by Sheila Finkelstein on July 2, 2015

Fireworks CloseUp
With the 4th of July almost here in the United States, I was asked to write on how to photograph fireworks.  I know many of you are very knowledgeable about your cameras, settings and taking excellent photos.  So before I go into the “Tips” for Photo Taking, some tips and queries on being creative : [click to continue…]
by Sheila Finkelstein on October 19, 2013
According to published articles, there would be/was a Lunar Eclipse at 7:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time on Friday night, October 18, 2013. It was said to be heralding a time of change. A friend and I went to the ocean shortly before sunset to observe the moon rising. We anticipated also seeing the eclipse to be an hour later on the timeline. [click to continue…]
by Sheila Finkelstein on September 15, 2012

It seems that I’m on a run of featuring “What brings a smile” photos in Treasure Your Life Now. Last week’s Lorikeets photo still brings a spontaneous smile to my face every time I come across it. This week’s photo of my granddaughter at age 3 does the same. [click to continue…]
by Sheila Finkelstein on August 24, 2012
As I was reviewing prior Picture to Ponder publications when preparing for today’s issue of Treasure Your Life Now, the following photos popped out. They “asked” to be shared with you.
Before saying anything more, I’ll allow them to wordlessly speak to you. Simply be with the images for a for a moment or two.

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by Sheila Finkelstein on June 7, 2012
Today’s issue of Treasure Your Life Now looks at communication in our relationships and opportunities for shifting out of negative states. We will also see a demonstration of the possibilities that can open up when “playing,” adding relaxation and fun to what’s happening in the moment.
If you are a woman, married or single, and looking for more romance in your relationship, be sure to check out the special offer on the Lifelong Romance Retreat at which I will be an exhibitor on June 23rd. (after the Tips)
Today’s Photos and Story –
Going through some old papers the other day, I found one of the numerous Haikus I had written six and seven years ago when I was experiencing a great deal of anger at how Parkinson’s Disease was affecting my beloved Sam. [click to continue…]
by Sheila Finkelstein on January 5, 2012
I continue to be so excited with my video desk-top discovery written about earlier today in my Orchid Light and Ocean Video post that I took a picture of a Word document surround by ocean energy as I worked.

The image you see is WORD open, on top of a QuickTime video paused where I wanted it. QuickTime is staying open throughout my work day. Again, see previous post for explanation how I’m using it on my desktop. Clicking on the icon in the lower right will open it full screen.
If you would like the download of the above video for any-time respite on your own desktop, simply fill in the form below.
And, if you would like to listen to the sounds of the ocean as you work, you can open my YouTube Sunrise-Sunset Ocean videos Playlist. The videos play one after another so you can have that going in the background while you work. Any time you need a visual respite, you can simply go back to that window. For best listening, lower your computer volume.
Clicking on YouTube in the video below will bring you directly into the full Playlist.
by Sheila Finkelstein on December 8, 2011
Today’s Picture to Ponder post evolves around choices, accepting what is, making things complex or receiving with ease.
Given the abstraction of most of the images, I am including a Nature photo also, for those whom I assume expect to see nature photographs here.
Explanations are below the pictures.
Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos –
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by Sheila Finkelstein on November 23, 2011
Today’s post carries with it the undercurrent of sadness on some losses in my life, plus a huge sense of gratitude for the opportunities and possibilities that were and are. Immediate for today’s photos and writing is what’s happening with my beloved American Orchid Society Gardens, in Delray Beach, FL. Two weeks ago, I learned that it would be closing at the end of the month. Because it has meant so much to me, and thus indirectly to you, I am dedicating today’s issue – Photos and Queries – to gratitude for its contribution to my life. [click to continue…]
by Sheila Finkelstein on November 16, 2011
AVOCADO PIT
Aged, Solid,
Rock Hard,
Rich in color, texture, patterns
And oh so much more.
On its own, it splits in two
Peel the parchment skin
Find the heart lines, textures,
Ying and Yang?
Is there a message here, or do we simply accept it for what it is?
Beauty contained in the ordinary, often overlooked,
Sometimes never seen at all. [click to continue…]
by Sheila Finkelstein on November 10, 2011
This week’s issue of Picture to Ponder is dedicated to the memory of Toshiko Takaezu, world-renowned potter, of Japanese heritage, born in Hawaii where she died in March at the age of 88.
I just learned of her passing when I Googled her name this week. Three small ceramic pots of hers that I’ve owned for many years spontaneously became the subject of my writing in two groups I’m in this week; thus the search for an update, since the last time I visited her studio.
“Renowned for her extraordinary pottery and highly respected as a teacher, Toshiko Takaezu is one of the most significant ceramic artists of the 20th century–and the 21st.” Toshiko Takaezu: Portrait of a Ceramic Artist” – http://digital.films.com/play/R2UF49, where you can see a beautiful video on her philosophy and work. On the right side of the page you will find links to clips abstracted from the 30 minute video. See some of the incredible Nature views, especially in Hawaii, that had an impact on her work.
Today’s Picture to Ponder Photos –

CONTAINER OF LIFE [click to continue…]