Past Perfect

November 7, 2013 Photo of the day:  "Past Perfect"

"In nature, 

nothing is perfect

and everything is perfect."

~ Alice Walker

Having survived frosty mornings

and blustery autumn days,

these battered hydrangea blossoms

are still perfectly lovely in their flawed perfection.

Purple Sky

November 6, 2013 Photo of the day: "Twilight"

On dreary November days,

each glimpse of waning light is a gift, 

but a purple sky is a rare treasure.

The Dells

November 5, 2013 Photo of the day: 

After two days of information overload at the 2013 Midwest Google Summit, I needed a walk to clear my head. As I mentioned before, many state and regional educator conventions are held in the Wisconsin Dells, a tourist destination best known as the Waterpark Capital of the World. I am not a fan of the labyrinth of water slides in huge themy resorts like the Kalahari, the Black Wolf Lodge, and the Wilderness at Glacier Canyon. However, once I get past the kitchy family fun, there is also vast, unspoiled beauty, like this sandstone rock formation. For me the real attraction of the Dells is this breathtaking landscape. The unique ecosystem was formed nearly 15,000 years ago during the last ice age. Unusual trees and ferns line the gorges, 100-foot cliffs, and canyons along the Wisconsin River, a true, non-chlorinated water park.

Midwest Google Summit

November 4, 2013 Photo of the day: "MWGS"

I'm spending the next two days in the Wisconsin Dells at the Midwest Google Apps for Education Summit (link contains notes and resources for all sessions). Today has been a day of challenges and inspiration. Keynote speaker, David Jakes, encouraged us to begin "Moonshot Thinking" and to write our own manifestos, bravely declaring our beliefs and intentions. I hope to compose my own manifesto, but for now, let my Tweets speak for themselves.

Misty Morning Fog

November 3, 2013 Photo of the day:

"Misty Morning Fog"

I woke early on this November Sunday.

My head was clear despite 

my desire to enjoy an extra hour's sleep. 

The morning light and fall colors

 were diffused by a velvety autumn fog, 

whispering to me to come outside. 

I tried to keep its muffled secret, 

but my steps left revealing footprints 

on the frosty lawn.  

The Last Rose

November 2, 2013 Photo of the day: 

"The Last Rose"

'Tis the last rose of summer 

Left blooming alone; 

All her lovely companions 

Are faded and gone.

~ Sir Thomas More

*

She may be withered, 

bowing her head as she surrenders 

to the chilling west wind. 

Yet in her fragility, 

she is somehow even lovelier. 

 I always prefer one perfect bloom 

to a dozen long-stemmed roses; 

for in her singularity, 

each nuance of her delicate beauty 

is fully appreciated.