JUL072009

JUL072009, originally uploaded by colemama.

The Garden of Hope and Courage, adjacent to Naples Community Hospital, is a wonderful reprieve from the 'real world'. Tucked into a corner of the grounds, it offers benches for reading or quiet conversation, flora and fauna for environmental appeal, life-size sculptures for aesthetic interest, and even yoga under the pavillion (as I discovered this evening!) - and, there's a geocache there, too, but it still a 'DNF' for me!

Hope and courage - thankfully, the emphasis of the words go hand-in-hand in this garden. The need to stay positive is so important in the process of healing. Even in the face of reality of terminal illness, acceptance is enhanced with a bittersweet optimism. The soft petals of this orange tropical ginger plant stand in sharp contrast to the rough textured palm tree, but both provide a strength for those who seek it. Naples Community Hospital, 2nd Ave N & 8th St., Naples, FL

JUL062009

JUL062009, originally uploaded by colemama.

A request for photographs of our new buildings on campus put lots of images in the camera today! We are expecting the certificate of occupancy mid-July - right around the corner! The architectural lines are clean and linear, looking almost industrial (those elements are definitely in the interior), but with a few creative design touches!

Many years ago when I was involved with the construction of a community college campus, my thoughts were always focused on the 'life blood' of the campus buildings - no matter how beautiful or functional the buildings are, if the students are not there to 'test' them, the structures are meaningless! Those thoughts remain...A recent NECC debate about the merits and liabilities of traditional 4-walled classrooms accentuates the need to review the issue. Do the buildings truly dictate their underlying purpose? Can the structures be modified to adjust to changing needs? How does the building promote (or not) community? How does the aesthetic quality of the architecture influence learning of students...or does it? Ultimately, what is learning all about - does it even need a building - all of the time? some of the time? Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

JUL052009

JUL052009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Despite the dent and the rust, some things live on! The shiny emblem infers 'quality' is characteristic of Schwinn, but one wonders if their use of the word, quality, is simply a defining attribute or if there is further inference in superior caliber. To further analyze, does the company consider quality coverage of the entire bicycle or only certain parts? Is the word used primarily as a marketing ploy or does it represent the underpinnings of the company's values and culture? The fact that the frame and the tires of the bicycle are clean, shiny and relatively new-looking is in stark contrast to the rusty chain and pedals - due to inferior quality of the manufacturer or maintenance neglect of the the user?

Lots of unanswered and seemingly unimportant questions...taking the time to think about and perhaps research potential answers is a building block for innovation and change! Are we teaching students to pursue their curiosities in meaningful ways? 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

JUL042009

JUL042009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Happy Birthday, America! Though Independence Day is usually documented in red, white, and blue or parades and fireworks (I still may try to snap some of those...), this is my selected image of the day. Our Mother Earth brings us so many delights and treasures each day - occurring despite our existence as human beings. The words of the Declaration of Independence, though, are only words...and not realities without our energy, thought, priority and actions. This day is a reminder to do my part in making the following words a reality:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
~ Declaration of Independence

4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

JUL032009

JUL032009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Rocky, adopted by a friend, demonstrates his content and aloofness as only a cat can do! He's a lucky guy, rescued as the runt from a roadside litter dump - a lucky guy indeed! It is sad to think of the number of animals that are euthanized annually because of the irresponsibility of human beings. Our county nearly had a major crisis when the budget choice was to eliminate animal adoption services due to lack of funding - Yikes! Not a good decision given the spiral effect. Fortunately, it appears, that a grassroots movement to squash that budget cut has taken hold! Marco Island, FL

JUL022009

JUL022009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Little did I know when I snapped this shot of Ric's sign that a diversity of architecture, street lights and the ubiquitous palm would emerge. Many of us have remarked that this daily photo project has offered unique perspectives of our world, even if it is post-shutter! Though this was taken in my general neighborhood, the gray building was foreign to me - guess I haven't noticed its structure being formed! Our perceptions are so selective and individualized, especially in the typical 'rat race' of life. While understandable, it is nice to take a moment,however brief, to see things differently - we can learn so much! US 41 E & 7th Ave N, Naples, FL

JUL012009

JUL012009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Black bird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
all your life
you were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
~ The Beatles

Empowerment is such an important gift we can give to ourselves and to those around us - especially those who are disenfranchised or too young to understand the concept. Spending the last couple of days trying to connect virtually with some of the members of my PLN (learning network) has rejuvenated a desire to re-examine my role in transforming our world for the better...I can only imagine how I would feel if I'd been to NECC 2009 in person! The connections, virtual or f2f, made and nourished are so beneficial to the mind and the psyche! So 'take these broken wings and learn to fly...' Lorenzo Walker Campus, Naples, FL