When Gators Fly

Without question, this is one of my favorite Christmas displays in Florida: a team of five alligators pulling a sleigh between palm trees. (Gosh, I wish the fronds were lit!) It's so clever...only a Florida Gator would think of it! Truth be told, this display is down the road in Ft. Myers. Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing it every year. Dash away...dash away...dash away Gators!

Fast Life...Fast Controversy

What do you think of this mural? It has become a bit of a controversy in Sarasota. As part of the Chalk Festival, an international artist, simply known as MTO, agreed to do some work elsewhere, including on this building where the Tube Dude company is based. It happens to be located in a transitional part of town and many people immediately were incensed with the message 'Fast Life' and the hands displaying what appear to be a gang symbol. To make it more palatable, a local artist connected with the festival added the words "It's A ..... Let Love Express It'. Well, that seemed to attract even more attention (and controversy). So, the building owner announced that in the spirit of not offending the community, he would paint over the mural within 72 hours. And....that's when the other side came forward and pleaded for it to stay.  According to news reports, the owner now says it will remain for the next month as he tries to figure out how to make it acceptable for all.  I'll keep you posted.

Lighting the Way

These beautiful Royal Palm trees are lighting the way to lots of retails stores. (Wouldn't want Christmas shoppers to get lost, would we?!) The trees are so pretty lit up, I wouldn't mind seeing them like this year-round.

Sail into Christmas

A shopping development down the road from me really kicked it up a few notches this year with Christmas decorations, like this sailboat in a retention pond. It faces a major highway, so it attracts a lot of attention with passersby. It sure grabbed my attention! And, I wasn't the only one to stop for a photo opp. Who doesn't like to see Christmas presents loaded up on a festive, glowing sailboat?!

And The Winner Is...

The City of Sarasota is now the proud owner of this sculpture, known as 'Fractured Migration'. It was created by local artist Dennis Kowal and was one of 12 sculptures in a popular public art campaign. The intent was to display the pieces for one year and then purchase one for the city's permanent public art collection --  and this piece was selected as the winner. It's particularly popular at night when it resembles an ice sculpture. (Click here to see 'Fractured Migration' in the daytime during the kick-off event.)  It will remain right where it is....in Selby Five Points Park (where all the cool colorful lights are).

Gotcha!

Shrimp...it's what's for dinner! Upon further review (thanks to my neighbor and fellow blogger Ernie), I have determined this fisherman (shown plunging yesterday) is a little blue heron sporting its breeding colors.  an unknown bird.  But it is a bird!  Honestly, there are so many different herons and egrets here...I give up trying to identify this one.   On a different note, for those of you who like Christmas music, I encourage you to visit Ernie's blog ErnieNotBert. He collects old vinyl Christmas records throughout the year, then rips them, scans the covers and shares them on his blog. It's a great way to find little known renditions of holiday classics.  One of my favorite shares from last year is an album of Christmas songs from an Irish pub. Good stuff!

Theme Day: Action Shot

I believe this is a tri-colored heron on a fishing expedition in Sarasota Bay next to Ken Thompson Park. I had just bumped up the shutter speed in hopes of capturing the bird popping up with a flailing fish. Turns out, I really like the water drops frozen in mid-air, which depict the quick force of the bird shoving its beak into the water. It also shows action...and, that's today's theme in the City Daily Photo community. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.  And...check in tomorrow to see what the heron caught for dinner!