10.31.10

10.31.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

A nice display of the common and albino varieties of pumpkins at our Fresh Market. Since it is already Halloween and I doubt all were sold - there were likely some 'leftovers'! Of course, with the need for pumpkin pie in the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, perhaps they will find a 'home' after all!?! There has been strong commercialization for the holiday this year - there are three seasonal "Halloween" stores (i.e., sole purpose is Halloween-oriented) within a 2 mile radius here. This is a new marketing/retail ploy and I'm surprised that it seems to be taking off so well in today's economy...must be people are tired of the negatives and ready to have some 'fun'! Works for me! Old Trail & US 41 E, Naples, FL

10.30.10

10.30.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

This little gal was concentrating hard on getting candy out of the bag and tossing it to those who lined the parade route. She was among many who participated in the annual Swamp Buggy parade...a unique event featuring a 'buggy' or two, lots of politicians, and a couple of high school bands.

This parade nor the photo shoot here was not on my morning agenda, but this is such a *big* event that they close down the major highway in town for half the day! Since my travels would suffer a major detour, it seemed a better alternative to accept the need for some photography. You know, one of those "if you can't beat them, join them" kind of moments. It also gave me the opportunity to play a bit with people as subjects, since that is not my forte. Naturally, we lean towards our preferences and strengths and there's good reason to promote that, but every once in awhile it is good to 'stretch' our limitations. :) And...another year until the next Swamp Buggy parade - ya'll come on down for it! 2nd Ave N & US 41 E, Naples, FL

10.29.10

10.29.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

So, what do you see in this cloud formation? How does your imagination form a familiar (or fantasy) figure in the whites, grays and blues? Any feelings or emotions accompany the time spent identifying cloud shapes? Some may discount such efforts as wasteful and nonproductive, but the act can relax the mind and reduce everyday stress to allow for clearer thinking, thought incubation and even potential innovation!

It doesn't take much time to 'escape' from reality - just a moment or two! All of us seem to be overly busy in the 'rat race world', but we can all benefit from a brief respite. And, as Dean Shareski states in his Let's Stamp Out Busyness post, "I'm not suggesting your life isn't full but for the most part it's the life you've chosen." - We make choices all of the time about how to spend our time and we need to start owning up to those choices. We also have the choice and the power to prioritize time for the benefits of 'cloud-reading'! It's not always easy, but it is....and it seems to be something that is often swept under the carpet of 'busyness.' Waterside Shopping Center, Pine Ridge Rd & US 41 E, Naples, FL

10.28.10

10.28.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

A bee showed up just as the shutter release button was depressed - how serendipitous! In fact, the arrival of the insect transforms the photograph from its original composition, providing even more weight to the left side of the image and implying a stronger meaning with its pollen gathering.

“The men of experiment are like the ant; they only collect and use. But the bee . . . gathers its materials from the flowers of the garden and of the field, but transforms and digests it by a power of its own.”
~ Leonardo da Vinci

Serendipity is a wonderful jewel in my world. Though I believe in its ultimate surprising fate, I have no doubt that I have influenced the opportunity to experience such an event...and to do something with it. A serendipitous comment on a Flickr photo led to an amazing project with two other '365 photographers' ( Sinikka and Tania) with our Through Global Lenses collaborative project. Creating a student learning opportunity through the use of photographs and reflective writing from Australia to Finland to USA alone was a fun challenge, but experiencing the authentic results of social connections across the globe amongst students was extra special. Like the bee, it was transformational. Naples, FL

10.27.10

10.27.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

This scene captured my attention! Hanging a boat from a tree doesn't seem the norm...though it does make efficient use of space! You never know what you'll find around town...even a skiff being 'hung out to dry'! :) The thought of abandoning someone or something when their need is at the highest seems foreign and unnatural. Perhaps it doesn't happen purposefully, but it may be perceived differently. At what point does one person need to take responsibility for how another feels? How much accountability do each of us have for our own behavior, perceptions and feelings? Sometimes what seems obvious becomes ever fleeting upon analysis...Central & 3rd St, Naples, FL

10.26.10

10.26.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

Pasta, though not homemade, is fairly nutritious in the whole grain version...and its actually tastier (at least to me!). Healthy, flexible, and easy to prepare...its hard to believe that pasta gets such a bad rap sometimes...perhaps that negativity results more from the sauce/topping than the pasta itself! Finding good nutrition in our fast-food and processed world can sometimes be challenging, but pasta offers a basic and convenient alternative. Nutrition for the body is just one survival trait...emphasis on the mind and soul is just as vital! Naples, FL

10.25.10

10.25.10, originally uploaded by colemama.

With some added processing to show more contrast, this spider web tendril shows some age with its clogged pathway. The silken thread is certainly similar to a yarn fiber ready to be woven! The anatomy and workings of a spider web is one of the most amazing of nature's phenomena. How in the world do they manage to get from one side to the other and then create such an amazing pattern? How ingenious to plan such a work of art to trap unsuspecting prey! The mysteries never cease to fascinate.

Creating a culture of curiosity is a both a challenge and a prerequisite for the teaching profession. Some may argue with that...expecting students to come with a readiness and a yearning for learning. Realistically, this expectation becomes stifled soon after kindergarten. The structure and formality of the education institution shares part of the blame, but perhaps the entire climate of the industrial age, complete with a low priority on education persay, has also been influential. Whatever the cause, establishing that desire to learn, to question and to discover is key...and not on the typical list of 'standards'! Naples, FL