does require the equivalence of labor - thinking! Central Ave & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

11.23.10

11.23.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

In the southern climates, we are looking forward to planting flowers in the outdoor landscape now that the heat and humidity have weakened their stronghold. The red geraniums are pretty...and festive, as well. A trip to the garden store really helps to get in the 'planting' mode. Naples, FL

11.22.10

11.22.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

It is that time of the year when favorite recipes come out of their sequestered corners to show off upcoming culinary delights! The Herbed Lentils and Rice is a Thanksgiving alternative to stuffing and the various potato dishes...one of many nontraditional items on the menu when the holiday meal is at my house. In fact, Grandma Erma's Spirited Cranberry Sauce is the closest we get to traditional...think stone crab claws, key lime pie, 'no turkey'! This may be blasphemous to some, but these quirks on the Thanksgiving Day table have set a new (and yummy) 'tradition'! :) Naples, FL

11.21.10

11.21.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Looking in and seeing out...despite the blur! Perhaps there's a message in the less than sharp image! Of course, the cord is well-focused...hmm, the life-line?! :) This was a reject shot from my @dailyshoot challenge, but there was something about it...the layers, the linearity, the dichotomies. Naples, FL

11.20.10

11.20.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Tungsten lighting may have its place - per today's @dailyshoot assignment, but I'll take natural lighting any day...or night! This shot isn't good photographically with a less than focused moon...really wish I could have replicated what my eye saw. The clouds were moving quickly, offering a cinematic lunar performance and allowing just 'one shot' before changing perspective...a moving target, indeed! Naples, FL

11.19.10

11.19.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Spanish Moss is not as prevalent at Freedom Park (or Naples, in general) as some places in the South, but it is evident in many of our natural environments. The mysterious nature of this epiphyte is widely envisioned through various legends!

It is an interesting subject....with its inter-woven nature (it is difficult to believe - though not often true - that it directly impacts the health of its 'host' tree) and its hanging stance... hmmm - is there a metaphor there? Freedom Park, Naples, FL

11.18.10

11.18.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

A cropped version of the whole egret, but the detail on the step and shadowy reflection intrigued me, especially the puddling and the pick up of the red tiled roof in the ripples (another, more colorful view). Just the slightest movement creates concentric circles echoing out beyond the centric point.

The ripple effect, when one person's action or interaction spreads well beyond the original intent and impacts other actions/interactions, can lend itself to the facilitation of 'a movement'. The passion, enthusiasm, and innovation shared in the last four days of the Global Education Conference are a cacophony of sorts - a chaotic maze. Its power will hopefully translate appropriately - there is a responsibility for us to create action from this 'mashup'. Garden of Hope & Courage, Naples Community Hospital, Naples, FL

11.17.10

11.17.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Some major multitasking this week with the 24/7 online Global Education Conference going on...great informational sessions (this one titled: Building Beyond Barriers: Experiences and Ideas for U.S.- Chinese Cross-cultural Understanding), interesting, energetic and thoughtful conversations (another good one this evening was our own Nancy Sharoff's Visual Literacy), and even as a volunteer moderator.

The topics and ensuing discussions are additional proof that it is time (actually beyond time...) to put this educational transformation into action. There are plenty of 'take aways' for me to initiate personally, within my own school and amongst my own professional learning network, but where is the sustainability? and how does it transfer in a broader sense? Perhaps this grassroots effort will 'grow' viral - I hope so! I don't think we can depend upon (or even want to!?) state or federal government entities - the bureaucratic process is too slow for this fast paced world and our deep learning needs. Connecting and collaborating with global colleagues is key! Naples, FL

11.16.10

11.16.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Limes - love 'em! They are often good substitutes for the usual lemon citrus in drinks and recipes. And it just so happened to be a good shooting subject for today's @dailyshoot challenge (though I used another shot)!

Its juice and zest enhance dishes from many origins, including Caribbean, Vietnamese, Mexican and India. Though I don't think they mentioned lime as an ingredient, presenters Colleen Fletcher and Sharon Peters introduced their Global Education Conference presentation, From Mozambique to the World, with an analogy to that country's famous piri-piri chicken recipe. Though I was multitasking, I couldn't help but be pulled into their presentation about integrating the arts, social media technology and collaboration...all nicely demonstrated with the cooking theme! How distant our nations, and yet how near we can become with our technological and innovative resources.

Thus far, the sessions have been informative, conversational, and connecting in a variety of languages. There are a number of 'take aways' that I can put to use immediately, but more importantly are the seeds for change and the potential for people to engage with each other for a common goal, to seek out and find others with 'like' minds, and to allow our students to truly become global citizens. Wow! :) Naples, FL

11.15.10

11.15.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Does this screenshot from my phone give you any indication of how many great choices I had to make today? And, I'm still making hourly decisions as to which of the Global Education Conference sessions to attend...at least, synchronously (fortunately, all of the sessions are being recorded and archived). WOW - what a phenomenal experience this week's online and free conference offers for learning, exploring, and connecting. I am so impressed with the opportunities and conversations.

Being reared as an Army brat, I lived in various places in my formative years. At the time, it was tough to move every two years - missing friends (this was loooong before Facebook), uprooted from schools, getting acquainted with new locations and sometimes, new languages, and eating new culinary 'delights'! With time, I realized how lucky I was to have been embedded in other cultures and appreciated at an early age, the beauty of those differences. So, though I don't have the same long-term connections that many who grew up in the same town, I have an attitude that expects change, diversity, lifelong learning, and the expectation/responsibility of choice and freedom.

There's still time to get involved in the GEC (live or archived) - check out the schedule! Naples, FL

11.14.10

11.14.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Of all today's shots, I'm drawn to this one - maybe because of the coloring, maybe because of the various bird clusters, maybe because of the stripes of texture (even though there's quite a wide swath of water), maybe it's the blurred vertical sea oats in the foreground, or maybe all of the above...

Trying to articulate what we like or don't like about things can be challenging sometimes - for me, there is often a gut sense, but I rarely take the time to analyze it. With the focus of photography and the pressure of daily writing to accompany that image, I've explored that analysis a bit more. Isn't that a sign of some critical thinking attribute? Doesn't that reflection and/or conversation (even if it is only with myself) have some value for divergent or creative activity? Can't these questions contribute to a springboard for innovation? ... And, if so, how can we 'spread' this to others? Just 'thinking' outloud again! 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

11.13.10

11.13.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

This glass wine bottle radiates warmth with its transparent golden hues, but it also has reflective properties (note the patches of blue sky). Though the shaft is smooth as silk, the bottom shows off a patterned and textured rim and a deep indentation (supposedly that concavity is an indication of fine wine!). Diverse characteristics help to make the subject interesting and worthy of exploration....as it is with most everything, i.e., work tasks and home chores become more palatable when diversified; food more appetizing when balanced; and friendships more rewarding when differences are appreciated. Even when focused on a single being or item, studying the various facets increases enjoyment! Naples, FL

11.12.10

11.12.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

This local farmer's market is now year-round, but it triples in size during season...and with a quick 'blink of the eye', our winter seasonal visitors have started to arrive...evidenced by the increased traffic and out-of-state license plates. Soon, our options will increase...and so will the competition for space to participate in and enjoy the alternatives. Fortunately, I have a view of this bed of beach sunflowers all to myself, at least for now! :) 13th Ave S & 3rd St, Naples, FL

11.11.10

11.11.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Veterans Day - a time to honor, remember, and thank those who have served in the armed forces. Each of us have a connection to a veteran in one way or another...mine include both parents who served in the Army (one making it a career). Having lived through the unpopular Vietnam War and the unforgivable manner in which many vets were received upon returning back to the US, I shed an extra tear for the Vietnam War veterans...and for those who did not return, including the POWs and MIAs, an extra special and grateful acknowledgment. It is touching to see the belated homecoming at Ft Campbell to those survivors.



As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

JFK's words ring truer than ever - talk is cheap, but action is valuable. The US Dept of Veterans Affairs offers some ideas to make a direct impact, but there are likely dozens of ways to make a positive contribution to the veterans in your community...taking it beyond words! US Post Office, 34106, Naples, FL

11.10.10

11.10.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Staring down a cypress tree branch and finding color differentiation and new growth! Detail can often be overlooked for the big picture and there are often times when the close-up view is not important at the moment. There are invaluable benefits to seeing small and specific - for no other reason than to appreciate a different perspective. A smaller, microscopic vision can also provide data, information, and connections that are entirely out of view or blurred in the wide angle view. As usual, we probably need both - take a moment to see both ends of the continuum (and everything in between!). Freedom Park, Naples, FL

11.09.10

11.09.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

A throwback to the past and simpler times (or were they really?)...this jalopy shows its age in more ways than one, but is being 'reused' as a means of advertising an automotive business as it sits outside of a coffee shop. Amidst the modern buildings and machined counterparts, it really stands out - thus, an attention-getter! With all of the contemporary sign regulations, it is a bit surprising that this 'passed muster'...but, then, I guess there are always exceptions!

Exceptions...they are why rules are made, right? ;) So, if explanations for the exceptions are shared, does that create guidelines to expect another exception? How might that exception and/or guideline to the rule be communicated?...or not? And, if you are the 'victim' of the rule and not the benefactor of the exception, do you attempt to attempt to fight it and bring attention to the obvious exceptions? Ah, the realities and dilemmas of 'life's not fair'...sometimes, it can be discouraging! 12th Ave S & 8th St, Naples, FL

11.08.10

11.08.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Love catching the golden rays of late afternoon sunshine as they transform the fronds of the Bismark palm tree. No longer are their colors a silvery blue green, but a translucent golden with silhouetted spikes from a nearby frond. Light has such an influencing effect...noticeable in our 'time change' this past weekend when our sun rises and sets 'earlier'. Though I may appreciate the end result and generally am open to change, I'm not a fan of 'daylight savings time'. It just seems an unnatural and unnecessary modification to glorious Mother Nature.

True transformation requires both ordinary elements and a certain 'magical' ingredient that works synergistically to influence a qualitative change. When thinking about learning, there are expected characteristics of curriculum, instruction, standards, assessment, and even positive relationships with students. These thoughts alone, though, are not enough to guarantee transformation. In fact,
it might be important to find an appropriate meta-learning, reflective piece to dig deep into the mind and soul of transformational learning. Naples, FL

11.07.10

11.07.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Love traveling through rural central florida and taking in the farm and country scenes. This old tractor was left out in the field to rust away...or maybe it is being viewed as a pastoral work of art! :) At any rate, the foreground of the shot is a blur as the day has been, so 'nuff said'! Somewhere west of Okeechobee, FL

11.06.10

11.06.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

A close up of this hibiscus bloom reveals interesting veins with deeper structure and dimension than one would expect. The color reverberates from bright pink to white to deeper crimson highlighted by its golden pistil. Its condition is delicate as it is grounded by the crisp winds with little chance of surviving beyond sunset. Still it appears to cling to life with its shape - no wilting here.

Reactions to the end of life range greatly, but there is a measure of 'giving up' or 'going down with a fight' woven into most reactions. Visions of both elicit pros, as well as cons, often influenced by circumstance. There is no 'right answer'...similar to much learning where divergent thoughts are acknowledged once defended - a far cry from our standardized world. Melbourne, FL

11.05.10

11.05.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Trimming back palm fronds can be major labor, but it sure does make a difference in a well-manicured palm 'bark'! The plaited pattern is quite inviting to the eye and one wonders how it becomes so patterned? and for what reason?

At a conference session today with an emphasis on guided inquiry and once again I was reminded of the importance of effective questioning techniques. More importantly, I was entrenched in thinking about the value of developing good inquiry/communication skills. Most educators are familiar with the instructional strategy of K-W-L (i.e., what do you Know, what do you Want to know, and what did you Learn?). As this presenter posed, what about substituting, "What do you Wonder about?" rather than "What do you Want to know?" I think this slight change offers a much more positive and curious attitude, without hampering the need to know. The problem with asking students what they want to know is the potential for the 'know it all' or the 'apathetic' personas to bubble to the top. Hopefully, an aberrant pattern can also bring attention to such behavior. Viera, FL

11.04.10

11.04.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

A couple of ducks feeding on a cloudy day as the weather transitions. They appear to be having some kind of conversation, if only nonverbal. If only one could venture a guess at their 'duck talk' - well, why not? How would you caption it? Orlando, FL

11.03.10

11.03.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Photos or prints are expected decor in a hotel room - these were fairly monochrome, but nicely matted and framed. Posting this a couple of days later due to lack of internet access...egads, how do I live without it?

11.02.10

11.02.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

New, fancy street lamps on 5th Ave S...somewhat surprised to see the expenditure, but as a tourist town there's a need to stay clean and modern! Competing for the fewer visitor dollars in the last couple of years has been tough going for those in the industry. The evidence of supply and demand is amazingly transparent these days. Diversification and continued investment seem to be key factors in contributing to a more vibrant economy...though not many can afford to do much than ''hang tight and hope for the best. 5th Ave S & 8th St, Naples, FL

11.01.10

11.01.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Poised and balanced, this bald eagle stands atop a tall tree to survey his domain...likely checking out potential food sources (check out the map and you'll see that there are three lakes in close proximity)! From previous sightings and conversations with neighbors, there was hope that perhaps a nest was in the making...but, so far it appears that the focus is on a visual vantage point!

Being visually oriented, it is no surprise that I count on that sense to give me the best advantage in daily encounters. I'm generally tuned in to the image both consciously and at an intuitive level - all of which directs my thoughts, behaviors and perceptions. Many of the students have an inordinate bi-favoritism to music and images...perhaps growing up in a video world has influenced that combined modality. No matter the reason, it is advantageous to know your preference and to use it to your advantage...depending on the situation, of course! Broad Ave & Bougainvillea, Naples, FL