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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Last week, walking at the beach at sunset, I thought of the full moon seen the previous night. It occurred to me that the timing might be such to see moonrise over the ocean. I pulled out my iPhone to check this on the online Sunrise/Sunset calendar and sure enough it was set to happen in about 20 minutes.
Nevertheless when I saw the pink spot on the horizon line I wasn’t certain it was the moon.
However, I did take several pictures which I was not going to post publicly because they were all blurry. [click to continue…]
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In last week’s issue of Picture to Ponder, we addressed “light and shadows.” For this week, I am once again pulled in by shadows, contrasted with bright, somewhat early, morning light.
Today’s two photographs were taken with my iPhone camera and then enhanced using various “effects” in the FX Photo Studio application. The similarity/repetition in colors in the first four hold them together in an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
In addition to which photos to use, I always have the added consideration, if grouping a few especially with different subjects, to have them work well together.
The fifth image is so bright, it does not really seem to belong. And I couldn’t resist sharing it. Clicking on the smaller photos will bring up images that are the same size as the larger ones showing below.
Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos –
Relaxing on the sun porch at my son and daughter-in-law’s home in Georgia recently, my eye was captivated by the shadows on the window shades.
(Click on thumbnail photo if you wish to experience it in a slightly larger size.) [click to continue…]
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As I was searching for photos for today’s issue of Picture to Ponder, I was drawn into the rhythm of the waves and the subtle reflections of the rising sun in Boynton Beach, FL two weeks ago. Some of the magic is lost in the smaller size here, so I’m including a link to a slightly larger version if you wish to click on the photo and be with that photo for a moment or two.
If you wish to spend a few more minutes and experience the rolling waves and listening to the sounds, I invite you to check out my Boynton Sunrise Video leading up to the scene captured below.
Originally, particularly because of the white and the fact that it was on the beach, I assumed the bird in the lower photo was a sea gull. Then, the orange beak had me check it out on Google where I learned that it’s a Tern. You can see a cute 20-second video of his scurrying on the beach at Tern Video. Stay with it for the last two or three seconds and you’ll see his “family.’
Today’s Featured Photos –
As state above, sunrise at Boynton Beach and a Tern on the beach.
Self-Reflecting Queries –
I spent quite a bit of time today in looking to “adjust” the sunrise photo, cropping it to accommodate “the rules” – the rule of thirds in creating a good photographic composition. Following this “rule” the subject would never be in the center of the photo. That is, the sun would not be smack in the middle. And, as I look at it again, though the sun is central, my eye is drawn to the waves which, in fact, are in the lower third and the focus of interest for me.
Then moving on to the photograph of the tern. His beak is in the upper third corner, his tail is almost in the lower. I suppose this would thus “qualify” as a well done photo. On the other hand he is looking away from us, not usually a good idea, according to the “rules.”
I ultimately decided, today to present the photos that “felt” good and they seem to work fine.
In line with my description above, I invite you, once again, to look into your own life. Is there any place that you are so caught up in what you think are the rules that you are not allowing yourself to play “full out”?
If so, and you were to give yourself permission to look beyond what you think are the rules, might there be something new or expansive that could open up for you? If so, I invite you to take it on.
And, as I final thought today, I suggest you might also check out with another person, or persons, what their interpretation of the situation is; the same as yours, or different? What might the openings here be for you?
As always, have fun and open up to new possibilities.
Then please post your experience in the COMMENTS section below.
New in the Gift Shop –
I just received my latest order of new products from my Gift Shop. If you read last week’s issue of Picture to Ponder and the one a few weeks back, you’ll know how excited I’ve been with this particular garlic image. So last week I put it on a Tile and WOW! I am thrilled.
These tiles are great as coasters, hot plates and/or decorative on a small table easel.
Using Photoshop, I also placed the garlic pieces on top of the silky abstract image of a portion of the garlic that I featured in Picture to Ponder last week and had it printed on a year-at-a-glance calendar.
Though I’m not anxious for 2010 to end, I can’t wait until January when this calendar and image will have the central spot on my refrigerator. I also purchased a couple more of the calendars – different images. I will cut off the photo on at least one and frame it!
Lastly, in addition to the above and other garlic image products, I had the silk mandala of two weeks ago printed on a tile also.
You can see this at Mandala 1 Tile and other products with this silk image on Mandala.
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On Saturday afternoon we had one of our typical Florida afternoon heavy thunder and lightning rainstorms. Toward the end, when I looked out and noticed the sudden brilliant sunlight, I had the immediate thought that there might be a beautiful rainbow. Looking out my front door I saw that I was right.
I grabbed my camera, and since it was still drizzling, a plastic bag to cover it, and a large umbrella; then took a couple of pictures from underneath the latter, one of which I’ve posted on FlickR. I then pulled my car out of the garage, jumped in and started singing, “I’m forever chasing rainbows,” as I went on a search for some even “better” shots.
I ultimately ended up at the beach, too late for the rainbow there but did see a beautiful sunset. I was reminded that it had also been quite a while since I had experienced sunrise on the beach. With all these “signs” I did go back on Sunday morning. Today’s featured photographs are from that outing.
TODAY’S PHOTOS –
The top photo is a reflection of clouds and sky in the sunglasses hanging on a man’s shirt. It caught my attention as he and his family were walking toward me.
The center photo was taken five minutes before the actual rise of the sun over the horizon, camouflaged by the clouds. Note the richness of the pinks and yellows emanating upward from the sun that had not yet “risen.”
The bottom photograph was taken sixteen minutes after the “official” sunrise. Here we can almost see the sun behind the clouds. I love the reach of the bronze reflections on the surf at the edge of the beach (lower right).
For those who are left wanting to more fully experience the gentle waves lapping against the shore, I uploaded a short video onto YouTube. This was taken a couple of minutes after sunrise. Having come from New Jersey where waves were usually high, it always amazed me when I visited Florida in the summer, years ago, to see how calm and almost waveless the ocean was. Living down here now I’ve learned that this is somewhat seasonal and, of course, bad weather and heavy winds make a difference.
(For those who might be wondering, the sunrise times were found on my favorite sunrise/sunset – moonrise/moonset calendar at SunriseSunset.com)
SELF-REFLECTING QUERIES –
Today’s photographs and stories reflect, in part, “chasing” “something more,” from rainbows to sunrises. With the rainbow, I was looking for a “perfect” unobstructed view of the full rainbow, which I would have had at the ocean.
Only, I was afraid that it would not be there by the time I reached the beach, so I stopped along the way and photographed pieces of it, obscured by wires and other distracting components. In fact, according to other walkers, had I gone straight to be beach, I would have seen what I wanted.
I did spend some time enjoying the sunset and, as I wrote above, decided to go for the sunrise the next day. The sky was beautiful when I got there, about ten minutes before the full rising of the sun. Once there I realized that I “undoubtedly” “missed” the most beautiful part, that visible when the sky was still almost dark.
I am relating all of this mind “chatter”, not because any of it’s “true”; rather, these thoughts are examples of what most of us do to ourselves during large portions of our time – the “would have”, “could have”, “should haves.”
Once open to the flip side, on Saturday night, for me, was the conversation with a woman walking along the water’s edge who shared her experiences of earlier in the evening and then those of the sunrises she usually saw. It was this that had me set my alarm on Sunday.
Then there was the fun and excitement of the discovery of the reflections in the sunglasses and the conversation with the man and his family and their pleasures in that imagery.
Lastly, the rainbow experience wound up having an impact on my selection of a quote prompt in my writing group, winding up as a Writing for Healing blog post – “Rainbow Soul and Tears – Storms in Life.”
We have choices, always… to be in the moment, fully appreciating what’s there, or looking ahead or behind.
I invite you to spend some time in the next day or so, perhaps beyond. Are there places and situations where routinely you are looking far ahead or in the past, missing what’s in the present? If so, perhaps specific intention is missing. Do you always know what it is you are looking for?
Can you set an intention to experience beauty in the moment, declaring whatever is, as beautiful or purposeful?
As always, remember to have fun with this.
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Last night was a beautiful sunset night, one which I might have even missed had I kept my head straight ahead looking at the plants and birds in Green Cay Wetlands, not lifting my head.
When I did I look up, I got totally absorbed in the WONDER of the sunset. This morning I was sitting and writing in my backyard and happened to glance over at the very high windows above the windows and screens that enclose my patio. See Rooftop and Window Reflections.
Again, there was the feeling of wonder for me, as I looked at and then photographed the wavy reflections in the plastic glass. I then started thinking about the parallels between the two experiences.
Both were ones I would have missed without my “eyes” and “being” open to them. I was reminded of the “wonder” I find in making discoveries such as these and then the joy that I and others experience when they, too, open up to the visual wonders in their worlds during and after my EXPAND YOUR VISION – Through and From the Lens telecourse.
TODAY’S PHOTOS –
The top is a photo, as I stated above, of a sunset in Green Cay Wetlands, with a portion of the boardwalk and the Nature Center building leading you into the sun and reflections. As I completed my walk the sunset became even more fiery.
The lower of the top two featured photographs is a segment of the reflections in one of the windows. Because of the slant, I separated it out from the full photo of the window and put it on a plain background. You can get the feel of what I saw initially in Windows and Rooftop.
SELF-REFLECTING QUERIES –
What is it that excites you when you look around you? Are there images and scenes you enjoy spending time with and in?
Do you remain aware of the places which give you the most sustenance, or do you need to make a list to remind yourself?
I invite you to spend some time this week looking for the new in what may seem routine and not worthy of note in your environment.
As always, have fun with this.
EXCITING PROGRAM for growth and expansion –
Before leaving for Georgia two weeks ago, I registered for the Spiritual Marketing Telesummit, that was held last week, knowing that I would be able to listen to the recordings of the calls. I was able to listen “live” to three of them and since have heard the recordings of several more.
All were high energy and, in fact, fit the theme of “Energy Shifting.” Geared toward people in business, I started finding more clarity in my soul purpose, expanded even further as I listened to those beyond the live ones.
Though the site was scheduled to come down when the calls were over, it will be up until this Friday, June 12th. Later in the year a, perhaps more costly, product package is expected to come out. In the meantime, I strongly recommend your checking out Spiritual Marketing to see if the content in the recordings will answer something for you in your life.
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Leaving Green Cay Wetlands last night I got excited when I finally saw the full moon from the parking lot. I had the moon rise time – almost the same as sunset – and I was hoping to catch it on my walk through Green Cay. It did not happen, so it was an unexpected thrill to look up and see the moon.
I was fascinated with the cloud patterns also and continued to take photographs from my car as I kept looping around the lot. Once downloaded I liked the play of the light from the street lamp and, once home, the play of the light from my neighbor’s house across the street. (last photo)
It’s all about play for me!
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Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
Sunrise from the top deck of the ship on which I was cruising two weeks ago in the Western Caribbean – En route to the Dominican Republic
The top photo shows clearly the sun and its reflections in the sea centered between the clear protective panels. The large angular element is one of the structural components of the boat. I like the strong dimension it adds to the photograph.
The dark corners are, I think, from my lens hood protector, creating an interesting framing effect.
The light pole on the left is actually a reflection from the location behind me, with, I think, some other technological elements that might be reflected from the ceiling. Those who wish to puzzle it out from other photos taken of that portion of the ship from two decks below, can click on TOP DECK 1 and TOP DECK 4
The lower photo is reflecting sunspots, or lens glare. I find it quite fitting for the upcoming Self-Reflecting Queries. I also like the colors and the angles.
The Story
Subscribers have been asking to see cruise photos. I stated that they were mainly sunrises and a couple of sunsets and not very high quality or all that different to me. And, looking to accommodate the requests I went through the photos again. The top one caught my eye and then the second. Following my practice of trusting that to which I am attracted, these two photos have become the featured ones for today’s Picture to Ponder.
As stated in the description, I found it especially interesting that there was so much going on in each of the images. I’m intrigued with the fact that the objects behind me, not visible to my eye as I look through the camera, are such an integral part of the photograph and its composition.
In the second photo the “bombardment” of activity of the “hot spots” reminds me of all that I have going on right now, especially as I continue to catch up on programs and calls I missed while I was away.
Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
1. As I reflect on how important the “unseen” in the first photograph becomes so critical to the composition, I ponder my own life and all the unidentified going on in the background of my mind.
Then I look at the sun in the photo and see how it centers the photo and me, reminding me that there is always a quiet place on which to center and get “grounded” even “at sea.”
I invite you to look an your life, reflect on and identify your quiet and centering spaces. Are they places you need to visit, or can you recall and be in them simply through visualization?
2. I discuss “bombardment” in the lower photo. As I spend time with this scene I feel anchored by the strong dark colors and shapes of the translucent panels that are protecting me, keeping me safely on board. The view between is soft, warm and comforting and everything seems to hold together and move in a forward direction.
I invite you to, once again, reflect on your life. Can you see your direction? What are the strengths in your life? Your supports?
As always have fun with this, and why not share in the COMMENTS section following this post on the blog.
More Cruise Photos – Sculpture in Key West
In the last issue when I mentioned J Seward Johnson’s ICONS OF HISTORY sculpture exhibit in the Custom House in Key, I promised you more photos. You can see them now in the SCULPTURE SET on my FlickR pages.
Upcoming Programs
Speaking of reflecting on inner selves and outer selves, my dear friend Adela Rubio is launching the Self Care Mastery Revolution teleseminar series featuring 15 experts over a 15 week period. You can claim your spot now in this f*r*e*e* program – See SELF-CARE
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Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
Sunset and Sunrise in Wakodahtachee Wetlands
The top photo was taken at sunset. As I looked at the screen, after I snapped the first picture, it looked to me like the sun was setting behind a ski slope. In Sunset Rays you can see the rays of the sun coming through behind thick layers of clouds.
The bottom two photos are of a sunrise at Wakodahatchee Wetlands. In the first of the two, I especially appreciate the full opening up, fanning out, of the light of the sun.
I include the lower of the two sunrises to gift the feeling of serenity and warmth, particularly to those of you around the country and the world experiencing the harshness of winter’s cold and raging snowfalls.
The Story
There is definitely not a long “story” today.
Simply, as I continued to look for the “right” photos, I reminded myself to be easy on me and go with what I had mentally bookmarked, a couple of weeks ago, to feature in Picture to Ponder, the sunset that reminded me of photos of ski slopes.
Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
In invite you to look into your life. Are there recurring areas where you continue to spend a lot of time and belabor doing “THE RIGHT thing”, making “THE RIGHT choice”?
For me it is, of course, far more than selecting photos for Picture to Ponder. This week a lot of energy went on “THE RIGHT gift” and “THE RIGHT amounts of money” on a gift cards. A friend of mine reminded me that more important is the consideration for the person, rather than the gift itself, that is important. At other times, it’s “the RIGHT thing” to wear, “the RIGHT thing” to eat and much more. I’m sure that you can add to the list from your own life.
If any of this fits for you, I invite you to take one thing on which you are currently dwelling and simply choose, letting the chatter go. If there is nothing that occurs right now, as you read, I invite you to take note of any thing that might pop up during the next few days. Choose to simplify and release the angst of choosing at least one “RIGHT” thing.
Remember to have fun with this.
To All, who are celeberating a holiday in the next few days, may it be a joyful, happy one, filled with peace and love. May each and everyone have days filled with the latter.
Whether or not you are celebrating a holiday, please remember to celebrate yourself. Love to all.
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Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
a scarecrow on the balcony of a home in an elite residential neighborhood in Sedona, AZ, plus cloud reflections in an upper story window in the same home
The Story
No big story today. I was once again searching through my Arizona photos for possibly one last photo from the trip to share with you.
The above scarecrow brought a smile to my face, and still does every time I look at the photo, so I thought I’d bring him to you, simply in FUN! Also, although I’ve never decorated for holidays, there are many of you in the States whom I’m sure have decorated for Halloween. I, thus, thought the somewhat seasonal image would be enjoyable.
And, putting all that aside, I love the aesthetics of the photo, the play of the natural materials, the wood of the railings, the lines, shapes and textures. Although I know in reality it couldn’t be so, when looking at the photo the walls “feel” like suede to me, another intriguing aspect of the photo for me.
I’ve included the second photo for those who might think something is missing from Picture to Ponder, if there is not a Nature photo in the issue. I figure the “clouds” qualify. Again, I like the lines and contrast though much simpler than those in the balcony photo.
Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
It seems, as I complete writing the last section, that today’s queries move in the direction of fun and also on our taking actions consistent with what we think others expect of us.
Pretty funny, the latter statement; I say I think you expect Nature pictures. I really have no idea what you look for here, other than photographs you think are “good” and to which you relate in some way. Obviously I am laying my judgments on you. I love nature so I think Picture to Ponder “should be” about that.
Today, I invite you to look into your life to see:
1. Are there places in your life right now where you are moving “full steam ahead” to satisfy what you think or “know” someone wants AND you’ve never checked with them?
If you see something here, I invite you to pause, reflect on what it is you are doing, who it is you are attempting to satisfy, and then have a conversation with the other person or persons. Be open to what they might be wanting and check out any interpretations you are adding.
2. Do you pay attention to your smiles? Know what it is that’s FUN for you? If the answers are “yes”, I invite you to have more of them. If “no’, I invite to pause for a moment when you feel a smile coming on, observe it and then take a simple action.
As always, have fun with these queries and this week look for something in your environment that brings a smile to your face!
Reminder – Through and From the Lens is being offered in-person for the first time in South Florida on Saturday, October 25th. “Connections” are one of the bonuses of the course. See Saturday Playshop It will be resumed as a teleclass series starting in November.
To be on the list for more details for these classes, fill in your name and time preference on the form on the blog.
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