Wishing You All the Best Lights of the Holidays

Dancing in the corner of my eye, 

the lights on the Christmas tree in the IPALCO

headquarters always delights.

There is an installation of etched and cut

glass that catches the brilliant colors,

breaking breaking the dots into even more bits,

holding them in abstract shapes that makes

me think Pointillism has met Futurism.

Since the day after Thanksgiving

holiday lights have illuminated the Circle.

The downtown area has been crowded with people,

all of then caught up in the twinkling charm

of the lights, suspended like bubbles of

champagne in the night air.

Splash 'n' Go-Go-Go

For over a month, production crews worked

at the IU Natatorium to prepare the pool for telecast of

the 2015 Mutual of Omaha "Duel in the Pool."

People who come to swim at the Nat on a regular

basis were impressed by the "makeover."

Used to the somewhat stark functionality of the pool and

it's fluorescent and LED lighting, it was wonderful

to see it transformed by blue and sparkly lights.

The main competition pool, actually 50 meters

in length, is transformed during the winter

months by bulkheads to create two 25-meter pools. 

What I found intriguing was that crew members

had constructed stadium seating on/over 

the north end pool using portable dock elements

for the base. I wondered how the water displacement 

had been calculated: the section shown in the top picture

from the first railing on back is essentially an island

with seats for, I believe, 560 spectators.

The place was sold out. 

The pictures above and below were taken of 

the first event of the Thursday evening session, 

the Women's 400M Individual Medley.

Each young woman swam 100 meters each 

of four different strokes, opening with butterfly,

then backstroke and breaststroke, ending with freestyle. 

Points were awarded based on each competitor's 

result, with the winning team determined 

by which had the most points.

Swimming meets are loud, boisterous events.

Encouraged and abetted by booming, energetic music,

this one was no exception. People cheered 

on their favorites and were even more heartened

by close competition, such as that in the

Women's 400 Meter Medley Relay.

I always leave meets excited and determined

to improve my own swimming. I'm certain 

that the many children who attended

with their parents and coaches felt the same way.

They watched and hoped, knowing that with hard work

they may one day be able to swim in similar

water, to bring home medals of their own.

I'm affected, too, wanting to take

my own swimming to a better level.

However, no matter how hard I may work,

my own best efforts will always take about twice

the time these athletes achieve.

It must be the purple suits. I want one.

A Seasonal Kaleidescope

On my way to Saturday morning swim practice,

I had time to talka walk around Monument Circle to see

the Christmas decorations. My favorite lights

are on the Christmas "tree" in the Indianapolis Power & Light

lobby. The lights are multiple sizes, creating a visual

treat that does not become boring to look at.

There is a cut glass window installation that comes

alive only during this holiday season, reflecting the colored

lights in its star-like shapes.

First Frost

Well, at least the first morning frost for which

 I was up before sunrise.

The icy edging decorated these leaves

lying in the gutter just outside 

my workplace.

December Theme Day: Shop Windows - Why Stop at One?

When this particular Theme day appeared, 

the first shop I thought of was The Flying Cupcake.

I headed there to buy a couple of their treats

and then realized I was standing in the midst of

an entire block of shops, bars, and

restaurants that deserve attention.

From the inside of TFC, one can look outside

to see other sources for gifts and goodies

right across the street.

One of the most popular is Three Dog Bakery, 

that makes treats for the fur people

with whom we share our homes and lives.

Today's special was tempting,

even to me. Snickerdoodles are my

favorite cookie treat.

Back across the street, there is the Small Mall,

a narrow storefront that offers holiday and seasonal decor

in its entry way, tempting shoppers to explore what

turns out to be three floors of vintage furniture,

contemporary crafts and artwork. 

There are also offerings of mid-century

pieces for the home, as well as numerous items

to entertain the diverse tastes of one's 

families and friends.

(I found hand-knitted caps and mittens

that are both unique and cozy.)

Last but not least, I stopped in at

Mass Avenue Toys. They have stuff for the

smaller folks in our lives, more unique

and less commercial than the usual items purveyed

by the bigger stores. One can find gifts

that aren't too expensive, on up to what

seems to me to be rather pricey.

I like it there because they have toys to

encourage a child's intellect and creativity.

It's where I'll go to find some little 

things for my grandnieces and nephews

this Christmas.

To see how other members of 

the City Daily Photo community

have interpreted the theme, just click on 

the above link, or on the CDP badge 

to the right of this post.