Random Sights, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

A life lived at the pace of the foot is a more relaxing and natural life - except for the constant presence of a smartphone.



A view from the Lucca wall at the Santaurio di San Gemma - parts of all five blue/green copper domes are visible.



The back view of the Cathedral of San Martino.

A car mirror reflects Shadowman and a bell tower.



A quiet afternoon in Piazza Napoleone.



A bicycle with a wildly bent rim is a sad machine, indeed.

Visual Definition: "Insouciance," Piazza San Michele, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

Just off Piazza San Michele in the heart of Lucca, this scene developed. I can't say I've had an opportunity to use the word much in my lifetime, "insouciance," but, the young man in the center seems to capture it well. "Insouciance" is defined as a casual lack of concern; indifference. His jaunty lean projects such an attitude.

Truth be told though, we all know he is laser-focused aware of the two young women nearby - and he is probably not indifferent. Meantime, all around him normal daily life plays out in the very center of Lucca - Piazza San Michele.

As the afternoon sun dips below the buildings, only a touch of reflected Tuscan gold in an upper window remains to color the world. This is one of my most favorite images so far on this trip.

Random Winter Scenes, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

This lobster art work was positively beaming in the bright winter sun in downtown Plymouth. Just of coating of snow remains after last week's snowfall.

It is part of a major public arts, tourism, and charitable event that will be displayed throughout the waterfront and downtown areas with additional statues throughout Plymouth and surrounding communities. The Lobster Crawl features 29 unique structures measuring 5 feet tall. The fiberglass structures are sponsored by local businesses and organizations; each is custom designed and hand painted by local artists. They have been a beautiful addition to the town.  (Source: Plymouth Chamber of Commerce).

Meanwhile........



......the mysterious ice stars have re-formed on this small pond in Manomet - still no obvious cause nor satisfying explanation.  

Fun With Prisma Smartphone App, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA

There is a smartphone photo app that is very popular right now. It is called Prisma. This is one of the many effects one can apply to an image through the Prisma application.



It is amazing how it can distort reality but, the subject still remains easily recognizable.

A bowl of delicata squash in the foreground, and a row of red and orange tomatoes in the background.

A Zero Gravity Day, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Ever have one of those days when you see people just rise up off the ground spontaneously?



Me too.



I looked closely to see if there were wires holding her up.

Nope, just temporary suspension of the law of gravity - in color and black and white. Go figure.

A Slow Night at the Station, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

This dark and moody image was actually captured in downtown Plymouth though it reminds me of passing through west Texas late at night on a windy, winter evening. It will be frozen in time by the small sign that shows the gasoline price of $3.41 per gallon. (Click on it to view full width).

Shadow Ballet, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

I have been walking late afternoon recently to coincide with the low tide cycle. So shadows are very looooong. Over the years, I have been heard to say, it is sometimes better to be lucky than good. By carrying a pocket camera (or smartphone with built-in camera), random images like this one get captured.

  

And along a country lane, the late afternoon light with that special feel gets captured.

So too, does the big sky slowly passing over Bartlett Pond.

Yep, late afternoon in summer is always a fine time for a walk - with camera in pocket.

Ladder-backed Chair, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

This chair is in my home. Hundreds of times, I have looked at it, sat in it, moved it around - it's so common I don't really "see it" anymore - it's just there.  But today I saw it in a new light and it helped me create a pleasing image. Light, shadows, curves, angles.  It's a reminder to pay attention to the other things and people in my life whom I also take for granted.  

A Barefoot Beach Wedding, Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Riviera Maya, Mexico

I've seen two weddings in the past few days. This one included time for the bride and groom with barefeet, sun-warmed sand, and a Beatle-esque walk perfectly in step - seems a good way to begin a new life together.

Still Life, Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Beer and habañero pepper.  By the way, the habañero pepper is rated 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville units as compared to the jalapeño which is only 3,500-8,000 units. (The Scoville scale is named after Wilbur Scoville, an American pharmacist.  It roughly measures the concentration of capsaicin.)

Sailboat mast reflection.

Beach Art, First Encounter Beach, Eastham, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA

Yesterday, I posted a number of other images from my recent First Encounter Beach visit in Eastham on Cape Cod. I saved this one for its very own solo post. Not to sound immodest but, I think this is a strong image. The free-spirited movement of this young child silhouetted against the beach and glittering water pleases me. If it makes you think fondly of a beach memory, then I have been successful.

Beach Art, White Horse Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

The words scribbled in the sand say, "creative expression."  I think so.