Missed quite a few this year due to my health issue, but glad to finish off strong for the 5th year of daily images.
Monday, December 31, 2012
12.31.12
Decided on a door photo for the close-out of the year 2012. I looked (and shot) a variety of them throughout the day, but this one resonated with me. Though it is closed, its transparency offers a glimpse of what is beyond. Ultimately, every day provides a chance for a new beginning, a new chance to re-create our goals, but the annual transition from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day has taken center stage. Never having been a good 'resolution' person, I like Clair's take on Thinking Differently. For me, the daily challenge is to seek balance in life's extremes...action and reflection, closed and open, work and play - not something new, but not easily accomplished either. And, like Google's Zeitgeist 2012 emphasizes, I hope to always be searching! ;) Happy New Year! Naples, FL
Sunday, December 30, 2012
12.30.12
The full moon is fading away as the morning sun lightens the sky...just as the year 2012 is disappearing. What a year ... aren't they all? ;) Naples, FL
12.29.12
Offering a few more colorful leaves before the final drop, this red maple tree is holding its own. Other than the various shades and textures of green, this scarlet highlights the swamp. Freedom Park, Naples, FL
Saturday, December 29, 2012
12.28.12
Spied this little guy while walking the circuit - about a 6-footer, I would guess. This is definitely a time when one is happy to have a longer lens...in more ways than one! :) Interestingly, this little creek is only about 25 feet from a major road traveled by both natives and tourists...most totally unaware of the gator's presence. Freedom Park, Naples, FL
Thursday, December 27, 2012
12.26.12
Ornate and color blocked window atop The Little Shop in Bloomingdale - even antique stores appreciate the emphasis on holiday shopping. Bloomingdale, NJ
12.25.12
Stockings are 'unhung' and ready to 'spill' content in front of a warm fire on Chrismas morn...Bloomingdale, NJ
Friday, December 21, 2012
12.21.12
Just in time - this Christmas cactus is getting ready to bloom! :) They say that you should put the plant in a dark and cool area 6 weeks before the holiday to improve the chances of prolific blossoms - on the other hand, others advocate letting nature do its work...guess it depends on whether you have a green thumb or a brown one! :) Naples, FL
12.20.12
Caught these over-sized holiday lights (along with the traditional version) at the Dock entrance - imagine what festivity they illuminate at night! :) 12th Ave S & Naples Bay, Naples, FL
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
12.19.12
Every year, this homeowner brings out the poinsettias in abundance and thanks to our tropical weather, they flourish quite nicely! This year, the 'Cat in the Hat' hat is a fun addition (and a bit mischievous, too)! :) 5th Ave N & 8th St, Naples
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
12.18.12
This nativity scene excludes the three kings, shepherds, and farm animals, but the simplicity does not take away from the meaning. Since this crèche is located on church property, it is not likely to bring controversy. There have been incidents otherwise when located on public property. Church/state laws are in balance with freedom of expression...sometimes that separation is too divisive and spawns only negativity. Multiple perspectives should be valued - listening is a prerequisite! 3rd Ave S & 6th St, Naples, FL
Monday, December 17, 2012
12.17.12
Window shopping is always fun - especially when it's twinkly and bright...and has all sorts of latent delights. The Wind and the Willows clothing store offers delightful window dressings in every season, Christmas is extra special. 5th Ave S & 8th St, Naples, FL
Sunday, December 16, 2012
12.16.12
An inventive homeowner decided to show off Christmas colors with painted coconuts at the base of the trees - now that's something you don't see everywhere! ;) 1st Ave S & 2nd St, Naples, FL
12.15.12
Candles' illumination is small, but very complimentary to the celebratory mood. Exuding warmth and light, the candle is both functional and attractive. The history of candle making goes back BC with very little transformation through the years - a simple, yet effective invention that still provides a use today, though more ornamental in nature. Naples, FL
12.14.12
Another Santa sighting! :) Looks like he's not alone given multiple sightings everywhere! :)
Friday, December 14, 2012
12.13.12
Hand crafted holiday decorations are really getting their money's worth - these angels are at least 50-55 years old and still holding their own. Melbourne, FL
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
12.12.12
Wrapping gifts is always a fun activity - the papers, ribbons and bows, tags, and other decorative miscellany exhibit color, texture, pattern, and, unfortunately, contribution to the world's excessive waste. Recycling can help...as can using more natural elements. Ultimately, the wrap... and the gift... are really about giving, a reflection of warmth and kindness without reciprocity (or so they say!). Naples, FL
12.11.12
If you are a fan of peppermint bark, you need to find a Cheesecake Factory for their version of a delicious, but high-calorie dessert (about 900 calories)! It is yummy! Although the rich sweetness is addictive, the goal is to extend the slice beyond the restaurant sitting (for more than the obvious reasons)...so the take-home box is a must. :) You could share with your table guests, but then you wouldn't have the opportunity of taking a different flavored bite of their order. Prolonging the delight is worthwhile, but something about those first couple of bites really can't be replicated for some reason. Naples, FL
Monday, December 10, 2012
12.10.12
This nutcracker soldier is looking a bit lonely as it holds watch on a 3rd St plaza - so far no tourists invading! ;) The Nutcracker production used to be a favorite, but it hasn't been on my agenda for a number of years...the magic of its story, music and dance is forever remembered, especially during the holiday season. 3rd St & 12th Ave S, Naples, FL
Sunday, December 9, 2012
12.09.12
This Christmas tree stand is operated by a family up north who bring their live trees and other holiday paraphernalia to the same corner every year for decades. By end of next weekend, it will be relatively low on inventory...if history holds true! Though you have to look beyond the entry to see the trees, most of the corner are fresh cut. Note, too, the influence of tropical Florida (flamingo, pelican, and is that pink flocking?) - more here! Golden Gate Pkwy & US 41 East, Naples, FL
Saturday, December 8, 2012
12.08.12
Swags of evergreen drape this picket fence at Palm Cottage. Dotted with bright red bows, they're a nice complement to the historic home's holiday celebration. The past is often blurred by the priorities of the present and the planning of the future, but it is always good to keep it in perspective! :) 12th Ave S & Gulfshore Dr, Naples, FL
12.07.12
This is not the traditional holiday American Holly with its spiny toothed leaves, but rather it appears to be our Florida Dahoon Holly. It still pops with bright color in the dry, browning hues of the nature park. Freedom Park, Naples, FL
12.06.12
Rudolph obviously doesn't get the 'blending in' part - he definitely stands (prances?) alone amidst the hollow lighted wire structures that are meant to be reindeer-like. Perhaps he needs to show off his uniqueness beyond the red-nose beacon of guiding light....oh well, he has plenty of time to get it right before the big sleigh ride. :) Estey and Airport, Naples, FL
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
12.05.12
Inspired by the neighborhood light show, I thought I would bring out a string or two. The first plug-in test of this set looks pretty good! :) Now...to begin the untangling process.... Naples, FL
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
12.04.12
A dog walk and camera phone brings a poor rendition of this amazingly twinkly decorated lawn - I will definitely have to try a better capture when unleashed and with better lens! :) 2nd Ave N & 6th St, Naples, FL
Monday, December 3, 2012
12.03.12
Let the shopping begin! Not one for the Black Friday deals, my shopping is usually limited to the online version and an occasional run to a store - well-planned to avoid the crowds, too! :) The holidays always seem to bring out the celebratory items, the lights, the festive decorations, and even a happier mood. So, let's get it started - one photo a day! :) Naples, FL
Sunday, December 2, 2012
12.02.12
Caught Santa snoozing in the crescent moon up with the orchids and staghorn ferns in this tree that twinkles brightly in the night. Sleeping on the job will be a poor excuse for lack of holiday spirit - after all, the elves can't do everything! :) There are still about three weeks until the big day, but the anticipation is beginning to take hold. 13th Ave S & 3rd St, Naples FL
Saturday, December 1, 2012
12.01.12
Looking for a red symbol for World Aids Day, but settled for this holiday decorated red caboose (#1009) from the Atlantic Coast Line. The delight of railroaders, this train car sits at the Naples Depot as its own symbol. As the tail-ender, there's still a role to play in the big scheme of things - you are never too small to make a difference. And in the fight against AIDS, just raising awareness of HIV is an amazing first step. Naples Depot, Naples, FL
11.30.12
A blurry view of the full moon - in part due to lack of photographic technique, but also because of high cloud cover which produced foggy-like conditions. Per the Almanac, the November full moon is called the beaver moon as the traps needed to be set before the temperatures froze the lakes and streams. Naples, FL
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