Daily Image Photos for 2012

Missed quite a few this year due to my health issue, but glad to finish off strong for the 5th year of daily images.

12.31.12

12.31.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Decided on a door photo for the close-out of the year 2012. I looked (and shot) a variety of them throughout the day, but this one resonated with me. Though it is closed, its transparency offers a glimpse of what is beyond. Ultimately, every day provides a chance for a new beginning, a new chance to re-create our goals, but the annual transition from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day has taken center stage. Never having been a good 'resolution' person, I like Clair's take on Thinking Differently. For me, the daily challenge is to seek balance in life's extremes...action and reflection, closed and open, work and play - not something new, but not easily accomplished either. And, like Google's Zeitgeist 2012 emphasizes, I hope to always be searching! ;) Happy New Year! Naples, FL

12.30.12

12.30.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The full moon is fading away as the morning sun lightens the sky...just as the year 2012 is disappearing. What a year ... aren't they all? ;) Naples, FL

12.29.12

12.29.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Offering a few more colorful leaves before the final drop, this red maple tree is holding its own. Other than the various shades and textures of green, this scarlet highlights the swamp. Freedom Park, Naples, FL

12.28.12

12.28.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Spied this little guy while walking the circuit - about a 6-footer, I would guess. This is definitely a time when one is happy to have a longer lens...in more ways than one! :) Interestingly, this little creek is only about 25 feet from a major road traveled by both natives and tourists...most totally unaware of the gator's presence. Freedom Park, Naples, FL

12.27.12

12.27.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Ah...the fruits of after-Christmas sales...guess I'm ready for next year. Naples, FL

12.26.12

12.26.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Ornate and color blocked window atop The Little Shop in Bloomingdale - even antique stores appreciate the emphasis on holiday shopping. Bloomingdale, NJ

12.25.12

12.25.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Stockings are 'unhung' and ready to 'spill' content in front of a warm fire on Chrismas morn...Bloomingdale, NJ

12.24.12

12.24.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Christmas tree and presents await! Bloomingdale, NJ

12.23.12

12.23.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

More Christmas blooms - these poinsettias are magnificent! Bloomingdale, NJ

12.22.12

12.22.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Pretty amaryllis flowers for the holidays! Bloomingdale, NJ

12.21.12

12.21.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Just in time - this Christmas cactus is getting ready to bloom! :) They say that you should put the plant in a dark and cool area 6 weeks before the holiday to improve the chances of prolific blossoms - on the other hand, others advocate letting nature do its work...guess it depends on whether you have a green thumb or a brown one! :) Naples, FL

12.20.12

12.20.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Caught these over-sized holiday lights (along with the traditional version) at the Dock entrance - imagine what festivity they illuminate at night! :) 12th Ave S & Naples Bay, Naples, FL

12.19.12

12.19.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Every year, this homeowner brings out the poinsettias in abundance and thanks to our tropical weather, they flourish quite nicely! This year, the 'Cat in the Hat' hat is a fun addition (and a bit mischievous, too)! :) 5th Ave N & 8th St, Naples

12.18.12

12.18.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This nativity scene excludes the three kings, shepherds, and farm animals, but the simplicity does not take away from the meaning. Since this crèche is located on church property, it is not likely to bring controversy. There have been incidents otherwise when located on public property. Church/state laws are in balance with freedom of expression...sometimes that separation is too divisive and spawns only negativity. Multiple perspectives should be valued - listening is a prerequisite! 3rd Ave S & 6th St, Naples, FL

12.17.12

12.17.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Window shopping is always fun - especially when it's twinkly and bright...and has all sorts of latent delights. The Wind and the Willows clothing store offers delightful window dressings in every season, Christmas is extra special. 5th Ave S & 8th St, Naples, FL

12.16.12

12.16.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

An inventive homeowner decided to show off Christmas colors with painted coconuts at the base of the trees - now that's something you don't see everywhere! ;) 1st Ave S & 2nd St, Naples, FL

12.15.12

12.15.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Candles' illumination is small, but very complimentary to the celebratory mood. Exuding warmth and light, the candle is both functional and attractive. The history of candle making goes back BC with very little transformation through the years - a simple, yet effective invention that still provides a use today, though more ornamental in nature. Naples, FL

12.14.12

12.14.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Another Santa sighting! :) Looks like he's not alone given multiple sightings everywhere! :)

12.13.12

12.13.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Hand crafted holiday decorations are really getting their money's worth - these angels are at least 50-55 years old and still holding their own. Melbourne, FL

12.12.12

12.12.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Wrapping gifts is always a fun activity - the papers, ribbons and bows, tags, and other decorative miscellany exhibit color, texture, pattern, and, unfortunately, contribution to the world's excessive waste. Recycling can help...as can using more natural elements. Ultimately, the wrap... and the gift... are really about giving, a reflection of warmth and kindness without reciprocity (or so they say!). Naples, FL

12.11.12

12.11.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

If you are a fan of peppermint bark, you need to find a Cheesecake Factory for their version of a delicious, but high-calorie dessert (about 900 calories)! It is yummy! Although the rich sweetness is addictive, the goal is to extend the slice beyond the restaurant sitting (for more than the obvious reasons)...so the take-home box is a must. :) You could share with your table guests, but then you wouldn't have the opportunity of taking a different flavored bite of their order. Prolonging the delight is worthwhile, but something about those first couple of bites really can't be replicated for some reason. Naples, FL

12.10.12

12.10.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This nutcracker soldier is looking a bit lonely as it holds watch on a 3rd St plaza - so far no tourists invading! ;) The Nutcracker production used to be a favorite, but it hasn't been on my agenda for a number of years...the magic of its story, music and dance is forever remembered, especially during the holiday season. 3rd St & 12th Ave S, Naples, FL

12.09.12

12.09.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This Christmas tree stand is operated by a family up north who bring their live trees and other holiday paraphernalia to the same corner every year for decades. By end of next weekend, it will be relatively low on inventory...if history holds true! Though you have to look beyond the entry to see the trees, most of the corner are fresh cut. Note, too, the influence of tropical Florida (flamingo, pelican, and is that pink flocking?) - more here! Golden Gate Pkwy & US 41 East, Naples, FL

12.08.12

12.08.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Swags of evergreen drape this picket fence at Palm Cottage. Dotted with bright red bows, they're a nice complement to the historic home's holiday celebration. The past is often blurred by the priorities of the present and the planning of the future, but it is always good to keep it in perspective! :) 12th Ave S & Gulfshore Dr, Naples, FL

12.07.12

12.07.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This is not the traditional holiday American Holly with its spiny toothed leaves, but rather it appears to be our Florida Dahoon Holly. It still pops with bright color in the dry, browning hues of the nature park. Freedom Park, Naples, FL

12.06.12

12.06.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Rudolph obviously doesn't get the 'blending in' part - he definitely stands (prances?) alone amidst the hollow lighted wire structures that are meant to be reindeer-like. Perhaps he needs to show off his uniqueness beyond the red-nose beacon of guiding light....oh well, he has plenty of time to get it right before the big sleigh ride. :) Estey and Airport, Naples, FL

12.05.12

12.05.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Inspired by the neighborhood light show, I thought I would bring out a string or two. The first plug-in test of this set looks pretty good! :) Now...to begin the untangling process.... Naples, FL

12.04.12

12.04.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

A dog walk and camera phone brings a poor rendition of this amazingly twinkly decorated lawn - I will definitely have to try a better capture when unleashed and with better lens! :) 2nd Ave N & 6th St, Naples, FL

12.03.12

12.03.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Let the shopping begin! Not one for the Black Friday deals, my shopping is usually limited to the online version and an occasional run to a store - well-planned to avoid the crowds, too! :) The holidays always seem to bring out the celebratory items, the lights, the festive decorations, and even a happier mood. So, let's get it started - one photo a day! :) Naples, FL

12.02.12

12.02.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Caught Santa snoozing in the crescent moon up with the orchids and staghorn ferns in this tree that twinkles brightly in the night. Sleeping on the job will be a poor excuse for lack of holiday spirit - after all, the elves can't do everything! :) There are still about three weeks until the big day, but the anticipation is beginning to take hold. 13th Ave S & 3rd St, Naples FL

12.01.12

12.01.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Looking for a red symbol for World Aids Day, but settled for this holiday decorated red caboose (#1009) from the Atlantic Coast Line. The delight of railroaders, this train car sits at the Naples Depot as its own symbol. As the tail-ender, there's still a role to play in the big scheme of things - you are never too small to make a difference. And in the fight against AIDS, just raising awareness of HIV is an amazing first step. Naples Depot, Naples, FL

11.30.12

11.30.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

A blurry view of the full moon - in part due to lack of photographic technique, but also because of high cloud cover which produced foggy-like conditions. Per the Almanac, the November full moon is called the beaver moon as the traps needed to be set before the temperatures froze the lakes and streams. Naples, FL

11.29.12

11.29.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Driving east every morning provides various views of the morning dawn, depending on the time standard. This morning, greeting the sunrise with its colorful cloud patterns and silhouettes was an awesome vista...and a great way to start the day! :) Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

11.28.12

11.28.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Fun to find various textures and assorted natural gifts in the non-landscaped median while stopped for a light...it was a long light, too! As many of us have remarked over the years of 365, the treasures we find while behind the lens are invaluable and irreplaceable! Fleishman Blvd & US 41 E, Naples, FL

11.27.12

11.27.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

After dinner mints - scratched up by a little post-processing. Despite the apparent marring, their sweetness prevailed. How many times are we deceived by the outward appearance of something only to discover the opposite inside? "Judging a book by its cover" is a human experience and even though it may reveal our prejudice, acknowledging that reality allows for some acceptance. Looking for those unexpected contradictions is even more fun! ;) Naples, FL

11.26.12

11.26.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This power pole and all of its accoutrements reminded me of the intricate wired dancing that goes on during today's Cyber Monday. Happy online shopping! Davis Blvd & Shadowlawn Dr, Naples, FL

11.25.12

11.25.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Early morning at the pier...the birds and the fishermen are beginning their daily rituals. The wind has roughed up a low surf but the sun is out and it's a brand new day. There is something cleansing about the dawn and with a horizon such as this, there's just no limit to the day's potential. :) Now, if I could just find about 10 more hours to accomplish my 'to do' list! 14th Ave S & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

11.24.12

11.24.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The adventurers cross the stream to the children's area in the Garden of Hope and Courage - a bit off the beaten path! LOL :) It seemed a fitting shot to acknowledge and honor (and contribute to!) small businesses on this Small Business Saturday. Of course, there's a place for the 'big boxes', but the small businesses really speak to the representation of personalization and innovation. Be it the local grocer or the online retailer, the small business is that talented entrepreneur who are on every street corner (concrete or virtual!). Garden of Hope and Courage, Naples Community Hospital, Naples, FL

11.23.12

11.23.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

I love when I'm lucky enough to get a decent drive-by shot...most turned out pretty blurry, but this one and the Florida pasture were not bad! :) The sun, though setting, was so bright that I saw only the tower silhouette and didn't notice the spindly tree nor the birds in the shot until processed...of course, I wasn't looking through the viewfinder anyway...just clicking the shutter button! :) Somewhere east of Labelle, FL

11.22.12

11.22.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

They keep coming back - these potted mums continue to revive themselves after being tossed into some dirt a couple of years ago. Nice pop of color...and nicely persistent. Guess that's why you can never count things out - come-backs are surprisingly frequent, especially the one-liners! LOL This come-back is nature's way of giving and for that we are thankful. Melbourne, FL

11.21.12

11.21.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

An old bleached out conch shell became a garden decoration...it is a reminder of time well spent! A relic from the sea...only to find a home on ground. Great adaptation! :) Melbourne, FL

11.20.12

11.20.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Industrial motif in my office...one might be grateful for a window, but the view is to a narrow hallway which is less than inspirational. The blinds are drawn until something more inspirational can be adhered to the pane! :) Lorenzo Walker Campus, Naples, FL

11.19.12

11.19.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Pulling cranberries out of the freezer to room temperature provides a frosty exterior (obviously not as frosty as the photos of my Flickr friend postings!....but not nearly as tasty either!). Cranberries are a staple in my diet, but I only make Grandma Erma's Spirited Cranberry Sauce once a year - it is definitely a special holiday favorite! :) Other than this cranberry dish, my contributions to Thanksgiving dinner are always non-traditional in nature (from grilled grouper for entree to herbed lentils and rice for a side - part of this year's menu). What is your favorite food for the thankful feast? Naples, FL

11.18.12

11.18.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This succulent caught my eye..the pillows of magenta and green reminded me a bit of puffer fish. There's always something new to discover at the Naples Botanical Garden. Amidst Sunday morning Dog Days, a huge Plant Sale and a special concert, the garden was really rockin' today. Still, the everyday explorations reveal special treats - just need to tune in our senses! Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL

11.17.12

11.17.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

My friend, let's not think of tomorrow, but let's enjoy this fleeting moment of life.
~ Omar Khayyam

A quick burst and they are gone! Some moments really are so transitory...and so satisfying! :) Freedom Park, Naples, FL

11.16.12

11.16.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Storefront bench invites one to sit a spell and the colors and flora add a welcoming touch. Interesting that the shop is an interior design business with a specialty in www.aginginplacedesigns.com/ "Aging in Place" design - I guess that's not too surprising in Florida! The phrase is new to me, but the concept is definitely a reflection of our 'aging' society. 3rd Ave S & US 41 E, Naples, FL

11.15.12

11.15.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

As pervasive as iPads and other tablets appear to be, their ownership was not represented in my college educational technology population. Less than 5% of my class own one and the single person who did have one, has the first generation iPad. Sharing the device with them brought considerable discussion about its potential, including the various available apps. With a fair number of math majors, the Algebra Champ app was the most popular. The competitive spirit and the overall sense of play added to the evening of learning. Edison State College - Collier campus, Naples, FL

11.14.12

11.14.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Red hibiscus in low saturation mode - something different as saturation slider usually tips to the right, but thought this had an interesting effect.

Another awesome day online for the Global Education Conference! I really am SO inspired...such sessions not only help me remember that there are many positive things happening in our world (just begging to be duplicated!), but that transformation may really be on the cusp (finally)!! Richard Close, in his presentation How to Teach With Internet Resources and Collaboration for Job Creation and Community Development about his work in Uganda, shared this quote "It is not about educating children for jobs. It is about empowering people to create jobs." This resonated with me as a philosophical change in many ways. Awesome! Central Ave & US 41 E, Naples, FL

11.13.12

11.13.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Another food photo...something about the end of a long day and limited photographic light. ;) But it is another photo documentation on a daily basis. It is funny how 'forced' some photos become, and yet it still counts as an (albeit, small) accomplishment.

One of the inspirational sessions from today's Global Education Conference was a keynote by Andrew Revkin on Building the #Knowosphere. With his vast knowledge and experience in writing about environmental issues, he took us on a tour of global/environmental websites and videos demonstrating the need for awareness and action in maintaining our planet's health. One chat question focused on what one thing he would recommend that school's focus on...his answer, just share and connect as there is so much power amongst us. What a simple and achievable concept and one many of us network on via Flickr on a regular basis! :) Naples, FL

11.12.12

11.12.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Three ingredients - add three of your own liking and what do you come up with for dinner? :)

Listening to Tony Wagner's Opening Keynote for the 2012 Global Education Conference today, I was reminded of the need for teaching critical questioning, rather than focusing on finding answers. Another session highlighted the need for personalization in learning by offering choice. My neural connections stretches this photo to represent both thoughts. By providing the base, but offering personal preferences, there is an individual connection...and by asking the open-ended question, one also has the responsibility to think, research, and even ask additional questions.

By the way, if you are interested in my simple concoction...the other three ingredients were olive oil, whole wheat linguini, and gorgonzola cheese for a quick pasta primavera which ended up pretty healthy and tasted good, too!