JUN072009

JUN072009, originally uploaded by colemama.

In the final preparations for dinner and for some reason I'm reflecting on those who are without their daily nutrition - might be watching those on the shoreline poking the sand for their dinner or that compelling television advertisement for Meals on Wheels or even the lucky Powerball winner in South Dakota down on his luck - a rancher trying to coax a living from the land.

Hunger - much more than a need for food - can be a motivator for learning as well. Creating hungry students (wanting them to come back for more) is a lofty goal, but one well worth striving for - imagine the possibilities when teens are starved for knowledge and wisdom...or maybe they already are and we are not feeding them...3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

MAY302009

MAY302009, originally uploaded by colemama.

The sun was so bright and the sky so clear, that these green leaves took on a neon and often yellow tone - even the water is impacted by the glow! We often take on characteristics of the environment, whether it be the spring in our steps with the change of 'renewal' season, the constricted feelings when in confined in cold, metal places for long periods of time, or even when influenced by other's moods - be it happy or sad.

Of course, nothing stays the same and this neon lime glow was replaced with dark skies and torrential rains which washed out our DEN Geocaching Day ... Ellenton, FL

MAY292009

MAY292009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Ripply reflections were just a few of the interesting visuals seen at a quick stop through the Everglades (check out the dragonfly/prey and dragonfly/lilypad). Cars were whizzing by on Alligator Alley - and I've been guilty of the same, but I've vowed to stop and see the unexpected beauty of the normally hypnotic (but 'boring') miles of sawgrass and sky. It's so nice to slow down and appreciate the world around us! Alligator Alley, between Naples and Ft. Lauderdale, FL

FEB242009

FEB242009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear - yep, and how about those out the window, too! How would you like to 'wake up' to this creature on your early morning commute to work? I definitely had to take a second look! And, I admit to checking out the web page - thus effective marketing ploy for me!

I know this is a busy photo and I was only focused on the gator thinking that I'd crop out the window frame when I took the shot, but didn't realize I caught the side view mirror reflections as well. I also didn't realize that the power poles and street lamp would reflect in the van's windows...and most delightedly (gruesome too), the red light reflected on the alligator's chin - almost looks like a little blood from his recent prey. So multiple reflections changed the perspective of processing. US 41 East and Davis Blvd, Naples, FL