Green Cay Wetlands

Treasure Your Life Now – Are You Listening? – Picture to Ponder – v8-issue 18

by finbake on May 9, 2012

This issue marks the 599th Picture to Ponder ezine!!! As I’ve been stating in the past few issues, I am transitioning title and branding from Picture to Ponder to the more pro-active Treasure Your Life Now. Treasuring our lives has actually been one of the indirect, unexpressed bottom line premises of Picture to Ponder over these past 8 years. So it seems quite fitting.

There are times when we may perceive life’s journey as a series of bumps in the road. As we go through changes, we have choices. We can focus on what is behind us, the bumps directly in front of us, or that which is beyond. [click to continue…]

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Self-Care and Wetlands Sunset with Limpkin – Picture to Ponder – v8-issue 8

by Sheila Finkelstein on February 24, 2012

GC limpkinatsunset Self Care and Wetlands Sunset with Limpkin Picture to Ponder v8 issue 8

The above Limpkin at sunset at Green Cay Wetlands is inviting you on a portion of walk as we see different perspectives of the sky and water. He and I are inviting you to experience the peacefulness of it. [click to continue…]

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Bright Lights in Life – Sunset Paints Trees Orange in Green Cay – Picture to Ponder – v8-3

by Sheila Finkelstein on January 19, 2012

tree orangeface 225 Bright Lights in Life Sunset Paints Trees Orange in Green Cay Picture to Ponder v8 3

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…]

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Dew at Sunrise, Appreciation and New Year’s Greetings – Picture to Ponder v7-51

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…]

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Path, Focus and Barriers – Light and Shadows – Picture to Ponder – v7-issue14

by Sheila Finkelstein on April 6, 2011

The photographs featured in today’s Picture to Ponder were taken near the end of the day in Green Cay Wetlands. Given that “light and shadows” were the subject of the final in-between sessions of the last Through and From The Lens course, the views below caught my attention.

Combined with my moving in a new direction, the following “ponders” occurred.

Today’s Photos and Self-Reflecting Queries combined -

path greencay Path, Focus and Barriers Light and Shadows Picture to Ponder v7 issue14

As you travel your path, is your focus on the path or on the light in the, perhaps far, distance? [click to continue…]

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Sunset Metaphors for Life and Comments on Dewitt Jones Interview – Picture to Ponder – v7-issue 3

by Sheila Finkelstein on January 13, 2011

I was still reeling from the wisdom and generosity of sharing that Dewitt Jones treated us all to in my interview with him on Tuesday night when really moving responses started coming in.

Long-time subscriber, and now dear friend, Linda Gipson wrote a beautiful tribute to the powerful response she had to him. I was so moved, I called and asked if I could use her as “guest writer” for today’s issue. I said I would feature one or two of her most favorite sunset photos today, as a tribute to her. Were I to eliminate anything she wrote, I would be depriving you, so I will start here and complete on the blog.

LindaGipsonbizcard Sunset Metaphors for Life and Comments on Dewitt Jones Interview Picture to Ponder v7 issue 3Linda Braun Gipson, a Registered Massage Therapist, in Houston, Texas wrote [my bolding]:

“The first thing Dewitt Jones said that grabbed me was that he tries to approach each subject with “no agenda”. This is exactly what I tell prospective clients when they ask what kind of massage I do. Many are looking for a simple answer, like “Swedish”, which they think tells them something… it doesn’t. Some people get it… most don’t. But I got it last night… this guy speaks my language!

When he went on to discuss “the connection” being the most important aspect of photography… he had me wrapped up and sold. Again, I’ve always told my students that first, you connect with the body.  [For full post - Today's Photos and Queries and more of what Linda wrote - [click to continue…]

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Limited Intentions Result in Creating Shifts – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 47

by Sheila Finkelstein on December 1, 2010

This morning I set the intention to find a something new in my neighborhood, that would catch my eye, and then photograph it for this issue. During the brilliant sunlit morning here in Florida, I noticed the dance of shadows on a garage door. I took several photos and mentally my “story” was forming. Lo and behold, when I went to download them, they weren’t there. Evidently I did not click firmly enough on the older camera I had grabbed.

I’m guessing now, the latter happened so that we would end up experiencing
Today’s Featured Photo -

sunset orange1 GC9 10 Limited Intentions Result in Creating Shifts Picture to Ponder v6 issue 47a brilliant September sunset in Green Cay Wetlands. [click to continue…]

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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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Roseate Spoonbills in Green Cay and Intentionality – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 27

by Sheila Finkelstein on July 7, 2010

Last week I mentioned having spent time looking for Roseate Spoonbill photos for you and then went with a different subject. The result of my delaying is that I’ve every time I’ve gone for a sunset walk at Green Cay Wetlands this week I had the pleasure of enjoying the Spoonbills even more. I now have new photos for you.

Last week, I also mentioned my expanding into coaching moms in deepening connections and communication with their young children while having the same freedom of “play” with them that the grandparents have. The date has been set for an introductory open phone call with two moms with whom I’ve worked. We will be “meeting” by phone (Skype is possible also) next Wednesday, July 14th at 2:30 PM PDT/5:30 PD EDT. I will be interviewing Sus and Tracy and there will be time for spot coaching with a few people on the call. For more details and place to get a reminder, plus the call recording, see Child Connections.

Lastly, for the artists among you interested in Proven Strategies To Set up A No-Stress, Successful Social Media Act for selling your art, Ariane Goodwin, creator and facilitator of smARTist Telesummit has a special offer, ending tomorrow night, for 50% off a social media bundle. See Using Social Media. The material is actually good for anyone here in business who wants to know more about using Social Media to expand.

On to Today’s Photos -

spoonbillsintree Roseate Spoonbills in Green Cay and Intentionality Picture to Ponder v6 issue 27

spoonbill headinmotion 475 Roseate Spoonbills in Green Cay and Intentionality Picture to Ponder v6 issue 27

The top photo is of two Roseate Spoonbills, at dusk, on a tree skeleton in Green Cay Wetlands. I’ve included the photo below it to show the brilliance of the pink plumage and also give a sense of the rapid movement in the blur of its head.

Because the Spoonbills do not stay still, I decided to also share them with you in video format.

If you pay close attention to the above video, at approximately 15 seconds you’ll see a feather fly off to the left. Toward the end a Black-necked Stilt walks across the Spoonbill’s reflection.


Near the beginning of the above video you will see a couple of Spoonbills spread their wings showing their brilliant pink color. To see Spoonbills parading, click on Spoonbill Parade to bring you to my YouTube page. Sorting by “date added”, on the right, will show you the four most recent Spoonbill videos I did.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
I’m somewhat at a loss for “queries” as I start to write this section, so I’m thinking, “What lessons are we getting from the Spoonbills?” As I look up at the first photo, I see peace and quiet. Then I reflect on the almost, always-in motion, constantly sweeping bill, behavior of the Spoonbills.

I, thus, invite you to look in your life. Are there places where you are in constant motion? Is there a part of you that’s still while other parts of you are rapidly “moving”? What does it look like when you rest? How does it feel?

Then, thinking about the Spoonbills and how they went suddenly from a random group to an intentional line-up, moving in parade style, to an adjacent location, I’m moved to ask the following. Is there any place in your life now where you can line up parts of yourself, and perhaps, others to move with the same focused, single-minded determination that the Spoonbills had? Note, they did come right back, presumably with “mission accomplished.”

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

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Commonalities – Regal Faces in Clouds and on Boardwalk – Picture to Ponder – V6 – Issue 24

by Sheila Finkelstein on June 16, 2010

It is my intention for today’s message to be brief. When you scroll down and look at the two different photos you may wonder at their relevance to one another. Usually I look for a theme and, using art principles, I always attempt having them hold together and relate both visually and aesthetically to one another

Not wanting to intrude on your individual responses, I’ll expand further in my notes below the photos.

Today’s Photos -

cloudprofile balaconysunset Commonalities Regal Faces in Clouds and on Boardwalk Picture to Ponder V6 Issue 24

woodknot princess angel Commonalities Regal Faces in Clouds and on Boardwalk Picture to Ponder V6 Issue 24

To give reference to the perspective from which it was shot, the top sunset photo was taken from the balcony of a penthouse apartment in Boynton Beach, FL.

Although she looks somewhat pained, I love the regal, queenly appearance of the woman in the clouds whom we see in profile facing to our right. If you enjoy exploring further, you might see the second much smaller profile face in her “neck.” It, too, faces to the right. Then there is the one on our left at the top of her full hat, facing skyward. I suspect you will find more.

The image in the lower wood knot photo brought a quick smile to my face when I almost stepped on it on the boardwalk at Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach. She looks like she is winking at us with the eye on our right. She has the feel of a “Greek Goddess and also an angel, though the wing we see is misplaced. It wouldn’t be attached to her cheek.
RE Art and Composition:
To complete on my thoughts from the introduction, what’s holding together the space that these two photos are occupying is that:

1. The subject of both is women, albeit imaginary ones, and

2. There is a bit of burnt orange in the wood that picks up on the orange in the sunset. Colors in the wood are also repeated throughout the sky and clouds in the top photo.

There is a similar linear pattern in both, though horizontal in the top and vertical on the bottom.

Today’s Photo Story -
No story today beyond what I’ve shared above in the photos and, as I see it, there is plenty of “juice” for many stories. Why not have fun and make up some of your own.

If you have children, or know any, I invite you to share these photos with them and listen to their observations and stories. And, certainly don’t neglect the “children” within the adults in your world. Please invite them to have fun with you also.

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 -
Today, I also invite you to reflect on your responses, or reactions, to today’s photos. Did you see the faces I saw? Did you have judgments on my observations on the photos, or other things I might have said?

If so, was your response, or judgments, part of a pattern that you can identify and match to other situations in your life? If so, is there anything you can take from it, remind yourself of, and/or acknowledge yourself for, to further empower yourself in those areas or others?

And, as I stated last week, and at other times, 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.

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