Picture to Ponder – Vol 5 – Issue 5: February Roses in Ringling Museum Gardens Create Self-Awareness

by Sheila Finkelstein on February 10, 2009

Close up of a peachy yellow rose in Mable Ringling Rose Garden

Yellow orange rose in Mable Ringling Rose garden on the Ringling Museum grounds

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
Sunlit Roses in Ringling Museum Rose Garden in Sarasota, Florida

Last week, the day before the coldest day in six years in Sarasota, roses were in full bloom in Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden. I include them here to bring sunshine and brightness to you wherever you reside, whatever your weather conditions are.

The top photo, close-up view, gives us the opportunity to explore more of the rhythm of the inner beauty of this particular rose. The bottom one greets us with its full blown richness. Unfortunately, the strong, mid-day light, creates somewhat of a “fight” for attention between the bright background and the flower.

The Story
Once again, I’m on the move. This time, it’s a trip to Dallas, TX for a workshop and then to visit friends and family. I expect that during my visit with one of my friends, I will get some tips that would have me better to control lighting in situations such as the one in the lower photo, using Photoshop and/or settings on my camera, preferably the latter.

With all that’s been happening, I’m feeling quite blessed and thankful for the loving and supportive people in my life.

Given what I’ve yet to do in preparation, I had the thought to simply skip this week’s Picture to Ponder. Then I reminded myself of my commitment to myself and to you to publish an issue a week, so I am striving for brevity and efficiency.

Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
Is there a place in your life right now where everything is so full, as with the lower rose, that you’re not sure where you want to start? If so, I invite you to pause and look closely at certain segments of your life and your activities.

Spend time individually with the components. Perhaps use the framing of the rose in the top photo as a guide. As a warmup, you might use the second rose. Create a small opening in a piece of paper or index card and slowly move around the photo on your computer monitor. Make note of anything new that shows up. Do the same for your own life segments.

Then, given I mentioned, above, gratitude for my family, friends and travel, I invite you to express gratitude for that for which you are currently most appreciative.

As always, when you’re finished, I invite you to share your experience on the blog. See instructions below if you need help.

And, remember to have fun.

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February Full Moon and Clouds – Playing with Light in Boynton Beach, FL

by Sheila Finkelstein on February 9, 2009

Moon and Clouds 1

Moon and Clouds 2

Moon, Clouds and Parking Lot Lamp

Lamplight and Moonlight

Moon, Clouds and House Light

Leaving Green Cay Wetlands last night I got excited when I finally saw the full moon from the parking lot.  I had the moon rise time – almost the same as sunset – and I was hoping to catch it on my walk through Green Cay.  It did not happen, so it was an unexpected thrill to look up and see the moon.

I was fascinated with the cloud patterns also and continued to take photographs from my car as I kept looping around the lot.  Once downloaded I liked the play of the light from the street lamp and, once home, the play of the light from my neighbor’s house across the street. (last photo)

It’s all about play for me!

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Wakodahatchee Light – Warmth in the Cold – Picture to Ponder – Vol. 5 – Issue 4

by Sheila Finkelstein on February 5, 2009

sunlit reeds in Wakodahatchee Wetlands

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photo
Late afternoon Sunlight on Reeds in Wakodahatchee Wetlands

The Story
There is not much of a story today. As I was looking through photos of the day downloaded last week, this one caught my eye. It called to me to be a featured photo and when I found it again today, I agreed.

I’ve just returned from a three-day trip to the west coast of Florida to visit visiting friends from New Jersey. It was very cold for us Floridians, the “coldest night in six years.” It was very cold for us Floridians, the “coldest night in six years.” Below freezing; how easy to get spoiled after 6 years. I am originally from the Northeast in the USA and should be used to cold weather!

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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 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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Dreams – Vision – Purpose: Picture to Ponder – Vol 5 – Issue 1

by Sheila Finkelstein on January 7, 2009

tree trunk faces

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
A Green Cay Wetlands tree trunk

It’s been a while since I’ve featured, what to me at least, is a playful photo, one in which I see one or more faces. This one kept calling to me that it wanted to be with you. The face, I know is somewhat distorted, with long eyelashes on the eye we see on the right as we face the photo and no lashes on the left.

Many nostrils, or separate noses, are there. The smile is small and I declare it genuine.

For those who are accustomed to “beautiful” photos as the featured ones in Picture to Ponder, I invite you to check out the Phalaenopsis Orchid, now in my collection, by clicking on ORCHID. I did have it set up in the issue and found that visually and aesthetically the two did not work well together.

The Story
Today’s stories and queries are somewhat separate from the photo, though I could probably make a connection if I wished. I choose not to, though you are welcome to make one or more if you wish.

I am currently in a few courses to start off the New Year. In the LIVE FABULOUS NOW course, which I mentioned in earlier issues, one of the recommendations was writing on “My Perfect Day.” I found myself stuck, especially since it’s difficult for me to, yet, describe a “perfect” one without Sam, though he has been gone for over a year.

Today I was a little more enlivened and found a post on an old blog of mine. It resulted from two different classes with Julie Jordan Scott, one of the BEING NOW (below) facilitators.

Though it was written in September of 2005, I was quite moved by what I wrote and even put it up on a separate web page. Although a lot were dreams with life with Sam, there was a large segment of what I wrote that I am will now be able to use for empowering me. You can read the whole of what I wrote on DREAMS – VISION. You can even listen to me as you travel down the page.

For this issue of Picture to Ponder, I’ve abstracted out and am listing what is relevant in the present. My intention is that what I wrote might also spark something in you in your life.

I wrote:

Right now I dream of peace and ease.

I dream of communities of people interacting purposefully and with love.

I dream of people making discoveries and being excited by what they do.

I dream of having, being in a close knit community, with friends who energize and excite me and themselves.

I dream of books not yet written, 2 at least, though I know not what they are.

I dream of being famous, for what I do not know.

I dream of connections – people being connected for whatever they need.

I dream of a clutter-free environment, of a staff to tend to all of our needs – cooking, cleaning, organizing.

Then, in an article-writing class during that time period, Julie gave a final prompt for one of our sessions, “THE GIFT I GIVE TO MY READERS IS . . .” and I wrote,

“The gift I give my readers is the opportunity for them to discover the richness in their worlds,

the beauty of what’s in their physical spaces,

the visions they have, perhaps as-yet unknown, in their souls…

the words, the tools, the ways of interconnecting to their selves and to each other,

the people in their lives whom they’ve met and not yet met.

The gift I give to my readers is the beauty of knowing and believing in themselves.

And, I’m reminded that in ‘mission statements’ for jobs in varying fields there was always some form of “supporting/empowering people in believing in themselves.”

It’s who I be in my actions.  Is it a Vision?  A Dream?”

Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
Do you have a written statement of your dreams? If not, I invite you now write them down. It is said that the more that we express what we want, the more that we attract it.

I invite those of you who wish to be public, to post your dreams, vision and/or purpose in the COMMENTS section of this Dreams/Vision/Purpose post on the BLOG. 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 a box with space for you to “Leave a Reply” will be there to type in your response. Then remember to click on “Submit.”

Lastly, I invite you to look at your GIFTS. You may not be publishing books or ezines AND I know that there are one or more roles which you are playing. I invite you to answer for yourself, and perhaps share,

“The GIFT I give to myself, my community and/or my world is….” I actually invite you to pluralize it. Thus “The gifts I give to…. are…”

It would be great to have you also then list your gifts in the comments section of the blog! Please do.

As always, have fun with this and have an outstanding year ahead.

******

Three Programs I suggest you check out – I am a participant in all three.

The Comfort Queen’s 2009 Virtual Retreat facilitated and hosted by Jen Louden includes 15 sessions with different known experts. Among those that are intially of most interest to me are: “Getting Centered”, “Overcoming Money Fear”, “Overcoming Emotional Eating” (Gineen Roth-host) and “Overcoming Procrastination.” Fortunately, since I will be away during most of the sessions, all will be recorded .

42 Days of Passionate Presence led by Julie Jordan Scott Adela Rubio. A lot of who I am today, and what you experience here in Picture to Ponder, results from courses I’ve participated in facilitated by Julie. I did a couple of rounds of 42 Day Writing and 42 Day Discover your Passion programs a few years ago, as you have seen above.

Those writing experiences, as well as a few of her writing teleseminars, are what opened me up to the potential of myself as a writer. Adela, too, was an active participant in those programs. She also facilitated a few other programs in which I participated and experienced growth.

Both are special women. 42 Days of Passionate Presence started this morning, Jan. 7 with calls recorded and an active onnline community. See BEing Bootcamp for a description of the course and its bonuses, all of which are being gifted to you.

VIP Inner Authors Circle , facilitated by Shelley Lieber, a membership program with monthly teleclasses, MP3s of them, many bonuses, including a signed copy of Shelley Lieber ‘s 4Ps to Publishing Success: Get Your Manuscript Off Your Desk & Into Print, a step-by-step workbook to guide aspiring authors through the publishing process.

There will be interview with expert calls and coaching calls each month as well as a lot of other information during the month. See Authors Circle for full details.

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Picture to Ponder – Vol 4 – Issue 49 – Endings at sunset and Beginnings expressed by children at Sunrise

by Sheila Finkelstein on December 30, 2008

As the sun and the year 2008 set, may they bring the beauty of their reflected light into your 2009 with the same celebration and joy that we see the children expressing at sunrise

Sunset at Wakodahatchee - looks like ski slpes

Children celeberating sunrise at Boynton Beach

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
A December Sunset in Wakodahtachee Wetlands and children celebrating a December Sunrise at Boynton Beach, FL

The sunset was recent and I photographed the sunrise three years ago. It remains one of my favorites, as I recall the sheer exuberance of my granddaughter and one of my three grandsons with their visiting cousins from Indiana.

I love using this photo for December in my Sunrise/Sunset calendar. I see it as one of celebration of the year ending, as well as anticipation for the New Year to come.

Note – For those who love beach sunrises, you can see five more in a Picture to Ponder Issue, from last November.

The Story
None today – Simply an observation, as I smile, on the changes in the three years since the lower photo was taken. All four (I think) are on Facebook (my two grandchildren here and a grandson in Georgia are among my “Friends”). All are into text messaging on their phones. The latter I do without.

Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
Most of you, I’m sure, are and will be receiving an abundance of emails and suggestions for gratitude lists, blessings, and more as we wrap up the past year and look into and plan for the next.

For today, I’m leaving the Self-Reflecting Queries up to you. Spend a moment or two, or more, with each of the two photos and experience whatever comes up for you. Take those thoughts and feeling wherever they go, or wherever they don’t.

May we all have a Blessed, Healthful 2009 – May it bring all that each of us wish for and more.

******

Two Programs I suggest you check out –

42 Days of Passionate Presence led by Julie Jordan Scott Adela Rubio. A lot of who I am today, and what you experience here in Picture to Ponder, results from courses I’ve participated in facilitated by Julie. I did a couple of rounds of 42 Day Writing and 42 Day Discover your Passion programs a few years ago.

Those writing experiences, as well as a few of her writing teleseminars, are what opened me up to the potential
of myself as a writer. Adela, too, was an active participant in those programs. She also facilitated a few other programs in which I participated and experienced growth.

Both are special women. 42 Days of Passionate Presence is scheduled to start on Jan. 7 and was jump-started this week. See BEing Bootcamp for a description of the course and its bonuses, all of which are being gifted to you.

******

VIP Inner Authors Circle , facilitated by Shelley Lieber, a membership program with monthly teleclasses, MP3s of them, many bonuses, including a signed copy of Shelley Lieber ‘s 4Ps to Publishing Success: Get Your Manuscript Off Your Desk & Into Print, a step-by-step workbook to guide aspiring authors through the publishing process.

All of this is only $97 TOTAL for those who enroll by 12/31 and $127 after. For those who meet the 12/31 deadline, Shelley is also including the audio files of the 4Ps to Publishing Success teleseminar (4 hours of all new and updated information not found in the book)

Although I have not yet been in a course with Shelley, other than the initial call, I have been most impressed with my initial experiences of her both in that phone call and in subsequent follow-up emails and TWEETS (for those on Twitter) that we’ve had. See Authors Circle for full details.

As an special interest for me, her husband, Joe Gemignani, is an awesome photographer.

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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.

******

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.

******

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

******

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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Picture to Ponder 4th Birthday – Celebrating with Bougainvillea – Vol 4 – Issue 46

by Sheila Finkelstein on December 10, 2008

Happy 4th Birthday Picture to Ponder and subscribers.
Special thanks to those of you have been with us since
Issue 1 – December 9, 2004. Click on the link to see what my mission was.
I think you’ll agree that together we’ve been
fulfilling on it. Much delight and joy to all as we enter our 5th Year!

bougainvillea 1

bougainvillea 2

Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos
Bougainvillea from a bush outside our community in Boynton Beach, FL

In the upper photo the flower on the right looks like “lips” to me. Thus, I thought the picture would be great for sending kisses to us all as we celebrate Picture to Ponder’s birthday.

The lower photo shows the full range of colors and the subtle differences that attracted me.

The Story
The other night I was driving into the community where I live and from a distance the large plant in the front of a center island caught my eye. It looked to be a plant with multi-colored leaves. See photo 3 to view a fuller expanse of the leaves and flowers. “Fascinating,” thought ,I and, of course, I pulled in front of it and parked so that my camera and I could investigate. (Note – Photo 3 was taken in morning light. Thus a different feeling to it.)

What I thought were different kinds of leaves turned out to be the flowers colored by the many stages of their life cycle, from beginning to their “death.”

I had been pondering, off and on, for a couple of days as to what photos I might have, or would show up, to honor our Picture to Ponder birthday. Then the noticing of this bush showed up, offering both pictures and a theme.

The flowers in today’s featured bougainvillea represent, to me, the beauty of all the stages of our lives. The parts of the flower that are dying off are soft and lovely and, seemingly for a while, stay and show off their full range of beauty within each petal, rather than suddenly “dying off,” which seems to happen with many plants.

It therefore became fitting to use these photos for this issue to acknowledge all the pieces of our growth. The presentation of Picture to Ponder has mellowed and changed somewhat during these past four years and yet the parts remain an integral part of us.

EZezine, the publisher we used until recently, kindly still holds the ARCHIVES for people to visit at any time. (Though please do not use their subscribe or unsubscribe buttons. They do not link to our current publisher and list. If you are a visitor, use SUBSCRIBE at the end of this issue)

All Picture to Ponder issues can also be accessed by following the links at the bottom of any issue in the eteletours.com site or by simply changing the numbers in the URL. See this issue, as an example, http://www.eteletours.com/v4-issue46.html or Issue 1 mentioned to at the top of this page.

Today’s Self-Reflecting Queries
So how does this all relate to us and our Self-Reflecting Queries? For me, it brings to mind many of the different facets of ourselves. Therefore, I invite you to look into your life and query,

“Are there pieces of me, in current or past experiences, that I have “cast off”, dismissed as dead and gone, perhaps useless?”

If “yes”, I invite you to take some time to reflect, see how they contributed to who you are today, to the beauty of you and the fabric of your life AND then CELEBRATRE ALL of  YOU!

Castera Rose on a Pillow in the Nature Art Gift shopCelebrate our Birthday with us. Gift yourself, or a loved one, with a pillow, clock, tile, mug, or one of our many other gift items enhanced with a Picture to Ponder Photograph. Go to Nature Art Gift Shop (first link on that page is by photo category, others are by product)

Coming to you with love and appreciation. Happy LifeDay, LifeYear.

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