PHOTOSCHMOOZER: June 2009

BE STILL...and SEE Photography

Reflecting on who I am...what is important to me...and the gifts I offer the world, I have reorganized this PhotoSchmoozer blog into separate pages for your viewing. I am about so much...people - relationships - drums and rhythms and especially photography...and I realize that although separate, they are all so INTEGRATED into the Whole of who I am!! It's a very peaceful thought and I am thankful for the intuitive gift to see the connections and the relationships. Enjoy the journey through the blog...and WELCOME.
Contemplative photography is about being totally present and seeing exactly what is before you, without filters or judgment. It is about seeing with your heart.Doesn't everyone see what is before them? Not really. You may see a candle on a table. Do you also see the shadows it creates? Or the reflections that the light casts on it? Or it's underlying shape and form?

Sunday, June 28, 2009

I'm So Cute!!

Meet Tamisa Brooks! PhotoSchmoozer did at the Zero to Three Birth to Three Institute in Washington, DC this week and was totally drawn into her spirit, positive energy and of course, her cuteness! Why do I say this? Monday night, the planning staff of the Early Head Start National Resource Center at Zero to Three had a dinner together to celebrate their hard work in planning the event that was to open the following morning. After a wonderful buffet of quality healthy food, Lillian Sugarman, the 'fearless leader' of the group, invited each person to step to the mike and introduce him/herself and share ONE THING about themselves. When Tamisa's turn came, she got up there and said, "I AM CUTE and this summer I intend to be even more cute." When I later introduced myself and shared my 'photoschmoozing' activity, she said, You can do me. So, never pass up an invitation!!

Thursday morning, I found Tamisa doing what she does best - organizing and networking and making people feel welcome. She was in charge of the exhibits, the drawings and making people feel great when they were winners! I see her as a greeter, a front person and total cheer!
As we talked, Tamisa wanted to share some of the summer plans for herself and her 9 year old daughter, Chandler. First, let's hear about Chandler. She is off to Patterson,NJ to spend the summer with Auntie Tasha. This woman gathers nieces and nephews and offers them a fascinating summer. She interviews the children to see who they are and where they will fit. She asked Chandler, "Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?" Chandler responded, "I see myself growing. I have a lot of ideas and suggestions of what we can do this summer." Auntie Tasha 'hired' her on the spot to be the manager of the kids! Amazing!!
Then there is Tamisa. She is extremely family oriented and is looking to get married and have more children as part of her life plan but for now "Nothing is going on but the rent!" Her plans for the summer while Chandler is away - first of all to be even more cute, then take time to get to know herself a lot more and to go out and explore more because she is usually a homebody.
WOW - admire these girls and their spirit of living their lives. Just WOW!!

What fun to make Homemade Drums!

In September, 2010, I attended the Remo drum company's HealthRHYTHMS training. It was a fantastic 2 1/2 day event - learning about hand drumming and drum circles and the variety of ways that these activities are beneficial to people. Dr. Barry Bittman shared some of the exciting research that he has done that provides evidence of the benefits to participants - team building, stress reduction, FUN, spirit, communication and... Christine Stevens was our co-facilitator - an open free spirit who guided us in drum circle facilitation and then Alyssa Janney shared all of the ins and outs of the business/marketing piece for Certified HealthRHYHTMS facilitators. That I am after the training and fun...and meaningful it is. Call me to talk about scheduling a training event or a series for your friends, co-workers or community: 856-256-8380.
At the training, I talked with Roy and he shared how he had made drums (so had Julie...and a few others) They sent us info about sonotubes and how to make drums. The rest has been persistent exploration from my curious husband (with my helping hands) and then my sense of fun in decorating them!! People are beginning to ask to buy them. Why not?!?