First Friday Downtown

Downtown Lakeland was jumping last night at the monthly First Friday event. This was my first time attending as a newcomer to town, as much as I like Lakeland I must say I was impressed. Several streets where shut down for live music and other activities such as a classic car show. You could even get a portrait done by a local artist. Munn Park was filled with booths for Lakeland Public Works, local businesses and organizations, the parking adjacent to the park was full of Public Works vehicles which kids of all ages enjoyed. It was a very lively atmosphere and lots of fun.

If you haven't been to a First Friday downtown yet, check out upcoming events here at the Lakeland Downtown Partnership's calender. Come on downtown, you'll have a great time. The theme for June 5th is "Schools Out For Summer" sounds like fun to me, I hope to see you there.

The Shadows of Frank Lloyd Wright

Shadows are the theme this month in the City Daily Photo community. I saw lots of interestinf shadows around town the last few weeks. But these from the esplanade of Frank Lloyd Wrights Child of the Sun collection of buildings at Florida Southern College won in the end. The play of light and shadow was one of many things Frank Lloyd Wright excelled at in his designs. Which I think shows up very well here.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

On Location

I had heard that there was a movie being filmed here in Lakeland, and I happened to be in a location where shooting was taking place. It's an independent film called Endure, doesn't really look like my cup of tea, but it's still cool to see a movie in production.

Front Porch

As I was walking around one of the older neighborhoods I saw this rocker sitting on a front porch. It looks so inviting and a reminder of a life lost in the suburbs. Fortunately that life isn't lost in neighborhoods like this. I found it easy to be neighborly and strike up a pleasant conversation with people on their porches here even though I live out in the burbs.

Brooke Pottery

As I get to know Lakeland I will be sharing some of the businesses that I like here. Brooke Pottery is absolutely one of them. I was very much attracted to this store the first time I visited Lakeland.

It is a great collection of many types of American crafts in a wonderful atmosphere. The selection is delightful as is the friendly staff, one of whom I seem to have caught adjusting lighting.

Historic Walking Tour

Sorry for the downtime of the last couple days, I started blogging Lakeland before actually moving here. Now I am here, I love it, and I have Internet access up and running again.

Yesterday I had a very enjoyable morning on an historic walking tour of Downtown Lakeland. This free event put on by Downtown Lakeland Partnership is just one of many events they host downtown. This Friday will be First Friday a monthly celebration with artists, music, and fun for everyone. I'm looking forward to my first one.

On the walking tour we didn't just walk by buildings, we got special access to several. One in particular we got access to a closed second floor. Several people including myself thought it held great potential for loft type living. Hopefully that will be something the building owners will pursue in the near future, I'd sure be interested.

In another building we had access to a private rooftop terrace, I got some great photos there that will be showing up here. That was also a building, overlooking Lake Mirror and downtown, which I need to seriously look at living in!

Earth Day

Earth Day Post

HELP WANTED NOW! The earth needs your help. This isn’t a photo of Lakeland today, although Florida is sticking out under the Help Wanted sign!

This is a reminder that the most important cause on the planet IS the planet. I know there are many important causes so that’s a bold statement. Simply put, if we don’t respect this planet, all other causes, everything else will cease to exist.

Find out how you can help respect, protect, preserve, and enhance our environment while making a living. This is a cause that can pay and we need help NOW! This IS the time for action. Go to Go Free Go Green and call the recorded message at 1-646-222-0163 to learn more.

Go Free Go Green is officially launching today, April 22nd, Earth Day 2009. We invite you to join us and make a living making a difference.

Call tonight to listen to special Go Free Go Green Live Launch Conference Calls at:

Pacific 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:15 pm
Mountain 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:15 pm
Central 4:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 9:15 pm
Eastern 5:00 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:15 pm

The number to call is
1-712-432-7641 pin code 76879#

There will be a lot of great information on these special calls tonight! Take Action NOW, let’s work together to help save our planet and build a better future. We can live AND make our living more responsibly, but we must take action NOW!

All My Best,

David