Play and Discovery

Sun Light and Supports at Sea – Picture to Ponder: Vol 5 – Issue 3

by Sheila Finkelstein on January 27, 2009

sunrise in the Caribbean Sea on board an MSC Cruise ship

sunrise from the deck on board MSC Cruise ship in the Caribbean

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
Sunrise from the top deck of the ship on which I was cruising two weeks ago in the Western Caribbean – En route to the Dominican Republic

The top photo shows clearly the sun and its reflections in the sea centered between the clear protective panels. The large angular element is one of the structural components of the boat. I like the strong dimension it adds to the photograph.
The dark corners are, I think, from my lens hood protector, creating an interesting framing effect.

The light pole on the left is actually a reflection from the location behind me, with, I think, some other technological elements that might be reflected from the ceiling. Those who wish to puzzle it out from other photos taken of that portion of the ship from two decks below, can click on TOP DECK 1 and TOP DECK 4

The lower photo is reflecting sunspots, or lens glare. I find it quite fitting for the upcoming Self-Reflecting Queries. I also like the colors and the angles.

The Story
Subscribers have been asking to see cruise photos. I stated that they were mainly sunrises and a couple of sunsets and not very high quality or all that different to me. And, looking to accommodate the requests I went through the photos again. The top one caught my eye and then the second. Following my practice of trusting that to which I am attracted, these two photos have become the featured ones for today’s Picture to Ponder.

As stated in the description, I found it especially interesting that there was so much going on in each of the images. I’m intrigued with the fact that the objects behind me, not visible to my eye as I look through the camera, are such an integral part of the photograph and its composition.

In the second photo the “bombardment” of activity of the “hot spots” reminds me of all that I have going on right now, especially as I continue to catch up on programs and calls I missed while I was away.

Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
1. As I reflect on how important the “unseen” in the first photograph becomes so critical to the composition, I ponder my own life and all the unidentified going on in the background of my mind.

Then I look at the sun in the photo and see how it centers the photo and me, reminding me that there is always a quiet place on which to center and get “grounded” even “at sea.”

I invite you to look an your life, reflect on and identify your quiet and centering spaces. Are they places you need to visit, or can you recall and be in them simply through visualization?

2. I discuss “bombardment” in the lower photo. As I spend time with this scene I feel anchored by the strong dark colors and shapes of the translucent panels that are protecting me, keeping me safely on board. The view between is soft, warm and comforting and everything seems to hold together and move in a forward direction.

I invite you to, once again, reflect on your life. Can you see your direction? What are the strengths in your life? Your supports?

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

More Cruise Photos – Sculpture in Key West
In the last issue when I mentioned J Seward Johnson’s ICONS OF HISTORY sculpture exhibit in the Custom House in Key, I promised you more photos. You can see them now in the SCULPTURE SET on my FlickR pages.

Upcoming Programs
Speaking of reflecting on inner selves and outer selves, my dear friend Adela Rubio is launching the Self Care Mastery Revolution teleseminar series featuring 15 experts over a 15 week period. You can claim your spot now in this f*r*e*e* program – See SELF-CARE

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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 Societyâ€™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.

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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 calendar 2009 – 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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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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Art in the Dance of the Vidalia Onion Stem layers

by Sheila Finkelstein on November 8, 2008

Peeling the layers of the stem of the Vidalia onion
Queenly in appearance before disrobing

In order to peel the onion layers, I had to create a slit around the top before slicing into to the next layer to open it up to separate it. I then decided that I wanted to pull away the stem and discovered that it was layered also, each being an integral part of the main body which I had cut away. I love the humorous lilt to this image.

The dance of the layers of the skin on the Vidalia Onion stem

Here, I love the lyrical, dancing quality of the layers of the stem that have been separated and not yet removed. The onion is resting on the shell of the layer peeled away yesterday. [See previous post here on the blog or click on home, above, to follow the developing story.]

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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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Vidalia Vidalia Onion Starts a New Chapter of Transformation and Observing Life

by Sheila Finkelstein on November 4, 2008

Vidalia Onion with spores under skin
Vidalia Onion, purchased on August 23, 2008 – Photographed on October 28, 2008

Vidalia Onion - spores spread - photographed on 11/3/08
A week later – 11/3/08

In the beginning of August I posted my first photograph of a red onion which after the second day became the story, “Peeling Away the Layers of an Onion, Akin to Peeling Away the Layers of Ourselves.” You can follow the story on this blog, after that first post, or for easier reading, you can click on ONION STORY to subscribe to Picture to Ponder and get the PDF download with the complete photos and text.

The Onion Story continues.
In the middle of August I purchased another red onion and at the same time a Vidalia onion. When the red onion, started showing signs of decay two weeks later, I sliced it, photographed the process and writing and documenting it for the second chapter of the Onion Story.

In the meantime the Vidalia onion sat on a counter top. Since it looked similar to the background, I did not bother photographing it, making the assumption that there was not all that much contrast and it wouldn’t be finishing.

Two months later, as contrasted with two weeks for the red onion, the Vidalia, though still firm, began to show some black, under the outer paper skin. I became interested and realized that there was another story here. I began to hypothesize and observe, the build-up of “disease,” forming underneath a thin outer shell, when left unattended . Thus I took a couple of photos and a week later began the photo-documentation process.

Tomorrow’s post of Picture to Ponder will show the first layer exposed, with the black spores. Not having cut further I have no idea what will become exposed as I go along. It seems, at this point, once I get past the next layer or two the onion will be as solid in the center as it was two months ago. I invite you to follow along with us over the next few days of discovery. And, why not play with an onion or two of your own!

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Green Pepper – Many faces – Facts or Interpretations?

by Sheila Finkelstein on October 18, 2008

Green pepper bares teeth

Angry, baring teeth, reminding me I’m overdue for posting, or simply being a cut pepper? As I was about to put this pepper away, after cutting and eating part of it, the shapes caught my attention and I stopped to photograph it.

Once I viewed this photo on my computer monitor, it became less of “beauty” and more of a “threat.” I saw dark and angry eyes, a meanness emanating from it. Ordinarily , I would run and hide from such anger coming from another person.

Then, of course, I realized that I am the one creating the interpretation, the story, giving it meaning. You, in fact, might see it totally differently. In any case, are there places in your life right now where you are adding heavy meaning to something, putting a negative spin on it?

The fun thing with this pepper is that I can simply cut away some more, enjoy eating the pepper while I’m doing it, and totally change the message. If you found something in your own life, relating to my previous question, what fun and easy actions can you take to create a shift for yourself?

(Note – the Queries that came out of these “pepper”ed thoughts are similar to what are found in my weekly PICTURE TO PONDER. Follow the previous link for more information, use one of the forms on these pages, or simply SUBSCRIBE

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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 â€“ 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.