PHOTOSCHMOOZER: August 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, August 23, 2009

Joy and Lightness in the Garden

The monarch only lays its eggs on milkweed and that is planted in the garden (imported from Delaware years ago with my 'buddy' Jill). This year, as I am out and about and still in the garden that is our gift, I quietly watched the monarchs. Yes, we are gifted with several of them and their yellow and black swallowtail relatives as well.
Their message to me is EMERGE and float gently on the breezes - partake of the sweetness that life offers and know that all is well in the world. Just BELIEVE and be still. Walk softly and just BE!! It's a lesson for PhotoSchmoozer ...and for the world. Peace friends.

DRUMMING FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING

Drumming has been an attraction to me for quite a few years though I have not actively pursued it. Now I can wait no longer. The hubby bought me a conga drum a few years back for my birthday present - purple of course!! Then I began to get a few books and CDs and 'jump' slowly into the water. Then I read a book by Robert Lawrence Friedman - THE HEALING POWER OF THE DRUM - and could wait no longer. I wanted to drum for finding my natural rhythms, building community and bringing more peace and balance into my life.
I called Robert to see where I could attend one of his workshops. When there was no place, I took a GIANT LEAP OF FAITH and asked him what he would charge to come to Pitman. NOW we are READY to meet and greet, play and heal. Sunday October 4 from 1-3, people will come together at the Ground House for a workshop. It's exciting and I know a new path of adventure and discovery for me!! I've lived here for so many years and now am beginning to feel more and more that it is 'my town'. It took PhotoSchmoozer's being out and about to make this happen!! Once more, I have paid attention to my intuition and done what feels right to me!! YEAH Martie the PhotoSchmoozer!!

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?!?