AUG142009

AUG142009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Just as I was leaving the beach this morning, I heard a familiar 'cock-a-doodle-doo' in the air. This beach rooster was in hiding from general visibility, but his wake-up call certainly gave up his hiding place! Nevertheless, his arrogant cockiness is evident in the general attitude of this shot! Million dollar beachfront mansion owners tell me that he is there like clock-work every morning demanding breakfast...and usually they feel powerless to this one and provide tidbits (which naturally brings him back...after all, he's just looking for sustenance).

Though this morning's encounter was in daylight (and we seem to start school so early, it is often still dark), it is a reminder of the early morning jolt many students and teachers will soon face as school schedules renew after summer break. It is also a reminder of the importance attitude can play in the learning process, especially with some teens who cover a desire to be acknowledged with an exaggerated sense of importance! :) 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

AUG132009

AUG132009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Luckily this beautifully symmetrical butterfly did not flit away before the shutter clicked. Sometimes I'm amazed at how cooperative nature can be...especially since I had to hurriedly break off a conversation to walk quickly, but quietly, to capture this photo opportunity! Then again, maybe this butterfly knew its own 'star power' and was willing to share it! Perhaps it was aware that its natural talent of showing off its patterned beauty was delightful to the photographer! How often do we overlook the natural talents of others because we are looking for something else? In education, we often espouse individual differences, but observation points more towards standardization. How can we better recognize and facilitate the development of our students' own personalized gifts to the world? Garden of Hope and Courage, Naples, FL

AUG122009

AUG122009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Not much to offer today - either driving (thus the drive-by shots) or sans camera....some days are like that! Not to worry, especially when there is such an interesting sky to behold. Fortunately, most of the drive was rain-free, but the threat of dark clouds helped to accelerate the trip! Bridge over the Caloosahatchee River, Ft Myers, FL

AUG112009

AUG112009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Like patterns and imaginary shapes in cloud formations, the bark of trees can be quite fascinating! This heart-shaped opening is not only decorative but served as a nesting site for birds this past spring. The textures, depth, flaking and gnarls of the tree trunk are a bit unusual and even look somewhat destructive, but the tree continues to stand and is healthy! So here is another great example of form and function working cooperatively to effectively perform its job and to create a design that is pleasing to the eye. Who says creativity is lost in the machination of our world - they coexist in most of nature! Naples, FL

AUG102009

AUG102009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Looking into my neighbor's paved patio area always makes me feel better....relatively speaking, mine doesn't look so bad! :) Keeping up with outdoor maintenance in the summer is always more challenging, especially in FL where we try to avoid the heat and humidity! The broom is ever-ready, but it does require (wo)man power! Finding the elusive energy is difficult...It used to be we could find entrepreneurial preteens/teens who would willingly work for a price, but they, too, prefer to spend their time elsewhere. Ah, times do change! Naples, FL

AUG092009

AUG092009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Oh, Sand Castle Days

Sweet memories enhance
The backwards glance
Long into childhood's way,
Hours by the sea
Timeless, carefree
Where the sun brightly shone

Every day,
Looking out o'er the waves
Soft, memory saves
A joy that forever stays
Held deep in that part
Of one's innermost heart..

Of so happy,
dear sand-castle days!

~ John McLeod

Every day we have the opportunity to create our own sand castles - try to do so in the nature of a child and not an adult...so enters the element of play! 2nd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

AUG082009

AUG082009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Patient, but questioning 'when can we walk?" and "is dinner soon?" This sweet bi-color-eyed canine continues to amaze me with the adaptation to her new home. Though she does keep us on a routine, she allows for some flexibility, especially on the weekends - must be that sixth sense! :) Kind of like that 'with-it-ness' that you observe with people in well-matched roles - always a great kudo! Naples, FL