Sheila Finkelstein.Picture_to_Ponder

Forms and Shadows - Roxburgh Figs - v4-#5

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Roxburgh Figs and Fig Tree in the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo, FL (see also Figs 2 and Fig Tree)
                
According to one source, this fig tree is an "evergreen to semi-deciduous, spreading, large shrub or small tree reaching 25 feet tall and as wide." Its fruit is not edible.
                     
Self-Reflecting Queries
The west coast of Florida -
Cloudless sunrises and sunsets,
Dramatic reflections in plate glass windows,
Sandcastles and pelicans...
All images from my short vacation with a friend.
                     
In my camera and downloaded to my computer,
They all say something...
Well many do.
                     
And the figs were the most unusual, for me,
The most compelling, as I selected photos for today.
                     
Be it the roundness, the fullness, the contrasting textures. 
It matters not.
It's what is.
                     
I invite you to look at what images and/or situations in your life are new to you. Are there any compelling you to act in some usual, or unusual (for you) way? If so, why not play with them, as I played with words in the format today.

As always, have fun with this.

Serenity and Self-Sabotage - v4-#4 - Morikami Bridge and Roseate Spoonbill in Wakodahatchee

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Bridge at Morikami Gardens in Delray Beach, FL and Roseate Spoonbill in Wakodahatchee Wetlands in May 2005
                
I selected the photos today simply for the serenity I feel when I look at them. Rocks and water do that for me, as does the color pink and quiet reflections in the water.
                
Self-Reflecting Queries
Where are the spaces and scenes in your life that give you a feeling of peacefulness? Do you have them "bookmarked" so-to-speak, so you can go to them when needed or desired? The aim of today's photos was to simply share peaceful spaces with you. The Morikami bridge is also fulfilling my promise in the last issue to include a scenic photo from the Gardens.
                        
Interestingly, when I started searching for the photos today, even thinking about using different ones, I discovered that I had already done what was necessary to use the photos. I even had them in place and this issue started. "Wow, I thought. I'm ahead of the game. I'll be able to get today's issue out quickly, without any fuss, in a minimal amount of time!"
                        
THEN, I found that I had mislabeled the issue that went in the mail. It was actually Issue 3, marked in the subject line of the mailing as Issue 4, thus resting in the archives as such. Not that big a deal, unless one's a perfectionist and has to figure out the whole thing and try to fix it. I wound up spending more than 20 minutes going back and forth on the web and in my web design program, looking for answers to determine what needed "fixing" and then doing what I could to rectify it as much as possible.
                        
What I'm reminded of, in my story today, is how often I unconsciously sabotage myself. In this case I had actually been partially prepared in advance, intending simplicity and ease, as I started setting up last week what was to be the next issue of Picture to Ponder. Then what I did was, unknowingly, make a simple mistake that ended up costing me time, canceling the anticipated peace and ease.
                        
And, perhaps the whole thing happened so that I would have a query for today. Can you see places in your life where you commit acts of self-sabotage?
                        
In the situation described above, I think it was haste, and the rush of immediate self-satisfaction with the advance preparation, that precluded my doing some simple final checks before mailing the issue. If you do see areas in your own life, can you pinpoint what they are, to remind yourself in the future and perhaps cancel the sabotage?
                        
To be complete - I almost changed the photos I was going to use today. Then I reminded myself that I was entitled to what I thought was going to be the luxury of time efficiency and ease, so I honored myself and my original intention in the selections for today.
                        
Are there places in your life, right now, where you can be simplifying AND honoring yourself at the same time? If so, I invite you to take the actions that will do that for you.
                        
As always, have fun with this.                        

Finding new in the old - Pine Cone Scales - v4-#2

Today's Picture to Ponder Photo
looking into a Pine Cone found on the ground
                

I am drawn to the depths and textures and the rhythm of the scales of the cone, particularly in the top photo.
                
For those of you who enjoy playing the "Face-Finding Games" with me, I definitely see a creature's face in the prominent scale jutting out in the middle photo. I include the bottom photo simply to show the full pine cone and how ordinary it appears.
                
Self-Reflecting Queries
I am in a Nature Photography Workshop at the Morikami Gardens in Delray Beach. This past Saturday we went out with our cameras, experimenting with different settings.
                        
Since I've been to the Morikami several times, I was not feeling excited by what I saw. I wound up taking some people pictures, attracted by contrasting colors in clothes and pictures of some of the other photographers with intent expressions on their faces. I did take a couple of nice scenic photographs that I will share in the next issue of Picture to Ponder.
                        
Bottom line here, at the end of my wanderings, not surprisingly, the pine cone on the ground in the above photo caught my eye. As I stated above, I was attracted to the textures and the multitude of dimensions that I saw when zooming in close.
                        
Insofar as queries here today, I invite you to look into your own life at areas or situations that seem "old" for you. Choose one and then explore it for something new you can find, a new outlook, perhaps, on something you have been taking for granted. Maybe you can choose something that you think you already know everything there is to know about it.
                        
If you discover something new that involves another person or persons, I invite you to share this with them. You might even involve them in the original exploration.
                        
As always, have fun with this.                         
                        
Clocks - New Items in the Gift Shop    -                                                                            

Being so excited with the Castera Rose Clock featured in the last issue, I put up 15 more clocks this weekend, including trucks, flowers, giraffes and more.

                                             

Swan Clock

Truck Clock

Being in the Moment and Commitment: Castera Rose - v4-#2

Today's Picture to Ponder Photo
a Castera Rose
                
I first featured this flower in October 2005.  Something is having me so drawn to it this past week that I decided to, once again, share it with you. For the story behind my first publishing this, and other photos of the rose, see Picture to Ponder ISSUE 182. 
                        
Self-Reflecting Queries
Having become  so enamored with the flower, I decided to put the photo  on a clock and a pillow and then ordered both from the gift shop. The pillow with this image has been giving me comfort and I love looking at the rose on the clock each time I glance into the living room from my office.

My experience with the Castera Rose became one of simply allowing myself to be with what feels good. Are there places in your life where you are fighting with yourself about something you like, despite the warm feelings you have about it? If so, I invite you to take an action around it.

I am also thinking that I could be doing some writing, exploring the lushness and the various depths of the rose, perhaps discovering what it is that's drawing me in. I have a choice. I can act upon that thought and see what opens up or I can simply allow it to be. Since the emotion is so strong, I suspect that writing will provide an expansion for me and I will take that action.

Because I made the commitment here, I will study the rose with my eye and my heart and let my pen freely wander. What about you? Is there a commitment you would like to make to something that acting upon might make a difference for you? If so, I, again, invite you to take action to see what opens up?

Castera Rose - New Items in the Gift Shop

         

Clock

  Magnet   

                                          

Opening, Possibilities, Reflections - vol4-#1

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Garden Doors and Reflections in Water Lily Pond in Four Seasons Garden in Palm Beach, Florida                                   

This is  the same location where the tropical lily and leaves photos featured in the last issue of 2007 were taken.

I chose the first photo today for the feeling of openings, invitation and welcome to the infinite possibilities for the New Year ahead of us.
                        
The second photo, to me, represents the opportunity for reflecting on the softness (the whimsical reflected plants), the contrast and the always light to be found somewhere in our lives.
                        
Self-Reflecting Queries
I'm shaking my head in disbelief that the month is half over and that this is the first issue of Picture to Ponder for 2008.
                     
It's taking me time, right now, to find the rhythms in my life and, I realize, that part of the process is taking the proverbial one-step-at-a-time. Sharing photos and thoughts with you is a commitment I've made, so standing in that I take today's action step of getting out the first issue of 2008.
                     
Are there still actions you've mean meaning to take to get your year off to an empowering start? If so, I invite you to take at least one now.
                     
A Somewhat Unrelated Observation and Query
This is the 385th issue of Picture to Ponder. December 9, 2007 marked the end of our third year, a celebration that I missed.
                     
I invite you all to check out Issue 1 to see how I started. It's interesting for me to note my mission as expressed there. Although format and distribution frequency have changed, I'm pleased and proud to acknowledge that based on feedback I get, I have, in fact, been fulfilling on what I set out to accomplish when I started Picture to Ponder.
                     
I also invite you to look into  your own life at a purpose, or purposes, you may have had and have and acknowledge yourself for where you have been realizing what you aimed to accomplish.

Make a powerful, empowering 2008 filled with joyous discovery and blessings.

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Spreading light for 2008 - v3-#65: Tropical Water Lily

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Tropical Water Lily and Lily Pad leaves
                
To me, the flower in the top photo seems to be opening out, spreading light and joy out from its center to the world. The lower photo exudes a feeling of peace and at the same time it has a sense of celebration. Thus I include it as we close out 2007 and go into 2008.
                
Self-Reflecting Queries
For today, as I prepare for closing out the year and entering the new one, my writing will be sparse. I simply invite you to find the bright light in your center, similar to that which is in the flower above.
                     
Spend some time with that light. Honor yourself, who you are and what it means for you. Then look and see with and to whom and where in your life can you share and spread that light in the upcoming days and throughout the New Year.
                     
May it be a peaceful, healthy, joyful and prosperous one for us all. I appreciate your being in my life.
                     

Sunrise - Spreading Sunshine in Delray Beach - v3-#64

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Sunrise photos at Delray Beach taken on November 3rd
                
The top photograph, for me, is a great follow-up to the last issue where I featured the light from the Shivah [mourning] candle for Sam. Several wrote, on the blog or to me directly, that they saw an angel in either, or both, the top photo and the bottom one in that issue.
                
The sun in the top photo here in today's issue feels like a halo radiating warmth and love, to me, to you and to the world. I think each of the other photos [see V3-Issue 64] also offers something special. For this issue, I chose to sequence the event, going backwards, to the first glimpse we get of the sun peeking out above the clouds.
                
Self-Reflecting Queries
Interesting, to me, that the word "event" came out as I was writing the last paragraph. In fact, now that I think of it, I do celebrate the rising of the sun as an event. Are you aware of all events and celebrations that are meaningful to you in your life?    

Now, for what I had thought would be my main message - The photos above were taken on the Saturday, the day before we set clocks back an hour, in the States, to go from daylight to standard time. Because walking on the sand at the beach had been getting more difficult for him, Sam had not been fond of going to the beach, especially at sunrise. Still, when we went to bed on Friday night, I announced that if we were awake between 6 or 6:30 AM we were going to the beach for sunrise since we could catch it at the late hour of 7:20 AM.
                     
We woke up at 6:15 and though I was the one who groaned about leaving the house and driving to the beach, I stuck to my commitment of the night before, simply because I had said so. How glad I am that I did! Sam walked easily on the beach that morning and we had a delightful breakfast out, the last of either that we would ever have together. He went into the hospital five days later, never, as most of you know, to leave there.
                     
How blessed I am now to have, in addition to the beautiful photos here, these uplifting memories to override the unpleasant ones of the days that followed. The only thing missing, as I reflect, is that it never occurred to me to photograph my beloved that day.
                     
So, now to you, dear reader, I ask that you look into your own life and note the activities that are special for you, especially those you do, have done, with the ones you love. Are there any that you have put off or simply haven't done in a while? If so, I invite you, wherever possible, to take action around them now.
                  
In conclusion, it's my wish for all of you that the beautiful light that we see in the photos above radiates throughout all your lives in the week ahead for those who are celebrating holidays and for all of us in the upcoming New Year.
                     
SUNRISE PRINTS

                                                                                      

I was so excited with these, and other recent sunrises and sunsets, that I updated the 12-month Sunrise/Sunset calendar in our Gift Shop. It includes several new photos, as well as favored older ones.                             I also put several of the images on year-at-a-glance calendars. Even if you don't want the calende, it's a most cost effective way of getting a high quality 8.5 X 11 inch print. Simply cut off the calendar portion.

Sam Finkelstein's Light is Eternal - v3-#63

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Shivah [Jewish Mourning] Candle Light at the end of the 10th day of burning of a candle that was meant to last for seven days
                
In the period shortly after Sam's death, I had sporadic thoughts as to what photo(s) I might use in the issue of Picture to Ponder that I would finally be able to bring myself to put together, sharing his passing with all of you.
                
Then the light of the candle, still burning in his memory, three days after it was meant to be finished, flashed the thought into my brain, "Sam's light will never go out!" So, of course, I went for my camera and took photos from many angles. There was still some wax remaining, coating one side of the glass.
                
Aside from commenting on the bottom of the four photos, which brings a grin to my face, I will leave the space open for you to freely and fully experience the photos in your own way. Suffice it to say that in the last photo above, I get the feeling that Sam is smiling and waving to us.  See Issue 63 for all four photos.
                
To learn more about the Shivah candle and actually see what it looks like, in a photo taken with flash, see CANDLE. You'll also clearly see the setting in which I had it, thus clarifying some of the textures for those who are technically curious.
                
Self-Reflecting Queries
When someone who is close to us dies, we are confronted with the various ways with which we deal with issues, people, and situations. Sometimes we have time to prepare, if there ever is such a thing, and other times not.
                     
For today, I am simply inviting you to check into your own life and see if there are any unspoken expressions of love for individuals, including yourself, which you might care to make. If so, please take those actions in person, by phone, and/or in writing.
                     
Our two sons and I were fortunate that we were able to be with Sam as he passed, giving him the needed permission to go, as we spoke, held and loved him.
                     
If you wish to experience more of Sam and some of what has been shared about him, please visit REMEMBERING SAM.
                     
The Medical Story
The following is for those of you who are wondering what happened, for those who know how important Sam was to me, our family, and the work that comes through here in Picture to Ponder.
                     
Bottom line, somewhere, somehow, Sam contracted a bacterial infection in the blood, totally unrelated to the Parkinson's Disease with which he was afflicted. The antibiotics needed to cure the infection did play havoc, I'm sure, with his condition. He was in the hospital for two weeks. Ultimately the infections were cleared, I think, and the other issues stabilized AND due to weakness in his swallowing muscles, in the end, he died of "respiratory failure."
                     
PLEASE, if you know anyone who has Parkinson's Disease, let them know the importance of consistently and ongoingly working on swallowing exercises given to them by their speech therapists. Make sure that their care partners also are aware of the importance of these exercises. Although Sam had been working with a speech therapist until about a month before he went into the hospital, and she saw no swallowing problems, in retrospect I can recall signs of weakness that I ignored.
                     
I am not going to do an "if only..." on myself and I will now use every opportunity to educate people where and when I can on how critical exercising these muscles is. I will put together a resource page for those interested. If you do want more information, please e-mail me and put "Swallowing" in the Subject section. [back to top]
                     
I do appreciate all of you being in my life.
                     
With love,  Sheila                                           
                          

DISCOVERING WORDS - v3-#62: Wood Knots in Railing at Green Cay Wetlands

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Wood Knots in the boardwalk railing at Green Cay Wetlands.
                
In the top four photos (1 shown here , then 2, 3, 4) I particularly respond to the rhythm and the movement in the patterns in the wood. I selected and sized the photos for this issue a couple of days ago and this morning the boldness in the bottom one caught my attention so I'm including it also. Sam likes it the best, stating that it has the most variation.
                
The dew drops, or is it sap, in the top photo add to the intrigue it holds for me.
                
These photos were taken the same morning as those featured a few issues ago in Vol. 3 - Issue 59 There is quite a contrast between the effects of the metal there and the wood here.
                      
Self-Reflecting Queries
I actually had a variety of queries, during the past few days, as I pondered today's issue of Picture to Ponder. Unfortunately, I did not record them in any way. They are, thus, gone for now.

Do you have thoughts running around your head waiting to be put forth?  Activated?

For now, insofar as word content, I'll be content with the Photo/Writing I did on the photo on the third photo above. Check my Picture Pondering blog for a visual of the words written directly on the photo.  They run along the natural lines and shapes in the photo...

DISCOVERING

Linear flow and textures call my pen to write.
What does it want to say?
Or, Is it simply enough to play,
having the letters play with the spaces.

What is hiding here?
Is it eerie?  Is it safe? 
The shadow speaks above.

The hidden eye. 
Is it an eye?  Is it a mouth?
Words of my heart waiting to be expressed?

A river flows. 
Steady rhythm strumming down the bank.
Gently it plays along my being.
Soothing, Calming, Feeding
The Fibers of my soul.

How sweet it is!
 

Sunrise worlds in the clouds at Delray Beach - v3-#61: September Beach Sunrise

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Sunrise Clouds on the Beach at Delray Beach, FL
          
The top photo is a view of the sun as I left the beach after a sunrise walk. The center one is looking directly East, or Northeast, at a point where I thought the sun was rising. The bottom photo is actually comprised of clouds reflecting the sun's action and then the water reflecting that. It's almost as if we are seeing three suns. I was facing Southeast for this shot.
                      
Self-Reflecting Queries
I went to the beach for "sunrise," which to me generally means the thrill of seeing the sun rise above the horizon. As we see from the photos, this was obviously blocked by dense puffy clouds. On the other hand, the clouds themselves contributed to a beautiful and dramatic experience as I pursued my quest to find the sun.
                      
Each of the photos has a unique expression and I think can serve as a great jumping off point for those of you who like to journal from prompts or images. For me, the top photo has a dramatic feeling of isolation, or is it simply one of expectancy?
                      
The center photo looks like the entrance to another land. It's hard to conceive that beyond the horizon line is the Atlantic Ocean with many thousands of miles until we'd get to land. If there were more than water, what world would be there for you? Or can you find, or create, an exciting world in water?
                      
Also interesting to me in the second photo is the tiny wisp of a cloud in the section that is otherwise an almost perfect blue. At first I thought it was dust and I was going to erase it. Then I realized it must be a cloud so I left it there for you to choose to use as a symbol, if you so wish.
                      
The bottom photo is, I think, the most beautiful and restful of the three with the water peacefully landing on the beach. As I stated in the description, the clouds are reflecting the sun behind other clouds. Ironically, a portion of the sky and clouds seems to be almost a mirror image of those in the middle photo.

Wishing you juicy fun with these and any correlations you make with your own lives.