by Sheila Finkelstein on February 2, 2012
If you’ve been following this blog for a while you undoubtedly are aware that I often find art in bird droppings on the boardwalks where I wander. You also know that one of our consistent themes in Picture to Ponder has been around querying the possibilities that open up from shifting perspectives.
Today’s Photos and Stories –
I had an interesting, “accidental” experience the other day, relevant to both the “art” and changing points of view. A particular “droppings” pattern caught me eye, so I’ve course I stopped to photograph it. Given I’m in two different online classes, right now, both with a “self-portrait” theme, I intentionally included my feet in the shot seen below.
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by Sheila Finkelstein on January 26, 2012
Today’s issue of Picture to Ponder is revision of Issue 108, May 24, 2005, when I was doing four issues a week. You’ll see, as you look below, that the subject of today’s featured photograph is my feet in my late, beloved husband Sam’s lap, as he used my legs for a “table” on which to write. I’m thinking there is some reason, the reminder of this photo came up for me this week, so I’m going with my gut and using it and the story.
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by Sheila Finkelstein on January 19, 2012
Once again, a not-so-attractive face popped out at me for today’s issue of Picture to Ponder. Do you see the large, nose profile and the cone-shaped head covered with a hat?
This one is a little different in that I first saw the face, when looking at the larger photo which you’ll see below. This is a portion that I cropped out of the larger image and rotated from horizontal to vertical. From which of the photos below was this abstracted? [click to continue…]
by Sheila Finkelstein on January 11, 2012
A quick follow-up – After publishing last week’s Picture to Ponder, I discovered the possibility of the relaxation/respite ocean videos as the background image while working in other programs. I added a quick, new post to the blog and included the “Gulls at the Ocean” video within the message. You can view it directly within the Ocean Energy blog post. You can also click on an icon to see the video full screen.
Now, regarding today’s issue of Picture to Ponder, I suspect that you may be a little taken aback by the featured photos, so a quick explanation. The images are more about the lesson that came through for me, than they are about being aesthetically pleasing or “nice” photographs. So, I’ll go right into the pictures and their story, expanding on the “message” in the Self-Reflecting Queries.
Today’s Photos and Story –
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by Sheila Finkelstein on December 29, 2011
Walking in Green Cay past sunset today I had the sudden thought that it would be a great idea to acknowledge the year’s end with the day’s end in the place from whence so many of our Picture to Ponder photos come.
Thus I grabbed my iPhone and set the video recorder to give me the opportunity to more directly thank you and wish you a Happy, Healthy New Year.
Today’s Photos  are from sunrise, also at Green Cay Wetlands. [click to continue…]
by Sheila Finkelstein on December 13, 2011
One of the things that intrigued me the most from my recent trip to San Diego was the contrast in the old and the new, particularly in the architecture. For those of you who know San Diego, we stayed in the heart of the Gaslamp District and had a nice walk daily to the Convention Center.
Thus the mixture  in
Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos –
So you don’t feel a barrage on your senses, scroll down slowly, being with each photograph individually.
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by Sheila Finkelstein on December 8, 2011
Today’s Picture to Ponder post evolves around choices, accepting what is, making things complex or receiving with ease.
Given the abstraction of most of the images, I am including a Nature photo also, for those whom I assume expect to see nature photographs here.
Explanations are below the pictures.
Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos –
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by Sheila Finkelstein on November 23, 2011
Today’s post carries with it the undercurrent of sadness on some losses in my life, plus a huge sense of gratitude for the opportunities and possibilities that were and are. Immediate for today’s photos and writing is what’s happening with my beloved American Orchid Society Gardens, in Delray Beach, FL. Two weeks ago, I learned that it would be closing at the end of the month. Because it has meant so much to me, and thus indirectly to you, I am dedicating today’s issue – Photos and Queries – to gratitude for its contribution to my life. [click to continue…]
by Sheila Finkelstein on November 16, 2011
AVOCADO PIT
Aged, Solid,
Rock Hard,
Rich in color, texture, patterns
And oh so much more.
On its own, it splits in two
Peel the parchment skin
Find the heart lines, textures,
Ying and Yang?
Is there a message here, or do we simply accept it for what it is?
Beauty contained in the ordinary, often overlooked,
Sometimes never seen at all. [click to continue…]
by Sheila Finkelstein on November 10, 2011
This week’s issue of Picture to Ponder is dedicated to the memory of Toshiko Takaezu, world-renowned potter, of Japanese heritage, born in Hawaii where she died in March at the age of 88.
I just learned of her passing when I Googled her name this week. Three small ceramic pots of hers that I’ve owned for many years spontaneously became the subject of my writing in two groups I’m in this week; thus the search for an update, since the last time I visited her studio.
“Renowned for her extraordinary pottery and highly respected as a teacher, Toshiko Takaezu is one of the most significant ceramic artists of the 20th century–and the 21st.” Toshiko Takaezu: Portrait of a Ceramic Artist” – http://digital.films.com/play/R2UF49, where you can see a beautiful video on her philosophy and work. On the right side of the page you will find links to clips abstracted from the 30 minute video. See some of the incredible Nature views, especially in Hawaii, that had an impact on her work.
Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos –
CONTAINER OF LIFE [click to continue…]