Michelle and Christian costumed for Halloween. Cats were popular with various colored ears, but Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town from The Nightmare Before Christmas was a bit more unusual. Becoming someone or something else for a day is a fun escape - wouldn't it be interesting to do as part of a learning exercise, i.e., create a story 'in character' or relate your new persona to a historical time period, etc. We wouldn't even need Halloween as an excuse for that! :) Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
10.30.11
The birds are back - must be cold and snowy up north! ;) It does seem like the traffic has picked up and the restaurants are fuller...and though the majority of tourists don't head south until after the New Year, the seasonal folks who live here part-time are definitely heading back to Naples. The dawn was not too pretty this morning as it was darkened by a cloud mass so this exposure was lightened, but the neutral colors almost create a calming sepia effect. 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, October 29, 2011
10.29.11
One of the last participants of the Swamp Buggy Parade had these chained flaming briquets which he whished around in a semi-choreagraphed way. It would have been more effective if it wasn't under the blazing sun, but good to see the innovative routine!
FIre - a sure symbol of illumination - provides a plethora of meaning for various cultures and religions. Making such connections can depend on both the sender and receiver, so the simplicity becomes complex once again....2nd Ave N & US 41 E, Naples, FL
Friday, October 28, 2011
10.28.11
One of many spooky surprises on display in the neighborhood - just in time for Halloween! LOL! "Trick or treat" is looking to fulfill its promise! ;) Naples, FL
Thursday, October 27, 2011
10.27.11
Here's what happens when you don't shoot your daily photo until the end of the day and you are stuck with a really blurred and lousy shot, so you desperately drop it into Picnik to edit and enhance and you discover a 'quick and dirty' effect called neon....so lazy, such a 'cop out'....but then, it does look a bit Halloweenish! Naples, FL
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
10.26.11
The feathery bipinnate leaves of the jacaranda tree are ever so gracefully losing their lushness with a change to yellow and pockets of vacancies in the structure. Soon the branches will be bare, awaiting spring, when the burst of purple flowers announce the rebirth of this deciduous specimen. The hibernation can do a plant good! :) Naples, FL
10.25.11
Pescado Inca's Wari at Inca's Kitchen with Scott & Karin - what a great face-to-face visit with a terrific online friend (Flickr, Plurk, and Facebook) and her husband ...and a great dining experience to boot! Look forward to future visits...and next time I'll remember to be a better photographer! Collier Blvd, Naples, FL
Monday, October 24, 2011
10.24.11
The seedpod of the golden rain tree is an awesome recreation of a paper lantern with its shape and color. It is definitely on display with the late afternoon sun showing off its veined papery brachts. Recent 'performances' at meetings have me questioning the so called transparency of such displays, but that's life! Naples, FL
Sunday, October 23, 2011
10.23.11
Just a fragment of the fascinating beauty of the Purple Muhly Grass - dancing so delicately in the sun, sending off sparkles of purplish pink inflorescence, and honoring the native genre of Florida plants. We just got a burst of unbelievably beautiful weekend weather with crisp mornings and warm afternoons - a glimpse of what will hopefully dominate our 'winter's' climate. These grasses offer little spectacle in their dormant stage, but what a delight to see in bloom.
So often, the dormancy is what we view...and it is difficult to imagine and anticipate the latent beauty - that goes for human nature, as well! Staying positive and hopeful is hard work - as only this economy of late can prove, but, if cyclic, the better and best is yet to come! Freedom Park, Naples, FL
Saturday, October 22, 2011
10.22.11
Many photographs today at the Naples Botanical Garden...but kept coming back to this one because of the transparency of this monarch's wings, making them look like part of a stained glass window. Catching transparency can be elusive in the study of human behavior - so often there are masks and layers that prevent the real intention. Nature usually reveals, however, with little hesitancy! Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
Friday, October 21, 2011
10.21.11
The golden rain tree shows off its salmon-colored, paper lantern-looking seedpods against the deep blue sky. This pop of color is a welcome delight after the last three days of gloomy skies and rainy weather....but, the cyclical nature of ups and downs helps to create that characteristic of relativity. Bougainvillea Dr & 6th Ave N, Naples, FL
Thursday, October 20, 2011
10.20.11
The lighting on these palm trees and the poinciana tree makes the scene both eerie and fascinating at night - amazing how light or the lack of it changes perceptions and views. 2nd Ave N & 6th St, Naples, FL
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
10.19.11
Gusty winds of a cold front bring out some of the local kiteboarders. Fascinating to watch, but well beyond my 'adventure meter', these extreme sport participants call upon every element of athleticism. Guess they'll have tomorrow to practice their skill as the windy conditions are predicted to last for another 24 hours. 6th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
10.18.11
This power connection is a vital one, but it is rivaled by the wired (or wireless) connection to digital content and interactive opportunities. So much available, so much to filter, and so little time. :) Naples, FL
Monday, October 17, 2011
10.17.11
At first blush...how often do we change our minds - after really spending time with something/someone new - about a first impression? Naples, FL
Sunday, October 16, 2011
10.16.11
At the pumpkin patch...where not only the orange squash rule in every size and variety, but they are joined by Indian corn and cinnamon-scented pine cones (dark brown blur in upper left). The scents and colors of autumn are complimented by the 'near taste' of the season's culinary offerings. Granted we continue to celebrate the onset of fall with continued heat and humidity...but it is our imaginations that take over reality! :) Oakes Farm, Davis Blvd, Naples, FL
Saturday, October 15, 2011
10.15.11
This photo started out in a less than focused state, so thought it deserved a little treatment and attention. Though some elements are certainly compromised, the general gist of the original image is maintained...and there are still places of interest in the rendition.
No matter how well composed or processed the photograph, there is little value or meaning unless there is some level of emotional connection. That evocation, whether happy or angry, peaceful or chaotic, often even escaping a verbal description, truly defines the image. 3rd Ave N & 4th St, Naples, FL
Friday, October 14, 2011
10.14.11
Looked up from a traffic light and found some interesting elements with a cloud-streaked blue sky. So what do a security camera, a lamppost and a 'no U-turn' sign have in common? Or is there a story here from some creative thought? Hmmm...well, Friday afternoon means my mind is fried, so I'll pass - but feel free to contribute your ideas! :) Golden Gate Pkwy & Airport Rd, Naples, FL
Thursday, October 13, 2011
10.13.11
Games People Play - anyone remember that book? The analysis of human interactions has always been interesting - I wonder if there would be any new insights with the advent of social media....Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
10.12.11
Our campus community is grieving the loss of two special smiles. Rest In Peace Stephen Duzick (10.10.11) and "Diamond" Jim Kersetter (10.11.11). We'll be looking for those stellar smiles to shine down on us. Naples, FL
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
10.11.11
Culinary students show off the desserts they helped create for our campus' annual Advisory Luncheon where numerous business partners and educational leaders join the faculty and staff in conversation about our career programs. One of the best parts is seeing former students come back as Advisory Board members - something about that tells my age, but also speaks well for what our programs are doing! Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL
Monday, October 10, 2011
10.10.11
For some reason, these single chairs seem to attract doubles - LOL! Maybe I need to get more of them - whatever it takes to keep them reading! :) Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL
Sunday, October 9, 2011
10.09.11
Despite its breakage, this brightly striped scallop shell remains an attention-getter. Like, Sir Walter Raleigh's poem, I sense the fortitude and draw strength from this shattered piece. 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Give me my scallop-shell of quiet,
My staff of faith to walk upon,
My scrip of joy, immortal diet,
My bottle of salvation,
My gown of glory, hope's true gage,
And thus I'll take my pilgrimage.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
10.08.11
Meet Myra - my new foster dog! She is a sweet gal with one ice blue eye and the other one darker than mud. She is struggling with a few health issues right now, but she is mending nicely and loves her rubs, massages and brushing so is reacting well to 'hand therapy'! :) She's a lucky one, saved by Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue. So many others don't have that opportunity.
My FAME conference experiences were pretty fabulous this year, despite not winning that iPad 2. ;) One of the more memorable was meeting the exceptionally genuine down-to-earth Paul Griffin, author of one of 2011-12 Florida Teens Read books, The Orange Houses. He is a dog lover and rescuer (with three or more of his own) and that nature visibly shows up in his writing. His authenticity and background makes him and his books very real. Naples, FL
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
10.06.11
Those iconic Disney characters - you can't escape them when you are in Orlando! This time Mickey and the gang, with Goofy at the wheel, appear to be leaving the stage and headed on vacation - but don't be fooled....the reach of Disney is much more widespread!
Walt Disney's creativity, vision and innovations were in the forefront of the entertainment industry - he was a model and hero for his time period...not unlike the brilliance of Steve Jobs. How lucky we are to have the rich products that their creative processes offered to the world - both of them help to 'stretch' our imaginations and expectations...they don't come around every day! Orlando, FL
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
10.05.11
Shopping anyone? It used to be that these outlet shopping centers were fairly rare and it was an adventure to find and explore them. The stores use to be true outlets, too - with extras or 'seconds' available. Now the outlets are common and many of the stores' merchandise, though still using that brand name, are actually made for the outlet stores! The meaning of a 'good deal' has definitely changed! Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL
10.04.11
Pelican flight and the makings of a pretty sunset make for a pretty good drive-by shot along I-95...much more appealing than mile after mile of orange and white construction barrels! near Palm Bay, FL
Monday, October 3, 2011
10.03.11
Though we don't have the typical autumn colors in the Sunshine State, that doesn't prevent us from indulging in seasonal changes....in this case, Godiva's Pumpkin Spice Truffles - well, one can drool! There are plenty of real pumpkins on display outside some grocery stores and I sense the end of the month Halloween holiday is much closer than we think!
The commercialization of holidays dictates the early onslaught of visual stimuli, I'm not a fan, but in looking for a positive, I settled on the idea of 'anticipation'. The flirtatious nature of expectation keeps us hopeful and optimistic. So, I'll continue to look forward to the next holiday...even if its arrival is a bit anticlimactic. Fresh Market, Old Trail Dr & US 41 N, Naples, FL
Sunday, October 2, 2011
10.02.11
A blast of northern air refreshed our temperatures and humidity today offering a 'teaser' for the upcoming season...ahhh, this change is definitely welcomed! 6th Ave N & 9th St, Naples, FL
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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