Flowers

Letting Go of Attachments – Gerber Daisies – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 37

by Sheila Finkelstein on September 22, 2010

Today I am pretty much going to leave up to you the words for the Gerber Daisy photographs below. Each image has an expression of its own. I simply suggest that you be with each for a moment or two and experience the feelings. Then move to the Self-Reflecting Queries.

I also invite you to check out the information I have below on my mentor Julie Jordan Scott’s open, no fee writing program. Included is also a link to the “breathing of my heart” writing I did today.

Today’s Featured Photos -

gerberdaisy wilting1 Letting Go of Attachments Gerber Daisies Picture to Ponder v6 issue 37

gerberdaisy wilting2 Letting Go of Attachments Gerber Daisies Picture to Ponder v6 issue 37

gerberdaisies small3 Letting Go of Attachments Gerber Daisies Picture to Ponder v6 issue 37

Today’s Photos Story -
It’s been a while since I’ve been inspired to buy flowers to have in my home for enjoyment and/or photographing . Then with my holidays a couple of weeks ago, I made the shift and actually bought three bunches and combined them.

These small Gerber Daisies became the main subject/variety that I followed. I was surprised, then disappointed, that they did not last as long as the larger sized ones had in the past.

When it came to sharing them with you, I had quite an internal struggle over which to feature, if at all. Were they even “good enough”, “interesting enough,” and more, to publish – all those small, yet so large, “voices” with which we often barrage ourselves.

Finally, I selected the three above, planning to choose only one from the top two; then left my computer for several hours.

When I came back I was moved by all of them, each in a different way. Thus I am presenting all three for you also to appreciate in whatever way you will.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Did you respond to my invitation at the top to simply be with and feel each of the images individually? If so, what did you experience with each?

Where else in your life might you have had, or be having, similar experiences?

Also, in my story above, I indicated that when I finally let go of the attachment to being “right” or “perfect” (in my choice of photos to present) it all fell into place. Feelings of “freedom”, peace and satisfaction emerged.

Are there places in your life where you may be feeling a strong attachment to an outcome, where you’re sure you want something to be a certain way? If so, I invite you to attempt to let that go, be in the unknown, allowing whatever happens to be okay.

Walk away, literally or figuratively, if you can, and when you come back be open to the possibility of something refreshingly new.

As always, you are welcome to share your responses in the COMMENTS section below.

For those who enjoy writing -
This morning I was moved to join a call facilitated by Julie Jordan Scott, whom I’ve often mentioned here. The call was one in her current 49-day daily writing program, AND NOW, YOU WRITE.

I’ve been a participant in countless calls and programs that Julie has offered over the past eight or more years that I have known her. She is a truly authentic, loving, sharing, caring, generous human being. I consider her one of my mentors and know that always something will open up for me out of being in her presence.

If you are interested in writing and/or being comfortable in expressing yourself, I strongly recommend you check out Julie’s AND NOW, YOU WRITE Virtual Writing Camp.

The prompt for today was “I fill the paper with the breathing of my heart” and in the subsequent five minutes of free-flow writing time. You can read what I wrote on my WRITING FOR HEALING blog.

PHOTO in RESPONSE to COMMENTS below.  See Julie Jordan Scott’s comment.

gerberdaisy orange Letting Go of Attachments Gerber Daisies Picture to Ponder v6 issue 37

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Perceptions in Contrasts and Similarities – Wood Knot Face and Hibiscus – Picture to Ponder – v6-issue 30

by Sheila Finkelstein on July 28, 2010

Before discussing today’s Picture to Ponder photos and queries, I want to give a quick “quick heads up” for the business builders among you – Last week I told you about my coach Mollys Gordon’s program for finding your “Just Right Clients” and included a link to her complimentary MP3 download, chock full of information and useful tools. Scroll down below the SRQs for a link to the download page. There is a special offer which expires 7/31

Also, for the aspiring writers considering the possibilities of having a book published, my friend Lynn Serafinn did a webinar interview last week which is available for complimentary download. She is doing another webcast tomorrow, 7/29, where you can have your questions answered. More information is down below the Goldilock’s information.

Also, for the aspiring writers considering the possibilities of having a book published, my friend Lynn Serafinn had a webinar interview last week – available for complimentary download, and is doing another webinar tomorrow, 7/29, where you can have your questions answered. More information is below the Goldilock’s information.

Now on to Today’s Photos -

woodknot slantedface noeyes Perceptions in Contrasts and Similarities Wood Knot Face and Hibiscus Picture to Ponder v6 issue 30Masked wood knot face on side panel of boardwalk railing
at Green Cay Wetlands

hibiscus night1 Perceptions in Contrasts and Similarities Wood Knot Face and Hibiscus Picture to Ponder v6 issue 30Hibiscus at night, lit by a full moon and poolside lights

Today’s Photos Story -
I haven’t taken many pictures the past few weeks, so I was trusting that the “perfect” featured photos for today would “show up” in a search through my photo folders.

I could hypothesize why these two became the photos of choice, share the “stories” they may be telling and, for today, I think I’ll leave the “stories” for you to create, if you so wish.

In addition to each of the photos individually, and what they might be expressing, you might wonder why I’ve chosen to feature two such very different images in the same issue. I’ll let you create a “story” of commonality around that also.

Suffice it to say, on my end, I see the two working together aesthetically in terms of artistic composition. I see/feel definite similarities in textures, despite one being a delicate, soft-petaled flower and the other hard, rough wood. There is also repetition of some of the linear patterns in both pictures and even colors that are similar.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
I have, obviously, combined two very different subjects as a unit for this issue of Picture to Ponder. In reflecting on that:

I wonder, are there people in your life who are so different you would never think to be interacting with them at the same time, or in the same room? If one or more persons flash into your mind, I invite you to look further to see where there might be some common ground, or complementary characteristics.

Do you see anything? If so, are there empowering opportunities for everyone that might develop from that, if you put them/you all together?

And are there other elements in your life – any projects – to which you could apply the same, or similar, criteria?

As always have fun playing with these photos queries. Then please share your experiences with us in the COMMENTS section below . I’d also love to read any of the “stories” you made up about the images.

For Business Owners interested in Getting More Clients -

Molly Gordon, my personal coach, did an outstanding teleclass call recently to introduce her new Goldilocks Strategy for Getting Clients that Fit Just-Right. She is offering a 33% discount on the already very reasonable program. This special expires on July 31st.

On the fr*ee call which she entitled “5 Proven Steps to Getting More Clients Even if You’re Allergic to Biz” she went into depth on 5 strategies for doing just that. Chock full of suggestions and details on implementing these steps, you can get an Instant-No-Obligation Download of the MP3 recording of the call at Goldilocks Preview. I highly recommend listening to this call if you are looking to expand your business.

For Writers and Those Who Dream of Writing a Book -

My friend Lynn Serafinn from Spirit Authors would like to know: “What is YOUR burning question about taking your writing or book project forward?”

She will be answering YOUR questions on WEBCAST 2 on Thursday, July 29th, at 3 PM EDT which you can ask when you sign up for the FR*EE webcasts for writers and authors, aimed at answering your questions about writing, publishing, book promotion and beyond.

WEBCAST 1 was last week. Lynn’s very special guest on the first was the “Get a Book Deal Coach”, Stephanie Gunning. Steph talked about how to “Transform Your Spiritual Wisdom into Marketable Books.”

There is still time to participate “Live” on tomorrow’s webcast and/or get the replay as well as a fr*ee download of WEBCAST 1.

To read more about these fr*ee webcasts, and to register your place, see BOOK WRITING.

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Obstacles as Gifts as seen in Phalaenopsis Orchids – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 28

by Sheila Finkelstein on July 14, 2010

I’ve been busy organizing and planning today’s call for moms in deepening connections and communication with their young children. I was once again moved to tears and smiles when Tracy, one of the interviewees, responded to an email mentioning the “STRONG heart connection” with her and her daughter.

Also, though the call is not about using the camera, I asked Tracy if she and her daughter are still using the camera. She replied:

“I would definitely bring up the camera thing because we do it all the time. We also look at your Pictures to Ponder and we each share what we see and feel from the pictures…..she also takes pictures when we are out and she will say every other day….”I need the camera…I need to get a picture……”

Tracy’s comments led me to wondering, “Are there people in your life whom you engage in interaction with your experiences to the photos and/or queries here in Picture to Ponder?”

If you are interested in being on the call, today, Wednesday, July 14th at 2:30 PM PDT/5:30 PD EDT we will be “meeting” by phone (Skype is possible also). If you can’t make the call, it will be recorded and you can get the MP3 download later. See Child Connections to request information.

Lastly, my good friend, Julie Gabrielli, Mom and Architect, www.goforchange.com, will also be joining Tracy and me. You may recall I wrote about Julie and her son, featuring his tulip photos a couple of months ago.

Today’s Photos -
Phalaenopsis orchids at the American Orchid Society Gardens. The middle and lower photograph are obviously the same. The lower one had a minor adjustment. See (Today’s Photo Story below.)

phalaenopsis lineup Obstacles as Gifts as seen in Phalaenopsis Orchids Picture to Ponder v6 issue 28

phalaenopsis whitecloseup1 dark Obstacles as Gifts as seen in Phalaenopsis Orchids Picture to Ponder v6 issue 28
phalaenopsis whitecloseup1 Obstacles as Gifts as seen in Phalaenopsis Orchids Picture to Ponder v6 issue 28

Today’s Photos Story -
When I opened these downloaded photos the first photo I saw was the middle/bottom one. Though the flowers were beautiful, I felt confronted and briefly thought of this as a theme for an upcoming Picture to Ponder. Then I let it go.

A couple of days later the top photo “spoke” to me, the flowers presenting almost a wall, keeping me out. Then I noticed the single flower in the lower right protected by its own wall, the root.

Is it protection or is it a barrier? There is also the one flower on the far left that we could put the interpretation of “look-out guard” or might it be protector in the whole scene?

As I mentioned above the middle and bottom photos are the same, with a simple “fix” or Photoshop Elements enhancement on the bottom that lightened the background, softened and lighted the white of the flowers and now has a slightly more “welcoming” feeling. Just that one very minor click, made, for me, a huge shift in the response the photo evokes.

Now, scrolling back up to the first photo, the small flower on the lower right brings a smile to my face. I could continue to make up all kinds of “stories” about her – the hugs she might want or the “gift” she might be.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
As you might have guessed, today’s “stories” to the photos are partially a reflection of “stuff” I was going through. They even look different today, less “threatening.”

Once again, I realize, I’m demonstrating life and the “stories” we often make up about things. Sometimes they help. More often than not they exacerbate, for us, a situation we “think” we might be in, or a “challenge” we may be facing. It could be “real” or our “interpretation.”

Looking into your life right now are there situations for which you are making up “stories”, possibly even living into those stories, sharing them with others, making them more “real” for you. If so, I invite you to step back and bring new eyes to the situation. As in the third photo above, is there a simple adjustment you can make to the “story” to shed a different light on it?

And, sometimes, no matter what we “do” certain things may not change, at least not so long as we have an attachment to their being “different.” The peace is in the “letting go.” Is there anything going on for you right now that you are willing to release?

Yesterday, in the Mastermind Group with Molly Gordon in which I’m a participant, we spoke of “problems/challenges” often getting stored as baggage. One participant said she’ll often take a problem she may have and metaphorically puts it in a small box, wraps the latter, ties it up with a pretty ribbon and places it in a drawer. When the problem comes up again in the future (don’t they always?), she’ll take the box out of the drawer to open up and find the GIFT within!

I had a further conversation with my friend Marifran Korb who is BRILLIANT in finding the “gift” in anything. She has a new BlogTalkRadio show where she’s had, and will have shows, including the “Gift of Having ADHD”, the “Gift of Depression” and her own book in the works, “Breaking through Concrete: The Gift of Having Mentally-Ill Parents. All sound “heavy” and how much easier our lives are when we find the openings.

I invite you to again look in your life. What are the gifts in it? Make note of them for reminders. Be sure to include on it the gift of yourself and what you bring to yourself and the others.

I’m going save the singular flower in the top photo! She’s full of wonder and the desire for discovery.

As always have fun with these queries and looking/seeing. Also, please post your responses in the COMMENTS section below.

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Contrasts in Photos, Writing and Life – Pansy and Magnolia – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 23

by Sheila Finkelstein on June 9, 2010

This past week Hank Kellner, Photographer/Writer/Former English Professor and teacher and a relatively new Picture to Ponder subscriber contacted me, acknowledging my photographs and asking if he could use one of my photos in a post on his blog. Needless to say I felt quite flattered, particularly after reading some of his background, especially when I saw all that he has done in English Education, including having a published book – WRITE WHAT YOU SEE: 99 Photos to Inspire Writing.

And, speaking of books and writing, my PICTURES TO PONDER, INSPIRED JOURNALING: Flowers Book 1, Photos and Queries from early issues is available from the publisher with FR*E*E shipping this month. More info below and on the site.

This week, on his English Education blog, Hank did, in fact, feature a tulip photo from Picture to Ponder with one of his own, the magnolia shown below, in his Poetry from Photos post. Along with a poem inspired by the photos, he wrote about emphasizing contrast in teaching writing. I decided to continue here and extend the “Contrast” conversation from last week’s Picture to Ponder.

Today’s Photos -

pansy purpewhite Contrasts in Photos, Writing and Life Pansy and Magnolia Picture to Ponder v6 issue 23

A purple and white pansy that called out to be featured as I was going through photographs for today’s photo. I had already featured the purple
tulip Hank used. I’m thinking the purple in the above is what wanted attention, because of the tulip’s color.

Hank magnolia5 475 Contrasts in Photos, Writing and Life Pansy and Magnolia Picture to Ponder v6 issue 23

White magnolia photograph by Hank Kellner. When I clicked on the photo on Hank’s Blog, it felt huge and I wanted to jump into and explore, while at the same time being protected.

Today’s Photo Story -
I’ve pretty much covered the overall story in the introduction above. In relation to contrast, when I looked at the two photos enlarged on Hank’s blog I was struck by several contrasts. In addition to color, there was a difference in the size of enlargements between the two pictures. I commented there at the end of the post and put in a link to a larger tulip, so similar sizes would eliminate that variable.

Then I was very much aware of the difference between the openness of the magnolia, inviting me in, and the closed feeling of my tulip photo, though texturally – in the silkiness – there are some similarities.

Not wanting, as I wrote above, to repeat a recently featured photo in this issue, I went searching for another one, this time more “open”. The pansy is open, but certainly not embracing. And, it presents a whole series of different contrasts when studying it, including the very strong one between the flower and the ground behind it.

No more words on either. I invite you to BE with each, fully for a moment or two, less or more, and simply experience the images.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Last week, I invited you to look at contrasts in your life, particularly visual ones, and to look for things you ordinarily do not see. That, as you know, is an always suggestion with me.

In addition, today I invite you to reflect on and explore “open” and “closed” contrasts in your life. How do things look, how do they feel when they are open? when they are closed?

Check with another person, or two. Is it the same for them? For instance, I could say that the pansy is presenting somewhat of a “wall”, blocking me/us from moving very far in it or beyond. On the other hand, I could interpret it as being welcoming, inviting me into the small opening in the center of its being.

And, it’s all made up. What stories are you making up in your life today? Are they serving you? providing fun? openings for interactions with others?

Thanks for “playing.” As always have fun with these queries and looking/seeing. Also, please post your responses in the COMMENTS section below.

“I bought your eBook earlier today and not only is it well written, the pictures you chose are lovely. The reason I waited so long to purchase was because I’m trying to curb my addiction to books and the clutter they are causing.

The BOOK! – Pictures to Ponder: Inspired Journaling – Print Edition or downloadable eBook – your choice
This morning I read the 10-page preview [link under photo on each of the description pages], and since you were offering it in a eBook format, I just had to indulge one more time. I know this will be a very successful for you. Congratulations!” Eva Macie, Artist

book1photos 22x Contrasts in Photos, Writing and Life Pansy and Magnolia Picture to Ponder v6 issue 23
Click Above to  See Larger Image

GIFT Yourself with the Photos and Queries – Click on eBook to purchase immediate downloadable access

FR*E*E June Shipping for Spiral Bound Book. Choose a flower for the day and prop on your desk for daily inspiration and/or write in the book.

Purchase the eBook and you get a link to download the PDF file which you can print out or simply leave on your computer to pull up whenever you want a lift or inspiration.

At any time you can open up one of the beautiful flowers in PICTURES TO PONDER: Inspired Journaling and fill your screen with it, giving you the ability to “step into” the image.The high resolution, set for printing, has the photographs capable of maintaining their quality at magnification as much as 300%. And, of course, the queries that went with the flowers are here also.

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Mystery Photo Explained – Picture to Ponder – v6-issue 21

by Sheila Finkelstein on May 26, 2010

trumpetflower1 nilsson Mystery Photo Explained Picture to Ponder v6 issue 21

Today’s Photo – I invite you to simply “be” with it, not even attempting to “figure it out.”

It has such a rich and different feel to it that I presented it without explanation in the weekly, emailed Picture to Ponder. The discussion and more photos follow here on the blog.

Background -
A friend of mine had such fun guessing at what the image is, I thought I would revert to my original intention when I first started publishing. In the introduction to Issue 1, Dec. 9, 2004, I stated:

“Several years ago someone I admire saw several groupings of photos that I had recently taken. She was quite moved and stated, ‘Sheila, the world needs to see your relationship to art and nature.’

After several minutes of further viewing, she said, ‘I don’t know where this is coming from, but something is telling me to tell you, ‘Don’t talk!’

And I, who always had a lot to say, understood. For me, to ‘talk’ puts something between you and the picture, possibly altering your response, certainly depriving you of the opportunity of discovering your own pure, initial response.”

Today’s Photo Story -
This past weekend I was on my way out of a home where I interviewed a couple for a new neighbor article.  As I was leaving, I noted the following “expired” Trumpet Flowers, clinging to the sides of a glass bowl/vase.

trumpetflowers3 nilsson Mystery Photo Explained Picture to Ponder v6 issue 21
I started past it, telling Mayte, the woman I interviewed, about  my “mantra”, “If you see something that catches your eye, photograph it and then decide if it means anything.” All the while, I had no intention of photographing it.  I was simply suggesting that she do it.  Then I realized it had “caught MY eye”, so I took my own advice. The ever-ready camera came out and I started photographing, first the vase, then focusing in on individual flowers.  The top photo is a close-up of one of the flowers. Below is a second.

trumpetflower2 nilsson Mystery Photo Explained Picture to Ponder v6 issue 21
(Note – Check Monday’s post below, for a demonstration of another of my “tips”, “When in a funk take you camera out and photograph whatever catches your eye.” The change in “literal” focus, spills over resulting in focus shifts in what is transpiring in your world.)

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Today, I invite you to explore your response to one photo only in Picture to Ponder today with no description.

Were you able to simply be with it? Did you have a response to the colors? The textures? If so, was it in your mind or was it more visceral?

Did you need to know what the image is? Was there impatience, frustration, anger, or annoyance at not having an immediate answer? Curiosity?

Will you/did you go to the Web to check it out? How was this for you?

Finally, pondering the responses and emotions you might have experienced, I invite you to look into your life to find the areas, or times, when you might have similar reactions. How do you handle them? Might reflecting on this in the future, support you in different resolutions?

Far more questions than usual and please do find a way to have fun with them. Also, please post your responses in the COMMENTS section below.

For Those Unfamiliar with Trumpet Flowers – The following combo shows a Trumpet Flower bud and a close-up of the inside of another, taken at Tropic Plants.

trumpetflower combo2 Mystery Photo Explained Picture to Ponder v6 issue 21

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Echinacea Photo Drawings – Trusting Instinct or Abandonment – Picture to Ponder – V6 – issue 18

by Sheila Finkelstein on May 5, 2010

Today’s post relates to trust – trusting ourselves and our instincts.

The featured image, a photo/drawing has been “beckoning” me from my patio wall for several weeks, requesting being shared with you in Picture to Ponder. (More in the “Today’s Photos Story” below.)

Today’s Photos -

ech4 photodrawing 500V Echinacea Photo Drawings – Trusting Instinct or Abandonment – Picture to Ponder – V6 – issue 18

ech1 photodrawing 500V Echinacea Photo Drawings – Trusting Instinct or Abandonment – Picture to Ponder – V6 – issue 18

Photo/Drawings of Echinacea Flowers from a field of flowers in the gardens of Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY

I present them for you to simply enjoy with no further aesthetic description or response on my part.

Today’s Photos’ Story -
As I stated above, the top picture is on my patio. It’s at the far end, directly in my line of vision from my kitchen, and gives me a lift every time I look at it. For several weeks I have been thinking about featuring it here in Picture to Ponder. Then, not finding it in my computer immediately, I let it pass.

This Echinacea photo/drawing was done almost 10 years ago, as was the one below it. The latter is actually the first of the series that I did and has always been one of my favorites. When it “showed up” as the cover insert in a binder I found last week, I decided to finally respond to my initial instinct to share the photo/drawing(s) with you.

“Photo/drawings”, my term, are something that I discovered/created while “playing” when I first got a color printer
and a scanner. They are scanned photos, printed out, and then drawn on directly with permanent ink pens. This art form predated my being on the web and were actually the impetus for setting up my first web site – Nature’s Playground.com – nine years ago. Given their evolution, the photo/drawings fall into the category of what I call, and have written about, my Accidental Art.

I got quite absorbed in the whole process, creating note cards, 8″ X 10″ prints and then uploaded them for printing on products on Cafe Press. It always pleased me when people told me they would often visit Nature’s Playground or my Nature Art sites simply for a 10-minute, reenergizing reprieve during the day.

And, then I moved to Florida, got totally immersed with my digital camera and other responsibilities and I “abandoned” (interesting to “hear” myself use that word as I write) the photo/drawing process.

So, on to today’s Self-Reflecting Queries. How does, or may, all of this relate to you?

Note – The other day I got an email from Facebook from someone who purchased two large prints several years ago. He stated that every time he passes them he “smiles with joy.”

Should the process appeal to you and you have need for large prints, or know anyone else who does, I do have an overstock inventory of several of the photo/drawing images, in prints approximately 18″ X 24″, on Nature’s Playground Large Prints page.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
I surprised myself, above, when I wrote of “abandonment”. So much of life is being in action, then moving on; going from one place to another. I have done a lot of this in my lifetime and although I’ve started lots of things, many of which I’ve dropped and not completed, I don’t recall having “abandoned” anything.

It’s an interesting query for me in my life and I invite you to look at areas where you may have incompletions in your life. Is there anything you need to do to be complete with them, either with further action, or simply by declaration? Is anything coming up for you that feels like there was “abondonment” involved?

If so, I invite you to write about it for yourself to see if anything “actionable” comes up for you. I also invite you to futher explore and then take that action or actions.

And, back to what originally I thought today’s queries were going to be (referencing its having taken me a month to feature today’s first-appearing image):

Is there any place recently you’ve had the thought or feeling to do something and have yet to take action? Is it a “trust” issue, or something else? Do you usually follow your instincts or do you wait and weigh all your options?

There is no “right” answer. It’s simply becoming aware of your mode of operation and perhaps gaining some freedom as a result, if this is something you desire.

As always have fun with this and please post your responses in the COMMENTS section below.

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Not Paying Attention – Missing Out on Purple Tulips, Wild Irises and Life – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 17

by Sheila Finkelstein on April 28, 2010

Today’s Photos -

tulip purple1 Not Paying Attention Missing Out on Purple Tulips, Wild Irises and Life Picture to Ponder v6 issue 17

With tilted head, querying “What do you see?
Where will you be taking me?”

tulip purple2 Not Paying Attention Missing Out on Purple Tulips, Wild Irises and Life Picture to Ponder v6 issue 17

“Nestled in; comfy and cozy, safe
and protected before I emerge.”

iris1 wako309 Not Paying Attention Missing Out on Purple Tulips, Wild Irises and Life Picture to Ponder v6 issue 17

“Bright light; rhythmic petals, curve and dance,
reflecting many aspects of life.”

Today’s Photos’ Stories -
I purchased the above tulips for my annual tulip photographing, acknowledging the APDA annual fundraiser walk for Parkinson’s Research (see Vol 6 – Issue 13). I was really excited with both the richness of color of the tulips and the variety of stages they were in… the potential for so many great photos. I did one photos “session” and then, although they were on a table in my living room for my enjoyment, I TOTALLY forgot about watering them! A week after I purchased them they had wilted and were beyond resurrection. Evidently I hadn’t been paying much attention to them. On my living room table, they had even been in visible range any time I walked through that central location and were there for sidewise glances whenever I watched TV.

Then, last week, when I was organizing photos to share after the Events and Adventures Saturday photo walk I led, I came across the wild iris photographs I had taken at Wakodahatchee Wetlands last year. I glanced at the dates – February and March 2009 – and was aghast. I had TOTALLY missed them this year! Though I have not been walking at Wakodahatchee as much this year as in the past, I certainly had to have passed the Iris location there at least two or three times, and probably more, during this 2010 bloom period.

Granted there may have been fewer this year as a result of the unusual cold spell we had here in Florida, they were still there. This was confirmed by one of the participants in Saturday’s workshop who lives near me and had seen them.

In both cases it will be a full year before I can resurrect the experiences, AND they will never be the same.

As an aside, for those who live in the tri-state, NJ/NY/PA, area and love irises, Presby Memorial Gardens in Montclair, NJ has a WONDERFUL collection. According to their website their irises will be in full bloom from May 15th to June 6th. It’s a not-to-be-missed “show” for Iris lovers. Several years ago I did my photo/drawing process on several of the photos I took. See Iris Photo/Drawings.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Given my “stories” above, the obvious queries for today include my invitation to look in to your life and see:

Are there places where you “know” you are not paying attention? – Listening to your children, spouse, friends, strangers? Being human qualifies you for a “yes” answer here!

Now looking at one or more of those situations, can you identify a pattern of when those inattentive times might occur? You may make a request, assuming an answer; ask for a name and already be posing the next question, without fully paying attention to an answer.

How many times have you been driving someplace and suddenly look out and noticed you’ve “suddenly” gotten to your destination,

or not? Placed your keys, mail, or important papers down someplace and then can’t find them. There are a myriad of other situations, I’m sure, that you can uncover.

For me, I am setting a goal to be more cognizant of some of the patterns I might pick up on for myself, set the intention to be more mindful and assume that the “training” will put be in a future place where I won’t miss the seeing the irises and watering the plants. Perhaps, I’ll end up putting some easy and fun, new structures in place.

I invite you to also start paying more attention, at least for the next few days, to your own inattentions.

As always, have fun with this and please post your comments below.

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• Attracting and Nurturing Your List with Newsletters and Done for You Products
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on a telephone conference call bridge line. Replay available for listening to at no charge for 24 hours and full packet of MP3 recordings can be purchased, at a low investment, to have for your listening and reference anytime in the future. Click on Marketing Summit for more information and to register for call details.

OCD Book – Might you have OCD or do you know anyone who does? On May 11th the book Check Mates is being launched. See OCD Launch to register to be reminded of the day and the bonuses.

The book is a collection of fiction, poetry and artwork about obessive compulsive disorder by people with OCD. To learn more about OCD and the book, go to Check Mates. Even if you don’t think you know anyone for whom this fits, Vrinda’s (the author) story, and those of many others, is interesting to read about. And there is a 44-page preview of the book on Preview.
(Disclaimer Note: Should you make a purchase of this series, I do benefit as an affiliate.)

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Orchids: Paying Attention, Celebration, Gratitude, Unconditional Love in Picture to Ponder – v6 – isssue 14

by Sheila Finkelstein on April 8, 2010

This past weekend I stepped out on my screened in patio and walked pass a table where two orchid plants had been resting for almost a year and a half, since the time the flowers and many of the leaves had died off.

They’ve been more or less ignored, occasionally receiving water from me, so imagine my surprise when glancing over I saw the back of what seemed to be an open flower. Sure enough it was – flower and two buds!

Feeling excited, special and important, now, with orchids of my own, I, of course, brought out the camera and have photographed them each day since. Unfortunately bud number three dropped off before opening.

Today’s Photos -

phalaenopsis 2buds screen 475 Orchids: Paying Attention, Celebration, Gratitude, Unconditional Love in Picture to Ponder v6 isssue 14

Phalaenopsis orchid and two buds the morning I first noticed the open flower.

phalaenopsis screen 475 Orchids: Paying Attention, Celebration, Gratitude, Unconditional Love in Picture to Ponder v6 isssue 14

The second Phalaenopsis opened – The setting here and in the top photo is in front of the screen looking out into the backyard.

phalaenopsis day3 475 Orchids: Paying Attention, Celebration, Gratitude, Unconditional Love in Picture to Ponder v6 isssue 14

Same flowers, as above, in front of a black background so that the focus is on the flowers only.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
I am in awe and in deep gratitude for what this orchid and a Maranta (prayer plant – written about in several issues of Picture to Ponder) have given me…. Once again I recognize it as “unconditional love.” They have bloomed and given me pleasure even though I have more or less neglected them over time. See Unconditional Love which has added Maranta links.

Now to you -

Are there people or things in your life whom/or that you have been neglecting and are still always there for you? If so, I invite you to pause and in some way express your gratitude and appreciation.

What are you celebrating/can you celebrate?

One of the prompts this week for a four-minute free flow writing exercise in the writing group in which I participate, was:

“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” – Tom Peters

My friend Marifran Korb, having heard about and not yet seen the orchid, spontaneously responded with the following:

“To celebrate is to give focus and attention to something, even if only a minute. It doesn’t have to be a long time. What I focus upon responds in some way, even when it is only in me.

Still, we live in an interactive world. That orchid that Sheila captured on camera responded to Sheila’s love and moved the world around it in a gentler way.

Something shifts and opens up when we pay attention. We’re happier if only for that moment. It makes a difference and increases the circle of joy.” Marifran Korb – www.marifrankorb.com

What might you have been ignoring which might result in a shift should you pay attention to it?

I invite you to celebrate, play, have fun with whatever you notice.

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Parrot Tulips, APDA and Asking – Picture to Ponder – v.6 – issue 13

by Sheila Finkelstein on March 31, 2010

If you’ve been following me for a while you know that Parkinson’s is the debilitating disease that my beloved husband Sam battled for many years.  Thus I am committed to supporting research and awareness of PD.

In line with this, each year for the past four, I’ve acknowledged American Parkinson’s Disease Association’s April Annual Walk Month by featuring tulip photos in at least one issue of Picture to Ponder. (See APDA Walk Story below for more information and the “why” of tulips.)

If you are celebrating Passover, Easter or life itself, a most joyous holiday to you.

Today’s Photos -

tulip1 309 velvet Parrot Tulips, APDA and Asking Picture to Ponder v.6 issue 13

tulip open375 Parrot Tulips, APDA and Asking Picture to Ponder v.6 issue 13

Parrot Tulips in different stages of opening – The sensory experiences are so strong from these two images that I invite you to simply be with them, without further descriptive words from me.

Story of Today’s Photos-
I was thrilled with how these photographs turned out and simply wanted to take some time to luxuriate in them. Then so you could see more of the Parrot Tulip photos and others, last year, I uploaded them onto my Flickr pages. See TULIPS set

Almost immediately I received an email inviting me to add each of them to the Parrot Tulips Group on FlickR. I went to the group and was in awe of many of the photos. I had never before paid attention to the beauty of this particular variety of tulips, though I’ve photographed them in the past. It makes me happy to share them with you.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
(Note – This is a repeat of the Queries from last year.  Internal conversations do seem to linger at times.)

Part of putting together today’s issue of Picture to Ponder had me looking at my own issues around money, asking for it for my services and asking for it for someone else, or for a charity to which I’m committed in supporting (see APDA Story below). I would assume that there are many of you out there who have neither of these issues around “asking” or “inviting” and that there are those who do.

As I write, I’m reminded that the same emotional issues are not even always about money. I’m recalling times that I did not invite someone to do attend a party I might be giving, go with me someplace, or into a myriad of other situations.

I make the prejudgment that they would not be interested in my invitation, so I don’t put myself out, take a chance on a refusal. The bottom line result is that ultimately neither of us benefit as I stay stuck in my “fear of rejection.”

I invite you to look and see if you find yourself anywhere in the above scenario. If so, I invite you to take one small action forward in possibly a new direction. To do this, what might you have to give up?

Keep in mind, the action may be something as simple, or perhaps for you not so simple, as saying “Hi” to, or smiling at, a stranger.

I also invite all of you to take a few moments to acknowledge yourselves for strides you’ve taken in your life where none of the above fits for you, or where once some of it did and you’ve moved past those strangleholds.

For what accomplishments can you, or will you choose to, acknowledge yourself today?

As always, when you’re finished, I invite you to share your experience with today’s photos and writing in the comments section below.
The APDA and Walk Story -
The TULIP, a pink-edged one, is the symbol used for Parkinson’s Disease and April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Thus in March/April, though not always the “correct” tulip, I have featured two to four photos in Picture to Ponder and created special Tulips pages with more, since 2006.

Starting with TULIPS 2006 you can follow links to the issue that year. Links for Tulips 2007 and 2008 can be found at the bottom of that page.

PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease experienced by man, Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. See Overview in the Pharmaceutical Journal for some detailed information. For those who like videos, check out VIDEO, for a short one with good information from a Georgia APDA chapter.

Each year, the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) holds fund-raising walks throughout the United States. All MONEYS raised goes to RESEARCH for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

Given, as mentioned above, that my beloved husband Sam (see Remembering Sam), despite the Parkinson’s Disease with which he was afflicted, was an integral part of how I initially approached Picture to Ponder, I have been moved to support APDA walks here and on the above-mentioned pages. I appreciate your understanding.

Sam was the original photographer in the family (see B&W photos) and also a large part of who I am as a photographer. Thus I feel comfortable in sharing this with you in Picture to Ponder. I do remain active in support groups, and will continue to acknowledge April and and the importance of the walks.

I am also inviting you, if you are so moved, to support research for Stamping out Parkinson’s Disease by contributing to one of the walks. For those in South Florida, the Walk this year will take place in Lake Ida Park in Delray Beach on Saturday, April 10th. Registration starts at 9:15 AM, the walk at 11 AM. For more information and scheduled walk locations in your area, if you are in the United States, scroll down the APDA national site.

If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, 100% going to research, go directly to the South Florida “Make a Donation” page. Simply type “WALK” in the “Person’s Name” space, and/or in the “Special Instructions” box, before your final payment submission. Or, certainly, if you do wish to donate, feel free to make a donation to your local chapter, if that be your preference.

Programs I recommend:
For Bloggers and those interested in blogging -
Starting Monday, April 5th, Bea Field’s has a 3-week jump start program for people who are newbies interested in learning to blog. Then her 12-week Blogging Maniac Program starts again on April 26th.

I have participated twice in Bea’s courses, always picking up something new. There is no one on the Internet whose work I’ve experienced who delivers as much content as she does for such a minimal investment.

If you have any interest in learning more about blogging and/or integrating it with other Social Media, I strongly recommend that you check out what’s available in the program. Simply click on Blogging Maniac and when you get to the page scroll down the page, near the end to get the info links to both courses.

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Dried Roses and New Growth on Stems – Winter into Spring

by Sheila Finkelstein on March 9, 2010

pinkrose1 3wkslater Dried Roses and New Growth on Stems Winter into Spring

 

pinkrose2 3wkslater Dried Roses and New Growth on Stems Winter into Spring

 

6roses 3wkslater1 Dried Roses and New Growth on Stems Winter into Spring

 

rosegreens 3wkslater Dried Roses and New Growth on Stems Winter into Spring

Three plus weeks ago, these six roses were part of a dozen that were an integral part of a large mixture of flowers my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren gave me on Valentine’s Day.  They were acknowledging the sadness I felt, missing my husband who has been gone for more than two years.  I wrote about the experience on Writing for Healing. 

Then two days later published the first of the rose photos and wrote about the experience here on Photography and Transformation. A week after that, impressed with the longevity and beauty of six of the roses, eight days after my original writing, I once again photographed and posted a photo of Beauty in an Aged Rose.

I thought that both the roses and I were finished with the photo journaling.  And then, lo and behold, the other day I noticed new growth – green leaves –  on the stems of these flowers that have been off the plant for who-knows-how-long.  

In a virtual writing retreat, or “camp”, as Julie Jordan Scott refers to it, Julie has been speaking of relating our experiences to those of coming out of Winter into Spring.  These now dead roses with the new growth seem to be such a metaphor for that I felt the necessity of once again photographing and sharing this “miracle.”  

All kinds of stories come to my mind. Seems I think in stories much of my life.  A friend says that these roses are Sam talking to me. And, putting all of that aside, I am attempting to cut down on my words.  So I leave you today with mainly the photos and the opportunity for you to share your own stories, if you so wish, in the COMMENTS section just below.

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