Alligator with Halo, Sawgrass Lake Park, St. Petersburg, Florida August 2020
I enjoyed photographing this gator at the park yesterday afternoon. It was a quiet moment, shared just between the two of us. While I thought the gator was eye-catching, I wasn’t cognizant of the reflective outline until I downloaded the images last night. I love the play of sunlight on the water and the halo effect. Right place at the right time!
Treasure Island Sunset, Florida August 2020
I wandered out to the beach in between squalls yesterday evening. Shared a few moments with these dolphins. The beach never disappoints, even on a stormy day. Well worth the rainy walk home!
Peaceful Afternoon, Little Manatee River State Park, Florida July 2020
I noticed the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in downtown St. Petersburg right after moving here. To a woman from Southern Arizona, it certainly seemed out of place in Florida, so I added it to my list of things to explore. Unfortunately, life and the chaos of 2020 prevented my visit until yesterday.
The 26,000sf museum opened in 2018 to showcase the personal collection of Tom and Mary James (members of the Raymond James family). It was Tom’s childhood fascination with the Wild West that gradually grew into a diverse holding of art. The majority of the works are by contemporary artists, including one gallery of work by native peoples. Of course, some of the big names in Western art were also represented: Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Edward S. Curtis, and Maynard Dixon (my personal favorite).
Hanging on the wall near a Maynard Dixon, was this peaceful scene. As I leaned in closer, two things jumped out at me. One, the painter, Edith Anne Hamlin, was married to Maynard Dixon but most importantly, the name of the piece: Morning on the Rillito.
Morning on the Rillito by Edith Anne Hamlin
Now, rillito is a Spanish word meaning little river so though it reminded me of the waterway of the same name in my old hometown I didn’t automatically jump to that conclusion. Until I read the caption, “the Rillito River near Tucson.” The horseback riders reminded me of my childhood in the saddle and the yellow cottonwood trees transported me to those mild and sunny winter days.
As I continued through the galleries, other iconic Arizona images jumped out, like Geronimo and the Grand Canyon. With all these visual reminders, it was a surprisingly nostalgic morning for me.
I spent extra time with His Last Hunt by Allen Eckman. I was fascinated by the details and design of this piece, made of cast paper. The expressiveness and energy of the participants were truly amazing.
While I admired the craftsmanship of Honeymoon at Crow Fair by John Coleman this sculpture in the main lobby was overshadowed by the undulating wall of water behind it. Absolutely mesmerizing!
Towering Cloud at Sunset, Treasure Island, Florida August 2020
Caught this action the other evening. Must’ve been a good-sized school of fish because Laughing Gulls, Black Skimmers, Brown Pelicans, at least two species of terns were dive bombing the water. The fish were herded by a few dolphins on the outer edge though sadly, I don’t think they make an appearance in my video.
Treasure Island Sunset, Florida January 2020
The first sunset of 2020 was so colorful and peaceful, at the time it seemed like a good omen for the months ahead…
Mural, St. Petersburg, Florida July 2020
I live near the Gulf of Mexico in the town of Treasure Island. While I really enjoy my little community, my experience here has been greatly enhanced by my proximity to the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, which spans the southeastern part of the Pinellas Peninsula.
St. Pete was founded in 1888 and, I was surprised to recently learn, is currently the fifth largest city in the state. During my explorations it certainly hasn’t felt like a big metropolis.
Though the Burg is loaded with history, nature, and cultural attractions its main claim to fame is as “The Sunshine City”. I hail from Tucson which averages 360 days of sun a year, so it is no surprise that I should feel at home here in this area (which bests that record by one day). St. Pete is even in the Guinness Book of World Records for most consecutive days of sunshine with 768 days (1967-69).
Final note, it’s been 74 years since a hurricane has directly impacted the city. Here’s hoping that streak continues…
Treasure Island, Florida August 2020
Yesterday evening I walked south on my beach for the first time in months. I lingered outside of Ka’Tiki to listen to the band for a few minutes and noticed this sign across the parking lot.
According to this arrow, my childhood home is just over 2,000 miles away. The vast majority of those miles would be on good ol’ I-10, a road I know well. I’ve already driven the entire length twice in my life and I imagine I’ll do it again someday (but I’m not in any hurry to do so).
