Hang On

As I was driving home from the grocery store this little lizard flew up from the hood of my car and clung to the windshield. He made it all the way home with me. I was able to get this photo after the car was parked. That was probably the fastest it had ever moved. 

A Bed of Daisies

This little lizard just loves my daisies.

Shedding

Seeking Shelter

While dog sitting for a friend I spotted this lizard. Over the course of several days he sought shelter from the rain on the same plumeria plant. 

The Sunbather

Lizards

A few interesting shots of lizards that have stood still long enough to be photographed. 

Green Bean, a bold resident lizard at a former apartment.

Peek-a-boo

A lizard at my new apartment likes to hide in the little holes beneath my window.

He fits perfectly inside. 

A tiny lizard near the center of the picture clings to the branches of a palm tree. 

Green Bean

Most people who live in Florida are accustomed to seeing brown lizards (anoles) everywhere. Few realized that they are actually a Cuban import. The lizards that are the true Florida natives are the Green Anoles. They coexist peacefully the Brown Anoles, who are more visible because they dwell on the ground. The Green Anoles prefer the trees. The green ones are much more rare but I have one that lives right outside my apartment. He likes to hunt for bugs near the electrical boxes.

Born to stand out, his lovely green hue fades to a reddish-brown near his extremities. His eyes are also circled by a ring of pale blue. He is not as skittish as the other brown lizards. This little green bean likes to stand his ground.

Bearded Dragons

A while ago I went to a pet store with my boyfriend just to look around. I would consider myself a cat/dog person. I have a hard time with birds, fish, and rodents. It's not that I don't appreciate them, I just find it to be a lot of work to maintain an animal that requires any type of enclosure. 

So when we went to the pet shop I was surprised that I was so intrigued by the Bearded Dragons. They are medium sized lizards that are found in desert climates. They have a good reputation for being docile and easy to care for. I remember a friend of my had one a few years back. She let me hold him and he snuggled right up in the warm nook between my neck and shoulder. 

These particular Bearded Dragons from the pet store seemed very inquisitive. They were just as interested in me and I was in them; following my every movement as I tried to get the best photos. Their skin was a lovely textured mosaic of swirling, earthy patterns. I found them surprisingly sweet and intelligent. 

The Maitland Art Center

The Maitland Art Center was built in 1937 by J. Andre Smith. Smith was born in Hong Kong, majored in architecture at Cornell University, became one of the most prolific artists of World War I, then settled in Maitland to build his research studio. The building is one of the greatest examples of "Mayan Revival" artwork and during his life the studios were homes to a flourishing art community. Today it is a hidden treasure just outside of Orlando and is home to many of his works.

A crucifix on one of the outside garden walls waits patiently to catch the sun.

This design was lining the roof above the courtyard. The sun was just about to appear behind the center circle. The initials A.R. represent a loved one. 

The elaborate carvings of the chapel entrance leading out into the courtyard.

This carving of St. Frances was on the side of the chapel. The beaming sunlight perfectly accentuated the loving nature that was depicted by the statue. 

I almost didn't notice this little guy because he blended in so well. He stayed still long enough for me to capture this shot.

At the time I visited the Maitland Art Center they were undergoing some renovations. It appeared that someone from the construction crew removed this brick, tied a bow around it, and put it back in its place.

This carving was located high up on one of the walls. It reminded me of a Mayan temple with a priest performing a ceremony at the top, elevated in attempts to reach the gods. 

A lamp post and the view into the garden are framed within the entry way and its shadow. 

Standing in the garden looking back at the main courtyard. 

Another carving on the outside wall. The palm tree growing in the background seemed to complete the plumage of his crown.


To learn more about J. Andre Smith please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Andre_Smith

Curious about the Maitland Art Center? Please visit their website: http://artandhistory.org/

4th of July Festivities

My adventures in Orlando led me to Austin's Coffee for their I-4 Fest.

Local musician Sarah Purser performing with her guitarist.

I took this photograph of a man watching an outdoor performance at Austin's Coffee. He had an old-fashioned jug in his lap labeled XXX. 

Some colorful hipster girls leaning against a marigold wall.

I stepped inside Austin's to bask in the AC when I noticed these two playing a game. I took a few candid shots before the girl happened to look over at me. That smile tells me that she is winning. This ended up being the best shot of the bunch. 

My roommate and I had bought food to eat in the park downtown but it ended up pouring rain. We decided to have a picnic in the car instead. I took this photograph of the trees beyond the dappled windshield.  

We were eventually able to walk downtown to get a spot for the fireworks. On our way through the old-fashioned neighborhoods of Thornton Park I happened to spot a lizard waiting patiently on the inside of an antique lamp. 

People started to gather in the park as the sun sank into a cloudy sky. You could begin to see lights illuminate throughout one of the cities high-rise apartment buildings.

I happened to catch this firework as it fizzled behind two flags in the park.