Nature Photography

Inner You – Woman in a Tree Knot – Picture to Ponder – Vol 5 – Issue 2

by Sheila Finkelstein on January 22, 2009

Wood knot in a tree in Key West with a hidden lady image

Image enlarged of a lady in a tree in Key West

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
Lady in a Wood Knot in a tree along a sidewalk in Key West, FL

The upper photo shows the image in the wood knot; the lower, a close-up of the woman I saw, with her full face looking to the side, a bow in her hair, a white chemise and bare arms.

The Story
I had forgotten that I featured wood in the last issue of Picture to Ponder when I decided to use today’s image as the featured photo(s). Returning from a cruise last week, I am still catching up, so I’ll not “worry” about “duplication” though the images are quite different. Last week’s tree trunk was the “whole”, or the external parts that were signficant. In this week’s photo, it’s the internal segment that’s most important.

Not surprisingly, for those of you who know me, one of the highlights for me of the whole trip was the discovery of the woman in the tree above. “She” caught my eye as I was walking down one of the the streets in Key West after seeing an exciting show of Seward Johnson’s ICONS OF HISTORY at the Key West Art and Historical Society’s Custom House Museum.

I tell you about the exhibit because I’m thinking that, in part, I might have been even more open to immediately seeing the woman in the wood knot, possibly having been influenced by the art I had just seen.

I was already familiar with Seward Johnson’s work from the Grounds for Sculpture in Trenton, NJ and found some of the work here in the Key West show even more intriguing. Perhaps because some of it was more contemporary. Johnson replicates famous paintings and photographs, creating them into life-size sculptures which include the environments that were in the paintings. (Click on the Grounds for Sculpture link to see some examples. To fully appreciate the scope of the sizes of the pieces be sure to read the small print describing the dimensions.)

I will get some photos up from the Key West exhibit and share them next week, probably on my FlickR site.

Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
1. Given the discovery of the “hidden” woman, it seems fitting to invite you to take a few minutes to explore the, possibly “hidden,” parts of you within, both the masculine and the feminine. Are they trying to tell you something?

2. I invite you to take a moment or two to reflect on and honor what most excites you in your life. Perhaps there is an action or two you might like to take. For me it’s making discoveries and then sharing them with others.

I found it interesting that at breakfast a few days after our trolley car return to the boarding area of the ship, two of the women sitting behind me then remembered me and the photos I had excitedly shared.

3. Are you aware of what you would like people to think after first meeing you? I invite you to consider an encounter or two and reflect on what you think their perceptions might be. Are these aligned with how you would like to be viewed?

4. For what is it that you would like most to be known?

As always have fun with this, and why not share in the Comments following this post on the blog.

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 – or watch for further details from me in a mailing tomorrow.

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Sunset and Sunrise at Wakodahatchee Wetlands cast light on the Holidays – Picture to Ponder: vol 4 -I ssue 48

by Sheila Finkelstein on December 23, 2008

Sunset at Wakodahatchee - looks like ski slpes

 

sunrise opening at Wakodahatchee Wetlands

 

sunrise scene at Wakodahatchee Wetlaands - Delray Beach, FL

 

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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Picture to Ponder – Vol 4 – Issue 47 – Round Cactus – Shedding and New Growth

by Sheila Finkelstein on December 18, 2008

cactus1 - 2005

Cactus 1 - 2008 close up

wide view of cactus 2 - 2008

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
a Round Cactus first featured in Picture to Ponder in February 2005

The top photo is the one featured in Issue 39 and discussed in Issue 40 . In 2005 the plant at that point resided on a table on my patio. It now resides on a ledge in my bathroom, lighted by that coming through a glass block window.

The middle photo of the plant currently attempts to replicate the view in the 2005 shot. For those interested in comparing the different time frames, I took a picture of the plant today on the same table in the patio so the lighting would be the similar to the first time, the bottom photo.

When observing the view of the whole plant, you can see how curled up the older leaves have gotten and yet the new growth in the center is still vibrant and full.

The Story
There’s not much more to the story today, other than what’s stated above.

Recently every time I see this cactus plant, my inner voice tells me to photograph and feature it again in Picture to Ponder. I finally took the new photographs today. Then, when sorting through the others I downloaded with them, two additional themes, vying for attention, emerged.

I finally stopped the inner chatter and chose to stick with what I planned. I’m not even sure what it is about the plant that’s having it be “the one” for today.

As I look at the plant and reflect on it, I’m thinking that it can be symbollic for the new year and for the birthdays I just celebrated, Picture to Ponder’s and my own. Most of the plant looks like it’s dying off, at least withering away and yet, when looking at the core, the vibrancy of new growth is rich and full.

Perhaps it’s bringing us the message that we can look at the past year and see the things that we are ready to shed, perhaps even casting off some fears, knowing that what’s ahead is bright and green.

And, as I’m completing the last sentence, I’m marveling at the relevant thoughts and ideas that showed up. There are several opportunities I want to share with you today and the above unexpectedly leads to two of them! – my friend Debbie Friedman’s offer of her complimentary FREEDOM FROM FEAR audio and Sandy Grason’s exciting LIVE FABULOUS NOW five week program in which I am participating.

Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
Accepting that the message of the photos is about shedding and growth, I invite you to look into your life and at the past year to see what you might have already let go.

Can you see the new growth waiting to burst through? Perhaps it already has. Are your celebrating?

Look again at the 2008 plant photos above. Note the beauty in the curves of the leaves that are still there reminding us of what still is.

Now check. Are there accomplishments for which you have yet to acknowledge yourself? If so, please take some time to do so now.

Enjoy your voyage of Exploration and Discovery and please check the programs below, all of which have the potential to enhance and propel your journey.

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Special Offers – Must See’s

Debbie Friedman, Cleaning out the Closet of Your Mind, in her Share the Freedom movement Program is offering her Gaining Freedom From Fear, relaxation and transformation audio at No Charge to as many people as possible, “everyone everywhere so that each individual can take their power back and live the life they love to live.”

Click on SHARE THE FREEDOM Movement for more information and to get your gift Freedom from Fear audio.

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ARTELLA, one of the most creative sites, I know is offering 55% off of both memberships and Gift Certificates. They have a wonderful variety of special gifts from artists and crafts people on this site. See ARTELLA GIFTS.

Also, if you missed it three issues ago, ARTELLA is gifting you complimentary ebooks, including ExerSIGHS: A Self-Esteem Workbook for Writers and Artists

Another that I’ve also downloaded and am still looking forward to reading is MoneyMorphosis: Ten Things Butterflies Can Teach Us About Money. The description states that it invites us to transform the way we think about money by following 10 metaphorical fables in which butterflies teach us about true prosperity.

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LIVE FABULOUS NOW is a program in which I am currently enrolled and participating with Sandy Grason who usually charges a substantial fee for her coaching and courses. She is doing a very special, relatively inexpensive, transformative five week program all about how to Live Fabulous Now, being all you can be right now! Being authentic and living full out as we enter the New Year 2009.

Though the class has already started, you can still catch up with the MP3s. There are no classes next week, so getting up to date will be easier. I’m already feeling the impact in how I’m managing my tasks and staying more focused on my priorities. Sandy is giving us small easy to use tools in many areas of our lives.

Delightfully high in energy Sandy also emphasizes intentional CELEBRATION, something that will be a major breakthrough for me. For more information and to enroll, LIVE FABULOUS NOW

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For the Artists among you – smARTist 2009 telesummit is coming up in January. This is the third year I will be attending and I am excited. You can listen to the recording of the panel of 11 experts sharing some of what they will be speaking about. There is also a recording of Ariane Goodwin interviewing Allyson Stanfield on the 10 Qualities needed to promote your art as well as market it. You can also register to hear Mari Smith speak on how to use Facebook to “ramp up your art career”. Go to PRE-EVENTS.

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Wood Knots – Pondering Attracting What’s Next – Picture to Ponder – Vol 4 – Issue 45

by Sheila Finkelstein on December 2, 2008

Calendar cover for 2009 sunset calendar2009 – 12 month Calendars have been updated with several new sunsets in the Sunrise/Sunset Calendar and new flowers in the Flowers Calendar. See 2009 Calendars. Be sure also to check out the year-at-a-glance calendars. I keep one above my computer and one on my refrigerator.

Image in a Wood knot on railing in Green Cay Wetlands

Wood knot beauty on railing in Green Cay Wetlands

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
Wood Knots on the Railing of the Boardwalk in Green Cay Wetlands, Boynton Beach, FL

In the upper photo, I, at first, enjoyed the feeling of looking at sky, though it was water, as I gazed at and beyond the railing. When I got ready to post it here, I suddenly noticed the “animal” with its head resting comfortably in the space seemingly cut out just for “him.” The dark area of the concave section of the railing could even be his tail. Might our imaginary creature be in the squirrel family?

Insofar as the lower image, once I separated it from the other photographs I had taken, I became aware of its aesthetic beauty. I love the coloring, the depth of the openings and the rhythm and movement of the lines and patterns in the wood.

The Story
There is not much of a story to today’s photographs. The thought of using one of the “scenic” railing images has been with me since I took the photographs about a month ago.

When I started looking through my files for featured photographs for today’s Picture to Ponder, I came across a glass sculpture that moved me. I spent time searching for, and did not find, the contact information for the sculptor, to get permission, and then went on to studying a new site on spiritual mandalas, considering how I could weave them both together for you today.

I then spent time searching my files for the full-size truck photo/drawings I need for putting together a 12-month Truck Art Calendar. I wanted that done before I published today’s issue of Picture to Ponder.

I finally paused in my scattered, yet focused activity, and accepted that the work involved was too time-consuming for immediate resolution and that delivering Picture to Ponder today was the priority.

Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
As you can tell from the above, I have been “all over the place.” This is descriptive of more than selecting photos for today’s issue. And, I’ve give myself permission to be peacefully in the query, resting, “pondering” like the “creature” in the top photo.

Is there any place in your life right now where it would forward you to take some space, to give yourself permission to simply “be” with what’s there, trusting that what’s meant to open up for you will?

If you see something, I invite you to take whatever action…. to trust…. to allow.

And, if you are actively looking for something to support you, Coco Fossland, with whom I’ve taken some powerful, empowering courses, is offering a 7 Day Manifestation Journey
as a gift, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, December 3rd. If you are reading this after that date, you may still join in. Recordings of calls and print material will be available.

Coco states, in her introduction to the Manifestation Journey:

“This group is for people who want to embrace and use the Laws of Creation to manifest something desired in 7 days.

This group is for people who want to embark on a 7 Day Manifestation Journey. This program is A GIFT TO YOU, from World Changing Business Founder, Coco Fossland…” For details go to 7 Day Journey.

If you are a member of FACEBOOK, you can also access, and participate in, the program by joining the World Changing Business Group. It’s the same, either choice you make.

Have a joyous and restful (if you so choose) week. Do remember to play.

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Heart in Nature Express Gratitude – Picture to Ponder – Vol 4 – Issue 44

by Sheila Finkelstein on November 25, 2008

Phalaenopsis orchid in American Orchid Society Gardens

Reed and reflection bent into shape of a heart in Wakodahatchee Wetlands

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
two seemingly incongruous photos, wishing you in the United States a Happy Thanksgiving and all of you Dear Readers a joyful time of Gratitude.

The top photo is a Phalaenopsis Orchid from the American Orchid Society Gardens in Delray Beach, FL and the lower photo is a Heart formed by the Reflection of a bent Reed in Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach

The Story of the Photographs
Usually I rely on the photos themselves to suggest a theme. Today, as I was thinking about Thanksgiving I, of course, thought of gratitude and how appropriate a “heart” photo from Nature might be. This led me to the lower photo which I love, and featured more than three years ago in a special issue of Picture to Ponder, “From My Heart to Yours” – Issue 130a.

In scanning more recent photographs for another “natural” heart image, the orchid called out to me. Although it’s a stretch to find a heart shape in it, the orchid seems to give the wide-open and bright feeling of an open heart. Looking closely we can see little arms that could be reaching out to embrace you.

My Gratitude as it Relates Here
As I think about “Gratitude”, particularly in relation to Picture to Ponder, three women, especially, stand out for me at this time. So much of the being of Picture to Ponder can be traced back to actions they took and programs in which I participated with them.

1. So many of you here became subscribers to Picture to Ponder after reading Stacey Robyn’s recommendation of my work on Day 28 of her Go Gratitude experiment – 42 days of Gratitude, three years ago. It was her intention to reach, globally, 1,000,000 people in gratitude during that time period. Stacey and her partner, Ken Herbert, are reintroducing another Wave of 42 days of Gratitude, beginning November 27th. If you have not seen the information, check out WORLD GRATITUDE.

2. eTeletours.com, as a website, the “parent” of Picture to Ponder, and then Picture to Ponder itself, was formed during the time I participated in the You University course created and facilitated by Marney Makridakis of Artellaland. Marney is one of the most creative people I know. She is ongoingly coming up with new ideas and products, many of which especially please people who enjoy creating in one art form or another.

After working on development for some time, she and her partner have launched an amazing new affiliate program, which includes my being able to offer some complimentary downloads to you. Included in the package of fr*e*e ebooks is ExerSIGHS: A Self-Esteem Workbook for Writers and Artists

Another that I’ve also downloaded and am looking forward to reading is MoneyMorphosis: Ten Things Butterflies Can Teach Us About Money. The description states that if invites us to transform the way we think about money by following 10 metaphorical fables in which butterflies teach us about true prosperity.

To see more fully what Marney offers, check out the home page of Artellaland.

3. And I would be totally remiss, were I not to mention Writer, Actor, Coach Julie Jordan Scott in this listing of three women to whom we all can express gratitude for the work I so freely bring to you. I took countless teleclasses and writing courses with her over a period of several years. In many ways, particularly in my authentic and public writing style, I consider Julie my mentor.

When I conduct teleclasses, much of my format style is based on what I picked up from Julie. Although she is not currently offering programs on the Web to which I can link, you can get a taste of her writing on her blog – Julie Unplugged.

You can see her photography, along with her comments, by going to Julie’s FlickR account. I’d like to think that the fact that she finally got into using a camera, long after our course associations, was partially, directly or indirectly, out of what she experienced through me in Picture to Ponder.

Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
I invite you to look at your life, note some of the things, you have, do or be, that are important to you, and then reflect back on the origins of that which you discovered.

If there is someone, or ones, that were at the source, I invite you to take a few minutes to acknowledge and express gratitude to that person, or persons, face-to-face, on the phone and/or by writing.

Remember to also recognize yourself for actions you’ve taken. Be sure to acknowledge the courageous ones.

Have a joyous and peaceful week. Thank you for being in my life.

Posting Comments
To post comments on this Photography and Transformation blog click on the small word “Comment” at the end of the post. A window will open, asking for your name, email address that will NOT be published, a URL if you have – Your name will be linked to that – and box with space for you to “Leave a Reply.”

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Vidalia Onion Art Continues – Day 5

by Sheila Finkelstein on November 9, 2008

Vidalia onion with stem crown waiting to be separated

 

Vidalia onion embraced with peeled layer

 

Vidalia onion stem peeled layers

 

Vidalia onion with previous layer - both halves

 

Vidalia onion and stem stand along

 

Artful arrangement - Vidalia Onion, stem and halves in ceramic dis

Less than ten minutes of photographing different stages and artful groupings after the crown was lifted off the Vidalia onion, also separating the skin.

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Vidalia Onion – Indentations Layer 3

by Sheila Finkelstein on November 7, 2008

Vidalia onion with indentations from spores
Indentations where spores at into thick layer of onion.

Peeling away the attacked layer reveals shiny, smooth clear body. Signs of the “attack” or ravaging are barely visible. Note that this layer has a very thin segment, visible top right. Then observe how thick the rest of the layer is, lower right.

The onion stem, which becomes an art object in tomorrow’s post.

On the left, Layer 3 peeled away. It becomes a “pedestal” for photographing the arty onion stem in tomorrow’s post.

 

 

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Cactus, Rocks, Support and Connections in AZ – Picture to Ponder – Vol 4- Issue 38

by Sheila Finkelstein on October 15, 2008

Red Prickly Pear cactus in Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Lindy Erwell photographs Sheila Finkelstein in Boyce Arboretum Sheila on Rocky ledge in Boyce Arboretum

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos

Top photo is Red Prickly Pear Cactus in the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, Arizona, between Scottsdale and Phoenix

In the bottom left picture is Lindy Erwell photographing me as I (in the right photo) aim my camera at her

As I poured through my almost 500 photos from Boyce, for some reason the top photo, with its pinks, contrasts and shadows begged to be the featured photo for the day. So I followed that “little voice.”

In the meantime, since similar cactus plants seemed to be almost everywhere in Arizona, I realized that you would not get a sense of the Boyce Arboretum from this photograph. I, thus, selected the bottom two photos to give you some visuals of the environment and our hike.

The Story
Ordinarily when I am on outings, my camera and I are intent on the elements of Structure and Nature as we meander through wherever we are. On this particular day I became totally captivated with the different postures Lindy assumed as she photographed whatever she was intent on capturing with her camera. Starting with her lying flat on the ground to photograph a grasshopper, as close up as she could, I took many photos with her as subject. (See the start of my Arizona Set on FlickR for a few of the others.)

I was enthralled with the rhythm and the flow of the lines of her body and the ease with which she assumed the postures necessary to fulfill on her intentions. The featured photo of her, I think, gives a sense of that.

Aside from being the “candid camera” subject of so many of my photos, Lindy also volunteered her arm for support for me as I went down many of the rocky paths. She even offered, and managed, to add my camera bag and water bottle to her slim shoulders. I agreed with some reluctance. See LINDY with camera bags.

One of the most exciting aspects of the outing with Shellie, my hostess, and Lindy is that I “met” Lindy when she was a participant in one of my Through and From the Lens Teleclasses, more than two years ago. We have maintained occasional email contact since, mainly as a result of her having become a periodic commenter to various issues of Picture to Ponder. Knowing that she lives in Scottsdale, when I planned my visit, I contacted her, in advance, to see if we could get together.

After our day together, we both shared our delight on the “connections” made through the course and how it seems like we’ve known each other forever.

Although it’s been some time since Lindy has updated her photos on FlickR, you can see many that she took during the four weeks of our course on Lindy’s FlickR Photos.

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 Workshop 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.

Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
As I think, and write about, my experiences with Lindy, her support during the climbing up and down over rocks at Boyce Arboretum becomes a prime part of my experience and memory.

Today, I invite you to look into your life to see:

1. Are there areas in your life where there are people who want to be helping you and supporting you and you, in your need to be “strong” and “independent,” are either ignoring or outright rejecting their offers?

If so, I invite you to open yourself up to the contribution being offered and see what opens up for both parties. Keep in mind how much you, presumably, enjoy helping others.

2. Are there people in your life with whom you’ve had some connection, would like to have more and, for whatever reason, you haven’t taken that first step?

Again, if “yes”, I invite you to reach out, have some fun and see what opens up for you.

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Through and from the Lens – Workshop Intro in the works

by Sheila Finkelstein on October 6, 2008

Back from Arizona, photos will come later. Right now I am preparing and gearing up for an all-day, in-person workshop in Southeast, Florida, as well as reactivating teleclass workshops to Through and From the Lens – Using Photography as Access to Transformation. Details will follow here and in Picture to Ponder. To be on a specific notification list, simply include your name and email address below. We’ll include a free subscription to the inspirational, weekly Picture to Ponder photo ezine. Be assured, if you are already a subscriber, putting your name here will not result in duplicate mailings!

UPDATE : On -Location Workshop will be held on Saturday, October 25th from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at a location in Pompano Beach, FL. See WORKSHOP for details and to register.

INTRODUCING WITH PHOTOS – THROUGH AND FROM THE LENS

 

Abstract photo art

Welcome to my world of color, textures, imagination and creativity, where photography provides access to out-of-the box seeing/thinking and unending possibilities.

personified coral jumping I invite you to take a leap of faith with and have some fun, though some of you may have an underlying fear.

center of palm tree You may find possibilities very directed, radiating from your center core, each extension providing seedlings of more.

rounded cactus Or the path may be more layered, soft and rounded.

palm frond radiating to the left

You might find your ideas unfolding and leaning in one direction, guarded by a portion of yourself.

palm frond up

palm frond sideways

palm fronds facing down

And most certainly, when you explore the same set (though different fronds from the first), from different viewpoints whole new perspectives open up.

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Juicy Navel Orange – Inside Views

by Sheila Finkelstein on September 18, 2008

navel orange first stage of peeling skin

navel orange more skin gone

navel orange sections awaiting eating

Expectancy? Exposure?

What Awaits?

A juicy, delicious orange,

Nothing more need be said.

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