Friday, December 25, 2015

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.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Splash 'n' Go-Go-Go


For over a month, production crews worked
at the IU Natatorium to prepare the pool for telecast of
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.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

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.



Thursday, December 3, 2015

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.


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

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.