Awash with purple, this prompted a look at the 'meaning' of the secondary color. The oft referred reference to royalty, nobility and dignity were validated, but there was also the connection to spirituality and positive influence over obsessions or fears. Then there's bravery (Purple Heart), happiness (Barney), and mourning (various cultures). But one of the more interesting 'facts' was that purple is the most difficult color to discriminate...and I'm always a sucker for optical illusions, but my eyes are perfectly happy to view this corner of purple flora. Naples, FL
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
04.29.13
The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth"
~ Dan Rather
Ah, the time of year, when final grades are due and students politic for a couple of extra points that would move them from one letter grade to the next and teachers grapple with what that might truly mean for the student. A math teacher friend who lives in a more 'black/white' world points to the calculations, but my world tends to be more gray. Using rubrics and being very transparent about the evaluation system and formative feedback from the beginning appears to do little for those who are more interested in a grade than in learning. The dilemma is compounded when the students are prospective teachers, but in the end, the sharp thorns balance [to the best of my ability] with the beauty in the eye of nature. Naples, FL
Sunday, April 28, 2013
04.28.13
That is one big cotton ball...and it was the only one evident on the tree so it really stood out! The silk cotton tree is full of big showiness from its bark to its flower to its seed pod...and the following explosion of silky cotton! In south Florida, we joke about the 'cotton balls' [the little old ladies who drive around town and can barely see over the steering wheel], but this is a different cotton ball all together! :) Naples, FL
Saturday, April 27, 2013
04.27.13
The littering of blooms and leaves this time of year would make others think of fall (and yes, there's some of that in our very late autumn/early winter time period), but springtime evokes a similar reaction here as plants shed the old and sprout the new in preparation for a long, hot and humid summer. These seagrape leaves scatter with the sandy residue of the passing beach-walkers on the pathway back to the parking lot. Soon they will crackle with moisture loss and be blown away to mulch the tree's roots. But for now, they lay content to show off their color and pattern...and perhaps provide cover to an insect or two. 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
04.26.13
Within the city limits - in fact, a mere couple of miles from our downtown - is the swamp with its own unique ecosystem. Looking at this scene, the inevitable delight of a surprise in the form of a swamp iris gives a new perspective. One of the best gifts of photography is the amazement and humbling of diverse views - a daily reward! Freedom Park, Naples, FL
Friday, April 26, 2013
04.25.13
Just gliding along...finishing up some of the end-of-semester classes for my part-time college instruction. Whew - definitely looking forward to next week! Naples, FL
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
04.24.13
Surrounded by moving tides and fluffy foam, this little guy tries a last minute escape! :) It's not like he couldn't fly over the 'barriers'. Sometimes, though we can't see the easy solutions because we've created such a complex web. Fortunately, for this sanderling, the water receded fairly quickly and revealed and even easier solution! :) 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
04.23.13
One may think that our Florida flora is ever-green...but, in fact, many trees are deciduous and lose their leaves briefly in both the fall and the spring or throughout the winter months. This new growth is emerging after a seasonal hibernation and shows off its color! This is the season for uncovering buds and blossoms in most of the northern climates - ours is similar, though brief. It is a great reminder of the cycle of life, especially as we are beginning the 'wind down' of spring semester. Naples, FL
Monday, April 22, 2013
04.22.13
This wisteria is growing like a weed....as it covers a breezeway roof pitch at the Norris Community Center. I wonder if/when it will get trimmed back? It really adds some dense purple color to decorate the neutral tones of the building, but it looks a bit out of control! :) It reminds me of my 'overgrown' digital bookmarks, which really need cleaned up to be more useful! 8th St & 8th Ave S, Naples, FL
Sunday, April 21, 2013
04.21.13
Stopped to take some shots of this pink tabebuia when I heard the lovely song of the mockingbird...look up and see what I found! :) This is not the prettiest shot of the pink blooms [this one much more beautiful], but who could resist the live and noisy 'ornament' at the top of the tree. US 41 E & 12th Ave N, Naples, FL
Saturday, April 20, 2013
04.20.13
The angle is off by about 90 degrees, but this view is kind of growing on me! Taking flight is always such an adventure, though I know this little blue heron must take it for granted. Fortunately, there are daily mini-ventures that help to satisfy. Today's DEN Spring VirtCon (archived here) was a great partner to my grading teacher website/eporfolios. As much as I enjoy teaching these college courses, I'm ready for the semester to end so I can get back to more Flickr conversations....Naples, FL
Friday, April 19, 2013
04.19.13
A blush in pink - there's some relief tonight as I post this shot with the apprehension of the second suspect in the Boston area terrorism. Yet, there remains the loss...not just in the loss and injuries of the victims, but also the 'innocence' of life, in general. How is it that a 19-year old with so much life to live becomes a detonator of violence and hatred? Despite my years, I remember being that age and I can't fathom the psychological state that the perpetrator must have been in to do such harm to others. It is hard for me to have hatred ...and real answers are likely elusive, but still....
So, the pink becomes a symbol of not only relief, but also compassion for the victims and those who were able to problem-solve the surrounding issues. Somehow, though the real issues have yet to be resolved... Naples, FL
Thursday, April 18, 2013
04.18.13
Some kind of night heron? It doesn't look like our typical species, but perhaps with a bit more research, I can identify this bird. It didn't hang around long, so this is my only shot. There are so many times when we only get one shot at it - sometimes it works, but others not. ;) Naples, FL
04.17.13
Bathing in the joy of sunshine - it looks like the opened flame vine bloom is sticking its tongue out at us. The 'spring' time weather is certainly mocking us - for us, it feels like summer; for others, it feels like winter! One thing is certain - it is transition time. Naples, FL
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
04.16.13
Nope, we're not in Iowa in the summertime - just got a little corn growing here in SW Florida! :) Naples, FL
Monday, April 15, 2013
04.15.13
A natural spray is photographed in remembrance of those who lost their lives or were injured in the senseless explosion today at the Boston Marathon. So many emotions and thoughts swirl around as we try to make meaning of the event. Unfortunately, some questions will never be answered.... Naples, FL
04.14.13
As expected, the Yellow tabs are waning - and now there's a blanket of various stages of withered blooms. They will return next spring, but for now we look to view the other flowering trees. Naples, FL
04.13.13
There's a whole different world up in the trees - this air plant is showing off its seasonal bloom and is among many in the oak tree. All part of our world and yet part of their own ecosystem - how fascinating! Broad Cir & 6th St, Naples, FL
04.10.13
Reading...a few pages at a time - not because it isn't good, but somehow pleasure reading time has really decreased. Spring semester is always busier and the closer it gets to the end, the more hectic it becomes. Perhaps, I also need to practice better prioritization. For now, I will read...slowly...Naples, FL
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
04.09.13
White bird of paradise - today's shoot reminded me of the 1969 song, White Bird, by A Beautiful Day...guess I'm dating myself, but that song just kept running through my head and had to post it! Perhaps it will bring back memories for others, as well! :) Naples, FL
White bird,
in a golden cage,
on a winter's day,
in the rain.
White bird,
in a golden cage,
alone.
The leaves blow,
Across the long black road.
To the darkened skies,
in its rage
But the white bird just sits in her cage,
unknown.
White bird must fly
Or she will die
White bird,
dreams of the aspen trees,
with their dying leaves,
turning gold.
But the white bird just sits in her cage,
growing old.
White bird must fly or she will die.
White bird must fly or she will die.
The sunsets come, the sunsets go.
The clouds roll by,and the earth turns old.
And the young bird's eyes do always glow.
She must fly,
She must fly,
She must fly.
White bird,
In a golden cage,
On a winter's day, in the rain.
White bird,
In a golden cage alone.
White bird must fly or she will die.
White bird must fly or she will die.
White bird must fly or she will die.
Monday, April 8, 2013
04.08.13
Just a sliver of a crescent moon in view - it is that time in the cyclical phase. Though the full moon is by far the more popular photographic model, it is fun to try to capture this little sliver of light from the sky. My original shot had to undergo some exposure and contrast slider action, but it is a 'look' at the sky this [very] early morning. LW campus, Naples, FL
Sunday, April 7, 2013
04.07.13
In motion...early Sunday mornings are a popular time for bicycling along Gulf Shore Blvd - likely because they don't have to compete with as much traffic. This guy was a solo, so I missed the group of riders, but his color is still a 'stand-out'. You can imagine the rainbow flow when the group rides by. Gulf Shore Blvd and 4th Ave S, Naples, FL
Saturday, April 6, 2013
04.06.13
What's for dinner? Sometimes, the only way to get dinner is to succumb to drive-ins or invade the frozen section of the fridge. PF Chang's General Tso's Chicken took center stage - a little pricey, but easy to get on the table in little time. Though the nutritional value is likely less than ideal (I don't dare peek!), at least there's broccoli and red pepper in abundance. Naples, FL
Friday, April 5, 2013
04.05.13
Monochromatic gradient skies add to the dull atmosphere and hues of these lifeless pennants... The rainy weather cancelled a much anticipated outdoor field trip, but it can't take away from the joy of Friday (payday, too!) and the added bonus of the recognition of two of our campus teachers and the 'move forward' on our iPad proposal. Naples, FL
04.04.13
A dead hydrangea is as intricate and lovely as one in bloom. Bleak sky is as seductive as sunshine, miniature orange trees without blossom or fruit are not defective; they are that.
~ Toni Morrison
This loveliness holds its own, but the message is a good reminder of how we view our world. Naples, FL
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
04.03.13
It is yellow tab (golden tabebuia) time and these bright, beautiful bursts of yellow dot the landscape. Their blooms are fleeting and since they are a favorite, you may see them highlighted in my daily images a few more times this flowering season. Their unusual framework of branches and supporting limbs are not the traditional symmetrical and predictable tree shape - in fact, there are some very creative 'designs' out there. :) Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club, Gulfshore Blvd, Naples, FL
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
04.02.13
A very pretty day with enough of wind to bring out the kiteboarders - saw them from the road on the way back from the grocery store and glad my camera was with me! Looks absolutely glorious out there today. 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Monday, April 1, 2013
04.01.13
Poor Robin's Almanac, 1790
The first of April, some do say
Is set apart for All Fool's Day;
But why the people call it so
Nor I, nor they themselves, do know,
But on this day are people sent
On purpose for pure merriment.
Hope you fooled and weren't fooled by, but either way, I hope you had fun with it! :)
There is no connection between this swamp iris and April Fool's Day, but it is my April 1st daily image - and that's no April Fool's! ;) Freedom Park, Naples, FL
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