In today’s Picture to Ponder, I invite you to take some time and simply breathe in the beauty of the images below.
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Flowers
Wild irises became the focus for my camera and me this past week. I woke last Friday remembering that this must be wild iris time at Wakodahatchee Wetlands. They bloom from the last week or two in February through mid-March.
Last year I totally missed them, even though I must have walked right past them several times. I thus set the time to go Wakodahatchee walking at the end of the day with the specific intention of looking for the irises. (See below today’s Queries for links to prior year posts and photos.)
Today’s Photos –
Below is the original photo from which the “bird” in a mailing earlier this week was taken. I’m including others with which I’ve also had fun this week.
The “bird” coming in for a landing and more wild irises [click to continue…]
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If you are one of the followers who relates to Self-Reflecting Queries, as well as the photographs, I thought you’d appreciate the following statement, “Empowerment in using a camera has altered how I see myself,” as shared by Marifran Korb.She was referencing her experience resulting from participating in the Through and From The Len telecourse. The next session starts on Tuesday night, March 15th. See TFTL.
Before going further, without adding words to interfere with your responses, I invite you to pause at each of Today’s Photos. Then consider the emotion, or response, that comes up for you with each one individually.
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Several Picture to Ponder subscribers have written about how much they enjoy seeing flower photographs here. To accommodate, especially since the weather is so harsh in so many areas, I started looking through my files. I then decided to make it “easier” on myself and simply reprint an earlier issue.
The following was featured in Issue 118 in June 2005. (Note the issue number, which meant I had done 118 issues in 6 months!) Most of the text is as written then.
Today’s Featured Photos –
closing in on a portion of an hibiscus. [click to continue…]
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Today’s featured photos are in somewhat of a reverse order. I was very excited with a mandala I painted on silk this past weekend. I am thus sharing it here in the top photo. The lower, unidentified yellow flower is photographed in front of my house in mid-day bright sun. This caused the background to be “blown out.” It’s here today not as a “good” photo. Rather it’s an illustration for part of today’s story below.
Speaking of “stories”, if you are one who enjoys mine, I invite you to check out the Partner Story page that I created through the eyes of a possible business partner.
It came from a free flow writing assignment I gave myself as part of my “30 Day Impossible Goal” discussed in the past two issues. The, thus-far, imaginary story could have been written by someone experienced in business who loves turning creativity and ideas into money. If you know anyone who might have an interest, or know someone else who would, please refer him or her to the Story Page or to the Business Partner page.
I also want to bring attention to the section after today’s Self-Reflecting Queries wherein I’m inviting you to check out two different, exciting, upcoming programs.
Today’s Photos –
The top silk mandala was photographed placed on white tissue paper over yellow fabric. The tissue is creating the texture.
The lower one is, as I wrote above, an unidentified flower in front of my house.
Today’s Photo Story –
I am participating in a three-week Women’s Creativity Workshop using silk painting as part of the process. In the second session, after a discussion warm-up, during which the facilitators introduced the “Circle” and “Mandala” as concepts, we were shown some examples in books and a few samples painted on silk.
I was particularly drawn to a couple of the mandalas where hearts were used as the central focus, singly or in repetition. Although I loved the heart, there was the stronger part of me that didn’t want to be a “copycat.” Even though whatever I did would be very different, somehow I wanted it to be my own idea.
As I was “pondering” all of these made-up, head-game stories, I looked out the window and from across the yard a yellow flower, similar to the one above, on a bush in a distance, caught my eye. My mantra “take a picture of anything that catches your eye” kicked in. This time I did not grab the camera, I went for the brush and started my second silk painting, the one above, with the yellow flower as the center focus.
Yes, I know, the one I painted has 5 petals and the one in the photo has six, so I’m not sure if it is the same flower. Next time I will make sure to use the camera also to “capture” what catches my eye. [NOTE – Thank you to KI, for her email pointing out that she saw 5 petals in both. Looking at the yellow flower with fresh eyes, I see, of course, only 5 petals. Don’t know how it came to be 6 in my thinking.]
Bottom line, I love the above painting. I did one other last week. You can see it and my first silk painting on Silk Paintings. There is a link there also to see the beautiful silk paintings of Virginia Wilson, the instructor.
Self-Reflecting Queries –
Today’s experience and story relates to making decisions on subject matter for a painting, whether to use someone else’s idea or your own, or the former and make it your own. There really isn’t a “right” or “wrong” here in the situation I described above.
The point in even bringing it up is the invitation for you to look at your patterns in choosing your own actions. Does something have to be your own idea? If so, does the same carry through when working with another on a partnered project?
In reflecting on this, is there something that you now see that might empower you in future actions with yourself and with others?
And, in a totally different conversation, given I was sharing something of which I am feeling very proud, I invite you to look into your recent, or older, activities. What can you find that leaves, or left, you feeling quite proud?
Did you publicly claim this in any way? If not, might there have been a fear of the old “not right to brag” conversations running you?
In either case, I invite you to publicly claim an act or action of which you are proud and post it in the COMMENTS section of this post on the BLOG
Please do “play” with these queries. Have fun and open up to new possibilities.
Two Upcoming Programs –
Tomorrow night, Thursday, October 28th, Marney Makridakis is facilitating a f*r*e*e Teleparty, ACT in Action – A Closer Look at the ARTbundance program. It will include coaches working and playing with clients and an ARTsignment with a follow-up workbook with more exercises for those who registered (no charge) for the call.
Marifran Korb, www.soulfulsolutions.com, who followed the link here last week to the no charge ARTbundance AWE of Attraction replay wrote to me: “Oh, I meant to tell you that I LOVED Marney’s ArtAbundance class. I am so grateful you sent the info to me. I want to make a whole lot of lenses for my KaLOVEascope. Her creativity with words and concepts is magnificent and
inspiring.”
And another wrote, “I forgot to tell you how obsessed I am with ArtellaLand!!! WOW!!” Again, see ACT in Action for the 10/28 call and ARTbundance for replay of call from two weeks ago.
And – If you are one who has concerns about memory issues, even the common ones we all have, and want tools for sharpening your memory, I invite you to check out the upcoming program my friend Suzanne Holman is doing – Jump Start Course for Your Brain On her page she states, “Are you ready to sharpen your focus, improve your ability to remember, and totally optimize your brain?” Simply click on Brain for details and to hear Suzanne’s very brief introduction.
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A couple of quick items before today’s photo and queries. In the last issue I mentioned I’m a seeking an Art Rep / Business Partner. I have since created a web page description and link which I’d greatly appreciate your looking at and then passing on to anyone you think might be interested or who might know such a person. Quite possibly he/she is a retired, experienced business person. See ArtRepPartner.
Next, if you are one of our subscribers who enjoys creative experiences, I think you’ll appreciate the following information. I was on a call last night with Marney Makridakis, one of the most creative artists and business people whom I know. I worked with Marney several years ago and had forgotten of how full of ideas she is, always testing, implementing and following through.
Tomorrow night (Thursday, October 14th), she’s offering a complimentary teleclass, The Awe of Attraction: Using the ARTbundance Principles to Break the “Law” and Find the Love! It’s all about using art and creativity as powerful new tools to attract more of what you want into your life. See ARTbundance.
There will be several hands-on creative activities done during the call. Marney will also be introducing an upcoming program in which she will be training coaches in using creative practices in new ways. To get a taste of the broad areas, in general, in which Marney’s creativity has taken her, see Artellaland.
Lastly, before today’s photo, I invite those of you in business to check out the information on Molly Gordon’s upcoming Profit Alchemy 101: Four Weeks to a More Focused Profitable Business program. Simply click on Profit for information.
Today’s Featured Photo –
Cat’s Whiskers in the American Orchid Society Gardens in Delray Beach.
Today’s Photo Story –
In a recent walk in the AOS Gardens I was attracted by the above flower, as much as for its name as for its imagery. Then in a couple of different conversations, in subsequent days, “cats” and “cats’ whiskers” came up… the cats that are animals, that is. The coincidences, thus, reinforced my decision to feature the above flower in this issue of Picture to Ponder.
At first, I thought the photo as not “good enough” to stand alone, that you might want another photograph of a “more beautiful” flower. And, then, I placed it on the page with a contrasting photo and the whiskers “wanted” to be the center of attention.
As I spent time simply being with the photo I got caught up in the dance of it, the movement in the flower itself and the play of lights and darks in the contrasting background.
I invite you to do the same, stay with the photograph for a moment or two and see what comes up for you.
Self-Reflecting Queries –
One of the things I thought I would be addressing with the Cat’s Whiskers is our “expectations.” When you read “Cat’s Whiskers” in the subject heading were you drawn in because you love cats? Put off because, perhaps you dislike cats? (Those who were might not even have opened this issue.) Or, were you simply curious as to why cats’ whiskers would be featured in Picture to Ponder?
There are probably several other variables and more questions that I could suggest above. The bottom line is that I suspect you had some reaction/response, a little different from your usual one here.
My point to this conversation is to notice how our behaviors are so often colored by our expectations, or the way we think things are, simply from assumptions or judgments we’ve made.
I invite you to look into your life now. Were there were any recent circumstances where you made a quick decision on doing, or not doing, something, or one on talking or not talking to a particular person? If so, were there clues that the situation might have been different from your immediate assessment?
Should nothing immediate come up for you as you ponder the previous questions, I invite you to pay attention in the next day or two, or more, to the number of times you automatically make a decision based on a preconceived notion. As you begin to notice these, are you finding that there are some minor shifts you’d care to make in your perceptions.
Please do “play” with these queries. Have fun and open up to new possibilities.
As always, you are welcome to share your responses in the COMMENTS section below. Note the new “Notify me…. ” option so you can get emails when others comment. Looking forward to our connecting there. Thank you so much.
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Today I am pretty much going to leave up to you the words for the Gerber Daisy photographs below. Each image has an expression of its own. I simply suggest that you be with each for a moment or two and experience the feelings. Then move to the Self-Reflecting Queries.
I also invite you to check out the information I have below on my mentor Julie Jordan Scott’s open, no fee writing program. Included is also a link to the “breathing of my heart” writing I did today.
Today’s Featured Photos –
Today’s Photos Story –
It’s been a while since I’ve been inspired to buy flowers to have in my home for enjoyment and/or photographing . Then with my holidays a couple of weeks ago, I made the shift and actually bought three bunches and combined them.
These small Gerber Daisies became the main subject/variety that I followed. I was surprised, then disappointed, that they did not last as long as the larger sized ones had in the past.
When it came to sharing them with you, I had quite an internal struggle over which to feature, if at all. Were they even “good enough”, “interesting enough,” and more, to publish – all those small, yet so large, “voices” with which we often barrage ourselves.
Finally, I selected the three above, planning to choose only one from the top two; then left my computer for several hours.
When I came back I was moved by all of them, each in a different way. Thus I am presenting all three for you also to appreciate in whatever way you will.
Self-Reflecting Queries –
Did you respond to my invitation at the top to simply be with and feel each of the images individually? If so, what did you experience with each?
Where else in your life might you have had, or be having, similar experiences?
Also, in my story above, I indicated that when I finally let go of the attachment to being “right” or “perfect” (in my choice of photos to present) it all fell into place. Feelings of “freedom”, peace and satisfaction emerged.
Are there places in your life where you may be feeling a strong attachment to an outcome, where you’re sure you want something to be a certain way? If so, I invite you to attempt to let that go, be in the unknown, allowing whatever happens to be okay.
Walk away, literally or figuratively, if you can, and when you come back be open to the possibility of something refreshingly new.
As always, you are welcome to share your responses in the COMMENTS section below.
For those who enjoy writing –
This morning I was moved to join a call facilitated by Julie Jordan Scott, whom I’ve often mentioned here. The call was one in her current 49-day daily writing program, AND NOW, YOU WRITE.
I’ve been a participant in countless calls and programs that Julie has offered over the past eight or more years that I have known her. She is a truly authentic, loving, sharing, caring, generous human being. I consider her one of my mentors and know that always something will open up for me out of being in her presence.
If you are interested in writing and/or being comfortable in expressing yourself, I strongly recommend you check out Julie’s AND NOW, YOU WRITE Virtual Writing Camp.
The prompt for today was “I fill the paper with the breathing of my heart†and in the subsequent five minutes of free-flow writing time. You can read what I wrote on my WRITING FOR HEALING blog.
PHOTO in RESPONSE to COMMENTS below. See Julie Jordan Scott’s comment.
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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 –
Masked wood knot face on side panel of boardwalk railing
at Green Cay Wetlands
Hibiscus 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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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 the camera, I asked Tracy if she and her daughter are still using the camera. She replied:
“I would definitely bring up the camera thing because we do it all the time. We also look at your Pictures to Ponder and we each share what we see and feel from the pictures…..she also takes pictures when we are out and she will say every other day….”I need the camera…I need to get a picture……”
Tracy’s comments led me to wondering, “Are there people in your life whom you engage in interaction with your experiences to the photos and/or queries here in Picture to Ponder?”
If you are interested in being on the call, today, Wednesday, July 14th at 2:30 PM PDT/5:30 PD EDT we will be “meeting” by phone (Skype is possible also). If you can’t make the call, it will be recorded and you can get the MP3 download later. See Child Connections to request information.
Lastly, my good friend, Julie Gabrielli, Mom and Architect, www.goforchange.com, will also be joining Tracy and me. You may recall I wrote about Julie and her son, featuring his tulip photos a couple of months ago.
Today’s Photos –
Phalaenopsis orchids at the American Orchid Society Gardens. The middle and lower photograph are obviously the same. The lower one had a minor adjustment. See (Today’s Photo Story below.)
Today’s Photos Story –
When I opened these downloaded photos the first photo I saw was the middle/bottom one. Though the flowers were beautiful, I felt confronted and briefly thought of this as a theme for an upcoming Picture to Ponder. Then I let it go.
A couple of days later the top photo “spoke” to me, the flowers presenting almost a wall, keeping me out. Then I noticed the single flower in the lower right protected by its own wall, the root.
Is it protection or is it a barrier? There is also the one flower on the far left that we could put the interpretation of “look-out guard” or might it be protector in the whole scene?
As I mentioned above the middle and bottom photos are the same, with a simple “fix” or Photoshop Elements enhancement on the bottom that lightened the background, softened and lighted the white of the flowers and now has a slightly more “welcoming” feeling. Just that one very minor click, made, for me, a huge shift in the response the photo evokes.
Now, scrolling back up to the first photo, the small flower on the lower right brings a smile to my face. I could continue to make up all kinds of “stories” about her – the hugs she might want or the “gift” she might be.
Self-Reflecting Queries –
As you might have guessed, today’s “stories” to the photos are partially a reflection of “stuff” I was going through. They even look different today, less “threatening.”
Once again, I realize, I’m demonstrating life and the “stories” we often make up about things. Sometimes they help. More often than not they exacerbate, for us, a situation we “think” we might be in, or a “challenge” we may be facing. It could be “real” or our “interpretation.”
Looking into your life right now are there situations for which you are making up “stories”, possibly even living into those stories, sharing them with others, making them more “real” for you. If so, I invite you to step back and bring new eyes to the situation. As in the third photo above, is there a simple adjustment you can make to the “story” to shed a different light on it?
And, sometimes, no matter what we “do” certain things may not change, at least not so long as we have an attachment to their being “different.” The peace is in the “letting go.” Is there anything going on for you right now that you are willing to release?
Yesterday, in the Mastermind Group with Molly Gordon in which I’m a participant, we spoke of “problems/challenges” often getting stored as baggage. One participant said she’ll often take a problem she may have and metaphorically puts it in a small box, wraps the latter, ties it up with a pretty ribbon and places it in a drawer. When the problem comes up again in the future (don’t they always?), she’ll take the box out of the drawer to open up and find the GIFT within!
I had a further conversation with my friend Marifran Korb who is BRILLIANT in finding the “gift” in anything. She has a new BlogTalkRadio show where she’s had, and will have shows, including the “Gift of Having ADHD”, the “Gift of Depression” and her own book in the works, “Breaking through Concrete: The Gift of Having Mentally-Ill Parents. All sound “heavy” and how much easier our lives are when we find the openings.
I invite you to again look in your life. What are the gifts in it? Make note of them for reminders. Be sure to include on it the gift of yourself and what you bring to yourself and the others.
I’m going save the singular flower in the top photo! She’s full of wonder and the desire for discovery.
As always have fun with these queries and looking/seeing. Also, please post your responses in the COMMENTS section below.
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This past week Hank Kellner, Photographer/Writer/Former English Professor and teacher and a relatively new Picture to Ponder subscriber contacted me, acknowledging my photographs and asking if he could use one of my photos in a post on his blog. Needless to say I felt quite flattered, particularly after reading some of his background, especially when I saw all that he has done in English Education, including having a published book – WRITE WHAT YOU SEE: 99 Photos to Inspire Writing.
And, speaking of books and writing, my PICTURES TO PONDER, INSPIRED JOURNALING: Flowers Book 1, Photos and Queries from early issues is available from the publisher with FR*E*E shipping this month. More info below and on the site.
This week, on his English Education blog, Hank did, in fact, feature a tulip photo from Picture to Ponder with one of his own, the magnolia shown below, in his Poetry from Photos post. Along with a poem inspired by the photos, he wrote about emphasizing contrast in teaching writing. I decided to continue here and extend the “Contrast” conversation from last week’s Picture to Ponder.
Today’s Photos –
A purple and white pansy that called out to be featured as I was going through photographs for today’s photo. I had already featured the purple
tulip Hank used. I’m thinking the purple in the above is what wanted attention, because of the tulip’s color.
White magnolia photograph by Hank Kellner. When I clicked on the photo on Hank’s Blog, it felt huge and I wanted to jump into and explore, while at the same time being protected.
Today’s Photo Story –
I’ve pretty much covered the overall story in the introduction above. In relation to contrast, when I looked at the two photos enlarged on Hank’s blog I was struck by several contrasts. In addition to color, there was a difference in the size of enlargements between the two pictures. I commented there at the end of the post and put in a link to a larger tulip, so similar sizes would eliminate that variable.
Then I was very much aware of the difference between the openness of the magnolia, inviting me in, and the closed feeling of my tulip photo, though texturally – in the silkiness – there are some similarities.
Not wanting, as I wrote above, to repeat a recently featured photo in this issue, I went searching for another one, this time more “open”. The pansy is open, but certainly not embracing. And, it presents a whole series of different contrasts when studying it, including the very strong one between the flower and the ground behind it.
No more words on either. I invite you to BE with each, fully for a moment or two, less or more, and simply experience the images.
Self-Reflecting Queries –
Last week, I invited you to look at contrasts in your life, particularly visual ones, and to look for things you ordinarily do not see. That, as you know, is an always suggestion with me.
In addition, today I invite you to reflect on and explore “open” and “closed” contrasts in your life. How do things look, how do they feel when they are open? when they are closed?
Check with another person, or two. Is it the same for them? For instance, I could say that the pansy is presenting somewhat of a “wall”, blocking me/us from moving very far in it or beyond. On the other hand, I could interpret it as being welcoming, inviting me into the small opening in the center of its being.
And, it’s all made up. What stories are you making up in your life today? Are they serving you? providing fun? openings for interactions with others?
Thanks for “playing.” As always have fun with these queries and looking/seeing. Also, please post your responses in the COMMENTS section below.
“I bought your eBook earlier today and not only is it well written, the pictures you chose are lovely. The reason I waited so long to purchase was because I’m trying to curb my addiction to books and the clutter they are causing.
The BOOK! – Pictures to Ponder: Inspired Journaling – Print Edition or downloadable eBook – your choice
This morning I read the 10-page preview [link under photo on each of the description pages], and since you were offering it in a eBook format, I just had to indulge one more time. I know this will be a very successful for you. Congratulations!” Eva Macie, Artist
Click Above to See Larger Image
GIFT Yourself with the Photos and Queries – Click on eBook to purchase immediate downloadable access
FR*E*E June Shipping for Spiral Bound Book. Choose a flower for the day and prop on your desk for daily inspiration and/or write in the book.
Purchase the eBook and you get a link to download the PDF file which you can print out or simply leave on your computer to pull up whenever you want a lift or inspiration.
At any time you can open up one of the beautiful flowers in PICTURES TO PONDER: Inspired Journaling and fill your screen with it, giving you the ability to “step into” the image.The high resolution, set for printing, has the photographs capable of maintaining their quality at magnification as much as 300%. And, of course, the queries that went with the flowers are here also.
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