JUN302009

JUN302009, originally uploaded by colemama.

The City of Naples installed twin sculptures (one on each corner) on the same block as the new four-story parking garage - a way to beautify the area as well as distract us from the tall box-like structure. Though not true glass, the material in this colorful quilt takes on reflective, transparent, and translucent qualities that delight and enchant. Valuing art is certainly a personal experience - the multiple facets in this outdoor sculpture are ever-changing with the rays (or lack) of sunlight and the interaction with other environmental features make it extra-special! 8th St S & 6th Ave N, Naples, FL

JUN292009

JUN292009, originally uploaded by colemama.

What an interesting and colorful collection of lawn debris - there are tree branches, some seemingly healthy with a clean cross cut and some obviously diseased with fungus covering and broken-off ends; there are various sizes and perspectives of palm fronds; and there is a tangled web of twig-like sinews with small black berries - all casually displayed on a patch of green grass! Wednesday is 'pick-up' day, so this 'work of art' has limited exposure...but now it is captured for a little longer in digital format! All in the course of a daily dog walk! Naples, FL

JUN282009

JUN282009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Sometimes the original goal is subsumed by an accidental discovery. The aim of this shot was to experiment with the light on the flower and to try to capture its transparency...instead, my eye is drawn to the leaf veins which 'pop' in the selective sunlight. Somehow, these distractions are acceptable (and even desirable) for a goal-oriented individual - in fact, in bigger terms, these might reflect the beginnings of something innovative! 6th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

JUN272009

JUN272009, originally uploaded by colemama.

It is hot and humid here - iced refreshment comes in many forms via Regina's! In contradiction are the holiday twinkle lights wrapping the pole and hanging from the awning with an implication of cooler weather. With our need to seek equilibrium, this image seemingly sends a mixed message. Many of our messages come wrapped in many colors and are cloaked with varying degrees of consistency. It is no wonder that we become confused and react to these inconsistencies in a variety of ways - sometimes, inappropriately! 5th Ave N and 8th St S, Naples, FL

JUN262009

JUN262009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Playing the proper host to my buddy, @vanhookc, we ventured off to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (after the obligatory beach walk!) for an authentic experience in various Florida ecosystems. Despite the threat of rain, we braved the heat and mosquitoes and immediately heard/saw some Carolina Wren and a Red-Shouldered Hawk. Unfortunately, that 'threat of rain' turned into a major downpour with accompanying thunder and lightning. Seeking shelter with some other drenched Sanctuary visitors in a primitive structure, we both lamented on the lack of photographic opportunities (primarily in trying to keep our lenses dry!). Eventually, the rain tapered off into a drizzle and we headed off again, ran into a young man visiting from Germany who was kind enough to point out this alligator cooling off in the mud hole! Naturally, the gator became the highlight of our walk - well, until we saw the doe and fawn white-tailed deer!

The soaking we received did not dampen our spirits nor conversations! @vanhookc is a wonderfully optimistic individual and with exception of the couple of times that she wondered which path to follow, she continued to share her positive thoughts! Additionally, she looked for a 'lesson' in this venture - be better prepared! :) Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Immokalee, FL

JUN252009

JUN252009, originally uploaded by colemama.

The power and delight of virtual connections - a f2f meeting with @vanhookc! Time flies when you are 'catching up' and before we knew it, we were both in need of a 365 photo! I snapped this at the restaurant while she took a phone call (regrettably only with my iPhone in low light, so some post-processing touch ups) - you'll have to check hers out, too!

I've been fortunate to meet some of my virtual connections 'in person' and I'm always amazed at how easy it is to converse beyond the superficial. Many question the validity and value of online networks and relationships, especially with consideration to the amount of time spent on the web. Though I certainly value f2f relationships, underestimating the power of online social and professional networks is potentially 'hazardous to your growth and happiness'! D'Amico's Restaurant, Naples, FL

JUN242009

JUN242009, originally uploaded by colemama.

A trio of shiny cherry red lights stand ready for the certificate of occupancy (CO) for a trio of new buildings on campus! Thankfully, the second phase of a three-phase project is coming to an end...one more to go! These lights serve as a nice (we hope!) accent to the shades of blues and greens throughout most of the campus buildings. Lorenzo Walker Campus, Naples, FL