MAY072009

MAY072009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Puff the Magic Dragon reigns far and wide across the park, Cambier in the land of Naples. With the sweep of a gentle talon, children are free to imagine, create, and frolic. Play, a delightful incentive, to maintain sanity and to encourage development - available to all ages!

Peter, Paul and Mary's Puff the Magic Dragon is a classic and a favorite from my own childhood. I had no idea there was so much 'controversy' surrounding its lyrics. Guess that is partly due to the times and partly due to price of fame. No matter, this lovely sculpture always brings a smile! Cambier Park, Naples, FL

MAY062009

MAY062009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Signs are fascinating - Despite their simple and humble design, the impact of their success in communication can be powerful! There is no 'life or death' message here...though the risk of walking across the busy highway might not be a good alternative...but the meaning is clear! Even a non-reader or those whose language is not English would be directed by the arrow. Our daily communication is often misinterpreted and/or ineffective - how can we take the patterned symmetry or other characteristics of this sign to more effectively influence the meaning of our messages? US 41 E & Goodlette-Frank, Naples, FL

MAY052009

MAY052009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Innocence - the face of a child! This young toddler was a welcome sight for my meeting-wearied eyes. Though comforted by a cookie, her anxious (and ponderous) expression is somewhat foreboding as the adults haggled over ways to implement RtI alongside PBS with the underlying purpose of meeting NCLB standards via new reading programs - alas, we have really taken the learning out of 'schooling' and it is getting more frightening by the moment! Golden Gate HS, Naples, FL

“Experience, which destroys innocence, also leads one back to it.” ~ James Arthur Baldwin

MAY042009

MAY042009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Although I wanted to avoid taking repeat pictures as my featured photo of the day, I just can't allow the moon to escape an attempted capture! This one was at twilight, so it was still relatively light out (a better environment for my camera), but still no tripod and it shows! Perhaps the moon needs to be a monthly practice target for improvement! I do like the blue sky contrast though so it gets the honors today! Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

MAY032009

MAY032009, originally uploaded by colemama.

When two forces collide it is most often not pretty, but the liquidity of Gulf waters provide a wonderful change for the eye! Whether hitting the beach or the weathered wooden groin, the effect, captured in early morning sunlight, is both soothing and uplifting. 2nd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

MAY022009

MAY022009, originally uploaded by colemama.

'Kids' of all ages enjoy the Storytime reading by one of our Mustang Book Club members at the Barnes & Noble bookfair. Waterside Shopping Center, Naples, FL

MAY012009

MAY012009, originally uploaded by colemama.

As a Florida coastal town, Naples has its share of tourist-oriented activities (some 'tackier' than others). This gator stands to bring in visitors for a little souvenir shopping and a trolley car tour. It is also part of a contingent of gator sculptures painted by various artists for a fund raiser (Gator Galore) a number of years ago. Ultimately, it is all about fun - very fitting for a Friday! Enjoy! 6th St & 7th Ave S, Naples, FL