Seeing and Listening – Paying Attention – Picture to Ponder – v6- issue 34

by Sheila Finkelstein on September 1, 2010

Today’s issue of Picture to Ponder is a slightly different “take” on one of our recurring themes that of “paying attention.” I admit the photos certainly appear to be an odd combination. On the other hand, I hope they bring you the same smiles that I get when I snapped and then reviewed them. More below.

Before continuing, I do want to acknowledge, should you have been wondering about it, the absence of Picture to Ponder last week. I was away on a cruise. It was the weekend that my beloved Sam, were he still here, and I would have been celebrating our 50th Wedding Anniversary. So that I wouldn’t be wallowing in sorrow (a possibility) I made arrangements with a dear cousin to be away for a portion of the time.

Should you be interested, I did honor our marriage with a photo of our cutting-the-wedding-cake, plus quotes on family, love and marriage on our 45th Wedding Anniversary. See WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. I do know that I am truly blessed that Sam and I did have the years together (47 1/2) that we had along with our resultant wonderful family.

Lastly, in a different conversation, if you are in business, I invite you to check out three links I have below the Queries for programs being offered by leaders whose work I value.

Today’s Featured Photos -

Whistling duck face only - profiles

face in ice cubes in tea drink on cruise

lemon curl on glass edge

Today’s Photo Stories -
As I wrote above this certainly seems like an odd mix. Is the Whistling Duck above querying, “What is she doing here?” or is he simply posturing an open-ended invitation to be in the moment? In either case, or whatever meaning you want to give to him, he popped up and brought a smile to my face when I was sorting through some totally unrelated photos for a different purpose. I thus chose to bring him to you today.

Do you see the bright yellow eye (on your left) and large nose in the middle photo? The face image was undoubtedly created by a piece of lemon and ice in the beverage – tea on top of the lighter weight lemonade, according to the couple sitting at the table next to us.

The curled lemon on the lip of my daughter-in-law’s cocktail glass caught my attention both for the color and curlicue movement. Unfortunately it grabbed my eye as my daughter-in-law was in the middle of sharing stories about the exciting things happening for my granddaughter in her first week of college. Again, I went for my camera and started taking pictures of the lemon.

I was even considering moving tableware and glasses around for better “staging” of the photo when my daughter-in-law stopped in the middle of her story and lightly, by suggesting the possibility of my having ADD (attention-defecit disorder), quite emphatically pointed out that I was not giving her my full attention.

I realized she was justifiably upset with me for not being fully present with her as she spoke. I did immediately stop photographing, though I will admit I was pleased that one of the two photos I had taken did come out clearly.

NOTE – In further acknowledging the blessings of the people in my life, although she was annoyed in the moment, my daughter-in-law totally understands, accepts and loves me for who I am.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
In both of the situations described above with the two different glasses, I was following my usual, “If something catches your eye, photograph it,” strengthening our powers of observation and discovery.

In the case of the glass in the middle photo, my cousin and I were conversing, off-hand and in general, with the couple at the table next to us. There was not a particular focus to interrupt at the time I noticed the face. And, I did stop and ask permission to come closer and photograph what I saw. Then that became another opportunity for conversation when I showed them the photo on my camera screen.

On the other hand, my behavior with the lemon image, unintentionally, showed almost a complete disregard, thus disrespect, for my daughter-in-law and her words. Were a similar situation to occur again, and I felt it “critical” to take a photograph before something in the scene changed, I would explain what was going on with me and request the other person pause until I was ready to give him or her my full attention. If he/she denied my request, I would respect that and “stay” with what had been transpiring.

I invite you to look in your life now, or in the past, and notice when you might not have been paying full attention to another. Are there particular times when this might occur? Can you see any kind of patterns? Seeing that, would you like to make any kind of changes?

As I reflect, I recall my other son commenting at times when we’ve been out on how I suddenly “move my attention” away from our talking when I might get distracted in a restaurant, or other place, by stray bits of other conversations I may overhear. Have you, too, experienced this?

Simply reminding myself to stay fully present to the person or persons with whom I have been interacting can make the difference for me. What about you? We can also become more cognizant, momentarily excusing ourselves, explaining what’s going on and taking responsibility for our actions.

Remember to have fun with the queries. As always your thoughts are appreciated in the COMMENTS section on the BLOG.

PROGRAMS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS -
Self-Employment Telesummit – See SET
Offered by my coach Molly Gordon, who states that this is for people who’ve been working for themselves for a while and want to get “over the hump” to profitability.

It’s designed to prevent information overload, including daily integration coaching sessions to help participants integrate and implement what they learn.

Instead of trying to cover a whole heap of topics, it focuses on five key areas essential to sustainable success:
* Time
* Money
* Confidence & motivation
* Finding clients (marketing)
* Turning prospects into clients (sales)

Again, see Self-Employment Telesummit.

Celebrating “Movement Marketing Day” – 3 1/2 minute Inspirational Video released by Suzanne Evans, with whom I’ve also done work – See MMD VIDEO.

The video “urges us to discover our prosperity by stopping the hype, and starting the help. By stopping our marketing, and starting a movement!”

At the end of the video there is an offer for the complimentary Movement Marketing Mastery Kit which includes
* The Movement Millions Mastery Secrets
* The Movement Mastery Inspiration Cards
*The 30-Day Movement Marketing Mastery Journal

For Business Owners for whom Blogging is still a mystery -
September 13th is the start of Bea Fields next Become a Blogging Maniac 12-week program. I have participated in the course twice and from my perspective there is no one on the Internet who offers as much valuable content for an investment of less than $100. See Become a Blogging Maniac Scroll down past the option links for full details of what’s included in the program.

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Fiery Reflected Sunset in Green Cay – Fewer Stories – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 33

by Sheila Finkelstein on August 19, 2010

There’s a lot going on in my life right now, as I’m sure there is in yours. Thus I’m simplifying today’s issue with very few words.

A few years prior to my even starting Picture to Ponder, a mentor who saw my emerging photography said, “Sheila, something is telling me to tell you, ‘Don’t talk.’” I understood at the time and when I started Picture to Ponder there were few words. See “Intentions” in Issue 1 (Dec. 9, 2004).

Now, as I go back over issues from the past year or two, I see more and more words or “talking”. So for today, and most likely beyond, I’m minimizing on words, inviting you to supply them or to simply “be” with the photo(s).

Today’s Featured Photos -

Reflected Sunset underneath the boardwalk at Green Cay Wetlands, Boynton Beach, FL

Without the boardwalk

In the second photo I zoomed in on the reflecting sunset, eliminating the boardwalk. See Self-Reflecting Queries for my observation on this.

Today’s Photo Story -
There’s not a particular “story” around today’s photos and I could create one. I’m wondering do the “stories” I include make a difference for you?

Self-Reflecting Queries -
I posed the question above, specifically, “Do my stories as I include them in Picture to Ponder make a difference for you?”

And, then I went on to observe, for myself, how much of my life I’m engaged in “story-telling” to others and myself? What if I spent more time living my life, being in it, rather than in the stories, how much “richer” might my life be?

I invite you to make the same observations and queries in your life.

Also, in relation to today’s photos. Is there one you prefer over the other? For me, it’s the upper photo. It feels framed and anchored by the dark shapes of the boardwalk and support.

Do you prefer the frames and anchors in your life are are you more comfortable an unconstrained space as seen in the second, albeit it does end at the tops and sides of the picture?

Remember to have fun with the queries. As always your thoughts are appreciated in the COMMENTS section below.
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Leaves as Moons, Moving Boldly into the Future – Picture to Ponder – vol 6 – issue 32

by Sheila Finkelstein on August 11, 2010

Usually the photograph dictates the writing in Picture to Ponder. It’s somewhat reversed today as you’ll see below. I invite you to simply experience the photo and then check the “story” of it and how it came to be
Today’s Featured Photo -

Kaitlyn's Moons“Kaitlyn’s Moons”

Today’s Photo Story -
Today’s picture is symbolic of the nostalgia I’m feeling. Given it’s the start of a new school year, or approaching it, and/or for others nearing the end of Summer vacations (if you are in the United States) I suspect you, too, might be experiencing some emotional ups and downs.

My granddaughter Kaitlyn, a little over two years of age in the above photo, is now 18 and leaving for college this weekend. A very talented and special young woman, I’ve been reflecting and writing on some of her precious attributes to include in a card for her when she departs.

In the process of writing I went back through some old photos to trigger and reinforce memories. The above photo is on the cover of a book she asked me to create for her, when she was 3. I’ve always loved the photo and it seemed to call out to be featured today to represent the walking boldy into the future that so many of us and/or our children or other associates are doing.

The title “Kaitlyn’s Moons” evolved from the fact that Kaitlyn called the leaves “moons.” Those of you into astrology may have fun adding an interpretation to the moon shapes showing in the photo.

Note: If you do, please share this with us in the comments below.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
In addition to Kaitlyn’s starting college, her brother is starting high school next week. My older grandson in Georgia started last week. His younger brother started 5th grade, the end of his elementary school years.

A lot of movement and changes are taking place. I invite you to now reflect on your own life. Where are the changes happening? They may not be major ones and I’m sure you can find some?

What is your response to changes? Are you enlivened? Fearful? Do you go forward confidently or waver and perhaps withdraw? Are there patterns that you can identify?
I am still querying these myself, noticing the spaces where I allow myself to be held back?

Rather than attempt to put forth any answers here today, I’ll leave you with the queries and invite you to post in this issue’s COMMENTS section below.

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Flow of Life: Sunrise, Sandpipers and Surf – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 31

by Sheila Finkelstein on August 4, 2010

Today’s issue of Picture to Ponder is about offering a brief respite at the beach. View the two 30 and 40 second videos and/or simply be with the top photos.

Then, if you might be interested in experiencing the possibility of using your camera and photography to empower you in your life, please check out my complimentary offer described below, after the SRQs.

Today’s Photos -

sunrise at Boynton Beach, FL - 7-31-10

Sandpipers on Boynton Beach sunrise at the surfClick on image to watch video on YouTube

The top photo is of the sky and ocean at Boynton Beach at approximately 6:20 AM, approximately 25 minutes before the sun actually came up over the horizon.

The middle photo is a screen shot from the video of sandpipers. They were scurrying around so quickly still shots seemed out of the question. Click on the image itself or the video link to observe the sand pipers and hear the ocean. You’ll note at the end, I’ve reversed titled it “The Flow of Life”.

The bottom video is simply of the gently rolling surf to give you the experience of being there as you listen to and watch the rhythm of the gentle waves.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
As you “be with” the radiance of the emanating rays of the pre-dawn sun in the top photo, I invite to to reflect on your own brilliance. What rays of color and light are you projecting out into your world?

Next, as you observe the sandpipers peacefully scurrying away from the waves gently rolling onto the shore and then quickly back again, as the birds search for food, I invite you to reflect on the following:

Are there things in your life from which you typically run away, perhaps viewing them as “threats?” If so, how quickly do YOU get back in the game? Can you relate in anyway to the behavior of the lone sandpiper on whom I’ve focused at the end?

Lastly, should any of these images have an empowering impact on you, I invite you to “grab on to them to hold in your memory bank to call upon when desired.

As always have fun playing with these photos queries. Then please share your experiences with us in the COMMENTS section below.

For Individuals desiring a creative way for Getting Past Stuckness -
For the next two weeks I am offering 20-minute complimentary consultations for those interested in exploring , using photographs and/or your camera to help you see alternatives and shift perspectives in areas where you might feel confronted.

To experience how this might work for you, send me an email, sheila[at]sheilafinkelstein.com, with Photo/Coaching in the subject line. I will reply with a simple exercise and we’ll set up a mutually convenient phone time for self-empowerment follow through.

For Business Owners for whom Blogging is still a mystery -
There is still to take advantage of Bea Fields 3-week Become a Blogging Maniac Jumpstart program, plus the complete 12-week program which starts in September. I have participated in the course twice and from my perspective there is no one on the Internet who offers as much valuable content for an investment of less than $100 (a little more if you add the Jumpstart program). See Become a Blogging Maniac Scroll down past the option links for full details of what’s included with each.

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Perceptions in Contrasts and Similarities – Wood Knot Face and Hibiscus – Picture to Ponder – v6-issue 30

by Sheila Finkelstein on July 28, 2010

Before discussing today’s Picture to Ponder photos and queries, I want to give a quick “quick heads up” for the business builders among you – Last week I told you about my coach Mollys Gordon’s program for finding your “Just Right Clients” and included a link to her complimentary MP3 download, chock full of information and useful tools. Scroll down below the SRQs for a link to the download page. There is a special offer which expires 7/31

Also, for the aspiring writers considering the possibilities of having a book published, my friend Lynn Serafinn did a webinar interview last week which is available for complimentary download. She is doing another webcast tomorrow, 7/29, where you can have your questions answered. More information is down below the Goldilock’s information.

Also, for the aspiring writers considering the possibilities of having a book published, my friend Lynn Serafinn had a webinar interview last week – available for complimentary download, and is doing another webinar tomorrow, 7/29, where you can have your questions answered. More information is below the Goldilock’s information.

Now on to Today’s Photos -

wood knot in Green Cay with slanted face no eyesMasked wood knot face on side panel of boardwalk railing
at Green Cay Wetlands

hibiscus in shadows at nightHibiscus at night, lit by a full moon and poolside lights

Today’s Photos Story -
I haven’t taken many pictures the past few weeks, so I was trusting that the “perfect” featured photos for today would “show up” in a search through my photo folders.

I could hypothesize why these two became the photos of choice, share the “stories” they may be telling and, for today, I think I’ll leave the “stories” for you to create, if you so wish.

In addition to each of the photos individually, and what they might be expressing, you might wonder why I’ve chosen to feature two such very different images in the same issue. I’ll let you create a “story” of commonality around that also.

Suffice it to say, on my end, I see the two working together aesthetically in terms of artistic composition. I see/feel definite similarities in textures, despite one being a delicate, soft-petaled flower and the other hard, rough wood. There is also repetition of some of the linear patterns in both pictures and even colors that are similar.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
I have, obviously, combined two very different subjects as a unit for this issue of Picture to Ponder. In reflecting on that:

I wonder, are there people in your life who are so different you would never think to be interacting with them at the same time, or in the same room? If one or more persons flash into your mind, I invite you to look further to see where there might be some common ground, or complementary characteristics.

Do you see anything? If so, are there empowering opportunities for everyone that might develop from that, if you put them/you all together?

And are there other elements in your life – any projects – to which you could apply the same, or similar, criteria?

As always have fun playing with these photos queries. Then please share your experiences with us in the COMMENTS section below . I’d also love to read any of the “stories” you made up about the images.

For Business Owners interested in Getting More Clients -

Molly Gordon, my personal coach, did an outstanding teleclass call recently to introduce her new Goldilocks Strategy for Getting Clients that Fit Just-Right. She is offering a 33% discount on the already very reasonable program. This special expires on July 31st.

On the fr*ee call which she entitled “5 Proven Steps to Getting More Clients Even if You’re Allergic to Biz” she went into depth on 5 strategies for doing just that. Chock full of suggestions and details on implementing these steps, you can get an Instant-No-Obligation Download of the MP3 recording of the call at Goldilocks Preview. I highly recommend listening to this call if you are looking to expand your business.

For Writers and Those Who Dream of Writing a Book -

My friend Lynn Serafinn from Spirit Authors would like to know: “What is YOUR burning question about taking your writing or book project forward?”

She will be answering YOUR questions on WEBCAST 2 on Thursday, July 29th, at 3 PM EDT which you can ask when you sign up for the FR*EE webcasts for writers and authors, aimed at answering your questions about writing, publishing, book promotion and beyond.

WEBCAST 1 was last week. Lynn’s very special guest on the first was the “Get a Book Deal Coach”, Stephanie Gunning. Steph talked about how to “Transform Your Spiritual Wisdom into Marketable Books.”

There is still time to participate “Live” on tomorrow’s webcast and/or get the replay as well as a fr*ee download of WEBCAST 1.

To read more about these fr*ee webcasts, and to register your place, see BOOK WRITING.

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Velvet Textures, Memories and Life – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 29

by Sheila Finkelstein on July 21, 2010

Textures, life and, I thought, brevity were to be the focus of today’s Picture to Ponder.

I didn’t think I had much to say today; rather I was simply fulfilling on my promise to deliver photos and Self-Reflecting Queries to you weekly.

I was going to opt for “quiet time” – perhaps suggested by the velvety green leaves themselves – and then, as I was writing, I was hit with sensory memories and went on to invite you to share yours.

Please note toward the bottom of today’s issue of Picture to Ponder, I have information on my friend Julie Jordan Scott’s Writing Camp starting tomorrow, Thursday, July 22nd and, for the business builders among you, information on a free MP3 download for finding your “Just Right Clients”.

Today’s Photos -

velvet-like leaf of a plant in the AOS Gardens

Velvey leaf from an unidentified plant in the gardens of the American Orchid Society in Delray Beach, FL.

Magenta color flowers from the plant with velvet leaves in the American Orchid Society Gardens

Flowers, presumably, from the same velvety-leafed plant in the AOS Gardens.

Today’s Photos Story -
I’m often asked how I see what I see when I take a photograph, what has me take the photos I do. And, my answer is always the same, as I’ve written often written here. I follow my own mantra, “If something catches your eye, no matter what, photograph it.”

Sometimes the images I capture are said to be “great” by others. Perhaps, in part, this is so because usually I strive for well-composed shots with some kind of aesthetic appeal when I publicly share them.

Today’s two photos are featured mainly to exemplify an experience. Friends and I were walking in the AOS gardens when I was immediately drawn in by the spread of leaves below.

velvet like leaves in AOS gardens

They looked like velvet and my fingertips immediately went out to gently check to see if the actual feel matched my visual, sensory tactile interpretation. It did.

Interestingly, after downloading my photos in the computer, I noticed the flowers which I had, evidently, photographed for the color. I have no recollection of them or of having associated with the same plant of which the leaves were a part. And, surprisingly, in retrospect, I did not even look for signage for information on the plant.

The wonder and the power of the experience was all that was necessary for the usually, left-brained me!!!

Self-Reflecting Queries -
My first query – Are there places in your life where the experiences are so rich and complete that no words or explanations are necessary?

Then, perhaps, in a totally different conversation, I invite you to explore the “velvet” in your life, past or present. What does “velvet” represent for you? For me, I think it’s luxury and comfort.

Can you recall experiences of velvet fabric in your life? If so, what are the associations that come up for you?

I’m recalling a black, velvet dress I had and memories, I think, of a velvet-like coat. In both cases they would surround me, as does a velvety feeling blanket I have, and provide “comfort”, though the dress was more, “Look at me. I feel elegant.”

Then suddenly I think of velvet sofas and the texture there seems somewhat foreboding, perhaps because of the “don’t sit here unless covered” messages. Ironic, that this should come up since there were, to my recollection,no velvet sofas in my family.

The references above are all to actual tactile experiences, the physcial touch and feel of velvet. In addition to the sight I mentioned at the beginning, you might also think of “velvet” in terms of sounds – voices, tones, music, nature and more.

What else comes up for you when you hear the word, see the image of “velvet?” Please share this with us in the COMMENTS below.

A Writing Prompt -
For those who like to write, today’s single leaf photo would be great for a writing prompt. Put yourself in the leaf. Then take a pen or pencil to paper, or fingers to your keyboard, and simply start to write. Describe the sights, sounds, feelings as you explore the color variations, the textures, the spaces.

And, if you’ve accepted the writing prompt invitation, I’d love for you to share your writing in the comments section below OR e-mail it to me and I’d be glad to set up a special web page with the photo and “velvet” responses.

For Business Owners interested in Getting More Clients -
Molly Gordon, my personal coach whom I mentioned last week, did an outstanding teleclass call last week to introduce her new Goldilocks Strategy for Getting Clients that Fit Just-Right.

On the fr*ee call which she entitled “5 Proven Steps to Getting More Clients Even if You’re Allergic to Biz” she went into depth on 5 strategies for doing just that. Chock full of suggestions and details on implementing these steps, you can can an Instant no obligation, download of the MP3 recording of the call at Goldilocks Preview. I highly recommend listening to this call if you are looking to expand your business.

For Writers and People-Who-Want-to-Write -
My friend, Julie Jordan Scott, one of my special mentors, is doing her last Virtual Writing Camp for the season – 2 weeks with several meeting times. For those for whom this fits it will be an awesome experience. See Writing Camp. As I have mentioned before in Picture to Ponder, I attribute my freedom to write and be so publicly authentic to the work I’ve done with Julie in the past.

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Obstacles as Gifts as seen in Phalaenopsis Orchids – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 28

July 14, 2010

I’ve been busy organizing and planning today’s call for moms in deepening connections and communication with their young children. I was once again moved to tears and smiles when Tracy, one of the interviewees, responded to an email mentioning the “STRONG heart connection” with her and her daughter.
Also, though the call is not about using [...]

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Roseate Spoonbills in Green Cay and Intentionality – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 27

July 7, 2010

Last week I mentioned having spent time looking for Roseate Spoonbill photos for you and then went with a different subject. The result of my delaying is that I’ve every time I’ve gone for a sunset walk at Green Cay Wetlands this week I had the pleasure of enjoying the Spoonbills even more. I now [...]

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Freedom in Self-Expression sparked by Whistling Duck – Picture to Ponder – v6 issue 26

July 1, 2010

I must have spent an hour or more searching for Roseate Spoonbill pictures that I thought I wanted to bring you in today’s issue of Picture to Ponder. Then I got a notice of a comment someone made on FlickR on a Whistling Duck photograph I had posted there. I burst into laughter, loved what [...]

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Smiles from a Hubcap and Iron Poles – Picture to Ponder – v6 – issue 25

June 24, 2010

While searching for today’s photos I felt an immediate smile break out as my eye quickly caught the photo below. I saw a grinning face winking. I decided to go for the humor, hoping you see it also.
Finding play and humor is part of what I am currently working on as I narrow down my [...]

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