365 in 2011

Another year (my fourth - third on blogger!) of daily photographs - some better than others, but all a view of my daily life...if only a jaded glimpse! The images are only part of the ritual, though - the writing, when done well, makes them personal and complete. Reviewing the shots brings feelings of accomplishment, memories and smiles, but the greatest satisfaction is in creating them on a daily basis. There's something strangely magical about the intensity of the shoot and post-production/review/selection...and there's an equally rewarding gesture when mutually sharing and commenting on Flickr/Blogger (something really very elusive in the 'real' world!). A toast to all of my virtual friends in ending 2011 and beginning the New Year!

12.31.11

12.31.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Reflections, nature, color, lines - a bit busy, too....all represent the year of 2011 behind the lens. Both the first day and the last day (as well as many days in between) of 2011 included time at the Naples Botanical Garden - best investment/contribution of the year!

There, the straight lines provide structure to the harmonious curves and the pops of color are rich in their own reflections. Both flora and fauna capture one's attention and the lens hardly does them justice. Each time I go, my shots seek out favorite spots and views, but the relaxed environment allows for some surprises, as well. Other reflective photos revealing natural color and lines were taken, but the underlying 'busy-ness' here better tells the story of the year. Wishing everyone the best for 2012! :) Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL

12.30.11

12.30.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Working on my FETC BYOD concurrent session - Presentation Design: Before and After - with inspiration from a variety of web resources and these three analog versions! It is always fun (and a privilege!) to share with colleagues in a face-to-face conference setting...but, a bit nerve-wracking in the preparation stage! Using incubation, a step in creative thinking (as well as procrastination!), I'll step away for a few days before hammering out the details. Of course, I'm open for 'crowdsourcing' if you want to leave any comments of wisdom! :) Naples, FL

12.29.11

12.29.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Nearly seventy years old, the Slinky remains an inventive and simple toy that always seems to amaze children of all ages. Such an ordinary source of play can not only delight, but also allow for increased creativity. Although this week hasn't really provided much time for real 'play', the relaxed atmosphere of the holiday, has allowed the brain synapses to take on some fresh ideas! :) Naples, FL

12.28.11

12.28.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Window-dressing is always interesting at this downtown clothing store...with the exit of Christmas shopping, the focus is now on the New Year and our very short season of winter (it is currently a relatively cool 60 degrees Fahrenheit) whites! The display of merchandise in a retail store - either physical or virtual - is to provide the necessary attraction and invitation for a further look without creating a deceptively favorable facade. Of course, consumers need to take responsibility for filtering through the marketing tactics and judging for themselves the need for and benefits of the goods or products! The Wind and the Willow, 5th Ave S & 8th St, Naples, FL

12.27.11

12.27.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Completed just in time to be torn apart and re-boxed...seems silly to some as the work involved was consuming and intense, but puzzles are definitely meant to be recycled in my book (another example of process v. product, as well!) :) This one, titled One hundred elephants and a mouse (can you find the mouse?) is part of a fun, but somewhat difficult, series of puzzles. One hundred dogs and a cat was completed at school and now I'm thinking about One hundred alligators and a purse - Ha! :) Melbourne, FL

12.26.11

12.26.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The sandhill cranes have made my mom's neighborhood their habitat - or likely the other way around...since their species is threatened and they are protected in Florida. With its long neck and long legs, it easily stands three feet high - thus, its size and unique red heart-shaped mask make it an unusual bird indeed. They are fun to watch hunt for grub (though I wouldn't want to work around their lawn 'maintenance'!) and I love to listen to their distinctive voice. We don't see these birds in Southwest Florida, so it is a treat to find them so prevalent here. Melbourne, FL

12.25.11

12.25.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Countdown to Christmas concludes with one tired puppy!

Many thanks for everyone's holiday wishes and comments! Merry one to all of you, too! Myra's exhausted state reflects mine this season...but looking forward to the upcoming week of rest and relaxation! On to the wrapping up of 2011 and the arrival of 2012 - will you be continuing your daily photo shoots/posts? Melbourne, FL

12.24.11

12.24.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Countdown to Christmas continues with two nutcrackers...

A product of German craftsmanship, the nutcracker not only 'cracked nuts' but also scared away the evil spirits with its big wooden teeth. Eventually, it was sold as a popular children toy and became the inspiration for the Nutcracker ballet, a popular Christmas event. Both fascinating and intriguing, they have also become a collector's item. Melbourne, FL

12.23.11

12.23.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Countdown to Christmas continues with three singing angels...

Perforated metal, aluminum foil, wire, and ornaments would not normally be associated with angels, but the rough elements can be plied to be angelic! Crudely, but lovingly, assembled, this trio is part of a decorative piece created by my father more than sixty years ago. The angels make their annual appearance even if other decorating is at a minimum...and now they have even more significance since they outlasted him and provide a wonderful remembrance. Melbourne, FL

12.22.11

12.22.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Countdown to Christmas continues with four lighted palms...

It is quite popular to light palm trees during the holidays here, but it is rare to have the fronds strung with lights as well (usually, they just do the base of the tree). It really looks so much better with the entire tree lined with lights, but the labor and cost must be considered, I suppose. Palm trees are not usually associated with Christmas - at least, not from our northern neighbors - but, the religious meaning of Christmas would take you to the desert and one of the few trees to survive in that climate is the palm tree. Naples, FL

12.21.11

12.21.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Countdown to Christmas continues with five crèche pieces...

Most nativity scenes, depicting the birth of Jesus, have more pieces - three Kings, angels, camels, donkeys, and other barn animals. This one, depicting simplicity, is limited to Joseph, Mary, Jesus and two shepherds...but its meaning is just as complex. Though not a particularly religious person, I still sense the spiritual nature of this artistic expression - made in Mexico. Interestingly, according to Wikipedia, St. Francis Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity scene! Naples, FL

12.20.11

12.20.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Countdown to Christmas continues with six holiday music CDs...

This assortment is nontraditional and diverse - representing part of an accumulation over the years (there's Bing Crosby, more Mannheim Steamroller and others waiting in the wings!). The traditional carols, interpreted by contemporary performers, are on the same playlist as some zany and often quite silly ones with a faster beat. There are some I like better than others...and some that are absolute favorites. For the traditional, votes go to The First Noel (sung here by Johnny Mathis), Jewel's Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Joy to the World, performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir - what are your favorites? Naples, FL

12.19.11

12.19.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Countdown to Christmas continues with seven Christmas cards....

Christmas cards use to be a favorite of mine - I would get organized and write individual notes to dozens of friends and family over the Thanksgiving holiday....and, when the Christmas letter became popular, I would hammer out a newsy rendition of the year to include in the card. Now, due to time and technology, I have cut back considerably and generally get out my few between Christmas and New Years...sans Christmas letter. So, if you are waiting for one from me...well, consider this forum and photo as holiday greetings!! ;) Naples, FL

12.18.11

12.18.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Christmas countdown continues with eight glass ornaments...

Though this assortment is likely "made in China", the origins of glass ornaments can be traced back to Germany when Hans Greiner began hand blowing glass baubles in the mid 1800s. Soon, the unique and shiny figurines (generally in the shape of fruit and nuts, not spheres) were discovered by F.W. Woolworth who brought them back to the U.S. to sell in his five-and-dime stores! Who would have thought! Of course, it is usually the mass-produced balls that decorate Christmas now...and sometimes, they aren't even made of glass, but plastic. :( Naples, FL

12.17.11

12.17.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Christmas countdown continues...with nine wrapped gifts!

Presents are usually plentiful at Christmas time. Great efforts are made by charitable organizations to help those in economic need to provide gifts for their children. The lore of Santa, reindeer, elves, the sleigh, and numerous holiday songs would have little meaning without presents...but do you ever consider why/how you give at Christmas? Is it due to religious reasons or to participate in the 'merry' holiday spirit or to show love/care/kindness with material goods? Sometimes I fall into the habit of giving (and receiving) just because it is the expectation, but I do always enjoy an annual gift exchange that involves giving to a charity of our choice and I hope that there is meaning at a deeper level...though, I miss the wrapping! ;) Naples, FL

12.16.11

12.16.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The countdown to Christmas begins with ten (well, there's actually more, but...) poinsettias bloomin' and just as many days remaining until the big day! So, my challenge for the next nine days is to photograph a Christmas-related item in descending numbers until Dec 25th - we'll see how it goes.

The red brachts of the flower are actually the leaves and not the petals of the flower, while the yellow centers are the flower buds. Supposedly, the association of poinsettias with Christmas is traced back to 16th century Mexico where a young girl offers weeds to the church...which then turn into poinsettias with their star-shaped representation of the Star of Bethlehem (Wikipedia). Naples, FL

12.15.11

12.15.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Colorful pushpins take center stage...pointing every which way. A Buddhist proverb states, “If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.”

Remarkably, then, the key is figuring out if you are going in the right direction - a true dilemma sometimes! You can research and chat with others, but ultimately the decision is made (even a 'non-decision' becomes a decision by default!) and then commitment kicks into gear. Inertia, another roadblock, gets you nowhere...so, that 'walking' is not as easy as it sounds! Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

12.14.11

12.14.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Signs are all around us - most offer straight-forward information (some better than others!) - be it a warning or a service, written or nonverbal, obvious or obscure. Some we take for granted and others surprise us...but not attending to them can be detrimental. I've been noticing the signs of eroding educational institutions for some time, but they continue to be ignored by others. There are signals sent 'loud and clear' by constituents, but are the politicians listening? Granted, some signs are 'roadblocks' and others misdirect us...hopefully, we can effectively engage our thinking skills to filter through those detours. Golden Gate Pkwy & US 41E, Naples, FL

12.13.11

12.13.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Trying to capture the backlit flowers of this orchid tree and failed miserably - amazing how difficult it is to replicate what is in the mind's eye sometimes. Nevertheless, I'm intrigued with the shot, with its contrasting dark and light, sharp and fuzzy, and its bokeh droplets. Furthermore, I find my eyes constantly exploring the various points and places, trying to make meaning and tickling the brain cells. Kind of like the winding path or the door ajar which invites you in, this photo provides me with a glimpse as to what is beyond, with knowledge that there's work to get there. Broad & 6th St N Naples, FL

12.12.11

12.12.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Looking west, watching the sun sink below the horizon, never fails to bring an amazing sense of contentment and optimism. Funny that the ending of a day can bring such peace...of course, the added water component from the Gulf's quiet waves help create the setting. It would be nice to carry around this image (and its tremendous aura) in your mind for times when needed! ;) 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

12.11.11

12.11.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Unlocking the potential takes skill, an open mind, and often another 'twist'. This Master lock is definitely in need of that final 'twist'! I wonder how many other 'potentials' lay dormant because of the lack of that last bit of mental, physical or spiritual strength needed to make things happen...or simply because they are overlooked. On the lookout to unleash more potential.... 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

12.10.11

12.10.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

On the lookout for weather vanes these days - there are fewer than I thought! The mermaid...the aquatic siren...has a rich mythological and mystical fascination. A hybrid, indeed...and one can only wonder whether the best 'half' was so designated! ;)

As human beings, we are all a combination of various DNA which combines into our unique selves. As much as we say we appreciate this diverse personalization, there are too many times when the desire for same-ness occupies a priority seat and differences are not appreciated - even ostracized. We've got to keep working on this! 2nd Ave S & 3rd St, Naples, FL

12.09.11

12.09.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Golden silk orb-weaver spins her web (despite the numerous shutterbugs)....fascinating creatures, but glad she was off the path so I didn't run directly into her! She was our first discovery as the high school Photography Club ventured into Freedom Park and though she may not have been on the scavenger hunt, she offered a potential character for a digital story! Unfortunately, rain was also in the picture...so, photos were a bit limited. I can't wait to see what the students found in our wet field trip! ;) Freedom Park, Naples, FL

12.08.11

12.08.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Ahhhh - I can *almost* sense it...time for my own concentrated pleasure reading - just hang on for another couple of weeks! :) This selection was recommended by a colleague with similar slants to the mystery genre. She was 'right on' with one of the author's other books - The 13th Hour, in case you are in need for a book! How about you? What are you reading now or looking forward to reading soon? Naples, FL

12.07.11

12.07.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This traveller's palm has fanned out nicely with some 'bird-of-paradise-like' flowers emerging in the center. It certainly popped against the cloudless sky with its extended leaves and patterned symmetry. Associated with this plant is the following quote: "If a traveler stands directly in front of a traveler's palm and makes a wish in good spirit - that wish will definitely come true." I'm not sure that the facsimile will work, but feel free to use this image if you are planning travel. Naples, FL

12.06.11

12.06.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Shorter days, both literally and figuratively, impact this photo - not only the minimalist fashion, but the sieve-like nature of this garlic mincer...somehow the hours just seem to slip through the holes way too easily! ;) Naples, FL

12.05.11

12.05.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

These silhouetted branches and leaves invoke a certain starkness in the light golden hues of the setting sun. Though the outlines reveal undistinguished interiors, their shapes alone provide interesting detail and one can extrapolate their own 'details' using their imaginations and/or consider the 'white' space rather than the object itself.

Like an optical figure-ground illusion, foreground and background impact photographs. Looking at the layers and trying to add interest at each depth can make the image more lasting and effective, as discussed in this article. Naples, FL

12.04.11

12.04.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

No need for sandals when headed for the sand... :) Come to think of it, we can probably shed a fair amount of unnecessary items if we think about our goal. For example, shedding words is challenging for some, but texting and twitter have provided plenty of opportunity to be inventive! 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

12.03.11

12.03.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Checking for traffic before crossing the street...on the way to the beach. Yes, today was warm, less humid and full of sunshine - a fine day for most any outdoor activity. :) Crayton Rd & Park Shore Dr, Naples, FL

12.02.11

12.02.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Laundered items waiting to be ironed....procrastination at its best, but in this case, deservedly so! ;) Unfortunately, plenty of other delayed to do's await attention this weekend, so we'll see where the ironing fits on the priority list. Similar (and countless decisions) are made on a daily basis without much consideration, but perhaps that lack of thought and meaning is what helps to determine the procrastination itself! Naples, FL

12.01.11

12.01.11, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Reflection, network, framework - all appropriate descriptors for this photograph and ironically, the focus of tonight's class. These education majors were very receptive to thinking about uses of social networking tools in the classroom - and enthusiastically participated in the experiential role-play of our Inventor network in Edmodo. It was fun to see them get into their characters and create relevant posts and comments. Since this was the last class before the final exam, there was also considerable reference to the framework of the class and learning in general...and discussion/clarification about the upcoming reflection paper. Edison State College, Naples, FL