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!

11.11.12

11.11.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The various stages of beachfront dining - find, grab, rinse, swallow (and do you see that 'smile'?). Survival of the species and individual requires some ingenuity and fortitude...but guess that's the same for all of us! As we celebrate and honor those veterans who help provide an environment allowing democracy and freedom, one can appreciate the elements of survival and courage...while still questioning the reason defense even needs to exist...if only!? 2nd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

11.10.12

11.10.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

These are bright, pretty yellow flowers, but they are considered weeds and are quite prolific...making for constant maintenance. Fortunately, during the blooming times, one just 'forgets' the wild and unwanted characteristics of this plant...instead enjoying the sunshiny, energetic petals! Naples, FL

11.09.12

11.09.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Artist's supplies are as colorful as some of the works they create. The various paints, pastels, brushes and other tools would be a good photographic study! Indeed, one might consider the tools of any occupation - all familiar to those who use them daily, but foreign to non-users. So much to explore....Naples, FL

11.08.12

11.08.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Just ducky - this pair enjoys a lake-side sunset view! With the change of time, the dog walks have been coinciding with sunsets and that is just fine with me. Celebrating the end of the day is not only an accomplishment, but one that comes with a reflection and a smile. 3rd St N & Broad Ave, Naples, FL

11.07.12

11.07.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The quickly setting sun's last rays are reflected in golden tones on the beach, textured by the receding tide. There's really nothing as calming and natural as the cycles of our life - it's great to take a moment to observe and relish such scenes. 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

11.06.12

11.06.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Why is it that bottle openers and key chains are often created in combination? ;) Naples, FL

11.05.12

11.05.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

With the opportunity to turn off the air conditioners and enjoy the outdoors, also comes the annual ritual of evaluating home improvement needs. The gift cards will contribute to the fund. Their bright orange color also caught my 'photo' eye this afternoon! :) Naples, FL

11.04.12

11.04.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

It was Dog Day at the Naples Botanical Garden and we were joined by this treasure hunter - he's such a rock star! :) I love that our garden is so dog-friendly (they allow dogs during certain times every week) and that the community is so appreciative, as well. Water bowls are filled and set out at intersections and treats are available to all 'good dogs' too! ;) As for this three-year-old, he would have rather been at the playground...but he was good about following us on our nature hike. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL

11.03.12

11.03.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The sky was so blue and the sun was shining brightly - pleasantly warm without humidity for the first time in many months...we welcome this weather! :) The bold blue seemed to contrast nicely with the lines and scrolled shadows of a motel window. The seasonal folks haven't arrived in strength, but it won't be long, so bring it on one more day this weekend! Central Ave & US 41 E, Naples, FL

11.02.12

11.02.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Meet Chance - a 6 year old red/white Siberian Husky with baby blue eyes who was surrendered by his previous elderly owner who was battling health issues. He is one of many Sibes sponsored by the rescue group, Siberian Husky Rescue of Florida, Inc. But now he has a new home and will hopefully make the transition...I think the daily long walks are a new routine, but welcomed (based on breed alone)! Naples, FL

11.01.12

11.01.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

An artist, I'm not! Paper app for iPad offers limited resources on its free version...though, I doubt I would improve much with added tools. :) But the 'flying fish' were fun and easy to create and that's what counts! There's no significance - no meaning - just a bit of color and lines that free-flowed beyond general doodling. Like any image, there can be a story here, but I like that it can just 'be'...a basic principle of relaxation, too. Naples, FL