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?



DRUMS, Rhythms and Relationships

Sunday, April 28, 2013

The Light Within Shines Out!!


It's challenging to feel sad when there is dancing light all around us!!  In the morning especially, the sunlight wakes up and comes out to play  I sit here in my office looking out into the yard and realize that IF I never went anywhere, I would be blessed with the experience of beauty that Mother Nature offers us.  Little Light is out there dancing and casting her shadows on well, EVERYTHING!   The dogwood tree has been in our yard for the 30+ years we have lived here...in some ways like a bonsai dogwood - never growing large and stately but being steady and consistent!!  Looking up at her flowers set against the brillian blue sun - well - a picture is worth a thousand words right?    The leaves...a bit further afield - went to see our favorite lake but stopped as I got out of the car because Little Light was playing on the leaves and trees!  My point...Little Light is everywhere, dressed differently and sharing in wonderous ways throughout the day.  Sometimes she has to rest...but lately she has been totally present. 
 ARE YOU IN TUNE WITH THE PRECIOUS PRESENT??   Stop and breathe and give it a try!!  You will feel still and peaceful - a gift to yourself.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Light, Shadows and Reflections: BE STILL and SEE



Was off to a new adventure in Center City Philadelphia - to meet new women...to talk about working on a project.  All the way there, I thought about me and them...how it would all work out.  How would we work together?  Would we be effective in moving forward toward our goals? 
As I walked from the train, I began noticing people, light and shadows.  It reminded me of Robert Louis Stevenson's poem, My Shadow - and I thought about the contrasts that I was feeling - my shadow self was always with me, sometimes filled with doubt and uncertainty, yet my light was also shining out from within.  The duality of being ME!!

This morning, I sat in my rocking chair, thinking about all of the experiences of the past few days - a new BE STILL and SEE photography group - an awesome gathering of kindred spirits - and I impacted the networking.
Then I thought about the meeting with, let's call them the IMPACT group - the working title for our book.  I thought about ME and how I fit into it all - I had an impact...I shined my light - I brought forth my reflections of inner self - and it was all good.  The shadows in this picture - my plant showing its other side on my office chair.  The playfulness of the light...and the shadows it cast.  The duality of life.  Good morning world - and thanks for the shadows, the reflections and the messages from within.  Life is Good!!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

MUSIC to our ears...perfect day for a picnic

 The day was gorgeous - bright sun and blue skies - took off to explore and create new memories.  Scotland Run in Clayton, NJ  was our destination.  We had never been there in all of our years living in South Jersey...now we have.  One of the sights that caught my eye as I was walking about was the couple sitting on the blanket and then I heard the music.  How perfect - a picnic and he was serenading her.  Later I found out that Ted and Lauren had been friends in high school - lost touch - and rediscovered one another about a year ago...how sweet!!


A perfect day for a picnic!!



Ever the curious souls, we asked what kind/brand of guitar Ted was playing - turns out it was a Taylor BUT he has 13 guitars in all!!  WOW - Bill has some catching up to do!!  Right away the conversation went to techniques, chords and musician 'stuff'.
Ted had taught himself when he was very young - reminds us of our son, Jon and how he began the banjo at 10 -  He played for years and put it all away for a long time.  A few years ago, he picked it all up and just enjoys playing along with his CDs.  Rather reminded me of someone in my very own house and how he chooses to play most of the time!!
Photoschmoozer and friend...out and about...looking around and seeing - discovering new places and new people and ever hearing new stories.  Wonder what today will bring??  Stay  tuned!!

Please come by and visit - we welcome visitors and comments!!


Saturday, April 6, 2013

BE STILL and SEE Photography: Clear Eye, Open Heart and Mindfulness




It's with an open heart and a clear mind that I write this morning.  I often attempt to make life too complicated and totally forget to stop and see who I am and what I have.  I read about the 'top ten gardens in the country' and immediately felt an urgent need to get to #1 in Maine.  Then I stopped and looked at the rest of the list and realized that within an hour of home, I had 2 of those very 10 in my very own backyard - and others equally as beautiful that we have yet to see.  So maybe there are NOT 11,000 tulips in bloom but there are a myraid of simple visions that all bring joy to my heart. 
This one is simple...I stopped to look up rather than down at the ground at the vibrant flowers - here was the gift I received - a simple sight to be sure but alive with possibilities. 
A friend sent me this DeWitt Jones link about Vision and I have replayed it numerous times.  I especially love the story about the 5 year old who is 'taking pictures' with DeWitt!!  See for yourself...enjoy...learn...grow...and open your heart to ALL of the possibilities the world has to offer!!  It's NOT all about stuff!!  Do we really need all of that 'stuff' - more cameras and special lenses and tripods and filters??  Maybe not...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwFYsztlISM