A pair of sand cranes getting breakfast grub! Viera, FL
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
09.29.12
Silhouettes appear when shooting into the sun and these pine needles and cones did their best to oblige. Interesting effects depending on the distance... Holiday Springs Rd & Viera Blvd, Viera, FL
09.28.12
September is fading and the bougainvilleas are still producing magenta bracts, which are paper thin and nearly transparent. Despite their delicate look, they are quite hardy and replicate those beautiful bracts throughout the year in our tropical climate. What is unusual to some is ubiquitous to others and these are quite common in the general landscape (in fact, these were spotted at the drive-up of a fast-food restaurant). Undoubtedly, these will be even more appreciated in the upcoming winter months. US 41 E & Pelton Ave, Naples, FL
Thursday, September 27, 2012
09.27.12
Blurred by the downpour, the grassy edge of the pond delights in quench...rainy season in southwest Florida continues to provide necessary moisture for the ecosystem. Always good to see the afternoon storm from indoors and off the roads! :) Edison State College, Collier campus, Naples, FL
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
09.26.12
Our downtown street view shows a snapshot of "urban" planning, with the first floor retail, the second floor designated for business offices and the top floor residential. Even if modified along the way or if superficially personalized for individual preferences, the plan is an essential first ingredient. Not all plans are created equal, but the best way to meet an objective is to establish an effective strategy. Planning takes time and thought - in fact, it is respected with its own title in some professions....not so much in others. On the other hand, spontaneity has its place, too.... :) 5th Ave S & West Lake Dr, Naples, FL
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
09.25.12
Reminds me of good old-fashioned matchsticks...further imaging fire, heat, and survival, at least from my perspective. What do you see? What really is it?
Representation of the world, like the world itself, is the work of men; they describe it from their own point of view, which they confuse with the absolute truth.
~ Simone de Beauvoir
Personalization and varying truths are often in conflict with each other ... and with the 'absolute truth'. Ultimately, though, one's reality is his/her 'truth' - only sometimes changed with excessive persuasion. Naples, FL
Monday, September 24, 2012
09.24.12
Got my ds106 'swag' - cool t-shirt and decals!
True confession: I've yet to complete an assignment for this open, online digital storytelling course that is formally hosted by University of Mary Washington (and can be joined informally at any time & at any level of participation). The challenges are creative as well as fun, thought-provoking, and multidimensional. My contribution to their Kickstarter campaign earned me the swag, but I know my real reward will occur when I 'kick start' an assignment....so stay tuned (and join me, if you want!). Naples, FL
Sunday, September 23, 2012
09.23.12
Need to 'plan' these spontaneous sunsets more often! :) There were many shots from which ti choose, but something about the rippled waters, textured clouds, and pelicans flight through golden hues called this the daily image. Another day at the beach! :) 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, September 22, 2012
09.22.12
Found the blue jays chattering about this morning - usually they are pretty flighty, too, but managed to catch this one while hunting and feeding (check out the large size to see the bee in his beak!). The photo walk also reaped an unexpected red pileated woodpecker chasing its pair up the palm tree. Surprises always abound when with the lens on a nature trail - just need to keep your mind (and eyes & ears) open! :) Freedom Park, Naples, FL
Friday, September 21, 2012
09.21.12
The spray of this fountain just peeked out from beyond the bed of red geraniums, displaying its frenetic energy. On the Friday afternoon of a long week, I can only vicariously enjoy such vitality - though hoping for a second wind! :) 4th Ave N & Gulfshore Blvd, Naples, FL
Thursday, September 20, 2012
09.20.12
A couple of different types of air plants cling to the branch of a bougainvillea on this bright blue trellis. The epiphytes are suppose to be non-parasitic, but they may still be dangerous to their 'host' when they overtake and suffocate them. They look so harmless....how looks can be deceiving! In this instance both the air plants and the bougainvillea look healthy, but it will be an interesting observation as time passes. Edison State College, Collier Campus, Naples, FL
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
09.19.12
The proverbial half-full, half-empty adage comes to mind and though I am usually cautiously optimistic, there's always need for reminding! :)
Interesting example of such a half-full glass is Rachel Botsman's The Case of Collaborative Consumption (TEDx Sydney) and how technology enables trust between strangers. Naples, FL
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
09.18.12
Sunrise reflection in a pond full of water lily pads offers a brief glimpse of the day.
The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.
~ John Muir
The timelessness of such a peaceful scene will hopefully continue to outweigh the everlasting negatives of war, conflict, and (dare I say,) politics! Garden of Hope & Courage, Naples, FL
Monday, September 17, 2012
09.17.12
A yellow lantana bloom posterized for a different effect - sometimes, you just have to go with the post-processing (especially when the wind kept moving the target and blur was the result - ha!). Well, consider it an enhancement! Naples, FL
Sunday, September 16, 2012
09.11.12
Looking for an 'up' shot today - but not much came my way, until this - a 'throw away' shot and yet, it has a calling. The much needed rain did burst from the dark clouds which thankfully hung around for quite a while. It was the symbolism of the dark clouds and white cross atop the bell tower that captured my attention - the contrast in color and the transient atmosphere versus the solid structure popped. Though not a particularly religious person, I can see the spirit of both elements and marvel at the cohabitation of their diversity and hope for more positive results. Crayton Rd & Parkshore Dr, Naples, FL
The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.
~ Rudolph W. Giuliani, December 31, 2001
09.16.12
The western horizon at sunrise was quite colorful and full of texture this morning. What an expanse of both water and sky...really makes you feel small, but also keeps me grounded. Such a vista, though static, reveals a plethora of activity. There is so much exploration. And, the fact that 'it' has existed for so much time makes it solid and dependable. Such a world we live in [and with] - it is definitely worth taking better care of to ensure continued longevity. 2nd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
09.15.12
Our botanical garden has a small section for succulents and the rosy tips of this plant caught the lens and also my thoughts about this quote,
The thorn from the bush one has planted, nourished and pruned pricks more deeply and draws more blood.
~ Maya Angelou
The loss and the gain are both felt more personally when you have invested in them and really know them. I think about some of the publicized comments of the Chicago teacher strike from some who truly are distanced from public education - yes, they've invested (via taxes) and should be concerned as the state of education will impact us all, but some comments seem based on a rather narrow thought process. Thorny subject?! :) Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
Friday, September 14, 2012
09.14.12
No hustle and bustle here on a Friday mid-afternoon in the heart of our town's business/shopping district - but it is pretty typical for September. Generally, we attract European visitors this time of year, but they must still be poolside or at the beach! :) This scene will look entirely different in a few more months when people try to escape the polar air that sweeps down across the northern states.
The Wind in the Willows (clothing store here) gets the mood right via Water Rat's observations, "Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not." Not a bad way to go about life! :) 5th Ave S & 8th St, Naples, FL
Thursday, September 13, 2012
09.13.12
On my way to a meeting and heard the grinders, so I came back with a camera! You never know what you might see on our campus. Of course, they had to take each others teeth impressions - I heard there were no gags though! :)
These high school seniors are in our postsecondary Dental Assisting program and will graduate not only with a high school diploma in June...but also with a certificate in Dental Assisting, allowing them to go straight to work in that profession (with a pay scale higher than most 18 year olds can grab in the typical retail or food service job) AND/or continue their postsecondary education in college. A very special opportunity...and one of many on our campus! Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
09.12.12
A penny for your thoughts? Not enough? How about sixteen cents then? That's all I have to offer.... Of course, if you read some news reports, the value of the penny is zilch, zero, nada, so in that case, the sum is really only a dime! Fortunately, 'one man's junk is another's treasure' as pennies become art. :) Value really is in the mind of the beholder! Naples, FL
Monday, September 10, 2012
09.10.12
Stuff! We tend to accumulate so much of it...and for little purpose. These days most of my stuff is digital, but that doesn't make it any less in need of organization, accessibility or weeding. Such thoughts took me back to review "The Story of Stuff" - a 20 minute video which traces the origin, consumption and disposal of all the stuff in our world. [It will also be shared with our new Entrepreneur teacher for class discussion.] This photograph and its content also represents stuff and there is no real justification for it...'nuff said - I really just wanted to take/share my daily photo! :) Naples, FL
Sunday, September 9, 2012
09.09.12
There must be a front coming in - wonder if it will bring in some dry air? Doubt it - way too early, but sometimes we'll get a tease. It is fun to see such action compared to the usual calm waters...especially when there's no hurricane attached to it! :) It made me think, too, about how we work best with some kind of routine to provide structure and expectations, but also how we need a bit of chaos and change to keep things interesting! :) 5th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, September 8, 2012
09.08.12
Multiple levels of scaffolding support the construction of a new home - the building industry appears to be cautiously moving forward in some neighborhoods, which is nice to see after such a long void. Similarities to teaching again.... 1st Ave S & 6th St, Naples, FL
Friday, September 7, 2012
09.07.12
A sea snail once lived in this vessel - and though I only know its housing, I can imagine the organism that squirmed within the luminescent slick surface scavenging the depths of the ocean floor. Meanwhile, the rigid exterior served as a protective barrier to extend life...and create a valued artifact for some beachcomber once the residence was discarded. The visual connected to the text by engaged neurons and internet resources - a writing prompt or part of a story...or just a contribution to the 365 (oops, 366) project! :) Naples, FL
Thursday, September 6, 2012
09.06.12
Awesome conversations in tonight's class - groups were creating rubrics and there were smiles, evidence of passion, and questioning...all attributes for learning. Love watching these students demonstrate their knowledge and skills - off to a great semester! Edison State College - Collier Campus, Naples, FL
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
09.05.12
In case you haven't seen one of these...the challenge is to create a 3x3x3 cube from this interconnected link of wooden blocks - it is much harder than it looks! :)
Resourceful students have googled it to find the solution and were surprisingly successful! For others, it is more appropriate to persistently massage the small block - a integrated manipulation of mental and physical. And still for some, the focus is so 'punishing' that one would never interrupt. Then, there are the ones who are not at all intrigued and turn their back for something more relevant. Hmmm...the various points of play and learning! :) Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
09.04.12
Getting a bit straggly, but still 'a bloomin'...we are not even close to the onset of our fall changes, but the wonky weather this entire year has certainly impacted nature's growth patterns [and not just FL, of course!]. This shot is more intriguing for what is possibly in the background, mysteriously shrouded in a blur of colors, that the focal point.
Happens fairly frequently for me - seems my eyes wander beyond the central focus and look for hidden 'jewels' beyond...and I 'blame' that on my daily photography! ;) The expanded view allows one to determine their own perspective and contemplating the perspective sets the tone for reflection and meta-thinking. Naples, FL
Monday, September 3, 2012
09.03.12
The 'fruits of my labor' on this Labor Day - and before you dismiss 'my labor', know that 1) shrimp needed to be cleaned and deveined with tails left on, 2) ingredients needed to be gathered, and 3) all needed to be blended and allowed to marinate for the day, before grilling and eating! :)
Recipe is simply called Spicy Grilled Shrimp from Susan Belsinger and Carolyn Dille's The Garlic Book. The note next the recipe reads, "During the years we owned a catering business between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., this was one of our most popular dishes. Because of our experience there, we are reluctant to say how many the recipe serves. We could put it this way: six to eight ordinary people, three or four shrimp lovers, or one or two Congressional aides...." Naples, FL
Sunday, September 2, 2012
09.02.12
Not a 'blue' moon, but a September near-full moon against a blue sky as it was setting over the western horizon! ;) A rather poor attempt at recreating a rare event - guess I just needed a chance to acknowledge it, since I missed it photographically a couple of days ago. Fun to see other photographs, though.
Attempts to recreate and/or remix seem to be trendy these days. Is it a realization that there are just so many 'original' ideas? Is there an acceptance of the creative qualities that we all have to 'tweak' and make better, more useful, more innovative? Is the building upon others' ideas and products just more natural and realistic...and then how do we really deal with the notion of originality and trademark and patent and intellectual property? Want to add to my musings? :)
Naples, FL
Saturday, September 1, 2012
09.01.12
Summertime fun traditionally ends on Labor Day weekend, so the beaches and other outdoor activity will be in the forefront for the next three days. Hoping to play, as well, but will stay indoors most of the high-traffic time to avoid the crowds. ;) 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
08.31.12
Just before the rain clouds burst with a light rain, the golfers found shelter...leaving the course vacant. Though only a short barrier of shrubs, the golf course is really out of the reach for many residents. Fortunately, there are a variety of programs in our area to introduce golf to those who don't have ready access. Like so many sport development programs, learning golf is more than just 'learning golf' with plenty of value 'soft' skills (responsibility, perseverance, confidence, etc) tossed in as well. And what a coup it would be if learning the traditional subjects of literacy, math, science, and social studies was integrated into a round of golf. 7th Ave N & 3rd St, Naples, FL
08.30.12
Today escaped me and all I have is a quick shot at the intersection on the way home after class - lucky to get that as most my lights were green for a change! :) To add a little 'character' to it, I relied on Toon Camera app - makes it a bit more presentable and easy as pie to do. Hope I get a chance to shoot better tomorrow! Davis & Santa Barbara, Naples, FL
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