04.30.13

04.30.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

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

04.29.13

04.29.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

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

04.28.13

04.28.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

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

04.27.13

04.27.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

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

04.26.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

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

04.25.13

04.25.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

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

04.24.13

04.24.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

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