LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!!

Yesterday, it was time to take my photography show down from the month long display at the Heggan Library in Washington Township Library in South Jersey.  It was a success for the number of people who viewed it and the comments received.  I have always said I would be a millionaire if positive affirmations for my photography were cash.  Well, Bill and I talked about just that last night.  Why do I do photography?  Why do you do photography?  IF it is to make a living, it is definitely a challenge.  IF it is to see the beauty in your world and record and share it, then you are indeed a wealthy individual!! 

I looked across the road as I drove out of the library and here was the gift I was given - along with the message of BE STILL AND SEE and bring JOY!  What a gift of being able to be in the precious present.  I pulled right over, got out of the car and watched until I could see what my camera and I could capture.  Here it is - and it has been well received on Facebook!!

It's all about LETTING MY LIGHT SHINE...and indeed finding peace in that way of being.  NO, I never said it was easy - there is a lot to let go of in order to be at peace with a Zen/present time philosophy - no worrying about relationships - no stress caused by that worry but turning it all over to the Universe and being patient to see how it all evolves!!   Truth be told!!

Patterns of Life!

Sometimes something or someone comes along and strikes your fancy and you realize that all is right with your world!!  This happened when I got an email from friend, Bob, sharing info about International Photography Exposition in Wilmington, DE, sponsored by the Delaware Photographic Society.  There are hundreds of photos on display from all over the world - nature, human interest, landscapes, sports, abstract, photojournalism and ... I joined the organization and then went to a workshop last night with Joshua Taylor (www.joshuataylorphotography.com ) as the speaker.  He was talking about walking through the garden gate - nature and landscape photography.  I so totally resonated with his words - spoken from his heart - and as I reflected on why, I realized he feels about photography as I do!!  It's about SEEING and noticing all of the little details and patterns.  I use my camera and my eye in the same way.  I stop and really look at what is in front of me - and not necessarily the 'whole' but the fascinating pieces that make the whole.  I see life as pieces of a jigsaw puzzle floating in front of me...and that is how photography is too.  When something fits together - WOW - if not...well, they are there and will fit when the time is right!  I created this collage from a series of pictures at Grounds for Sculpture a summer or two ago.  Wandering the grounds is always a treat.  So thanks to Josh - a new teacher/mentor - and a dancer in life's Dance of Relationships - and he has a DARE to AFFIRM pin too!!  So go out in your world - just stop - and notice.  The other thing - you don't have to wait for Spring and colors - there are always things to notice and patterns all around you in all weather!!  Sunny days the only 'good' light for taking pictures?  Absolutely not...how about fog and mist and clouds and patterns from the rain??  Happy day...life is our gift...with gratitude!!

Beauty in the Garbage!!

Well now, don't I often talk about finding beauty in the simplicity of everyday life?  Here's another perfect example.  Bill and I were preparing dinner- the fresh vegetables that are filled with wonderous tastes and colors and nourish our body.  We compost our garbage so the bottoms from the baby bok choy were in the bowl...then Bill peeled the golden beet - Lo and behold, there was a moment to capture for posterity!!  Needless to say - there is beauty in everything - even garbage and if you just stop to notice your surroundings rather than being in such a rush, well, you will be blessed with these precious gifts as well!!  Enjoy and be aware!!

Clouds on my Journey

 I looked at clouds from both sides now...from win and lose and still somehow, it's clouds illusions I recall - and that I did as I traveled up Rt. 1 in Delaware after some full and wonderful days of visiting friends - old and new - visiting our friend the ocean - eating the most awesome mac and cheese - and just hanging out with friends.  It was a rest to be sure.  As I was driving home, I realized that I was following the clouds and was mesmerized.  It reminded me of coming home from the same place a few years back but being lost in the clouds and sunset and ending up in Cambridge, Maryland.  WHAT??? HOW???

 Today I stayed on the route but got so caught up in the beauty, colors and shapes that I fially just had to pull over and sit by the side of the road.  The cars WHIZZING by made me stop to wonder if anyone even noticed the gifts they were being given!?!?  My guess is not because they were in a hurry to get WHERE??  They are among the masses who have never realized that life in the fast lane is just that...and not to be enjoyed or treasured.  They are the ones stressed by the rush they are in...

For me, it's all about MINDFULNESS - stopping to meditate and ask for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health...and peace of mind and well being.  That's NOT too much to ask for friends - and the more you ask...the more you will receive. STOP and notice the wonder...I did and I am so grateful!!

Reflections on a Winter's Day

There are at least two ways to look at a winter's day...
    1. Oh no it is snowing again!! (and we have had precious little)
    2. Look at the beauty in the gifts that we receive from Mother Nature daily.
     I choose the latter ...I see beauty and reflections and these give me pause to reflect on my own life - and the people in it.  I think about people who have not a minute or the energy to pick up the phone and simply say "how are you" and then those who care - are present - and take the time to reach out.  Which are you???    I am often disappointed and discouraged by the 'too busy' people - 'best friends' and close family members in the mix!  As I reflect on it all I have to consider lowering my expectations?!?
   I often hear, "You don't understand.  I am really busy."..yaddah yaddah...you know the song/dance routine.  Sends me into thoughts and feelings of how I am valued - feelings of less importance in some lives...and more often than not.
I just read that next week is National Kindness Week - will it make a real difference in the world?  It's like Christmas - or the CT shootings - people stop a bit and 'come together' and are kind and compassionate to one another - and then life comes back.  DARE to AFFIRM - Catch Them Doing Something Right is what I choose to be all about.  My glasses will stay rose colored...always wishing and hoping...always caring...sometimes too much!  Today I go out and about once more to see the beauty we are gifted with!!