01.31.13

01.31.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Stuck on skies these last couple of days - ever-changing and somewhat magical...especially when there is no danger looming. My thoughts are with those who found something much more sinister in the atmosphere the last couple of days. Orlando, FL

01.30.13

01.30.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Simple - just that blue sky and power lines, but after a full day of conferencing, my brain is on overload. Every year there seems to be a popular unintentional 'theme' at Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC) - this year it is BYOD/BYOT. Like so many other concepts, there are many twists to the meaning of BYOD/BYOT....which certainly gives plenty of opportunities for sessions, but I think some of them 'stretched' the meaning quite a bit. Anyway, there's much for my mind to process, so blue and diagonal lines are my 'ohm' for today! :)

01.29.13

01.29.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Heading west with this gorgeous view and hoping for a 'break thru'...on 520 between Cocoa and Orlando, FL

01.28.13

01.28.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Mondays always beg for evidence of a good sense of humor. This signage is outside the new Chapel Grill - a restaurant housed in the restored First Baptist Church. It was quite the transformation, as the sixty-five year old church also hosted the Senior Center Health Clinic prior to this latest renovation. Their popularity is evident with people waiting outside - not sure if it is due to the culinary delights or the possibility of divine intervention. :) 7th Ave S & 8th St, Naples, FL

01.27.13

01.27.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Supporting the Cancer Alliance of Naples (CAN), this rider heads to join others for the 7th Annual Moe's Bike Brunch at Lowdermilk Park. This weekend was really full of great events and fundraisers (missed Chalk Art, but got a couple of shots this morning before the traffic ensued) - they are planned now for the good weather, but also to tap into our seasonal visitors needs (and perhaps, pocketbooks, as well)! :) Banyan Blvd & Gulfshore Blvd, Naples, FL

01.26.13

01.26.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Breakfast at First Watch restaurant after Run for the Paws - a tradition - and we couldn't have asked for a better morning...nor event. There were more than 500 runners/walkers and probably 100 or more dogs participating with a starting temperature of about 60 degrees. Ahh...this almost makes me feel like I'm on vacation, but back to work I go! ;) Banyan Blvd & Gulf Shore Blvd, Naples, Fl

01.25.13

01.25.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Season is in full swing...this weekend alone there's the boat show and an outdoor art show downtown, Race for the Paws (my personal favorite!) and the Naples Wine Festival, which brings in celebrity chefs and some of the wealthiest folks around to donate more than 10 million dollars for educational and other charities (too rich for my blood). It isn't 'safe' for the natives to drive the major arteries nor head to local restaurants for the next two to three months, but we will share - really no other choice! :). Naples, FL

01.24.13

01.24.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

One of those days - a beautifully warm contrast to my friends and family surviving the pocket of extra cold air! Stay close to the fireplace or c'mon down! :) 4 Corners, US 41 E, Naples, FL

01.23.13

01.23.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Only an abstract offering as the internet is down and all of today's other images are 'locked' up in the disconnected computer. Being without Internet access is equivalent to no power...especially with so much work to do. Ahh, my daily images will be challenged (and limited to iPhone versions). Naples, FL

01.22.13

01.22.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Lined up and ready to go, these colored pencils are but a few of the tools we might use daily to create, communicate or collaborate. Their value is obvious....but they are only as effective as the thought process used to match them to the appropriate activity - even as a subject for this photo! ;) Whether analog or digital, functional devices are certainly diverse. Naples, FL

01.21.13

01.21.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Going from sixty five miles per hour to a stand-still on a rural two lane highway for a train to cross gives time for a couple of photos and a moment of thought. Are we at a similar crossing point in our nation's politics, economics, societal, cultural and other institutions? The celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday always brings a solace and a tear for what was, what has become and what still needs to happen in the area of human rights, peace and prosperity (or the lack of it). To add the inauguration event and all of its symbolism to the day, really makes me pause and wonder - nice to have the RR crossing to represent it! near Moore Haven, FL

01.20.13

01.20.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Caught in mid-feed, this ibis shows his pink and white reflection in the shallow water under a partly cloudy sky. The shore birds are fun to watch as they pace the sandy and rocky terrain looking for little morsels. I can only wonder how most humans would survive if they couldn't conveniently go to the grocery store at a whim for their over-processed foods - I know I would be challenged and I've done my own gardening, canning, curing, and even yogurt-making! ;) Not that we need to all go 'back to the earth' ourselves, but like the use of the calculator overtaking the thinking skills, I wonder if we can't have a better understanding of what others (and nature) do. Viera, FL

01.19.13

01.19.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Seems like the road is 'calling' frequently these days...The oranges are on their way for processing - a frequent sight this time of year. There is an artificial citrus scent when following the transport - one pro to getting stuck behind one on a two lane road! :) Moore Haven, FL

01.18.13

01.18.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Making and staying connected takes some energy and effort, but the payoffs are everlasting! Alligator Alley, near Ft Lauderdale, FL

01.17.13

01.17.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Last resort shot tonight, but I do like the new improved Flickr app for the iPhone. Looking at a random selection of photos belonging to my groups could also lead to some interesting mashups or story prompts - a good way to get the synapses charged. Naples, FL

01.16.13

01.16.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This is the 'picture postcard' weather that brings our winter visitors! Gorgeous day here in southwest Florida and I was lucky enough to be outdoors all day with the 9th graders doing a geocaching project in Geography class! Unfortunately, my camera didn't get to document the project....though there were upperclassmen taking some shots. Fortunately, I caught this green of the Grey Oaks Golf Club on the drive home...sans golfers, but they were probably on the 18th hole already. :) Airport Rd & Golden Gate Blvd, Naples, FL

01.15.13

01.15.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Ah...a case of too little, too late - it was a pretty sunset, just didn't get to photograph it in time! Another chance tomorrow perhaps! Naples, FL

01.14.13

01.14.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Chance is missing the expected cooler weather, but he still insists on his long walks a couple times a day - just lots of panting afterwards! :) But I guess when you are bred to run, it doesn't easily leave.

There were a number of encounters with colleagues today about the basic (know that is value-laden and relative term) use of technology - everything from the new GED 2014 technology expectations to teaching iPads to seniors to the staff's use of email and calendar functions. Though technology and its uses are pretty ubiquitous, and becoming more so, there are still so many who seem 'bred' to remain in the analog world - hard to believe! ;) Naples, FL

01.13.13

01.13.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The town of Okeechobee (center of the state - just north of the Lake Okeechobee, the big lake that shows up when looking at the state of FL) documents its history with murals on buildings throughout the rural town. Another town, Lake Placid, does a similar rendition. This one is right at the corner of a busy intersection, so difficult to get without traffic and the 'workings' of the town. Okeechobee, FL

01.12.13

01.12.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Strutting his stuff, the sandhill crane is an iconic (and protected) species in this golf community. They are not shy - in fact, they can be a bit aggressive. Still, they are fun models to photograph. Viera, FL

01.11.13

01.11.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

There are two, for sure...but looks like a third is looking for space! :) Basking turtles always delight - reminds me of our basking tourists...one of these days! Naples, FL

01.10.13

01.10.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Some backlighting, some bokey, some texture, lots of contrast..... Love the tenuous nature of the pink brush flowers. Naples, FL

01.09.13

01.09.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Calamondins are deceptively cute little oranges - and they are little as these are only about 2-3 inches in diameter. The fruit itself is quite sour, but the peel has a sweet citrusy taste...in more ambitious times, energy would be placed in creating a great marmalade, but now content just to smell and photograph them. Time does change one's perspective! :) Naples, FL

01.08.13

01.08.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Draped over the concrete wall, the flame vine shows off its fiery orange color. The drab becomes bright and interesting! :) Though we've been experiencing 'bright and interesting' recently, I know some of my friends in the wintry climes will appreciate this punch of life. Enjoy! :) Naples, FL

01.07.13

01.06.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Wispy threads seem to float from their ramrod stems, but they are, indeed, tethered. The breeze flows through and flutters them, seeking vulnerability, but the strands simply become the focus of a random abstract photo. :) The sun's soft light certainly invited this view, but it has its own enchantment, despite just being a grassy plant. And, speaking of sun - it is full and bright here with predictions of 85 degree F highs all week (a/c back on!) - come on down! :) Naples, FL

01.06.13

01.06.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This eagle has landed! It surveys the lakes and streams for tasty morsels...rather undisturbed by the footsteps of humans [and dogs] underneath its lofty perch. We watched as another flew by and eventually this one joined the soaring. They are truly magnificent birds! And their symbolism for power and heraldry are recognized worldwide. Symbolism has its place, but in this case, I prefer to view eagles in their natural habitat just being themselves and not trying to represent anything more. :) Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL

BTW - have you checked out Ozzie & Harriet, our local eagle celebrity pair and their pair of hatchlings via UStream? Warning - they can be addictive to watch!

01.05.13

01.05.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

So surprised to see this red passion flower while on a walk - the vine was wrapped around a mailbox and was full of green leaves and then the crimson 'popped' out! :) I don't think this flower is particularly hard to grow around here, but it is not viewed on a regular basis. Since there were more buds on the vine, looks like this plant is just getting started. Our winter blooming season is also just getting started - looking forward to documenting its flora over the next several months (do wish the iPhone's focus was a bit sharper for these spontaneous captures though). 3rd Ave N & 6th St, Naples, FL

01.04.13

01.04.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Jim RIce, owner of The Clay Place, is a wonderful potter and member of the Naples art community. His fish plaques are used as house identifiers (and even room numbers at the Naples Beach Hotel), in addition to dinnerware! His shop is amidst more modern and often 'big box' businesses, so it is great to see him continue to survive - must be something about the unique quality that small artisan studio/store offer! ;) Shadowlawn Dr and Davis Blvd, Naples, FL

01.03.13

01.03.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The bird of paradise images have a place on Flickr every year (sometimes even ranking more than one day annually). Despite being part of our routine landscape, they are still so unique and different that I am always mesmerized and enamored. The sunlit background not only shows some contrasting transparency, but also some neat bokeh! Even the familiar can take on rarity with new perspective. Davis Blvd & US 41 E, Naples, FL

01.02.13

01.02.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Three power lines and the salmony sunset skies begged for a shot - would have done a bit better if not in transit, but color has limited time, of course. Time is such an interesting phenomenon - finite in it's measurement and yet seemingly infinite in its repetition. I'm starting Mitch Albom's The Time Keeper and I look forward to his writing about the ubiquitous clock-ticking. Golden Gate Pkwy & Airport Rd, Naples, FL

01.01.13

01.01.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Effect...compliments of Aviary, view...compliments of nature (mostly) - not a bad start to the new year. :)

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.
~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce