Studying texture and contrast in photographs as a potential challenge for the High School Photography Club members. Texture is the "perceived" visual property, one that can convey messages and emotions [Bulger, 2010]. What a powerful quality - often ignored or unknown! Contrast helps to emphasize the texture - a boost, of sorts. As one who has been capturing images daily for almost 5 full years now, I am very deficient in formal knowledge...but try to pick up some new learning on occasion.
On another note, did you notice Project Imagination (Ron Howard/Canon project)? I love the digital storytelling focus and the interesting themes! Surely some of you Flickr/Blogger friends will submit a shot or two? Naples, FL
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
08.29.12
08.28.12
Though rain was not an issue at all today - the sun shining brightly - these brightly colored umbrellas (from a print acquired in Seattle) caught my eye. Interestingly, as I recall, most folks in Seattle prefer their rain jackets rather than the umbrella as a 'tool' to keep them dry with the drizzly and seemingly constant moisture.
Working on some tech tools for facilitating Marzano's effective teaching strategies in an upcoming workshop and find I probably have 'too' many - there is a need for balance when working with alternatives, especially for new learners. Overwhelm can be a big turn-off! So I will choose a couple of 'umbrellas' and focus on those specific tools so we can 'drill deep'! :) Naples, FL
Monday, August 27, 2012
08.27.12
Isaac brings higher than normal high tide and squally bands of some rain and wind, but otherwise a 'non-event' here. We'll take it, of course, and hope that Isaac is just as considerate to our northern neighbors (though doesn't look to be the case at the moment). School is out, but business is open. The old adage, "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best," spoke clearly for this storm.....still I don't relish the make-up hurricane day later this fall when the weather is prettier and we are in more need of time off!! 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Sunday, August 26, 2012
08.26.12
The beach was rather drab this morning in anticipation of Isaac's arrival...that is, until you got low and really looked around. These shells line the shore most every day, but will likely be pulled out to sea and perhaps dumped back with the storm's surge, rearranged and further worn from rough handling. All part of Mother Nature's cyclical pattern - though these tropical storms bring much more intensity. 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, August 25, 2012
08.25.12
Patiently grooming, this great egret put up with me for a while...though keeping a sharp eye out on my movements. Finally, he gave me the warning in a vocal way and then took off (ready, set, go).
Now that we are under a hurricane warning for Isaac as he makes his way into the Florida Straits tomorrow, we are also keeping a wary eye out and getting prepared. Freedom Park, Naples, FL
Friday, August 24, 2012
08.24.12
Another book down :) I enjoyed The Language of Flowers on a couple of different levels (plot, characters, themes), but it was the intrigue with meaning of the title that kept me thinking. On the literal front, the red rose naturally signifies 'love', but the yellow rose defines 'infidelity'. Rosemary indicates 'remembrance', but basil is indicative of 'hate'. Interestingly, the author, Vanessa Diffenbaugh, threads differing interpretations of the meanings of certain flowers, as well. Communication depends so much on language and the variables are so often fleeting, misunderstood, and even unknown. Naples, FL
08.23.12
Must be a new project underway - materials and supplies are just as crucial as the proper tools. Planning for the design and itemizing the amount and type of needed resources becomes the foundation for the implementation. Much like a daily lesson plan or a dinner menu, there are many components for creating a successful product. Often, the elements come naturally, but always good to have a checklist! Livingston Rd & Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples, FL
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
08.22.12
Sweetest honeydew melon eaten all season - yummy and on sale, too! Fruits have seemed to peak later this year - I'm happy to wait for them as long as they show up every year. Melons are especially anticipated....
Friends are like melons; shall I tell you why? To find one good you must one hundred try.
~ Claude Mermet
...and so are friends! :)
Naples, FL
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
08.21.12
Celebrating my last chemo treatment! The nurses surprised me with their hummed version of Pomp & Circumstance, waved a psychedelic baton, and presented me with this award! It is a relief to mark this last date off my checklist...though there are still side effects to deal with, hair to re-grow, bodily and mental systems to return to norm and many follow ups...nevertheless, a celebratory marker!
The success of getting through this involved a very strong partnership between my medical caregivers (including this group of six), family and friends, coworkers and students - all of whom made this journey palatable...and sometimes, even enjoyable! :) Even strangers who complimented my scarf-tying or gave a knowing smile helped to keep me grounded and normalized. And I need to also attribute some success to an internal strength and positive attitude that each and every one of us can empower in such times. Florida Cancer Specialists, Napa Ridge Office, Napa Ridge & Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL
Monday, August 20, 2012
08.20.12
A shot of the historical Naples Depot turned experimental as the focus is on the palm tree and not on the depot. Thinking that the blur of the 'past' might have some significance....but the composition didn't get framed quite right. I will try again when I have more time, as I think it would also be interesting to put the less-focused part of the shot in black & white or siena to contrast with the 'colorful present'.
There is so much of our lives (and our work as educators) that is keenly balanced between the past and the present...along with the future! Though tough to capture that balance in an image, the challenge is there! Maybe some other Flickr friends will try the same in their photography? Naples Depot, US 41 E & 10th St, Naples, FL
Sunday, August 19, 2012
08.19.12
Missing residents and sailors, these boats and condo units are idle as the summer heat and humidity make this 'picture perfect' scene much less inviting. But who's complaining? At least there are no predicted hurricanes on the horizon. The reflections and the potential for play are in contrast with the last minute preparations needed for 'opening day' of the fall 2012 semester - argh, some due to my own procrastination, of course! At least the visual can remain as an incentive to finish early?!? Moorings Bay, Naples, FL
Saturday, August 18, 2012
08.18.12
Summer squash is plentiful this time of year and it absorbs flavor so nicely....here, just some garlic, olive oil, ground pepper and a splash of white balsamic vinegar. When the harvest is abundant, we take advantage of its freshness - the vast amount of resources are matched with a variety of other ingredients to produce a stellar meal! Too bad we don't always try to do the same with human resources! Naples, FL
Friday, August 17, 2012
08.17.12
How about a cold one!? ;) This new vending machine on campus has emulated frost to help one think 'cold' and a hefty price tag per drink. It is also one that accepts (in fact, prefers!) debit and credit cards. Now I'm looking for the next step - QR codes and automatic billing through a smart phone or other device. Wonder how long before that (or something more inventive) will become the norm? Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL
Thursday, August 16, 2012
08.16.12
Glass, lights, reflections and the smooth lines of interesting architecture ... all lead to an impressive nocturnal view of the relatively new Health Sciences Building. It looks pretty awesome in the daylight, too! Tonight was the adjunct faculty orientation and though I didn't learn much per say, it was good to reconnect with colleagues and to share in conversations. Classes begin next week and my syllabus is ready for those 'inquiring minds'! :) Edison State College - Collier Campus, Naples, FL
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
08.15.12
A stand of Christmas palms shows off their 'holiday' colors! So they are just ahead of the calendar by about four months!! ;) Being ahead of schedule is rare for me no matter how organized or prepared I might be...so, this scene always brings a whimsical smile! 3rd Ave S & US 41 E, Naples, FL
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
08.14.12
A 'jungle' of sorts frames the Villas Escalante signage, but still it looks to be fairly maintained despite its purposefully rustic look. Framing and reframing are important communication tools to not only guide the course of the conversation, but also to bring clarity and focus to the issue. Group discussions within classrooms or teams can so easily get 'off task' or get discouraging or frustrating when the solution is not at hand. A skilled facilitator sees, even anticipates, the obstacles and is able to lead back to the main issue, keeping all perspectives in mind. 5th Ave S & 3rd St, Naples, FL
08.13.12
Even the dishwasher gets minimal attention tonight as I work on those last minute touches for tomorrow's presentations....back to school for faculty this week! Naples, FL
Sunday, August 12, 2012
08.12.12
You don't necessarily expect to see such an image when you head to the beach for a photograph, but after so many 'discoveries' over the last five years, I'm not totally surprised. This is near the base of a palm tree and though it is not unusual to see the whitish lichen, the moss and leafy plant is much rarer.
Approaching daily life with an eye for the unexpected in concert with meaningful goals has so many rewards. It allows for the some purpose (without that it would be way too random for me), but with the flexibility to explore and be swayed a bit along the journey. So, I don't always meet my goals in a timely fashion, but the experience is often well worth it! :) 1st Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, August 11, 2012
08.11.12
Just a couple of birds at the beach, but their orange beaks had a nice 'pop' to them in contrast to the neutrals and blues. And, they were fun to watch as the one on the right with the black head tuft was raising a ruckus with screeches and caws all seemingly directed to the other bird. This led to a bit of creative remix as I worked on some presentation slides about social media - and I had fun using the online photo editor, Lunapic. Getting back in the 'mood' for the new semester of learning, sharing, and connecting. 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Friday, August 10, 2012
08.10.12
Questioning? Wondering? Staring...whatever Boots was doing, he was in his own 'world'! :) I can relate sometimes - but I recently read that daydreaming is an important component of learning, that concentrated focus alone just doesn't cut it. So, there you go, Boots - learning from a cat! :) Sanibel Island, FL
Thursday, August 9, 2012
08.09.12
Emulating a picture postcard, this welcome signage of a small community on the edge of Lake Okeechobee shows off their sustainability. With a population of less than one thousand and the nearest community about 20 miles away, living off the land and lake is evident. With modernization and increased technology, we have grown further and further away from the agricultural roots of our ancestors. As always, pros and cons - but staying aware of where I am and where I want to be helps to keep perspective and establish goals. Lakeport, FL
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
08.08.12
This so resembled a slice of agate, but it is, rather, the underside of a very rusty (and damaged) blue metal roof for a playground shelter. The top of it looks like this. As destructive as rust is, I love the color, texture, and transformation that it provides for the lens...something as negative as this really can have positives, I suppose. Guess that transcends to many things about life, as well! :) Suseda Park, Murrell Rd, Viera, FL
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
08.07.12
Green remains the primary color this summer for both palm scrub and pine needles - both are pretty drought tolerant which is vital despite the oft swampy conditions. In fact, their versatility allows them the hardiness to survive. Did you note the buckled strap angled from the trunk trying its best to camouflage (?) - wondering if it was meant to be an artificial support for the pine...or perhaps it is leftover from a homeless person's camp...or?
As we consider the basic, as well as enhanced, skills/knowledge needed for success in schools (and ultimately, life), I think about the messages from nature that are sometimes ignored - the need for flexibility, the ability to cope in varying conditions, and the recognition/rewards of interdependence. Perhaps these are expectations of home education and parenting, but sometimes I wonder if our institutions even appreciate them. Livingston Rd & Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples, FL
Monday, August 6, 2012
08.06.12
The remains of a mid-afternoon snack - love all of the sweet fresh fruit this time of year! Nature sure does create some pretty and colorful food, too. The texture of the peach pit, the line of the cherry stem, the tough skin of the banana, and the porous striped watermelon rind...are the shape and art of the fruit, despite the 'disgard' status. :) Naples, FL
Sunday, August 5, 2012
08.05.12
Like a new dawn, the nourishing early morning showers (albeit brief!) offer optimism and hope. Life is a constant balance of extremes and, though some influences are naturally out of our control, our self-initiated attitudes and behaviors are empowering. Nonetheless, the opportunity to design our futures is rarely without conflicts and challenges. The collective synergy of rain and sunshine (in upraised fashion) for this seagrape leaf mimic our expectations for such creation. 8th St S & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, August 4, 2012
08.04.12
Buzzin' bee swarms one of the few blooms in the swamp this morning...Going about its business in spreading pollen around the environs! Wish I could feel as industrious, but this heat and humidity keeps me indoors with a preference for being lazy. :( Freedom Park, Naples, FL
08.03.12
After a spontaneous lunch with good friends on Marco Island, it just didn't seem right to pass up the Bass Outlet store when in the need for a pair of shoes...Helped by the sale prices, an additional 20% discount coupon, and no-tax weekend, the total for two pairs of shoes, two tees and a sweater was less than $75.00 and the "total savings" were almost $240.00. In general, I'm not much of a shopper, but this seems like a pretty good success story! :) Naples Outlet Center, Collier Blvd, on the way to Marco Island, FL
08.02.12
This is a weed that grows profusely, as you can imagine with those pups on the end of the stalks! The spotted succulent remains nameless to me, despite my various search attempts - accepting and encouraging any help! :)
The search process is so much more than "googling" it! My research skills improved with the recent opportunity to learn Power Searching with Google, but those leading key words for an unknown can be tricky! My hope was that Google Image Search would reveal a similar photograph with plant title (a neat tip), but that was a dead end. At some point, this plant will be identified, but in the meantime, it will continue to proliferate! :) Naples, FL
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
08.01.12
A new discovery for me today - quenepa! An interesting fruit - really, more pit than flesh, but tasty! This one came from Puerto Rico - smaller than a lime, but more like a peach inside. The flavor is a bit difficult to describe - a bit sweet and a bit tart.
The US Dept of Education has named August as Connected Educator month and the kickoff started in full force with a number of webinars featuring panelists who promoted a variety of conversations. One focus was on the impact of curiosity and questioning in the process of learning. Simple observation of this fruit on a coworker's desk led to discussion and demonstration of the fruit-eating protocol. Who would have thought that would lead to additional research for more information - the power of curiosity - let's capture more of it in learning! Naples, FL
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