To love beauty is to see light.

Victor Hugo

Whether it’s soft, early morning light or rays turning everything gold just before sundown, light transforms ordinary objects into studies in contrast, all in a matter of moments.

Consider these photos taken in Apalachicola, Florida, one early spring afternoon. Near downtown, these old buildings — once thriving destinations for conducting business or serving vacationers — are now hauntingly deserted, but still magically aglow at sundown.

Further away from downtown Apalachicola, shrimp boats at Mill Pond stand waiting for another longed-for run into blue waters.

For those who love authenticity, antiquities, and relics of another time, it just doesn’t get any better than these working boats in Apalachicola — a real find for photographers and boat lovers of all ages.

It’s that interplay of light and shadow that bring these boats to life. Or make you do a double take as you notice some items receding into shadows while others pop out, awash in afternoon light.

After staring at the long row of boats, we became enamored with how light played on useful objects — like these coils of rope and cable ready to be tossed out into deep waters. But in their relaxed state, they’re almost art forms.

Sunsets are proof that endings can often be beautiful too.

Beau Taplin

Perhaps it’s too much to say this mariner’s “at the end of his rope,” but what else would be appropriate for a day on the water, away from everyone and everything, doing what you do best? Definitely a good end to a good day.

And, of course, it’s all about the light!

For more examples of how light impacts photos, check out Tina’s blog, Travels and Trifles. If you want to add a post of your own, be sure to add the tag Lens-Artists at the end.

Enjoy the light!

Rusha & Bert

I really don’t know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it’s because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it’s because we all came from the sea.

_{John F. Kennedy}

In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.

Francis Bacon

Life isn’t just about darkness or light, rather it’s about finding light within the darkness.

Landon Parham

For more examples of Natural Light, head to Amy’s post and take a look at the other entries in this week’s challenge.

As for us, we’ll just sail on!

Rusha & Bert

Lined up for your island vacation at St. George

It would be hard to miss these island cottages on St. George Island.  On either side of the lighthouse, they stand tall with their backs to the Gulf while winking at passers-by on Gulf Beach Drive.  They may seem like tiny homes (all the rage now on HGTV), but actually, they’re quite large with most boasting 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and plenty of room for at least 10 occupants.  Ample decking is a bonus if you want to sip coffee and watch the waves roll in.

Palm tree variation and big time yellow!

You might think they’d all be alike. But there are definite variations on this theme of cute, tall, leggy homes vying for a premium space on the sand.  Some vary in color; others in adornments, signage, and palm fronds.

And they’re here for the duration, standing tall in their similarities with a few notable differences. Like little welcomimg ducks in a row, they seem to say, “Come in and stay awhile.  You’ll be glad you did!”

All in a row: St. George Island

To see more entries, go to Weekly Photo Challenge: Variations on a Theme.

For more information on rentals in St. George Island:

Collins Vacation Rentals, www.CollinsVacationRentals.com

Resort Vacation Properties, www.resortvacationproperties.com

Even though the show cannot go on, we are grateful that the miniature circus created by Knoxvillian Howard Tibbals will remain a testament to the creativity, hard work, and showmanship of traveling circuses everywhere.  If you haven’t visited The Ringling in Sarasota, Florida, put it on your bucket list.  There’s a lot of greatness in miniature under the Big Top!

At the end of this post, check out the links to articles in The Knoxville News-Sentinel and The New York Times as well as vintage photos from past visits by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus in Knoxville.

Lining up for the Big Show — in miniature — at Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling, Sarasota, Florida

It’s not often you get to see a lifetime project laid out as meticulously as this, but when you go to the Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling to stare at the tiny circus — figures, tents, animals, wagons, and more — you become enthralled with the lifetime labor of love of Howard Tibbals.  Housed on The Ringling campus in Sarasota, Florida, the million-piece miniature Howard Bros. Circus Model that Tibbals began crafting in his teens is ready to take you back to simpler times, the years from 1919 to 1938 when the biggest thing to hit small town America was the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Extraordinarily, Tibbals (now in his seventies) created almost all the miniatures himself, fashioned after the old-timey circuses he watched as a kid.  Today, it’s on exhibit daily for “children of all ages.”

Using the scale of 3/4 inch to one foot, Howard Tibbals fashioned animal cages, train cars, people and tents for his miniature circus. Looking at the back side, you can see the behind-the-scenes action in miniature.

The former owner of Tibbals Flooring Center in Oneida, Tennessee, Howard Tibbals financed the development and set-up of this remarkable miniature circus, including a $6.5 million donation for the current installation on the grounds of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.  But when he asked if he could use the Ringling name for his miniature version, he was turned down.  No problem, though.  He just named it Howard Bros. Circus.  

An elephant peeks out the door of a yellow train car belonging to Howard Bros. Circus.

And what a circus it is! The stats alone tell a story of determination and stick-to-itiveness:  over 500 circus animals, 1500 performers, 152 wagons, and enough chairs and dishes to seat and serve over 900 people.  (Source: Florida State University website.)

Just sittin’ a spell before the show starts — Howard Bros. Circus at The Ringling

A sign at the exhibit offered an insight into what a production it was just keeping the workers fed:  “Typical day’s order: 30 gallons of milk, 226 dozen eggs, 285 pounds of butter, 2,220 loaves of bread, 2,470 pounds of meat, 200 pounds of tea and coffee, and 50 bushels of potatoes.”

Feeding the workers: Howard Bros. Circus.

Since we’re from Knoxville, we were surprised to see so many familiar buildings from our city used as backdrops in the first part of the exhibit.  But we shouldn’t have been — after all, Howard Bros. Circus debuted at the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville.  The new, more permanent, even larger, glassed-in exhibit at The Ringling measures 1.5 times the size of a football field!

Knoxville warehouse district forms the backdrop for the entrance exhibit to the Howard Bros. Circus at The Ringling.

As you walk the perimeter of the circus (and it’s a long perimeter), you get a feel for every aspect — and Tibbals’ keen eye for what humans do.

1.  Behind-the-scenes work — transporting the animals, setting up tents, hiring workers, and feeding the people who make it all happen.

Workers in action moving crates of produce to feed those who make Howard Bros. Circus come to life.

2.  Here comes the parade! — animals and performers prepping townspeople for what’s to come under The Big Top.

The parade is where you get to know the performers before you see them under The Big Top. And oh, what a show it is!!!

3.  Selling the circus — ticket sales, concessions, programs, and seats.

Popcorn anyone?

Get yer Frozen Delight before the show starts, ladies and gentlemen!

Tall Man? Tiny Man?Bearded Lady? Well, step right up!

4.  Performers — trapeze artists flying through the air with the greatest of ease, lion tamers,  horseback riders, and stars taking center stage in spangly suits.

And, now, ladies and gentlemen, may I direct your attention to the flying trapeze?

5.  Animals — always charming the crowd.

The king of beasts!

6.  Clowns — making us laugh even when in miniature!

In Tibbals’ own words, it’s a “magical world over 50 years in the making.”  And even now at our age, we’re fascinated beyond belief.  Save time to look closely and longingly.  You, too, will feel like a kid again.

Under The Big Top at Howard Bros. Circus at The Ringling

Tiny is big, if you’re looking closely at the wondrous Howard Bros. Circus.

Working hard for Howard Bros.

For more information:

Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling; 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243; www.ringling.org/circus

References:

Cox, Billy. “Howard Tibbals and the huge miniature circus.” Herald Tribune (January 19, 2012). Retrieved from http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20120119/ARTICLE/120119467

“Miniature circus finds home at FSU’s Ringling Museum.” Retrieved from https://fsu.edu/news/2005/07/21/miniature.circus/

Boomer Travel note: The Tibbals Learning Center is easily accessible for all with ramps leading around the circus.  There is ample parking at The Ringling and golf cart transportation is available for those who need assistance getting around the complex.

Inclusions in updated post:  January 22, 2017

Articles of note after the announcement that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus will no longer perform.

Bledsoe, Wayne (January 20, 2017). “Circus memories: East Tennessee Veterans of ‘The greatest Show on Earth’ share their stories. Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved from: http://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2017/01/20/circus-memories-east-tennessee-veterans-greatest-show-earth-share-their-stories/96745696/

Knoxville News Sentinel (January 15, 2017).  “Archive photos:  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus in Knoxville.” Retrieved from: http://www.knoxnews.com/picture-gallery/news/2017/01/15/archive-photos-ringling-bros-and-barnum–bailey-circus-in-knoxville/96611250/

Rosen, Kenneth R. (January 22, 2017). “Retired Big Apple Circus Animals Prepare for their Second Act.” New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/22/nyregion/retired-big-apple-circus-animals-prepare-for-their-second-act.html?hpw&rref=nyregion&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0

“Unconditional Surrender” by the marina in Sarasota, Florida

Down by the marina in Sarasota, Florida, a 26-foot tall sailor connects with a pretty young lady.  The statue, officially named “Unconditional Surrender,” has also been dubbed “The Big Smooch” (at least by roadsideamerica.com), and people either love it or hate it. Originally intended to help people forever connect to the memory of WWII, Jack Curran, a former signalman, put up $500,000 to help preserve the memory of those who served. Although many have called the statue “a big gaudy sideshow” (Source:  Herald Tribune), a Florida contingency brought it back by popular demand in 2006 after it spent time in San Diego, California.  It seems a lot of people connect with the world’s largest random embrace!

For more “connections,” go to Weekly Photo Challenge: Connected.

A beautifully symmetrical patterned walkway leads to Ca’ d’Zan at The Ringling in Sarasota, Florida.

It’s not just the miniature circus at The Ringling that draws tourists to dreamy Sarasota, Florida.  It’s also the lure of how the wealthy once lived.  And who doesn’t like a glimpse of the lavish lifestyles of the past?  If you’re visiting The Ringling, save time for a tour of the dramatic, highly patterned Ca’ d’Zan.

The imposing tower of Ca’ d’Zan, former home of John and Mable Ringling.

Ca’ d’Zan (House of John), the historic home of John and Mable Ringling, stands tall at water’s edge. Inspired by the architecture of Venice’s iconic structures — Ducal Palace, Ca’ d’Oro, and the Grunwald Hotel, the Ringlings commissioned New York architect Dwight James Baum in 1924 to create a masterpiece incorporating European design motifs and the creative ideas of Mable Ringling. But as much time and effort that Mrs. Ringling poured into the home (completed in 1926), the time she actually spent living in it was cut short by her death three years afterward.

Stunning zig-zag patterns on the marble bayfront terrace complement arched windows, stained glass, mosaic panels, and terra cotta ornamentation.

The 36,00-square foot home, Ca’ d’Zan, is a study in patterns inside and out. Overall, the style is known as Venetian Gothic, evident in the typical arched windows and doors, layering of terra cotta tiles, and zig-zag patterns of imported marble in the bayfront terrace. Stained glass, mosaics, and graceful arches add to the ambiance of this showcase home.

Patterns repeat themselves inside, too.  Similar arched doorways, black and white tile floors, and ornamentation on stairwells and balustrades reveal an attention to detail and love of Italianate style.

Furniture pieces, frequently embellished with delicate hand painting, often utilize floral motifs similar to art of the old masters.  Don’t know marquetry from faux painting? Talented docents (some of the best we’ve encountered on historic home tours) willingly share their knowledge of styles and periods of architecture, ceramics, furniture, and art. (And answer questions!)

Hand-painted bed with gold leaf: Ca’ d’Zan

Ca’ d’Zan stands with the best historic homes in America — European and Asian influence but a lavish, well-executed style all its own.  It’s definitely worth seeing when you visit the world of the Ringlings, even if it does make you realize that most of us live in ordinary abodes, compared to the stunning home of John and Mable!

A blend of patterned terra cotta tiles, mosaics, and twisted columns greet guests to Ca’ d’Zan at The Ringling.

For more information:

Ca’ d’Zan, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida, 34243; 941-359-5700; https://www.ringling.org/ca-dzan

Open daily 10-5; Thursdays ’til 8.

Boomer travel tip:  All areas on the tour of Ca’ d’Zan are accessible.  Tour guides are some of the best we’ve encountered — knowledgeable, yet approachable and patient with all who have questions!

Pittock Mansion, home of The Oregonian publisher, Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana (Portland, Oregon)

Exquisite parquet floors in the music room of Pittock Mansion, Portland, Oregon

Ca’ d’Zan at The Ringling, home of circus owner John Ringling and his wife Mable (Sarasota, Florida)

Black and white checkerboard floors, Ca’ d’Zan

Exterior of Ca’ d’Zan in the Venetian Gothic style with highly patterned designs under foot

State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg, Russia)

Patterned squares on ceiling and floors in this room of the State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

For more lowly entries in the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Beneath Your Feet, click here.

Miniature band members atop band wagon at The Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota, FL.

While you may think of the circus — and who wouldn’t? — as the Greatest Show on Earth, there’s a whole world of tiny circus people and animals and tents sure to make you lean in to glass showcases for a closer look.  It all happens at The Ringling’s Circus Museum in Sarasota, Florida.  In one part, you can check out what’s under the Big Top at Howard Bros. Circus Model but don’t miss the Tibbals Learning Center where archives and tiny replicas of circuses around the world will thrill you to peanuts.  Just goes to show — tiny things can bring great joy!

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243; ringling.org/circus-museum

For more tiny shots, head over to Ailsa’s blog Where’s My Backpack?  for Travel theme: Tiny.

Entrance to Space Shuttle Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

If you’ve ever wanted to tap into your inner astronaut, strap on a jet pack and head to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex near Orlando in Central Florida.  There’s nothing second-rate about this hands-on (and sometimes full-body) experience with big-time, big- size exhibits and right-there-with-you 3D movies.  Float with an astronaut, experience weightlessness, or stand in awe as you count down to lift-off. To say the least, it’s a blast!

Start with a Tour!

Good advice from the ticket-taker-upper:  Do the tour first.  Ride in air-conditioned comfort, look out your window at launch pads and construction sites, and listen as a down-to-earth expert tells you what happened where.  No need to be a rocket scientist to understand — it’s all in plain English, and right-on for history buffs (like us) who remember names like John Glenn, Gus Grissom, and Walter Schirra as well as the nail-biting Apollo experiences.

Get the experience!

No matter what you choose, you’ll wish you had more time.  Go early so you can stand close, really close, to Space Shuttle Atlantis.  Or get in line for a Shuttle Launch Experience — you can feel weightlessness and hear sounds of lift-off (and/or the person next to you screaming in real time!)

It’s all part of the Atlantis experience that begins with a jaw-dropping reveal of the full-size shuttle suspended from the rafters and spanning two floors.

Bert takes control at the Atlantis exhibit

Other experiences available at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex:

• IMAX Theatre with images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope
• Lunch with an astronaut and photo session, too
• Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted with multimedia experiences, giant simulators, and talk of our next space frontier: Mars.  Really.

On exhibit at Space Shuttle Atlantis

With all that touring, you’ll want to take time for lunch at Apollo/Saturn V Center where you can stand and gaze upward at the mechanics of space travel by looking at the featured 363-foot moon rocket.

Food court and exhibit space: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Or wander around to check out artifacts like space suits that have evolved over time for better protection and greater ease for travel. Or parts of rockets left open for inspection — and awesome gazing.

Look up!

Whether you’re wandering through the Rocket Garden or passing by the entrance to Space Shuttle Atlantis, you may need to stand clear and stretch your neck back to get a picture. Historic rockets on display will leave you gaping and snapping pictures — even if it’s only a nose cone shot you can fit into your iPhone!

Rocket Garden: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Our only mistake in visiting Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was not arriving early.  We had no idea there was so much to see and do — from 3D movies to bus tours to well-documented exhibits.  So come early.  Stay late.  You’ll want to do it all.

Get ready to explore at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Website — General Information: https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/information.aspx

Hours of operation:  Open year-round, seven days a week beginning at 9:00 AM; closing time varies by season.  https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/information/hours-of-operation.aspx

Boomer Travel*

We found Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to be very accommodating regardless of your age or physical abilities.  (Click here for ADA Services.)

• Excellent balance of outdoor and indoor exhibits
• Air-conditioned buses, exhibit halls, and 3D movie viewing rooms
• Sidewalk accessibility throughout the complex
• Shuttle from parking lot
• Several rest areas, benches, and cafes available for breaks

Note:  With numerous, informative exhibits, allow plenty of time for the day or schedule two days.  Times of heavy visitation will, of course, increase wait time and processing time for crowds. Also, be prepared to walk — the complex is huge — and stand, especially in the 3D theatres where seating is limited.

*Boomer Travel is a feature of Oh, the Places We See that adds additional information to enhance your visit to a travel site.  We’re mindful of your needs, since we’re Boomers, too!

Bert and Rusha Sams

Sunset on the waterfront, Amelia Island, Florida

After walking the broad Fernandina Beach and touring Fort Clinch, we longed for one last coastal sunset before heading back to Tennessee the following morning.  Ah, yes.  This will do: the waterfront at Amelia Island.

As we arrived, a man standing on a ramp was ending what he later told us was a nightly ritual: pitching fish into the water at sundown.

Feeding the fish at 5:30, Amelia Island, waterfront

The birds (mostly pelicans) loved it as they flew, swam, darted, and pushed — eager to get in there and get fish at any cost!

Seagulls, brown birds, pelicans, and more.  Didn’t matter — all wanted a piece of the action.  And here they came, flapping wings, splashing water, honking and screeching.  We scrambled to focus our cameras to take it all in.

Perched on a post at Amelia Island waterfront

And just as we started taking pictures, one singular bird — a rather large, pensive pelican — perched atop a green post.  And sat there.  Watching.  Waiting.  Taking us in, or so we thought.  He’s harmless, right? But with that stern look, we weren’t so sure.

He looked left and right.  He stared forward and back.  But he always seemed to have one eye squarely focused on us.  And then, just like that, he was gone.

Taking flight.

By this time the feeding frenzy had ended, the man was walking back up the ramp, and birds began paddling around, content. We looked past the marina into the sunset once more as we heard the man, now behind us, say softly, It happens every night about 5:30.  Come back tomorrow.  It’s fun every time.  

Looking into the distance at the Amelia Island waterfront

And we wished we could, of course.

Sunset, Amelia Island.

For more information:

Check out this post on Kate Harris’s blog:  “Fifteen Things to Do on Amelia Island in 2015”

And also take a look at the site Welcome to Amelia Island full of suggestions for what to do and what to see on Amelia Island.

Here’s hoping you’ll have more time than we did to see this lovely coastal area!

For more on the Coasting series, click here.