Nature

One of the Survivors

Green Anoles

Carolina  anole (Anolis carolinensis) is the only anole native to the United States. Sarasota, Florida

A few days ago I posted an image of a Cuban Anole.  They were brought to Florida from Cuba in plants.  They are aggressive and have driven the Green Anoles away.  The Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis) is the only anole native to the United States. They are also called American chameleon.  I was photographing a unique cactus which is about to flower and this Green Anoles came marching into view.

To see more nature studies visit: EastepPhotography.com

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Nature

Advertising in Nature

Cuban brown anole with dewlap extended

Cuban brown anole with dewlap extended. Sarasota, Florida

The Cuban brown anole advertises his presence by extending the dewlap (erectile cartilage).  This anole was outside my Studio early this morning.  I photographed with a 350mm lens with the lens wide open through two layers of screen and wire mess, that’s why the image is slightly soft.

More nature images at my image archive www.EastepPhotography.com

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Nature, Recent Personal Images

Aloe Vera Final Phase

Aloe vera flower, Sarasota, Florida

Aloe vera flower, Sarasota, Florida

Final phase of the Aloe vera flower open. No further caption needed.

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Nature

Aloe Vera Stage 2

Aloe vera flower bud

Aloe vera flower bud

Nature offers a counter-balance to the hyper speed pace of our modern instant gratification lives.  Last week I posted an image of this Aloe vera flower bud shortly after it had formed.  I had thought, “it will flower in a day or so and I’ll post the image of it open.”

Well, mother nature had a lesson for me.  She’s not on my blog, twitter, facebook, linkedin schedule. It’s been a week and you can see the delicate orange color developing slowly at the base of the petals.  When the time is right I’ll share with you the image of the fully open aloe vera flowers. Wouldn’t these buds make wonderful earrings!

To see more visit: Nature Studies at EastepPhotography.com

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Nature

Celebrating the Ordinary

Aloe vera

Aloe vero bud in the front yard, Sarasota, Florida

One of the things I enjoy is the way the camera helps me focus and see the ordinary in a  fresh way.  I walk past this Aloe vera flower several times everyday.  Today I stopped and looked.  I invite you to stop and look. The ordinary  is so full of wonder.

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Recent Personal Images

Alvin Watching Cute Puppies

Dog watching DogAlvin, our Bichon Frise, looking at pictures of cute puppies on the computer.  And I thought the four year old in the restaurant today hyper-focused on her personal tablet was technology gone too far.  I am beginning to think there is no “too much.”

No, I did not put Alvin at the computer – he put himself there.  Comments welcomed.

 

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Food

Food Is Culture

Pecans, Peanuts, Peaches, Vidalia Onions, Georgia

Good Eats From The Georgia Soil

Often we think of portraits and evocative landscapes when we think of another country’s culture.  I’ve come to learn that music and food are equally informative when I want to learn about the culture of a place.

These are examples of Southern and in particular Georgia culture.  On the left are pecans, the middle peanuts, then Vidalia onions and on top peaches.  When I put this picture together I was struck by the pleasing color palette.

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Food

Homemade Raspberry Crepe

Crepe with raspberry, banana, and creme fraiche

Crepe with raspberry, banana and creme fraiche

Quick, easy, pretty and delicious.  The crepe is made with organic vanilla extract and finely grated lemon peel.  The filling is fresh raspberry and banana. On top is creme fraiche and raspberry.  After gently frying the crepes I put in the filling and broil for a minute or two to make the crepes crunchy. The creme fraiche is placed on top at the time of serving. The combination of flavors is a tasty interplay of tart, sweet and creamy.  If you’re in the neighborhood stop by and I’ll make you some.

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Saudi Arabia

Keeping An Eye On The Goings-On

Bedouin tent wall opening

An opening between the women and men’s section of a Bedouin tent. Saudi Arabia

The space between the men and women’s section of a Bedouin tent is divided by a wall made of cloth.  The cloth material of the tent wall makes it convenient for women to listen in and keep an eye on the goings-on in the majlis,  “the public sitting place.”  When the majlis is free of visitors from outside the women sit with the men.

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Travel

Let the Sunshine in

Lighting inside Egyptian tomb

Ancient Egyptians used mirrors to reflect the sun into a second mirror which directed the sunlight inside the tomb. This solution made it possible for the sculptors and artisans to see while working inside the tomb.

 

Interior of tomb at Deir El-Medina "Thebes"

Artifact on interior tomb wall at Deir El-Medina “Thebes” lit by sunlight reflected on two handheld mirrors

Ancient Egyptians used two hand held mirrors to capture the sunlight and direct it inside and onto interior tomb walls.  This made it possible for sculptors and artisans to work on hieroglyphs and pictographs within the dark interiors.  Deir El-Medina, “Thebes” is the location of tombs for many  artisans who built tombs for the pharaohs.

More images of Egypt

 

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