Sheila Finkelstein.Picture_to_Ponder

Releasing and Having Fun - v4-#25: Purple Gallinue dances in Wakodahatchee

Today's Picture to Ponder Photo
Two views of a Purple Gallinule in motion, along the stem of the fireflag plant in Wakodahatchee Wetlands
                  
In the last issue of Picture to Ponder I featured a fireflag flower and I thought it would be fun to follow-up with these photos of a purple gallinule in the process of moving toward a few at the end of a stem. The fireflag flower is his favorite food. To see him out over the water, almost at his destination, click on water.                    

Self-Reflecting Queries
Another reason for sharing today's gallinule photos is that they bring a grin to my face every time I look at them. I thought you might smile also.
                       
Of course, we could get heavy and significant about the bird, make a determination that he is struggling and "holding on tight," or we could say he's simply relaxing with his wings spread out, enjoying his scenery.
                       
In the lower photo, we could state that he is warily taking his next step, or we could say he's dancing (my initial response when I first viewed the photo.)
                       
Bottom line, we can make all kinds of interpretations as to what's happening with the gallinule. Who is to determine which is the "correct" one? On the other hand, we can simply be with the beauty of his colors, the lines of his legs and amazing feet, or however you see it.
                        
Hmm. Once again I've brought my interpretations into the picture. I invite you to check in with yourself. Are there places in your life where you are so busy making interpretations, "figuring" something out, that you are missing the opportunity of having fun.
                     
If so what thoughts and/or emotions would you need to release right now to have that pleasure. Might it be perfectionism? judgment? the need to be right? anger? something else? If you see it, please take the action of letting go so can can have pleasure in this moment.
                     
As always, have fun and play with this.                      

Peacefulness and transformation - Fireflag Flower - v4-#24

Today's Picture to Ponder Photo
Fireflag flower and Flowing Plant with Reflections creating an almost circle - Both photos (the one on the left and the second) were taken in Green Cay Wetlands, Boynton Beach, Florida
                  
A feeling of peacefulness, for me, is emanating from each of these pictures. In the top fireflag flower photo it's the softness of the blurred background that's creating this. In the lower photo, perhaps it's the appearance of completeness created by the almost circles as the bending branch tips meet in the water and reflects back upon themselves.
                  
Self-Reflecting Queries
#1 - Are there places in your life where you have unfinished business and completion would give you peace?
                     
If so, I invite you to take on one or more actions to have that take place. Most likely even the simplest action will start the process of serenity.                   

#2 - In the fireflag flower photo the result of the completion, so-to-speak, is a triangular shape. In art principles, as I recall, the triangle is said to be very dynamic. In this photo, it's balanced nicely by the background.
                      
In the midst of your very busy life, are you aware of where the balance is? 
                     
#3 - For whatever reason I love the fireflag flowers, especially abundant in the summer in Wakodahatchee and Green Cay Wetlands. Perhaps it's simply the delicacy of the flower and its color. Knowing how much I do love then, I assumed that I've featured them in Picture to Ponder sometime in the past year and did not want to be redundant. In fact, when I checked it's been over a year.
                     
Are there places in your life where you are hiding what you are passionate about, thinking people will be bored? If so, I invite you to start sharing with one or more persons. See what opens up for you and, most likely, them. So much happens in the interaction.
                     
For me, simply learning through an email or comment on the blog that a photograph or a thought expressed in Picture to Ponder has made a difference for you is the fuel that empowers me.

There are some amazing comments on the blog. If you haven't checked them out, please do. See BLOG.
                   
Have fun noticing, or discovering, the triangles and circles of completion in your life.

Taking Action and Gratitude - Inspiration Red Roses - v4-#23

Today's Picture to Ponder Photo
Red Roses and Baby's Breath, from a bouquet generously gifted to me by Heidi Richards of Eden Florist in Florida (Fort Lauderdale area) when I went to pay a social/networking visit
                  
I was moved by the gift and when I got home I felt compelled to photograph the flowers from all different views, including the beautiful bow. In addition to some inside shots, I posed the roses out on my lawn using the late afternoon lighting. Today's featured photos were actually taken a day later, as I played with flash and a black background.                                    

Ultimately, there was something in the textures and feel of the two red rose photographs featured above and the second that drew me in, to simply "be with" and enjoy them. To enjoy a few of the other photos, plus a 50 second slide show video, with the roses mostly on the grass, click on Heidi's Roses.
                     
Self-Reflecting Queries
Thinking about queries for today had me all over the place. I had spent an inordinate amount of time with these flowers - taking photos, creating the slide show, looking for and deciding on music and relearning programs that I haven't used in over a year, then taking many more photos, with different backgrounds and lighting today.
                     
Actually, when I started taking pictures today, I had an idea for queries around what happens to the background when you flash your light on the center of what interests you - not just when photographing, rather in your life as a whole. Although my theory worked in the viewfinder, the resulting photographs turned out to be faintly blurred. I almost dropped the whole "Red Roses for Today" concept to move on to something else.
                     
The point of all the above? It comes down to following queries:
                     
1. Are there places in your life, where you are working hard at forcing an outcome, or outcomes, based on a theory of yours, or opinions you have? If so, I invite to look closely. Might something new or more powerful become available were you to let it go?
                     
2. When you let something go, do you make a shift or are you likely to simply quit? I could have quit today and then decided to trust that there is something either in the photos that will have an impact on you, or in the story of my experience.
                     
3. Are there places in your life where you feel so frenetic it's almost like you are spinning? Adding to my frenzy were the 135 photos I had taken along with the quest to choose the "right" ones and choose the "perfect" approach.
                     
As always, the answer was to slow down and simply act, taking one step-at-a-time, trusting that the original instincts were "right-on." How about you? What will your answer be?
                     
And in a totally different "Gratitude Conversation":
                     
4. Is there anyone in your life who has contributed to you in some way whom you could be acknowleding? Heidi Richards, mentioned in the beginning of today's issue, is one of the most generous, active, involved networkers I know, maintaining several blogs, networking groups and head of WECAI - Women's eCommerce Association International. As I reflect back over the years, when I first met her in an in-person networking event in Fort Lauderdale, I'm reminded that one of my best friends was introduced to me and my work through someone with whom I connected that night.
                     
So thank you for Blaise**, Heidi, and for all the other people I've met through the numerous phone and web networking events you've organized and facilitated. There is no way of measuring the learning and the ripple effect of that.
                     
I invite you to look at some of the people in your life and the ripples that preceded and are flowing from and beyond you. Acknowledge yourself and those people behind and in front of you.
                     
For those with a three-day weekend here in the States, celebrating the 4th of July / Independence day, this may be a great time for each of us acknowledge those who have contributed to our independence in whatever form(s) we have it.
                     
I actually invite all of us to take this on, no matter where in this international community of Picture to Ponder subscribers you live.
                     
To Freedom and Peace!                      
                     
**Blaise participated in one of my Through and From the Lens course series, fell in love with her camera and the amazing things she does with it and then became active in the FlickR community. See Blaise's Photos.
                     
                                      

Discovery - Pond Apple and Rainbows Inspire Transformation - v4-#22

Today's Picture to Ponder Photo
A Pond Apple on the Boardwalk Railing at Wakodahatchee Wetlands
                                  
Because, I so love the peacefulness, the mystery and the fun of today's featured photo - the impishness of the personified fruit - as well as the aesthetics in the repetition of textures and flowing patterns and color, I am choosing to leave it as a stand-alone image for you to enjoy.

As I walked,  one recent morning something caught my eye on the dull concrete. I got closer and saw it was a pond apple, fruit from a tree, rather than a small animal, as I had thought. I picked it up and then started playing, setting it up and photographing it in different environments. One close-up view is quite brilliant in color.                                     

Should you wish to see the latter two photos, simply click on the underlined links.
                     
Self-Reflecting Queries
Today I invite you to pay attention to something in your environment that you usually ignore, have never noticed before, or maybe pass for the first time. Be it a thought or a visual, describe what you are seeing - in writing or simply in thought. What is it that brought it to your arrention? Play with it. Does anything change?
                   
For me, after taking many photos, I did come home and write down the thoughts that had been rambling in/scrambling my brain. Mildly censored for here, the self-deprecating deleted, I wrote:
                   
Rainbows and Pond Apples
Rainbows and pond apples,
Alerting to my senses
Awakening that "mired-in stuckness"
The stuckness of apathy.
                     
Negative thoughts bombard the brain,
Slow my body as I trudge along and
Then, Rainbows on an early morning walk
Open me up to excitement.
                     
Glad I responded to the nudge -
"Early morning walk. You're up. Go to Wakodahatchee!"
                     
                     
                     
Reaching up brightly in the sky.
Reflecting in the water too.
Camera time.
                     
Walk some more.
Fatigue back.
Then, "What is that snail(?) on the concrete?

Wow, it's not alive.
It's a dropped pond apple."                      
                     
Pick it up.
Move it.
Photograph it in different places.
                   
Energy is back.
Creativity sets in.
That's my name, my game.
                   
What's yours?
                                      
©2008 Sheila Finkelstein                   

Love - Relationships and Fathers' gifts to us - Vol 4 - #21 - Sam Finkelstein and baby Joe

Today's Picture to Ponder Photo
Father Sam and Baby Joe Finkelstein in early 1963
                  
Belatedly acknowledging Father's Day in the US, I share this photo with you for the love that it exudes - a father's love and admiration mirrored in the face of our firstborn. It's also a reminder for me that "love is eternal."
                  
Self-Reflecting Queries
Given this past Sunday was the first Father's Day that our beloved Sam was no longer with us, I somewhat disregarded it. When I opened some of the Father's Day celebration emails from various of the ezines to which I subscribe, I had the thought that I, too, should acknowledge it for you, my subscribers who are so special to me.
                  
Other obligations and some lethargy had me ignore it. At the same time this photo of Sam and Joe kept surfacing in my memory, so I'm acting on instinct and sharing it with you.
                  
For those among you who are fathers, I hope you had a great day. For all of you who chose to acknowledge your fathers, I hope that love and empowerment was there.                   

If you have not already done so, I invite each one of you to tap into at least one image of love that you have. How can you use that to empower you?
                     
Relationships
I'm finding as I'm writing here that I am becoming quite pensive. Looking at what I wrote above, it would seem that there might have been something amiss between me and my father, who has been gone for 21 years. I went back into my files to see what I wrote and read at his funeral and I found something I wrote a few weeks after, as I was grieving. I share it with you now in the event that it might help one or more of you.
                   
It also relates to something I wrote yesterday when grieving Sam's loss and feeling guilty about some remembered behaviors of mine. I once again went to Haiku and one line sticks with me, "There is no do over" (Six syllables, I now see, not five)
                   
REFLECTIONS (on my me and my father)                   

I didn’t believe he wouldn’t make it, but
I gave him what he wanted at the end--
My presence and taking care of Laura.

Could he have given me what I wanted?
Turning off the TV?
Coming out of the bedroom (in October)?
Talking?
Sharing feelings?
Asking about me?
Giving me a hug that had squeeze and feeling?

Could he have, if I had asked?

Could he have given me what I needed,
If I knew what it was. . .
And had the courage to ask?

I thought not, so I didn’t!
                   
Thoughts and questions expressed and asked of myself almost  2 weeks too late.
                     
Sheila Finkelstein,  3/8/87
                     
Twenty-one years later, I know that he could have/would have proudly given me all that I never asked. Remember, "There is no do over." If you see yourself in any of the above, in relationship with anyone in your life, I invite you to ask the questions of the person, whoever comes to mind for you.
                   
In conclusion, at the end of what I spoke at my father's (Sam Bakely's) memorial service, I read,
                  
"In a condolence conversation, his and my mother’s beloved doctor described him as a gift:
                  
-  a gift to him, the doctor, who never knew such a patient-doctor relationship;
-  the gift to my husband of me;
-  and the gift to me is that in so many good and strong ways, and weak ones too, I am my father!

For him, for me and for us--I thank you all for your gift of love in being here today."
                       
Lastly, I invite you to find the positive attributes  in yourself that emanated from your father's love for you. What is your father's gift to you? You might also query, "What is your gift (not from a store) to your father?"
                     
Thank you for your gift of "listening."                                                   

Shifting points of view - Frond of Bottle Palm Tree - vol4 - #20

Today's Picture to Ponder Photo
Horizontal view of the leaves, or frond, of a Bottle Palm Tree
                  
As I was searching for today's Picture to Ponder photo the drama of this one popped out at me. "Perfect for writing," I thought, though I did not plan to write from it in this issue. And then as I was putting together this issue, I wrote:
                  
      ODE TO A BOTTLE PALM TREE FROND                   
                  
                   Powerful leaves
                   Diagonally strong
                   Directed where?
                   Into an abyss or
                   A whole new world of opportunity?                   
                  
                   I appreciate your strength and
                   Your different points of view.
                  
                   Rotate you 180 degrees and
                   I want to sleep,
                   Lulled by your gentle movement                   
                  
                                     
                  
                   Rotate you once again at 90 degrees
                   And I want to party.
                   It's the feeling of the rhythm of what
                   Now appears to be one side of
                   Your head of long hair.                   
                  
                                     
                  
                   This is the normal way you are seen.
                   Shall I keep this view,
                   Making a party statement on life?                   
                  
                   Or shall I go for the power and direction
                   In picture number one?                   
                  
To see photos 2 and 3 enlarged, and for other views of the trunk and the full tree, see BOTTLE PALM TREE.
                  
Self-Reflecting Queries
How wonderful it is that life does offer us so many options and opportunities to change in any moment, simply by shifting our view points - perspectives. All I needed to do to experience totally different perceptions here was to rotate the photo.
                  
Are there places in your life right now, where shifting points of view might present new opportunities for you? If so, I invite you to play with this. Before starting note, also, that the original source of the shift occurred in the closing in, initially, on a small section of the frond. It was that which resulted in the variety.
                  
As I look at the tree itself, large view, I find it difficult to source the origin of the powerful view initially shown here. This reminds me to invite you to also close in on a small segment of the situation you might be exploring.                   

Lastly, I invite you to use the photos as a jumping off point for your own writing, for exploration. You might find something totally unexpected opening up for you and I expect, most different than what came up for me.
                     
As always, have fun.                    

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
A Finch and an Orange Flower, last of the recent photos from Butterfly World, Coconut Creek, FL, that I will be showing, for now at least.
                  
I love the bird for its softness and facial expression and the flower for its brightness and color. Two very different images, visually they hold together on the page because of the repetition of colors - the oranges and greens in both. As to why they are being featured together, see the Self-Reflecting Queries (SRQs) below.
                  
Self-Reflecting Queries
Ambivalence has been in charge, off and on, for the past week or so, as I've considered which photos to select to be the featured ones for this issue. I could go into other "stories", excuses, and more, and bottom line came the decision to simply act.
                     
I had decided to use one of the bird photos, especially to please those of you who like seeing birds. While looking through the assortment from the Butterfly World excursion, the flower photo popped up. I decided it could work aesthetically, at the same time satisfying the flower lovers.
                         
As I scroll up and down being with the two photos, along with the butterfly note card image, I am quite pleased. Although seemingly unrelated, they work well together, I think, complementing one another. In terms of how they relate to SRQs, once again, we seem to come back to the theme of "trust".
                     
Are there places in your life where you are stalling on taking action? If so, I invite you to set aside whatever the "reasons" you've declared are holding you back and simply step out and do at least one small thing, trusting that there will be a result that pleases you.
                
As always, have fun with whatever you choose to do, or not do.

Rhythm, Flow and Peace in life - Koi Fish in Butterfly World - v3-#18

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Koi Fish  in Butterfly World, Coconut Creek, FL

While walking through it, on my recent visit to Butterfly World, I was drawn to the Koi fish pond by the flow of their movement. Of these three photos the middle one is my favorite. It was the overall composition, with the fish in the top photo, facing downwards that had me arrange the three photos as they are presented here.
                      
In the middle photo, I find fascinating the seemingly transparent tail of the fish. I also love the play, rhythm and contrast of the sky reflections. The bottom photo is included because it shows some more of the traditional colors of the Koi fish I usually see.
                                         
Self-Reflecting Queries
These fish seem to symbolize a smooth and gentle ease as they navigate their way through, in and around their environment.
                     
Are there places in your life where you may be feeling stuck? If so, I wonder if recalling the images of these fish could provide you with some freedom.
                     
Also, in the last issue of Picture to Ponder, in the Self-Reflecting Queries, I spoke of simplification. I suddenly recalled my discussion, as I began wandering on the web for examples to build a related yet, diversionary tale here, citing SWIMMY by Leo Lionni, one of my favorite children's books. I often used this story and the illustrations in a variety of ways with young children when I taught art in an elementary school many years ago.
                     
I brought myself back to my intention of completing Picture to Ponder issues simply and with ease - focus being an important element for me to keep remembering. I do so love wandering through life sometimes, in the way these Koi fish seem to be moving through theirs.
                     
What is your preferred style and pattern? Are there chosen elements of behavior for which you want to create reminders for yourself?
                     
Whatever they are, I wish you a joyful, peaceful flow in your life.

Serenity and Peace - v4-#17: Butterflies in Butterfly World

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Butterflies in Butterfly World, Coconut Creek, FL

I particularly like the overall feeling of the backgrounds, contrasted with the butterflies and flowers in each of the above photos. The center photo, especially, offers me a sense of freedom and spaciousness. The white in the bottom photo may be the contributory factor there. (See FlickR for more photos, including ones of two mating butterflies.)

Self-Reflecting Queries
Four days this past weekend went by in a whirlwind, it seemed, as I shared my favorite Nature spots with my friend Rebecca, from Dallas, of artpaw.com. I've known her for eight years and this is the first time we met face-to-face. Those of you who have been following the writing in Picture to Ponder over the years, may recall that Rebecca set up my first website - www.naturesplayground.com and continued to support me/tutor me in Dreamweaver and other business practices in subsequent years. We were introduced by a friend of hers who was, as I, a participant in an Omega workshop in New York State.

To satisfy my own curiosity, as well as, perhaps, some of yours, on the look of that site, I took the time to dig through old files and reconstruct the original home page as Rebecca had designed it. You can see it at Nature's Playground first page. The Echinacea you see was the flower photo/drawing on that home page. The other thumbnails on top are from later years. Clicking on any of the links will take you to current pages.

So how, did I get from butterflies to websites, you may be wondering? It's a leftover I think from this weekend, when I often lost Rebecca in conversation as I jumped from "story" to "story", often leaving off in the middle, forgetting the principle I once learned, and strive today to practice in communicating, "The point [of what I am about to say] is..."

In my desire to have one or more SRQ's today, I find myself still wandering, AND the point for today is undoubtedly about simplifying. What if I had simply included the three butterfly photos today, with very few words? What if my current sites were as simple as my first? I'd probably be left with the peaceful feeling that emanates from the photos.

Are there places in your life now where you feel some simplification may be in order? If so, are there things or practices from your past that, if revisited, might give you access to some new steps now? Remember, one step at a time!

Peace.

Playing Full-Out - v4-#16: Champagne glass on in a bench

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Light and Reflected Shadows of a Champagne Glass, left on a Bench in the American Orchid Society Gardens
                  
The beautiful spaces outdoors in the AOS Gardens often serve as the setting for catered parties. While walking in the gardens recently, I noticed the above glass sitting on a bench. I almost left it there before deciding to act responsibly, to pick it up and take it inside.
                  
I include the bottom photo to show you the setting of the lone pieces. I like the feel of the rhythm of the components in the photo. Once deciding to remove the glass, I choose first to photograph some close-ups of it.
                  
Self-Reflecting Queries
When I first saw the glass, my active imagination immediately started making up stories about isolation and aloneness. The warmth of the sun and the wood quickly put those thoughts to rest.

After picking up the glass, I began to think about playing with it and my camera before returning it to the office. As you see, I moved from "thinking" to "action." Are there places in your life where you still are in the thinking stage, where you might benefit from moving into playful action?

Interestingly, several days later, as thoughts for today's issue began to float around in my head, I realized that I never fully got into the play. In hindsight, I reflected that had I become fully immersed, I would definitely have placed the glass upside down on the bench and looked through, above and underneath the glass and its base, at the shadows and reflections. I might also have laid it on its side.

As I now think about the whole scenario now, I get disappointed as querying what other possibilities I might have seen had I gone beyond the ordinary, or expected, view of the glass and played "full-out". The thought came, "Perhaps I can go back with another glass, though I don't have one like that, and do some more photographing." And at this point in time it really doesn't make sense to do that.

What I AM taking away, from this glass on a bench, is the reminder to be fully present in the moment, playing with all possibilities and variations at the time I am there.

I invite you to look around outside, and inside, yourself - Are there any places in your life right now, where you could become more fully engaged than you are, totally so, and have fun?

If so, please treat yourself to the discoveries in the experience.