Went to the beach to get a 'leap' shot, but my anticipated models weren't cooperating. I was hoping for a 'leaping lizard' or even a lazy pelican 'leap' from the piling to the water for his evening grub. As a last alternative, I thought I might be able to bribe a child to 'leap' a dozen times or so for me as I attempted to get the shot....alas, there were only three children on the beach - two spoke German while they built their sand castle and one was busy flying a kite, thus my human subjects were limited to their own preoccupations.
So, this gull, who took the 'leap of faith' when he grabbed this delicious looking morsel, is my twist on this calendar phenomenon called "Leap Day" and occurs only once every 4 years. Fortunately, the sidelight played nicely in the reflection, transparency and a bit of foam bokeh. Sadly, for the gull, the banana peel turned out to be a major disappointment...but at least it didn't have to 'leap' far to find a decent supper. :) Maybe next Leap Day will bring a better 'leap' depiction. 5th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
02.29.12
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
02.28.12
Despite being in our dry season, the last couple of days and nights have seen many more than these three rain drops. Important moisture for the foliage and vital deterrent for the destructive brush fires, the accumulations are quickly absorbed like an unexpected treasure. The local earth's thirst has been quenched - at least momentarily.
Just like this moment reveals a trio of water droplets, it also captures the variety a droplet can reveal in its size, location and potential for dripping! The transparency beckons one to look closer, but offers only change and nothing of substance or value. Nevertheless, clarity has a chance when free from opaque characteristics. Naples, FL
Monday, February 27, 2012
02.27.12
Three cranes of varying colors and sizes...hand-created, though not with the perfect precision, they serve as models for origami paper folding. Do you know the story of Sadako and the Thousand Cranes? A poignant and personal view of a sad historical period - and, yet, a symbolism of hope and anticipation, as well. I've always been fascinated by origami, not only for its art form and representation, but also for duo nature of simplicity and complexity, a recurring theme! Naples, FL
Sunday, February 26, 2012
02.26.12
A crisp horizon separates the view - terra firma to relatively smooth Gulf waters to the vast expanse of the changing sky. The horizon - both a literal finishing point and an invitation to see beyond....3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Never have I found the limits of the photographic potential. Every horizon, upon being reached, reveals another beckoning in the distance. Always, I am on the threshold.
~ W. Eugene Smith
Saturday, February 25, 2012
02.25.12
The wedding goes on despite the lack of heads...maybe that is a commentary on many weddings - built on the impulsive heart! :) For some of you with good memories, you may remember the dress - it was photographed ala clothesline - just to add to the peculiar charm. Like the blank canvas, these mannequins offer a starting point from which to create. Potential really is most everywhere - and the gift is to recognize it and do something with it! 4th Ave N & 5th St, Naples, FL
Friday, February 24, 2012
02.24.12
Annuals and perennials purchased - check!
Potting soil and containers ready - check!
Balmy weather and low humidity predicted - check!
Plant these babies - to be determined....but keeping fingers crossed :)
The therapeutic effects of gardening nicely compliment those of photography - both awaken the senses, especially visual; both allow for personalized creativity; and both can lead to reflection and thought, keeping life in balanced perspective. Now, to find the time - where is that elusive retirement? ;) Naples, FL
Thursday, February 23, 2012
02.23.12
Sweet tooth? These are part of our fundraiser for the Photography Club - just $1 each! :) There's candy I've never heard of in these boxes...Snickers is now made with almonds or peanut butter - jeez, where have I been? Of course, those pretzel M&Ms are way too tempting! There's a part of me that feels guilty for taking advantage of teenager's crave for candy in our attempt to raise money, but if we don't do it, other clubs will....and it is so darn easy to sell! Naples, FL
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
02.22.12
Sunsets really can't be appreciated with just one shot (thanks goodness for Picnik to help demonstrate) and tonight's span of less than five minutes on the beach show why you've got to keep the shutter finger ready! Most change takes entirely too long, but this one happened too quickly. Such is life...and the ending of such. 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
How strange this fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset.
~ George MacDonald
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
02.21.12
Learning about Discovery's Science Techbook in a webinar tonight...such knowledge sharing is commonplace now in professional development. It is great to see the transformation of textbooks to be interactive and engaging. The focus is on the content, but there's an opportunity for personalization and yet there are true multimedia and reality checks inherent within the standards. It is obvious that digital content is a huge part of our student's world, so it is a natural for them to gravitate towards the internet for learning. This is only the beginning! :) Naples, FL
Monday, February 20, 2012
02.20.12
So rare to see any seed pod bursts around here that I wanted to show case this one today, despite an amazing set of shots from the visit to Naples Botanical Garden with its exhibit of Zimsculpt sculpture from Zimbabwe. It is always a delight to visit the gardens, to photograph the beauty and to appreciate all of the senses. Adding art to the garden is a perfect 'next step'. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
Sunday, February 19, 2012
02.19.12
The red-capped boy couldn't wait to get to this sand sculpture (of sorts!), so I grabbed a quick shot of his approach (tilted horizon intentional)! Though an obvious mold was in use, it had some detail that I've not seen before (steps, doorway). Not exactly a sand castle unless the moat is purposefully put in the interior for some reason - ha! Some tide (and human perhaps?) destruction add to its haphazard creation. Nonetheless, it is an attention-getter if only due to it's relative height!
We tend to want to manipulate our environment...shape it into something that suits us. Sometimes it happens more naturally and other times with man-made tools. Sometimes it is long-lasting and other times not; sometimes useful, other times not. It makes me wonder if it is a need for self-satisfaction or simply the need to create or something else. 2nd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, February 18, 2012
02.18.12
A little dew remains, despite the hour...likely due to a well-shaded area and a humid morning. The beaded drops linger which is especially welcomed with the dry season upon us. Here in the Garden of Hope & Courage, beliefs in positive anticipation and bravery (perhaps doused with stubbornness) really do permeate. It is not a joyous place, though....rather quiet and subdued and yet, the aura is there. Funny how a short walk around the lake there changes one's outlook! Garden of Hope & Courage, Naples Community Hospital, 2nd Ave N & 8th St, Naples, FL
Friday, February 17, 2012
02.17.12
The condition of the sidewalk reveal its various stages of age and the well-established trees with their strangler fig epiphytes denote the interesting relationship among natural beings. Somehow they were both meant to survive (at least, so far!), despite changes in the residential architecture and the residents themselves over the last nearly hundred years. With news of various happenings, I am reminded that sometimes it is difficult to predict those who will survive...and why. One can question, but answers seem elusive. Luckily, if one lives by their values, the quality of a chosen life may outweigh all other factors. 3rd Ave S & 5th St, Naples, FL
Thursday, February 16, 2012
02.16.12
I guess when you got it, you flaunt it! This tree is profuse with these crimson blooms that are about as big as a fist. Without leaves, they stand out nicely against the network of branches and the blue sky was the perfect background today! With the height of about 25 feet though, I could only zoom the lens and hope to capture some detail. Last year's shot of the kapok bloom indicates we are a month ahead of schedule - that speaks for a very l o n g summer. 3rd Ave S & 5th St, Naples, FL
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
02.15.12
A late afternoon beach walk in perfect weather will probably make some sigh/cry with envy, but please consider it a shared gift...and, of course, an invitation to join the other hordes of other warmth-seekers! Most of the sunbathers have moved on to cocktail hour, [thankfully] providing fewer detours and more natural vistas on my aerobic venture. I can't remember when I took the time to come to the beach for a sun soaking or book reading turned snooze - what a pity, when a 'vacation' of sorts is in my back yard!
Just like a photograph or video can 'take you away' so can your imagination and the power of sensory imagery. There are so few times when we really harness that power for ourselves...though there's no doubt that one prefers to appreciate the 'good life' in person! :) Wishing you the warmth of today's beach walk! 1st Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
02.14.12
Without any dark chocolate Norman Love truffles in which to indulge, Dove's milk chocolate hearts will just have to do....I was intrigued with their fortune cookie style wrappers, though. This one caught my attention - "Remember your first crush?" Some people will respond in the affirmative - in fact, they may still be living with them! :) Most, I would guess, had a number of heart-breaks before landing their 'true love'. All the more reason for chocolate! :) Happy Valentine's Day! Naples, FL
Monday, February 13, 2012
02.13.11
Birds on a wire - despite the plural, always reminds me of the Leonard Cohen song. Though it was sung by many, my memories are with Rita Coolidge's rendition for some reason... Perhaps its lyrics, written in the country genre, were therapy for a songwriter's depression, but the universal need 'to be free' is evident whether it be at the global level like the recent revolutions in Syria and other countries or at the personal level, expelling unwanted feelings and thoughts. Naples, FL
Sunday, February 12, 2012
02.12.12
The line up - and reflection - of colorful crotons outside Truluck's restaurant were especially rewarding on this cool morning. We rarely have such crisp temperatures, but the fleeting nature makes them no less inviting! :) Actually, cold degrees are not so bad - its the biting wind that generally accompanies them. 4th Ave S & 7th St, Naples, FL
Saturday, February 11, 2012
02.11.12
Changing skies - we've had it all in the last 24 hours...starting out with unusual sea fog late yesterday afternoon, to sprinkling rain last night, to sunny skies earlier this morning, to cold and windy breezes with fast moving clouds this afternoon, and now just before sunset, the clouds break for a little peak of color! Change - it is hard to anticipate when, where, and why...but it is all around us! Naples, FL
Friday, February 10, 2012
02.10.12
A bright and cheery weed blooms and withers ... all in shades of red. The color red evokes symbolism, feelings, and even quotes! Some of my favorite below - what about yours? Naples, FL
Attention-getter
Energizer
Confident
Powerful
"Red is the ultimate cure for sadness." ~ Bill Blass
“Red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky at morning, sailors warning” Proverb
Red letter day
Red carpet treatment
Red tape
Thursday, February 9, 2012
02.09.12
Nothing like being upstaged by a cute little lion cub while you are trying to facilitate a lesson on learning theorists! This little guy, representing Kowiachobee Animal Preserve, was on campus for a presentation...and just happened to wander outside our classroom. Needless to say he grabbed more attention than creating a wiki page on Dewey or Vygotsky! A nice 'interruption' to our learning! :) Edison State College, Naples, FL
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
02.08.12
Another new rendition of Naples housing...60's processing compliments of the near-defunct Picnik/. This lot (and three adjoining) formerly housed an apartment building, but the land value has increased so much that I'm sure they can get more for these million dollar + homes, undoubtedly to be used as second homes, than as rentals. Thinking about the housing perspective in our small, but relatively wealthy, city compared to adjacent migrant communities in our diverse county...a continued commentary about the disproportionate amount of wealth and its impact on our society. Central Ave & 6th St, Naples, FL
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
02.07.12
It takes me so long to finish a book these days - guess when you only squeeze in about 5 to 10 minutes a day, that's what happens! ;) This one, Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante, is an unusual murder mystery framed from the suspect's point of view - that may not seem too rare until you consider that the woman has Alzheimer's and the victim is her long-time friend. The premise keeps your mind wandering, as well. The mystery really takes a back seat to the haunting nature of the deteriorating effects of dementia and the development of characters - it's pace is sometimes slow, sometimes frenzied, and often confusing...mimicking the suspect's mind. Overall, I would rate this read above average, but it probably won't satisfy those looking for a traditional mystery. Naples, FL
Monday, February 6, 2012
02.06.12
Fun to run across this chalk art on the patio outside the Von Liebig Art Center! I was amused and intrigued with the invitation to "Chalk Me a Friend"... This creative play takes relationships into account, as well! :) Unlike the master, Julian Beever, this art is simplistic and childish, but it is genuine and imaginative in it's own right. It also made me yearn for a 'play date' - though, that will have to wait until an opening in my schedule. ;) Park St & 6th Ave S, Naples, FL
Sunday, February 5, 2012
02.05.12
The pelicans were cooperating this morning, gliding a little closer to shore and showing off their agility despite their rather bulky size. I could watch them for hours as they seem to hover just inches from the surface. Not only is it relaxing, mesmerizing even, but the wonderment creates curiosity and the photography attempts challenge the senses. Nature at its best! :) 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, February 4, 2012
02.04.12
This purple bicycle was treasured enough to secure with a shiny new lock and cable - even though it was located in the middle of a dead-end street on a vacant lot...not sure where the owner went?!?! ;)
The regal color is reflected in the lock, ever so lightly, - sharing the brilliance!
Efforts to share are becoming premium in our connected world. Most contribute freely in one sense or another, but there remain the few who take without giving. Not respecting the Creative Commons license with an attribution is a pet peeve, but there is no real security in keeping ownership on the web. One has to openly trust and feel comfortable giving freely in the internet environment - it's just the way it is! 12th St N, Naples, FL
Friday, February 3, 2012
02.03.12
Something more symbolic perhaps with the bell- and cross-adorned steeple and the breaking sky? High thin clouds dominated the sky most of the day, but this one dark puffy mass threatened to drop some precipitation - it wasn't to be...though the sun never fully broke out either.
As we move more and more of our content into 'the cloud' one needs to reconsider ownership, security, privacy, as well as potential loss, while basking in the positives of collaboration, syncing to multiple devices, and increased storage. Just like our natural sky can serve as a backdrop for ominous dark clouds and fluffy white clouds, our days are full of pros and cons - just need to keep that perspective! :) St John's Episcopal Church, Park Shore Dr & Crayton, Naples, FL
Thursday, February 2, 2012
02.02.12
It is the start of strawberry season - one of my favorite times of the year! So, of course, they are eaten on a daily basis. This bowlful is for tomorrow's lunch - glazed with a very odd, yet delightfully tasty 'marinade' to soak in overnight. I now create my own measurements (definite decrease of sugar and like brown rather than white, but use white balsamic rather than traditional), but here is a recipe for Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar.
Adapting recipes and creating food combinations is similar to creating lesson plans - you have certain standards that you want to meet, but you individualize the instruction with your own way of teaching, and your end product is assessed in one form or another. Co-teaching today brought some new ideas and teamwork that had not previously occurred and what fabulous results - much more depth and understanding was evident....but not as much coverage. No matter, I'll take the depth any day - we try to cover too much anyway most of the time and end up with superficial 'learning'. Naples, FL
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
02.01.12
A little breeze ... or was it the lack of a weighted tush in the seat ... results in a beach chair and attached umbrella blown backwards into the sand. Though the chairs look sturdy enough, one can appreciate the need for a solid foundation to anchor them right side up!
Without a base, the structure is vulnerable. As we make changes, we either need to maintain the original base or re-examine how that foundation needs to be structured anew - either way, the established groundwork can't be ignored...whether its 'hot pink' or not! :) 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
