Though this shell looks like it is hosting its own ecosystem, it was good to see this bit of life popping out of the murky waters. It is as if movement wins over stagnancy...no matter how quietly. The opportunity to seek & find an interesting picture and challenge my mind for deeper meaning always brings a smile and a sense of accomplishment, however small. Back at Freedom Park, Naples, FL
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
02.18.13
President's Day - a holiday from work, but there is quite a bit of work being accomplished. I've always said that I will work long after retirement, but I do look forward to not having to 'catch up' so much with my [relatively] own time schedule. This moon phase illustrates about 1/2 full and that's about where I am as I tick off the 'things to do' list...but don't get me wrong, there's been plenty of distraction, as well. For one, the Learning Creative Learning MOOC resources for this week, to include this video of Joi Ito discussing Open Education Resources (for Interest-Based Learning) - check it out! :) Naples, FL
02.25.13
Looking up - sometimes a forgotten view - and finding a large bird's nest! Interesting to see the network of branches provide a structure, despite its asymmetry. Routine deadlines and commitments have prevented me from much depth in my Learning Creative Learning MOOC, but the different perspectives and fun discoveries, thus far, are encouraging for a potential grassroots change effort. Can we get beyond talk and move into transformative action? Having attempted little 'baby steps,' I know how much easier it is to keep the eyes at a comfortable level rather than looking up...Freedom Park, Naples, FL
02.24.13
Who's that? This predator really kept an eye on me (and Chance) as we walked the trail underneath this tree. See other shots here and here. He must have been curious (not wary) as he was not only about 100 ft above us, but he also had some fierce looking talons and beak. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
Saturday, February 23, 2013
02.23.13
The swamp iris are beginning to bloom - such delicate flowers...I'm always amazed that they manage to lay low in hibernation and then suddenly 'pop' into existence! It just goes to show you the power of latency! Patience does pay off, as this proverb shares, "All good things come to those who wait." The problem with patience and persistence is ... just exactly how long does one wait! :) Freedom Park, Naples, FL
02.22.13
The old buildings of Tin City flash neon to attract passersby to various shops and restaurants housed within. Caught near sundown, the signage really pops! It is rather a juxtaposition to find the modern surveillance camera posted on the 1920's aluminum siding, but overall the facility is a good blend of old and new. US 41 E & Goodlette, Naples, FL
Thursday, February 21, 2013
02.21.13
Connectors, Contrails, and Crossed Wires - sounds like it could be a catchy book title! The sky was fairly busy this afternoon, at least from my perspective. Like the Gulf, it tends to be a quiet, but steady force in our town. Clouds may billow or storms may form, but the clear blue is more typical canvas. The collection of 'wired traffic' still creates a pleasing, if not ordered, view...leading the eye hither and yon and creating a framework for some interesting problem-solving. Pine Ridge Rd & Naples Blvd, Naples, FL
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
02.20.13
One of the many shopping areas which are, no doubt, benefiting from this year's seasonal folks and tourists. The lights on the palm trees are generally up for the holidays and remain until April when our town goes back to 'norm'. Wish I could have caught the scene sans light pole and crosswalk signal, but traffic was moving again.... :) Bayfront, Goodlette Rd, Naples, FL
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
02.19.13
There was obviously a reason I was attracted to this shot - I don't think I caught it, but I am still pleased with this image...but don't ask me why?! :) So much of what we experience daily is never articulated or documented - it remains in only in our mind's eye and for many, is never brought to consciousness even. Perhaps this mass of nature's wares in such a natural state, going from focused to blurred, is an attempt to represent such neuron synapse opportunity. :) 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Sunday, February 17, 2013
02.17.13
Ventured down to the pier this bright and very crisp morning with the anticipation of seeing more action due to the gusty winds, but the waves were not high at all...and only one lone waterlogged surfer to be seen. The chilly temperatures appear to have kept away the 'fisherpeople' who usually line the railings of the pier, as well. Even the pedestrians are few! This unusual below normal (by 20 degrees) will return to norm in a couple of days, but it does make you wonder how much these ongoing 'extreme' weather conditions across the country are an indicator of something more extreme to come! Naples Pier, Naples, FL
Saturday, February 16, 2013
02.16.13
Partially hidden, this cycle shows off its yellow frame and intersecting spokes. It was discarded on a sunny day while other type of play beckoned presumably...but the tables will turn tomorrow with a cold front (overnight wind chill predicted to be 28 F - that's bitter cold for SW Florida). Cyclical is definitely influential...even if the cycles aren't constant. Naples, FL
Friday, February 15, 2013
02.15.13
The purple morning glory obviously got confused with the time of day due to the prevalent (and unusual) overcast skies and steady drizzle - here they are still wide open in mid-afternoon. Just goes to show you the many contradictions in our world. And, as they say in our business, "don't get too comfortable." :) 2nd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
02.14.13
Happy Valentine's Day! I love 'elegant quirky' and this gator/heart seems to fit the bill in a casual way...You never know what you will stumble across in the neighborhood! 3rd Ave N & 4th St, Naples, FL
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
02.13.13
The flame vine is about ready to move from bud to burst...and this image caught a few bees, too. Just sharing some orange in preparation for tomorrow's red/pink....though I'll also have an eye out for those heart-shaped artifacts, natural or not! Naples, FL
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
02.12.13
Neck outstretched, this great egret has a bit more height...and thus, "view advantage" over these reeds along the lake's edge. Nature provides opportunities to survive and to succeed. Nature (including human nature - maybe more so?) also creates barriers to challenge and stretch. Selecting proactive and reactive responses can make a difference to the longevity and the quality of life. All in a day's work, too! :) Naples, FL
Monday, February 11, 2013
02.11.13
These parking meters are definitely showing their age - not only are they still limited with using only coins (what? no credit/debit option??), but the ficus shrubbery has them almost totally enveloped! Wonder if the lawn maintenance folks get paid extra to carve out the opening? ;) No matter, people will pay up for a parking spot at the beach...or pay the penalty (many more quarters, I guarantee). 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Sunday, February 10, 2013
02.10.13
Sand glistens on the red seaweed as it blankets the dense pile of sunbleached shells. It was a very low tide and there were many revelations not often exposed but they didn't bring the color of this display. The element of quiet was interrupted only by the lapping waters and the distant squawk of feeding seagulls. Great way to start the morning with a beach stroll. Naples, FL
Saturday, February 9, 2013
02.09.13
Feeding near shore, this blue heron was well camouflaged - managed to focus on him instead of the blurry foreground while walking by so as not to disturb. With the continued dry, warm weather, pickins' are a bit slim, but certainly more plentiful here than in the northern climes this time of year. Naples, FL
Friday, February 8, 2013
02.08.13
In the crazy seasonal days of traffic and people and congestion and general frustration, this is my sanctuary. Just like a little meditation or journal reflection, the tranquility of nature and the power to capture that digitally gives me positive energy and attitude. Rejuvenation takes some dedicated time, but it is well worthwhile.
On another note, I wish my northeastern friends and family a warm and restful hibernation during this stormy couple of days. Naples, FL
02.07.13
Radiant magenta bracts, the more popular shade, cloak this bougainvillea. Though there are plenty of other colors available - all just as beautiful in their own right and most often unique, this one is definitely the most visible...and showy. It is reminiscent of many species, I imagine. :) Naples, FL
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
02.06.13
Bright and sunny beach dune flowers grow like weeds, but they still seem to be welcoming....or maybe it is what they represent with their ever-present growth and flowering. Naples, FL
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
02.05.13
At first glance, this looked like the scales of an alligator...and that would not be too surprising, given the location! Turns out to be a dead palm tree revealing its remaining frond stumps. Oh, those times when the eyes deceive... not purposeful, but perhaps signaling a time to pause. So, it was and thus the photograph, which still offers that 'first glance' view even though its reality is known! :) Naples, FL
Monday, February 4, 2013
02.04.13
Some of the trees are starting to flower - this one the kapok tree, but I also spotted a pink tabebuia in the early stages of blooming. There is no 'low hanging fruit' on this tree and thus, the shot is not well composed - will try to capture a fallen blossom and/or shorter tree at some point. Since February is usually a colorful month here, my goal is to try to share with those who blanketed in white and gray. 3rd Ave N & 5th St, Naples, FL
02.03.13
On the proverbial 'day of rest', it was awfully busy - just like this bee is busy with the pollination of the banana heart, 'inflorescence', the flower spike of the banana plant...more bananas on the way! :) Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
Saturday, February 2, 2013
02.02.13
Colorful condos at Bayfront sit atop a commercial level - primarily restaurants, bars and tourist-oriented retail stores. They look a bit 'artificial' to me, but their popularity has increased recently as the season sets in and it appears the housing market has become more attractive....and they do sit on water, so that is always a nice draw. US 41 E & Gordon River, Naples, FL
Friday, February 1, 2013
02.01.13
Here it is February already! These roadside croton provide a cheerful and colorful welcome to the new month. For some who endure winter's wrath, the shortest month may seem very long, but it always flies by for me. It seems most months do these days...must be in relationship to the number of activities on the agenda! :) US 41 East & Lakewood, Naples, FL
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
