Summary

Dennett shares a week's journey through photography in Florida, capturing the subtle arrival of autumn, the surprise sighting of a wood stork, the antics of ducklings, the beauty of golden raintrees, and the revelation of new ducklings, while also promoting the work of Medium artists and encouraging participation in the Photo-a-Day Challenge.

Abstract

In a personal photo essay titled "Wow Week," Dennett documents the transition from summer to autumn in Florida through a series of daily photographs. Each day is represented by a single image accompanied by a brief narrative, showcasing the unexpected presence of a wood stork, the development of ducklings named Rosetta and Rueben, and the discovery of a little turtle. The essay culminates in the astonishing revelation of Reina's 19 ducklings, a blend of teenagers and toddlers. Dennett also highlights the work of Medium artists, featuring products designed by Susan Alison, and invites others to join the Photo-a-Day Challenge as a way to creatively engage with and appreciate their surroundings.

Opinions

Dennett expresses a sense of wonder and surprise at the natural occurrences observed throughout the week, emphasizing the wood stork's unexpected appearance and the delight of discovering new ducklings.
There is a clear affection for the local wildlife, particularly the ducklings, as Dennett takes the time to name them and express concern for their safety from predators like foxes.
The author shows appreciation for the changing seasons, noting the subtle signs of autumn's arrival in Florida, such as morning fog and different flowers.
Dennett promotes a sense of community and support among artists on Medium, encouraging readers to purchase from or commission works by Medium artists like Susan Alison.
The Photo-a-Day Challenge is presented as a simple yet effective method for preserving daily observations and fostering a deeper connection with one'

© Dennett ~ Sunday, October 3, 2021 ~ **Aerial**

Photo-a-Day Challenge

Wow Week

My week in photos

In Florida, autumn arrives on tiptoes, shyly sneaking in the door before summer’s exit. A hint here. A touch there. Morning fog. Drier weather. Different flowers. Pre-dawn cool. More ducks.

© Dennett ~ Monday, October 4, 2021 ~ **New**

Last week, I posted a photo of a Mexican Primrose Willow in full bloom. Here’s one just budding out.

So, Sunday and Monday were rather ordinary. Then, came the rest of the week . . .

© Dennett ~ Tuesday, October 5, 2021 ~ **Unexpected**

Tuesday’s wow was this wood stork. I typically see a wood stork or two during the spring. Finding this one today was a surprise. They are notoriously shy birds, so I didn’t dare attempt to get too close.

© Dennett ~ Wednesday, October 6, 2021 ~ **Regular Customers**

The Wednesday wow was the ducklings! All twelve visited in the morning. I’m shocked that they have remained together but also relieved. Captain Argentina saw a fox the other night. Our resident foxes disappeared early in the summer when Tropical Storm Elsa flooded their den. With at least one fox back in the neighborhood, the ducklings are safer together.

Now that they are regulars diners on our patio, I’m naming the ones that I can identify physically. I named the smallest one Rosetta. She’s in the center of the above photo.

© Dennett ~ Wednesday, October 6, 2021 ~ **My Friend**

The duckling above is the largest and the friendliest. I named him Rueben.

© Dennett ~ Thursday, October 7, 2021 ~ **Auspicious**

Golden raintrees in the fall are always a wow for me. I never tire of their rich yellow blooms. Soon, pink seed pods will take the place of the golden flowers.

© Dennett ~ Friday, October 8, 2021 ~ **Treats for Me!**

The Friday wow is presented by Susan Alison! Hanging from and stretched on the bed are products designed by Susan and sold on Redbubble. A hoodie, a long-sleeved t-shirt, and a short-sleeved t-shirt hang from the headboard. Although it looks like a blanket (and you can get this design in a blanket), on the bed is a shower curtain. On the cedar chest is a bath mat. (The cat was not part of the Redbubble order but he insisted on being part of the photo!). Ready to Christmas shop? Go to Redbubble or other online retailers that feature the designs of Medium artists like Susan Alison. Or, contact the artist directly to see what they have in their home inventory. Perhaps commission a personal piece of art. Let’s support one another!

© Dennett ~ Saturday, October 9, 2021 ~ **Foundling**

Maybe not a wow but I was surprised when Syau found this little turtle on our walk. He was heading away from the pond that I assume is his home and towards the street. We took him back to the water’s edge.

And, below is “THE wow photo of the week”. Actually, it was from September 30th. I took a few quick shots of the ducklings in the water with their mother, Reina. I figured the photos weren’t good. Didn’t look at them until this week, intending to delete them, when I saw something yellow among the ducklings and zoomed in to take a better look. NEW DUCKLINGS!

Reina has 19 ducklings — 12 teenagers and 7 toddlers! I am stunned. But, it explains why Reina hasn’t been coming for food recently. It’s doubtful that she will bring the new babies to shore yet. Maybe, next week. Fingers crossed that the fox doesn’t find them.

© Dennett ~ September 30, 2021 ~ **Blended**

A little more than a year ago, I started the Photo-a-Day Challenge to help combat the virus blues. I take photos every day and choose one (maybe, two) to represent the day. Then, add a one-or-two-word descriptor and maybe, some narrative. A simple way to observe and preserve.

Want to join the fun? It’s all about noticing and appreciating your environment and sharing it with us, as these photographers and story-tellers have:

Erika Burkhalter / Eileen Vorbach Collins / Anne Bonfert / Sasha Meyer / Tracy Aston/ Lisa Bolin / Juan O. Aguilera / David Wade Chambers / June Nguyen / Mia Verita / Susan Alison / LensAfield / Barbara Radisavljevic / Diana Lotti / Barbara Dalton / Kim Zuch / K. Barrett / Sandra Barrett / Shruthi Sundaram / Gustavo Mendez / Olive Wilson

(If you participated in the Photo-A-Day Challenge and your name isn’t listed above, please let me know.)

Please follow the Snapshot rules:

Lead with a photo/title and subtitle follow No more than 10 photos per post No more than 750 words per post Yes, we know that the photos are yours but you still have to state that they’re your work

And, have fun!