03.31.12

03.31.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Looking up under a leafless cypress tree, the many branches reminded me of those cool images you see of neurons. And, as luck would have it, I would be practicing the efficiency and effectiveness of mine this first official day of Spring Break in an online faculty institute. Not only did the synapse connections work pretty well, but the professional connections were awesome. All followed by laughter and stories with former/current colleagues....not a bad way to start a break! :) Beck Blvd and Tollgate Blvd, Naples, FL

03.30.12

03.30.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Almost off the grid - well, at least, in a formal work sense. Spring break - a most needed break from the regular routine. There remain plenty of 'to do's' on the home front, but the opportunity to blend them with a laid back, unhurried, social, and reflective pace will be welcomed. So, the grid will be a bit askew, but still evident, but that's ok by me. Golden Gate Pkwy & Goodlette Rd, Naples, FL

03.29.12

03.29.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

A 'slice' of Bismark palm with its silvery fronds and sinewy tendrils against blue skies always reminds me of optimism and positive goals ... Not sure why??!?

A photograph represents a moment in time - a 'slice' of life, be it good or bad.

Too bad, they are choosing to judge students, teachers, and learning by that one emphasized 'slice' that measures the appointed standard, observed during a specified appointment, rather than the individualized, creative people and process that we develop and grow over a period of time. Just some Thursday musings.... Edison State College, Collier campus, Naples, FL

03.28.12

03.28.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Shot this rusty button on the wooden stairs to the beach (and post processed with Pixlr-o-matic app) from the iPhone. The walk was invigorating, and, accompanied by a good audiobook, fast-paced as evidenced by sandy Tevas. I never tire of the beach - it is both comfortably familiar and ever changing. Tides ebb and flow, birds come and go, and the environment enjoys a natural essence generally unduplicated. Oh, a 'beach bum' I could become! :) 6th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

03.27.12

03.27.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Under construction - seems like there is always one road or another that is undergoing change or improvement. It is tough to deal with the detours, the stop-and-go, and the slow-downs, but the end result is usually worth it! Change in education hopefully will have the same result, but it sure seems to be long under construction and sometimes I think we are working on the wrong roads! Broadway & US 41 E, Naples, FL

03.26.12

03.26.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Finely costumed in verdigris patina, this traditional rooster weather vane is strutting his stuff, just as his live counterparts will do in the barnyard. Though this one can't crow and is confined to a rooftop, you can almost sense the same cocky nature...this one is in apparent control of the wind direction! :) Isn't it funny how so many humans with that bold and arrogant nature reveal some of the same constraints and artificial controls? Hmmmm.... 2nd Ave N & Gulfshore Blvd, Naples, FL

03.25.12

03.25.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Good morning, Sunday! It was rather ominous, dark and scary looking clouds, until the sun started over the horizon and then with the 'hole in the sky' there was this beautiful masterpiece. Isn't it amazing how changing the sky can be in such momentary increments?! :) Enjoyed my day - hope you did, too. Naples Blvd, Naples, FL

03.24.12

03.24.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Unlike the dense blooms of the yellow tab, the jacaranda is much more stingy in flowering. This tree is generally more full, so perhaps it is showing the results of the out-of-sync weather this year. The deep purple is delightful and seeing them always start me humming Al Jarreau's "Jacaranda Bougainvillea", a tribute to the new South Africa after his visit in the early 2000's. After yellow tabs, they are my next favorite tree in our locale - the last of my top three is the poinciana, but it isn't in bloom yet!

03.23.12

03.23.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The yellow tabs (tabebuia) are in the local news blooming around town - I love these dense clusters of bright sunshine! This shot definitely emphasizes the tree's 'showiness', but it is also shows the quirky nature of the trunk's growth (almost bonsai-like), nicely framed by the bright red geraniums. These buds appear to be arriving about 'on time' compared to some of the early bloomers, thus showing a bit more tolerance for the strange weather this year. 4th Ave N & Gulfshore Blvd, Naples, FL

03.22.12

03.22.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Playing with my new iPad and a new photo app - loaded up my Kindle app and was reminded of the many books I started but did not finish...not due to boredom but time and other priorities, Students in tonight's class had not touched a Nook or iPad before, so I took a couple of versions for "share & tell" and we discussed some of the properties and specific apps that might be helpful (and transformational) in a learning environment. So much to learn, so little time!! Edison State College, Collier campus, Naples, FL

03.21.12

03.21.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Even though our campus is part high school and part post-secondary programs, we start them 'reading' in our Learning Partners early childhood program! These toddlers get wheeled around campus on a daily basis and will stop in to the Media Center every other day or so to 'read' a book. :) Of course, Eric Carle is a favorite.

Who knows what is really going on in his mind, since he can't self-report...but this reading activity is connected to increased communication development skills, strong pre-literacy skills, language mastery, development of focus and most of all, potential entertainment. Sharing the love of reading... Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

03.20.12

03.20.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Despite (or maybe because of) the gimmicky nature of this restaurant, Joe's Crab Shack is popular here. The food is mediocre, but the waterfront location is quite appealing....and the flashy sign (especially at night) does its job to draw you in. Once again, though, they are at the heart of a controversy regarding increased noise from music invading residential property. Just like balancing the needs of business versus personal, the fulcrum point for employees versus managment, students versus teachers, education versus learning, etc really needs close attention to both sides. US 41 E & River Point Dr, Naples, FL

03.19.12

03.19.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

A handful of coins reveal various sizes, shapes, and metals. Some are new and shiny, some are old and dirty; most are from the USA, at least one is not; most have little value, but all add up to be an important basis for our financial and trading system. So, these coins are more than concrete objects, serving as tools for exchange and measurement. I think there's a parallel in there somewhere with learning and education, but my brain power is only at 'penny' capacity right now, so will continue to ponder....Naples, FL

03.18.12

03.18.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This shoe lost its other half and its way....one wonders why a child would be wearing such shoes at the beach anyway, but more importantly, how the single shoe would be forgotten. There was considerable evidence of inconsiderate 'leftovers' nearby so perhaps the family was in a hurry - or was it a sad reflection of the lack of care so many have these days?

Nonetheless, I choose to view it as a dressy tiger cub looking for a lift into a friendlier environment where it can be appreciated. :) 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

03.17.12

03.17.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Our relatively small town celebrates in a big way on March 17th with a parade that seems to last for the entire day. The green is prevalent (of course), the beer flows and the craziness is more tolerated. People parked miles away and were about 7-8 level deep, celebrating with huge smiles (at least on the street level - those captured on the balcony don't look like they are having nearly as much fun!). My photographs were limited due to position, but the essence is still the same - Happy St Patrick's Day! 5th Ave S & 5th St, Naples, FL

03.16.12

03.16.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Changing skies and varying wind directions...the stormy weather made an appearance today. It seems a bit early for our typical summer afternoon thunder bumpers, but so much seems 'out of the ordinary' these days! Maybe it really is the "sign of the times" (Flashback forty-five or so years ago to Petula Clark's rendition! :) Some of you may relate!). So much is beyond our control, but sometimes we give up that which is within our power too easily when pressed. Stay true to your values as hypocrisy can be very damaging. 4th Ave N & 3rd St, Naples, FL

03.15.12

03.15.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

All smiles as the Geography geo-cachers head out on their scavenger hunt. Despite their fun, this is serious business as they collect 'clues' (characteristics and events) to create their own country for a midterm exam grade. Of course, just as the teacher and I feel comfortable with all of the waypoint settings and clues, etc,...the students are finding ways to challenge us to make the lesson more meaningful and complex.That's a good thing, of course, but it is definitely feeling like a challenge we should turn over to the students! :) Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

03.14.12

03.14.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This lizard survived an unexpected journey on the car hood from the house to the shopping center and back. It could have easily jumped off while I was in the store, but it must not have wanted to relocate! :) It did (finally!) figure out that there was less wind resistance in the windshield wiper culvert about the time we got back to the neighborhood....even though it looks like it is 'clinging for life' in this shot!

Lizards are as common as dirt around here (in the figurative sense, of course, since we have much more sand than we have dirt!). As a result, we forget how 'foreign' these reptiles are to our visitors. They are fascinating creatures, but nothing to fear...the typical reaction. Fear is often the initial feeling when experiencing unfamiliarity or change...reminiscent of some educators as they face technology in the classroom. Embracing that fear brings about more control and thus, self confidence to cope with the emotion in a more productive manner. Naples, FL

03.13.12

03.13.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Shadows, ironwork, plaster textures, air conditioning vent, and wisps of the ubiquitous palm fronds (overall a odd combination) add up to what caught my lens today. These shadows look rather innocent enough, but the connotation of shadows is a bit more sinister.

Thoughts are the shadows of our feelings - always darker, emptier and simpler.
~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Though they are the the 'dark' of the light's 'light', they compliment each other. I like the balance that is created and appreciate the different perspectives (distortions) that shadows provide. Central Ave & US 41 E, Naples, FL

03.12.12

03.12.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The coupling of butterflies in the Naples Botanical Garden offered a beautiful color and pattern, a near mirror image, and a biology lesson! This afternoon was a field trip for the high school photography club and though there are plenty of sights to photograph, there was also a scavenger hunt and a digital storytelling challenge! We shall see the results in the next couple of weeks...I'm not even sure I'll be able to properly model, but will do my best. A fun couple of hours, but a great focus on learning, as well. I still wonder about the potential of 'schooling' in a totally different framework where exploration, discovery, problem-solving are truly authentic with an added ingredient of global connections - 'sign me up'! :) Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL

03.11.12

03.11.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Another orb shot, though it looks significantly more elliptical than circular in this phase! Hopefully it won't be confused with my yesterday shot (03.10.12) due to the addition of the fringed palm fronds. This was actually a series of moon-set shots this morning as it hung on in view despite the brightness of dawn. Not a bad way to start the morning, despite it being the result of one less hour due to clock changes...I really don't need the change in time, and certainly not the loss of it! Lowdermilk Park, Naples, FL

03.10.12

03.10.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Not the delicate natural egg, this one is a carved and polished Shona sculpture from Zimbabwe. Our Naples Botanical Garden is honored to be the first exhibition location in the US for Zimsculpt. The many sculptures grace the gardens offering both an aesthetic compliment, but a glimpse into another culture.

The relative proximity of Uganda to Zimbabwe brings attention to the viral video on YouTube - Kony 2012 - a campaign to bring Joseph Kony under arrest for crimes against humanity. Not without controversy, the video addresses the power of 'community' to lead exposure of and action against such violence. There are so many issues that deserve such focus and collaboration...hopefully, the advocacy will effectively counter the 'politics' and emphasize the need and base of equality. Naples, FL

03.09.12

03.09.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

There they go....up, up, up! Now's definitely the time to appreciate fuel-efficient vehicles - or better yet, public transportation (though ours is fairly limited) and human-powered alternatives. Unfortunately, the impact of such increases are much broader and will affect food and other consumer products, leading to an increase of services in an attempt to break even. The middle income folks always seem to be squeezed in the middle. Let's hope that the extreme belt-tightening period will be short-term. Estey Ave & Airport Rd, Naples, FL

03.08.12

03.08.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Red bell pepper - whole, sliced open (with internal proliferation), and prepped for pasta primavera. A favorite in many recipes, this beautiful red vegetable is full of vitamins and nutrients, in addition to such vibrant color. Such a simple and personalized meal, pasta primavera is a favorite since it is relatively healthy, very easy and quick to prepare, and allows for whatever variety is readily available. Some days really do require such 'favs'! Naples, FL

03.07.12

03.07.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Gulls love to hang around the pelicans when they are feeding. Expecting a morsel or two, the gulls are very assertive. The pelican has its own tactics, keeping the treasured fish underwater, nudging the scavenger away and circling out of reach. Ninety nine percent of the time, the pelican easily consumes its prey...and yet, the gull sticks around and even follows the flight to the next food dive. Sometimes persistence is not particularly efficient! :) 5th Ave S & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

03.06.12

03.06.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

A new dawn, a new day...this sunrise took about an hour to come to fruition, with many photographs along the way and many more conversations, cups of coffee, and wildlife sightings. In thanks to an awesome experience...

The human understanding is like a false mirror, which, receiving rays irregularly, distorts and discolors the nature of things by mingling its own nature with it.
~ Francis Bacon

03.05.12

03.05.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

A bad day of fishin' is better than a good day of work.
~Author Unknown

So, imagine what a good day of fishin' is!?! :) Actually, this pompano fish was not a keeper, but it sure was fun to watch him get reeled in and see the recognizable specimen, despite not being a fisher-person! Cocoa Beach & Atlantic Ocean, FL

03.04.12

03.04.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Imagine being a 'young' 89-year old....about to turn 90. We will officially welcome the new nonagenarian tomorrow, but tonight we partied with her friends and extended family in celebration of this beautiful and amazing inspiration. Happy Birthday, Mom. Melbourne, FL

03.03.12

03.03.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Guess what this is? :)

03.02.12

03.02.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Every time I walk past this hibiscus bush with its abundant blooms, I think about coming back with my camera...well, since that hasn't happened yet, the iPhone to the rescue. Bright and showy, these blooms are hard to resist - a feast for the eyes, but little scent to arouse the nose. Cheerful, warm, energetic and optimistic, the color's symbolism dominates! Watching the radar swath of tornados across the mid-south, though, tell a different story with their reds and yellows. West Lake Dr & 7th Ave S, Naples, FL

03.01.12

03.01.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Just a dual lamp post on campus, an eye-catcher when thinking about tonight's class on image editing and using images in learning. Of course, I subsequently went to the classroom and set up the lesson and promptly forgot to use this one, but it does represent a nice start to March.

Emphasis on simplicity is often neglected, but these basic lines and shapes seem to provide a deceptive element of depth...despite the rust and dust. The placement is off-balance, allowing for a decent amount of 'white' space to add text if using for a presentation slide and to pull one back to the focal point. There was a fair amount of student discussion about simplicity and 'busy-ness' - let's hope that shows in their own slide presentations after Spring Break! :) Edison State College campus, Naples, FL