"Me" time

"Me" time. Everybody needs it.

Ally Ridenour, 18 months, came to that understanding during her sister's softball game at the Lakewood Ranch sports fields recently.

While big sis was hopefully rounding the bases a few yards away, Ally was taking a moment.

Not for anything specific, really. It was just time to sit on the ground with her baby doll.

Cheers and whoops from the field rang out as she sat in the gravel, parents watching close by.

Ally's mom smiled, no doubt hoping for her own 'me' time in the near future.

But for now, it was Ally time.

--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/04/30/4019113/gallery.html#storylink=cpy

The Interloper

   Hot on the trail of this weekend's re-enactment of Hernando DeSoto's historic landing on "La Florida" at the DeSoto National Monument, captured by Tiffany Tompkins-Condie, I decided to pay a visit to the venerable park in northwestern Bradenton.
 
   Dog in tow (this is a popular pooch-friendly park), I took advantage of some of the life-size photographic cut-outs depicting would-be natives and conquistadors that pepper the meandering trails in the park.

   Some of which are accompanied by little historical anecdotes, and some offer no explanation at all. Without a comprehensive understanding of the precise meaning behind the sometimes bizarrely placed characters, I suppose it's up to the visitor to decide what to make of it all.

   Anyway, not one to exclude my trusty pooch, I couldn't resist this particular opportunity, captured by the ever-present cellphone:

 

--- Paul Videla  

  To see some photos of the actual re-enactment, which has been a source of controversy as far back as anyone can remember, here's a link: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/04/21/4008175/reenactment-of-historical-desoto.html#storylink=cpy

Scratching the ol' bird brain

Coming up with captions for a photograph can be at times a challenge. This photo had several options and if you have other ideas please let me know.

A sandhill crane can reach a height of four feet, with most of that length in its legs alone, so why not use them for something other that walking? Like doing a bird’s imitation of the famous Auguste Rodin statue, the Thinker. Or Tebowing? The former Denver quarterback was traded to the Jets and they fly too. A little aviary yoga is good for the bird-brain no doubt. Or maybe the bird is just scratching where it itches. Naa…it’s just thinking that it should've had a V-8.


-Grant Jefferies

Pre-race jitters; post-race victors

Race anxiety.

It plagues the pro’s, the amateurs, the age-groupers. I guess it can get to kids, too.

As a large group of kids were warming up before a series of children’s races prior to the Robinson Preserve Twilight 5K, I spotted these two young racers in the crowd.

They were surveying their competition with as much bravery as they could muster and shoring up their confidence with the strength that can only be provided by the presence of a good buddy holding your hand.

They soon learned what most of us figure out sooner or later.

When your legs start moving and the thrill of the race is on, worries and doubts are left in the dust.

Soon they were bedecked in medals and proudly posing for photographs.

Worries? Nope.

Until next time.

---Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

After the race was a different story...victory!

Heads Up!

With a sharp crack of the bat a ball is propelled into the grandstands and baseball fans find themselves in the game, literally!

The Pittsburgh Pirates were taking on the Tampa Bay Rays during a recent Grapefruit League spring training game at McKechnie Field when this hard ball went wayward.

Many foul balls have graced the fans in the stands. Some alert fans resort to cover, defending themselves with arms wrapped around their heads. Some watch with stoic bravery daring the ball to come their way. And then there are the armchair outfielders, prepared with glove in hand, as they think nothing about diving over three or four unwilling participants to make a spectacular catch.

But regardless who ultimately ends up with the prized ball, there is a resounding cheer from the crowd as the lucky backseat outfielder waves the ball in the air in triumph, all without spilling a drop of beer or a Cracker Jack.

After all spring training is good practice for both player and fan.

-Grant Jefferies

Dancing in the Square

It is not often you see people dancing in downtown Bradenton.

But last Wednesday, in the shadow the Professional Building, Bob and Barbara Hammond kicked up their heels dance to the Dixieland music of the Sea Notes Jazz Band during the Bradenton Courthouse Square Concert series at the Manatee County Historic Courthouse.

The couple revived a moment from the past, opening a brief time capsule of sorts -- the Professional Building dates back to 1926, an era when the sounds of Dixieland and jazz filled the air from old phonograph records and radios.

The old building is still standing and the music is still enjoyed by many some 86 years later.

The concerts are sponsored by Realize Bradenton, and will take place every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 25 at Bradenton’s historic Courthouse Square.

-Grant Jefferies

Fiddling around

Sometimes, while shooting an assignment like this one at the Manatee Players for their production of "Ring of Fire," I'll see something that intrigues me.
A detail, or several details, that may go together in an interesting way.
That's what happened when I saw the fiddle, cowgirl boots and lacy dress worn by Patricia Rogers.
"Hey, do you guys mind if I shoot something before we go on?" I asked of director Preston Boyd.
It just took a moment for Patricia to sit on the step and position her fiddle before we were moving on.
Hmm. I like it.

Tiffany Tompkins-Condie