tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75651566032984117582024-02-19T19:10:08.712-05:00PHOTOSCHMOOZERAmerica's Friendliest Photographer!
Sharing Life's Moments - One Story at a Time!Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.comBlogger459125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-4518520301803571072013-10-27T17:38:00.000-04:002013-10-27T17:38:53.855-04:00Leafness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I often start out my wanderings and gazings looking at the big picture - every day I am back to visit my tree and see the gifts she has to share - spectacular and then I am drawn to what Julie DuBose called Leafness. I find it much more playful to look at individual leaves and see what they choose to share with us.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"> Take this one for example. Bill had two surgeries last week, so we are laying low with maybe a little mini-adventure daily. While I was waiting for him to come out for our drive, this little guy floated down onto the windshield. Yep - the camera was sitting right next to me and I just quietly lifted and saw and pushed the button. It rather looked like it was suspended and floating in air. If I hadn't been sitting in the van with the windshield between me and the outside, well, I could have imagined that. I chuckled because this brought to mind Leo Buscaglia - anyone out there remember him - back in the 80s he wrote about "The Fall of Freddie the Leaf". So of course, this is Freddie and then I am sharing a few of his relatives. See I said I couldn't stay with the big picture for too long. I have discovered my photography style and it is often the up close and personal and it suits me well.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the right time of day, there is still plenty of moisture on the leaves - or after a rain. Friend Denise shared some of her most recent pictures today and there was frost! Friends, soon we will no longer be in Fall - daylight savings time no more and brrrrrrr temps. Talked to family in Chicago and they say they have had some nights below freezing and temps during the day in the 30s. Guess Baby Boy Grandson will have to be bundled up for his adventures out with mom and dad.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the rain, comes the drops and they look like little giant bumps when they are so close up. I just ask you to stop and look at these leaves all over the ground CLOSELY. Just stare and you will be surprised to see all of the little details they are willing to share.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana;"> Now, as I write this, it is time to sit and watch the sun quickly going down in the western sky - look at the gift of it the other day. Just had to sit and gaze and be filled with wonder and gratitude!! Just that.</span></em></strong><br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-5941925407337838122013-10-22T21:25:00.000-04:002013-10-22T21:25:30.547-04:00Staying with the Familiar - Seeing the New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was a great day...out and about to see the beauty of Fall...new trees...new colors...and now time to sit quietly in my office ready to see what I had seen. Could the camera see what my eye saw? Maybe so...sometimes what I see stays in my heart and the camera never is the partner - and that is ok. Really ok.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia;"> All of a sudden I looked up and smiled - it was getting dark outside yet little Light was still here with me and the shadows of the curtains were totally fascinating. I never had to go far and still I was still and saw...just is so simple.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Then my eyes moved down about a foot and I really sat there looking at the suncatcher we bought when we were shopping for our son's wedding present. I saw it with a different perspective and noticed the colors as the light caught them. Suncatcher indeed!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Then I glanced up and out the window - it was time for sunset - yes sunset at 6PM and I was sitting in one of the most special places to get a front row seat - my desk chair. Remember what the sky looks like with the bright and glaring sun...enough light to brighten our world! But what brings me awed vision is what happens to the sky once the sun goes below the horizon and then gives us an awesome light show. Tonight I saw pinks and reds and oranges like I haven't seen in quite awhile. Oh what a gift to end a pretty perfect day. My point...there is EXTRAORDINARY in the ORDINARY - there is spectacular vision right in front of our eyes all the time IF we simply take the time to BE STILL and SEE. please remember this...just do.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">And I promise that you will never - yes never - be disappointed! Trust me and believe what is right in front of you.</span></em></strong> <br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-37802850824707531572013-10-21T12:03:00.000-04:002013-10-21T12:03:39.669-04:00On the Road Again...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a looooooooong week and photography and truly being still with Nature - though always important - was replaced by the inner workings of surgical centers, waiting rooms, and hospital care. Yesterday, Bill came home and our lives could return to 'normalcy' IT there is truly such a concept in reality?!? I woke up with him beside me in our bed, looked out the window at the brilliant sunshine and colors and just knew that I had to go out and BE STILL. I just decided to get in the car and explore. I found this one tree and just sat with it for a long time. It had everything I could possibly want:</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial;"> Concepts of Color, Trees, Leaves, Branches, Light, Sky...it's all good and it is all right in front of us when we stop and just see. We don't have to label it, we just have to see it. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial;"> First I saw the whole tree and then I began to really get closer and look at all of it in sections. The top was vivid red - and there were so many other colors showing themselves.</span></em></strong> <br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What truly fascinated me was the strength of the tree supported by all of its branches. It took me back to this past week - the tree as metaphor - I needed strength and courage - maybe some bright colors too - to support Bill in the surgery and healing process. I have a strong central trunk but this tree made me truly reflect on all of the branches in our lives that help support us. Our son and daughter in law were present with phone calls and pictures of our baby for healing - can you believe he is already 100 days old. My siblings and so many friends were all right there too. Just made me think that although our trunk is strong - all of the other branches are what surround us and support us. So it's the tree in nature...and so much more. I have always been fascinated by trees - now with the color - yet also in all of the seasons with their bare nakedness - exposed to the elements yet standing strong and then after rest, growing again. It's all a part of the life cycle. Bill is sleeping a lot now and I realize that it too is his rest and an important part of his healing process.</span></em></strong><br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-70787762324219468392013-10-13T08:18:00.000-04:002013-10-13T08:18:25.834-04:00Protection from ???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What is she seeing? What does each of see on our Journey? Vision and perception are in the eyes of the beholder. As I think about how to guide someone to take pictures and 'see' as I do, I feel challenged. No one can take pictures as I do nor can I really take pictures like any of my photography friends - in real life or on their blogs or in their books. I - as you - are unique individuals and what we see and do suits us only! </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia;"> As I sat at the Harvest Moon Festival, I got the thought and vision to see how people protect themselves - from the sun? from being seen? from discovering or expressing who they really are? This woman was totally fascinated by what??? Did she even know or was she lost in contemplation!? We will never know. I thought about what everyone was wearing - including the dude sitting next to me in the red cap. The sun was hot and they were cool. What better way to show variations than put them all together in one place to compare and contrast.</span></em></strong><br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-4306322061091322552013-10-12T09:08:00.000-04:002013-10-12T09:08:02.946-04:00Whither are we Journeying?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Can you smell it? Can you feel it? Fall is in the area - a new season for us to continue our journey through life - with the camera and with quiet reflections. I have always considered my time with the camera a photographic journey and a journey to self. We notice the outer landscape and take the time to reflect on the inner landscape.</em> <em>We always have choices but do we face them and act on them or do we consider ourselves victims to life's offerings? I say NO WAY! You know the old expression about when life gives you lemons - make lemonade!! You can stay clean and pristine or get down and dirty and see what life has to offer. Perceptions of reality!!</em></span></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"> Just yesterday I was called by the zinnias in the front garden. Never did I realize that they turned as they withered yet stayed on the plant. They have lost so much of the color yet retained a different kind of beauty.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are a metaphor for Fall and the changes we experience - we never lose our beauty yet we ask to be seen in a different way!! As I was standing there and looking, I heard a message to turn around and LOOK! "Don't just look at the flowers Martie because there is so much more!! " The big old pine trees were asking to be seen - oh my goodness. Look at this gift!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tall and straight and full of such unusual beauty. Have you ever stopped to really look at the knots in the trees where the branches have been cut off? Some of them look like blood and they are bleeding sap. These trees had a zillion of these because our neighbors had cut off the lower branches. Made me sad that the trees had been injured but ok that they were healing. It's like how our body heals itself - sometimes while we are taking medicine and think it is the reason! The photographic message - make sure to stop and be still and listen - then look and then turn around and look some more - up, down and all around. There is beauty in the beholding.</span></em></strong><br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-9635282241682777042013-10-07T16:25:00.000-04:002013-10-07T16:25:43.163-04:00FREE SPIRITS Dancing Through Life!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It takes a LOT of energy for 'big' people to be Free Spirits - we go to lots of workshops, listen to zillions of CDs, meditate and buy books that give us all of the tips and secrets to be the FREE SPIRIT we are meant to be. Well - I have been thinking a lot about this and I do believe we are missing the bestest teachers of free spirit that we have right before us all of the time...CHILDREN...they just have it and if we are not careful by giving them too many of society's rules and have tos - they will keep it.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="background-color: cyan; color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">Back to Greenville, DE and the Harvest Moon Festival yesterday. I sat in my comfy chair, listening to totally danceable listening music and watching what was going on all about me. This 11 ish young girl not only had the socks and colorful laces BUT her hair was red! She didn't walk anyplace she went - she skipped and danced!! Lesson 1!</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorites was this total delight. I was looking soomewhere else and all of a sudden, I looked over to my right and saw this persona - another 11ish one - spinning and twirling to the music and to the music in her head as well!! She was graceful - she was dancing - and she was totally being HERSELF. Notice the hot pink shoes. What 'big' person would wear those because they would be 'uptight' about the shoes not matching the dress! Yeeks!! I finally had to go over and meet this lovely. I shared that I loved, truly loved her free spirit. I asked the name that went with it and she prompty answered PRINCESS MADDY!! She was into her role. I acknoweldged and greeted her and then asked what name might be on her birth certificate and she promptly told me she was Madeleine ??? (I didn't catch her last name and that is not important to this story!) She had a cool mom and a younger brother too - would it be fun to adopt and be Nana to them!!</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wait - there are more of these nymphs / free spirits about. This one - 5 ish was twirling in her pink tutu dress and having a grand time. What thrilled me the most was seeing her mom put her things down and join her daughter for together FUN time! No telling her to be still or sit down (I did see one mom who kept pinching her free spirit's arm and pulling her back to the hay to sit down - oh restraint on my part to not go and punch her out - and her little one was a 3ish spirit and totally having FUN!!) Yes, I had to go over to this mom too and thank her for being so awesome a mom!!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Catch the look on this face - yet one more of my role models and she kept parading back and forth and back and forth along the hay bales - doing really well at keeping her balance too!!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKMPf1nievKgaHjMAqndivcSeKgV7z9QGVR5in9O_IHdN2VMcGGLke8fQ0mxZ-XXSCRhKEtqZhSj8wvw_st1LelGBNTaJaUTubSOUuGKW2o7KX1PIKMucEAjuwnX5on_O3I-CKSCy7o5b/s1600/Scan00051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKMPf1nievKgaHjMAqndivcSeKgV7z9QGVR5in9O_IHdN2VMcGGLke8fQ0mxZ-XXSCRhKEtqZhSj8wvw_st1LelGBNTaJaUTubSOUuGKW2o7KX1PIKMucEAjuwnX5on_O3I-CKSCy7o5b/s200/Scan00051.jpg" width="146" xsa="true" /></a><span style="color: #ea9999;">The last one to share this post is "Little Barbara" - she was a total delight - talking early and always exuberant about life around her - asking questions and wanting to know! Sad was she heard, "Why do you ask so many questions? Why do you have to know so much?" For years, she let the FREE SPIRIT she was go within so she could live in the world where she had been born. But thank goodness it has NOT been lost forever. As she/me has gotten older - there have been a lot of changes - Martie, photography, family, nature, life experiences, cross country adventures and more to come. The challenge - totally releasing the free spirit that is without concern about what 'they' think. It's a forever learning experience but as I sit and watch these children at festivals and just out and about, I realize that what makes me special is my CHILDLIKE WONDER - I haven't lost it, just reacquainting with it!! As I say - WOO HOO!! Life is to be lived and it is a dance!!!</span></div>
</span></em></strong>Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-70632040373126663742013-10-07T11:55:00.000-04:002013-10-07T11:56:39.717-04:00The Perfect Loom for this Weaving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little Light brought me to this loom and this weaving! I was captivated by the glimmering of the shiny threads in the green wool The Weaver was using for her piece - yesterday at the Havest Moon Festival in Greenville, DE. She had a variegated wool she had traded with the woman working the wheel and the colors were so alive - yet so soft and vibrant.I just stood and watched her patiently putting the skein through - warp - weave? I think the long ones are the warp and what she put through is the weave. Used to think that weaving and having a loom was high on my craft list but then as the years passed and I discovered other fun ways of working with my hand, this , along with knitting, crocheting and now origami and even macrame went by the wayside. I am fascinated by how many ways we can be creative.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana;"> Loved talking to the Weaver - oops - forgot to get her name/card but could see the gleam in her eye when she talked about how much she totally loved what she was doing. She said that IF I ever changed my mind, this little loom would be perfect for me - I could learn in one three hour class. Not even tempted BUT totally filled with gratitude for the colors and the textures and the work she produced - and filled with gratitude that I could see many different views of her work with my camera - fun for me!!</span></em></strong>Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-10431303375004194392013-10-06T21:20:00.001-04:002013-10-06T21:27:40.362-04:00Friendships and Celebrations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let's talk first today about synchronicities...and then friendships...and then grapes. Huh you say...what's the connection! Patience friend and I will explain it all. About a year ago, I joined the Transition Network - defined as a group of women over 50 who are moving through life's transitions. What drew me to the program was a course to be offered called Bounceability: Resilience and Aging. I had done some training about Building Your Bounce for child care teachers, so I thought I would explore IF there was any difference related to aging. We used a strengths profile to see what we were all about. Then we convened. There were 8 of us with a facilitator. The first meeting, another fellow traveler and I started talking and well. we have continued the conversation beyond the group. Lovely. Donna and I actually meet for 'coffee breaks' at Crescent Moon coffee house in Mullica Hill, NJ. I have asked her to be my gentle 'nudge' to keep me focused on some projects I need to move forward on.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia;"> OK...am I digressing. NOPE. Seems awhile ago, Donna and her husband Leigh bought 129 acres of Preserved Farmland in Monroeville, NJ. They grow 12 acres in grapes - many varieties. Photoschmoozer asked to come to the vineyard early in the morning to see what I could BE STILL and SEE. I went to their house early one morning (after driving right past and ending up miles down the road). As Leigh and I were drinking coffee, he said they would be picking on Thursday. "Want to come and pick grapes?" I said I would ask Bill if he wanted to do this. After all, it was our anniversary and what better way to spend part of the day but picking grapes!! Well we did and next morning, Donna shared that we had all picked 1783 pounds. The grapes - this time cabernet savignon - are sold to Monroeville Winery and they make the wine. So no, folks, we picked - we did NOT stomp!! It was so much fun, we are considering heading back in a week or two when the next batch is ready. See...don't I talk about synchronicities - talk to Donna - meet Leigh - have an anniversary (42 years) and pick grapes. What's next? Quien sabe?? Life is a journey and isn't it a grand one at that?!?</span></em></strong></div>
Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-1289186018376181032013-10-05T22:11:00.000-04:002013-10-05T22:11:44.574-04:00Gardening Gifts of Love!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is a street in Pitman - Holly Avenue - and there is a house on Holly Avenue that is a true gift to all who drive by and take the time to notice. This day, we saw that the flowers that had filled out the garden by the wall were gone! What was to happen?? Then we saw the flats of pansies and then we saw a person!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Truth and honest - in all of the years that we had been appreciating this gardening, never had we ever seen a person out front working on it! Today we did. "Stop the car and turn around!" I knew that it was important for me - the Catch Them Doing Something Right Lady - to go back and talk with the gardener and thank her for all she has contributed to the beauty of life for so many of us!! <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Now here is the most amazing information connected to this person and this garden. SHE DOES NOT LIVE IN THIS HOUSE! All of the gardening she does - changing the plants at least 2 or 3 times a year - is a labor of love for the people who do live there. She and they are friends - all retired school teachers and she does all of this because she loves doing it. She also gardens at her house in a nearby town and at a church in Glassboro. Meet Janet - an exceptional woman with a giant heart and such a wealth of gardening information. We learned about a new kind of tiny zinnia -</span></span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now meet Fran - an oncology nurse who helps Janet with the gardening when she can. So there is not one angel working in this yard, but two. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia;">So get this. I, Photoschmoozer, was out without my camera that day IF you can believe that?? I had to go home and get it!! Just had to. Now here is the strange thing - by the time I went home, got the camera and came back, the zinnias that were planted along the driveway were gone! Fran said that if she knew I wanted to take pictures of them, she wouldn't have taken them out. I felt fortunate to find them still in the trash can and even more fortunate that Little Light was there dancing with me to make the zinnias perfect. More gratitude!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Then we got invited to visit the back yard and who knew!! There was a profusion of flowers - a plethora of colors - a pallette that would delight any artist!! So..thankful? you bet? and the coolest part of it all besides the gardening and the beautiful flowers is for us to discover that Janet is 85 years young - what a role model!! What a lesson and gift for all of our lives. You can't just be complacent and drive on by when there is a synchronicity </em>to <em>be explored and stories to be shared. My life is richer for having met Janet...and Fran. I am really full of gratitude!!</em></span></strong><br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-19957902556393915352013-10-05T21:37:00.000-04:002013-10-05T21:37:16.714-04:00Exploring GRATITUDE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Alli Anne and Molly Rose - also known as Allison and Martie - have been friends for many years. Sometimes they were professional colleagues who did training workshops together. Sometimes they were friends who laughed and sang and were joyful together. Then came retirement - came about differently for each of them. They started a few ideas for projects together but a better decision was to just be friends. That could work. They were the same in some ways but in so many other ways, just being friends was an easier way to dance together - and that was good.</em></span></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">So on their journey to being friends, they decided to go on an adventure. They had created key ingredients for relationships and thought, "Why not see how many towns we can find that have the same name as the ingredients?" Thought it would be easy - NOT. Eventually AlliAnne searched the computer and the two decided on a Friend Adventure off in search of Gratitude. It was on the map on the Cheseapeake in Maryland. Did they find it? Well, one discovery is that there is no town with that name although it is on the map. But check this out</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They found the Gratitude Marina in a small town right near where Gratitude, MD should have been on the map! So one discovery was that it existed...sort of. The real treasures is that they truly understand that Gratitude is NOT a place to be found as much as it is located within them and in relationships with the world.</span></em></strong><br />
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Walking on a beach they saw an older couple pushing a stroller and walking a dog on a leash. Look at these faces and see what Gratitude is all about. This couple has rescued and adopted four daschunds. Alli Anne and their owner talked about puppy health - see Alli Anne cooks bok choy daily for her dogs and so does this owner. There was so much of the day that gave them messages of gratitude - weather - good food - great conversations with people who might have been strangers and then a visit to Chesapeake City.</div>
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Both remembered the little ice cream place by the canal and thought - in their childlike enthusiasm - "What a great way to end the day...ice cream!! " They gave not a care to the fact that sugar is not a good friend for either of them BUT in the short run they had gratitude that they got favorite ice cream flavors and sat out by the canal watching the boats and ships of all sizes coming by. A favorite to be sure - the teeny tiny tug guiding the giant car carrying vessel up and under the bridge out to sea!</div>
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So lesson learned...many lessons learned. Best of all is to realize that GRATITUDE is NOT a place but a feeling of appreciation for each and every little things - each precioius present - that life gifts us with. It's a simple no brainer - sometimes we just forget so it takes an adventure like this sometimes to guide us gently back to reality.</div>
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-85099436306792265672013-09-23T11:38:00.000-04:002013-09-23T11:39:51.596-04:00Perspective...in the Eye and Heart of the Viewer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last night, I was looking at Facebook and our friend, Lisa, in Lincoln, Nebraska, posted this picture of the green leaf with Little Light dancing on it. I thought it was an interesting perspective, yet my mind said, "What if the picture was cropped and the details of the water droplets were the total focus? So I did just that. It's the same picture...and not. It demonstrated how two people can see the same thing and yet what you see from their camers/eye/heart is not the same at all. I wrote to Lisa and asked if she had considered cropping it. She said no because she liked Little Light at both ends of the leaf. Then I sent her what I did. We think each other's picture is 'cool' as she put it. That is the 'cool' part of the whole process. We see things differently - we present ourselves and our photos to the world differently, yet we can step back and just say "COOL" - I like how you see this!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><em>As is often the case, I connect so many of my thoughts and reflections to relationships. Remember DARE TO AFFIRM: The Dance of Relationships. Now why can't we all be laid back and open to one another...hey cool - I see it this way; you see it another way. I respect who you are and am so happy that you respect who I am. Let's acknowledge that and just move on.</em></strong></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> I love how I can use photography as a metaphor for life - after all isn't it a representation of life in all of its amazing wonder? My photography, my BE STILL and SEE has been a Journey for me...and I needn't put it in the past tense, because actually, it is and will be an ongoing journey. I do it with and through my camera, when in actuality, there are times when the camera is at home...or in the car...and I truly understand that I have the CAMERA OF LIFE with me at all time - it's so perfect - my clear vision...my open heart to accept and see all of the beauty of the little things all around us all the time...and the wisdom to accept the world...and people in it for all of their perfections and imperfections.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> I was talking to friend Heather about relationships and she suggested that the word Surrender be considered. No way I said...that strikes me as a general losing a battle - or the war - and having to give in. Then this morning she sent me the definition of Surrender from Eckhardt Tolle - and this gave me pause. I will end today with sharing that message...</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR NOT BEING AT PEACE. THE MOMENT YOU COMPLETELY ACCEPT YOUR NON-PEACE, YOUR NON-PEACE IS TRANSMUTED INTO PEACE. ANYTHING YOU ACCEPT FULLY WILL GET YOU THERE, WILL TAKE YOU INTO PEACE. THIS IS THE MIRACLE OF <span style="color: red;">SURRENDER.</span></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Eckartdt Tolle</span></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and hugs and gratitude to Heather...and her friend Lisa for opening my eyes to seeing the world in yet another different and wonderful way!!</span></em></strong>Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-79623898743239049672013-09-21T09:01:00.000-04:002013-09-21T09:01:50.259-04:00Out of the Comfort Zone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">First lessson of the day...PATIENCE. OMG the traffic was incredible exiting 109 on the Garden State Parkway and for many miles through Red Bank. Single lanes...road construction...and she who likes to be early arrived more than half an hour late but I quickly learned that I was not the only one so we started way late - maybe call it Califormia time!!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's a wrap now. It is over and the day was definitely an experience!! I am understanding that sometimes it is important to step outside of one's comfort zone to learn and grow!! Can I say that this was a FUN experience - maybe...fun in the respect that I enjoyed learning and drumming and meeting new people. Fun in watching Arthur facilitate...and share...and talk and encourage. Enlightening in understanding that we ALL - or almost all, have our doubts and insecurities. The biggest challenge - stepping into the circle and facilitating to have the group engage. Some people jumped right in.. George, sitting next to me - and a drummer, shared how he keeps his eyes down so he won't get picked. Fascinating to see how facilitators picked people to keep going with their playing when others were to be stilled. Was it because of the person or was it because of the instrument that they were playing? I belileve it was some of each. It did bring back memories of childhood and being the last to be picked for games and teams. Some things stick around with you!! Talking to another friend and she shared that she too was always the last and it brought back feelings for her...and she is a psychologist! </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I would have to say that Arthus is full of himself. I won't use the word he said that has been used to describe him over the course of his lifetime - and he is older than I!! I will say that beneath the fluff and bluff and self deprecating commentary is a giant teddy bear who is positive and supportive and full of love and compassion. After all, as he would say, he is from California. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia;"> It was amazing to meet so many of the 30 people in the room and find that they had come from California and Alberta,Canada...Boston and other points around the country for this day and to attend the Remo Health Rhythms training this weekend. I met psychologists, speech therapists, a NASA scientist, trainers and special educators - among others. It was good to be among them and learn. Now, I will have to integrate the messages and teachings - and wait for Arthur's new book/s to be ready in October.</span></em></strong>Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-42314814380956399162013-09-19T18:34:00.000-04:002013-09-19T18:34:53.879-04:00Drums...Drumming...Health Rhythms and NOW...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>One Summer's Day</em> many years ago, Bill and I were going to the Philadelphia Zoo to see what we could see. Walking from the parking lot to the entrance, we had to go under the railroad bridge and what to my wondering eyes should appear but the coolest dude playing drums! I was fascinated - it was about FUN and RHYTHM and just cool stuff. Did I think I could do it...Absolutely NOT! He invited me to site and give it a try - and I just had fun. I could feel the beginnings of the Free Spirit releasing...and from that time on, drumming has been one of the focuses of my Journey.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a surprise for my 60th birthday that same year to have a big box to open - and even more of a surprise to find a Purple Conga drum (still have it though I would sell it if someone wants it!) I remember it all clearly because it was the same time I was taking the Creative Photography class. This was definitely a subject for some of the pictures!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Never one to be impulsive and jump into things (right you are saying?!? I am an extroverted introvert really), it took more years of contemplating drums and drumming until one day I read about Health Rhythms, created by Remo drum company, Dr. Barry Bittman and Christine Stevens. Ever on the quest for self knowledge, healing and stress relief, I said to self, "WHY NOT?!" Actually I talked three of my friends at the time into joining me and several years ago, the program/training came to the Princeton area. We had a grand time. I came home and did a few drum circles...and then quiet on that front BUT Roy Schryver, one of the participants shared about making drums...next step in the Journey.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then came the "Baby Drums" because what better thing for an early childhood educator to do than do drumming with "Mommy and Me". It's still in the thought pattern - might just come forth...soon. Remember my Mom always said I was a sloooooooooooooow learner or maybe she said Late Bloomer. Either way - same thing.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now my friends, it is time for the Journey/Adventure and Freeing of the Spirit to continue. I saw an advertisement for a drumming Playshop with Arthur Hull - granddaddy of drum circles in NEW JERSEY in September - and now it is tomorrow! I thought - nah - and why...and then I kept getting drawn back to the description of the event and the words so resonate for me - the words and the way Arthur says them in his DVD : Drum Circle Facilitation: Building Community Through Rhythm. OMG...I have done it - I have signed up and tomorrow I travel to the Count Basie theater in Red Bank , NJ for a day of learning and drumming and - well you know how I always talk about synchronicities - that too!! The day is about </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"> 1. Unity within Community</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"> 2. Sharing my Spirit</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"> 3. Building Relationships</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"> 4. Sharing my bliss and having FUN</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"> 5. Facilitating as a Celebration of Life</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">I can no longer deny that drumming, Health Rhythms and all connected with it holds a special place in my heart. Meet Arthur!!</span></em></strong><br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-48763875931441416152013-09-16T18:00:00.000-04:002013-09-16T18:06:37.466-04:00Solutions Come From Quiet Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I give myself the gift of sitting still - being quiet and reflecting - allowing my mind to clear and just drift along with the clouds - it's funny how possibilities arise. I don't question that I love to BE STILL and SEE and really explore the openness of everything...and nothing. What happens is that I listen to others - listen to what society says we must do to be 'right' and hang with those thoughts that are definitely holdovers from a previous time in my very own lifetime - maybe even back through other lifetimes!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana;"><em>So discoveries...thoughts...open to ideas...just because 'photographers' take their pictures and then frame them and put them in galleries for sale, and I feel a need to be 'like them'...is that the truth? I am rich on compliments but as friend Bob says, "Photography doesn't sell!" Well some does but it is in the eyes of the buyer and can't really be predicted. I have hung pictures in a gallery show with 21 other artists. Can I go into the comparison of me with them?!? NO NO NO...doesn't society often put us there?? I love what I do and will do more for me...to learn and grow in my own creative expression...</em></span></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana;"> For years I have been training individuals to know that the PROCESS is way more important than the PRODUCT!! Hey Photoschmoozer...listen to your own words and enjoy the process. Isn't that what learning and discovery is really all about? Going within and seeing what your heart sees. Taking your own journey and laughing and dancing with every step along the way!!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana;">It's a journey...my journey...not to be shared. Each of us has our own...yeah team!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each of takes the steps on our journey one step at a time. See the steps are crooked, straights, higher, lower, simpler, more difficult...in the end we arrive where we need to be in each moment of each day!!</span></em></strong>Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-13686200046509826682013-09-16T08:26:00.002-04:002013-09-16T08:27:41.203-04:00TMI...OVERLOAD...or BE STILL!?!?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><strong><em><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">All the time I talk about peace of mind...being still and being - just paying attention to the present moment and letting life flow. TALK IS EASY. Doing and just Being is the challenge. Sometimes I feel like the hamster on the wheel - confined in the environment and just using momentum to spin around in circles. Sometimes it feels like a dog chasing its tail. Whatever it is, it is not where I want and/or need to be but sometimes where I get caught! </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"> Friend Lillian taught me the expression TMI - I sat with a question mark in my head when I saw the letters - yet when I went still I saw that it stood for TOO MUCH INFORMATION. Yep I get it. It's NOT a gift to have too much information and too many gifts/skills. It's challenging to want to know everything and do everything. It's a challenge friends for me to BE STILL - maybe except when I pick up my camera!?!? Maybe that is where I need to BE more rather than always struggling to figure out who I am and where I fit and what would make me happy. Friend Bob talks about simply Letting Go - letting go of what? The need to know...the need to know what I will do with the pictures I take - the need to know what I will do with the quilting projects I do? </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"> I have simple needs...wanting to BE...and be still and at peace. Then I rediscover the 'junque' that is available to me - sugar, carbs, and related stuff. Then I go there for a few days...and then again, I say, "OK it's time to LET IT GO!" Now it's that time again...maybe this will be the last time? Maybe. Life in retirement can be BE STILL moments IF we allow them to shine and open our hearts and minds to them. It's so simple...and not... This is where I really am deep inside - this water lily is the personification of Being Still and Peace...enough said...Let it BE!!</span></em></strong><br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-81942831331352275522013-09-15T14:16:00.000-04:002013-09-15T14:20:05.912-04:00It Only Takes ONE!<strong><span style="color: #d9ead3; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>It only takes one, though I did lament on the BE STILL and SEE sight that there was only a single water lily</em> <em>in the pond when
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we were meandering the grounds at Chanticleer. What I forgot to mention is that it was Spectacular and Little Light was definitely right there with me dancing with glee!! I just looked and she lit up the flower. It said, "Martie here I am in all of my glory! Don't worry that I am here alone because I am NOT lonely. I have lots of other friends here with me and anyway, this way, I can be noticed and be outstandinig in the pond! WOO HOO!" See, I always say that I wait for the flower to share how she wants to be seen IF at all. This one did, but there were many pictures I took the other day that were really blurry
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I was really surprised to see that Ms. Lily had a baby friend...and then there were the leaves and all of their shadows and reflections. See I was looking at 'more of the same' when what I had to be still and notice was the diversity in the pond. Well now - isn't that just like life? There is so much diversity in the world and that is what makes our environment what it truly is - differences that we can appreciate and value! Aren't we totally fortunate. IF there were more water lillies like the one I saw, well, it wouldn't be the same anyway just as none of us is like one another. The water lily did have a baby friend that we saw just as a big bud on the water - and that too was perfect. Life is perfect...<br />Someone just aked me to recommend a camera to them. I had to write back and say that she was asking the wrong person because she wanted one - not too expensive - where she could change lenses and take pictures with all of the perspectives that I saw. I said I don't have one of those and never will - the perspective comes from my head and heart and as the commercials on TV say - maybe for Discover card - well, that is priceless. Just buy a simple card and go peacefull into the world and BE STILL and SEE. Someone else said I should teach a class on Stilllife after she saw the butterfly I posted yesterday. It's NOT about still life either friends. You need never get tired of hearing me say that it is about BE STILL AND SEE - it is about going out quietly with camera in hand and no expectations, no labels...only a clear intention to be OPEN to see the gifts all around you. No need to say more?! Just do it...with an open heart and a clear mind...and an eye that takes in all that is around you. Don't label...just see!! It's so simple that you can't make it complex...well, IF you try too hard you can...get the message?? Enjoy!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</em></span></strong>Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-31734248984026914772013-09-14T08:06:00.001-04:002013-09-14T08:12:05.692-04:00Weaving the Web of Creativity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She has been hanging around and building her web in our kitchen window for more than three days...so far...and I knew I had to look up the meaning for the spider as a totem animal. I do believe she is sending messages and they are good ones!!</span></em></strong><br />
The spider is a remarkable figure of feminine energy and creativity in the spirit animal kingdom. Spiders are characterized by the skilled weaving of intricate webs and patience in awaiting their prey. By affinity with the spider spirit animal, you may have qualities of high receptivity and creativity. Having the spider as a power animal or totem helps you tune into life’s ebbs and flows and ingeniously weave every step of your destiny.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isn't tnis message what life is like...for me at least and probably for most of us - weaving the web and being patient while the work is being done. I am thinking that the work is never completed...it just starts at the center with the being and works it way out in complicated patterns. There is a definite process and a pattern though I would think that rather like snowflakes, if we examine these closely, we would not see sameness in each one! It is so like each of our lives - watching, waiting, being patient and taking action to build the web with sureness and conviction, knowing that our work has meaning. Will the web last? Not necessarily, but then the time comes to work on yet another one. What do I 'work' on? There are so many interests and projects, not in an ADD way...but in a way that is an individual fascinated with all that life has to offer.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana;"> Now we are beginning a New Year - today is Yom Kippur - a time for reflection, contemplation, acceptance and forgiveness. I ask for it from those I might have offended...and I offer it to all who have been hurtful to me in some way...intentional or not. Sometimes it is my own sensitivity and perception that views the situation in a way that includes too much drama...sometimes it is real. No matter - FORGIVENESS is the key...life moves on and today is the only day we have. Blessings to all of us as we enter the New Year...as we see a winding down in the transition to Fall...and as we plan rest and reflection - being in our cocoon until we emerge as the beautiful butterfly that we truly are!!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana;"> Yesterday at Chanticleer Garden in Wayne, PA. the butterfly and i visited and shared the glory of the day and her magnificence. How fortunate we were to have a wonderful visit. What will today bring??</span></em></strong><br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-47250561350024645332013-09-04T08:23:00.000-04:002013-09-04T08:23:57.513-04:00Peace, Love and Healing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every year at this time, I realize that I tend to go within - to truly be still and to reflect on life as it is...and as I wish it to be. Today a friend posted this on Facebook and I thought that it was my wishes for the New Year for myself and the world - my immediate family and friends as well as those on the periphery or those that I don't know yet. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;"> I sit here this morning with the window wide open, the cool breezes gently caressing me and the birds singing their good morning. It is not every day that I wake with a feeling of peacefulness and it feels wonderful! Yesterday I sincerely allowed life to flow as it would and it was just perfect!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;"> I have decided that there are a few 'best' ways to achieve this peace. One is that when my mind starts to chatter and create situations that make me feel less than ok, I pause and send LOVINGINGKINDNESS meditation to those who bring me troubled thoughts - may they be safe, may they be happy, may they be health, may they share love and compassion, may they be at peace. Life is too short to hold any kind of animosity toward another fellow human being. I just count my blessings - family and especially our new grandson...special friends...and self - an amazing character full of love and compassion!! </span></em></strong><br />
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</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today friend Bob posted a piece by photographer Tony Sweet</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;"> Here is the link...truly gave me pause...and peace...and self awareness!!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;"> </span></em></strong> <a href="http://tonysweet.com/2013/09/01/finding-voice/">http://tonysweet.com/2013/09/01/finding-voice/</a><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lately my camera and I have been quiet - within - resting and reflective. I have allowed myself to know that this is OK...that Fall is my time for transition - Mother Nature's as well - a time to purge, cleanse, allow some of the old to 'die' and make room for the new.</span></em></strong>Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-30760363110334403552013-08-21T08:55:00.000-04:002013-08-21T09:02:26.627-04:00FULL MOON /Blue Moon Power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grandmother Moon is powerful! Last night ten amazing women sat in a circle in our living room - the South Jersey Peer Group for the Transition Network. We come together monthly to honor, celebrate and explore our creative selves. A few months ago, I put out the request that we open to further exploration and share what mattered to each of us. You know the expression - Be careful what you ask for. One of the women said, "Martie, why don't you be first to host this?" My bold, daring and wonderful self said "SURE!" Then my other self - the one that is uncertain and doesn't think she knows enough said, "What have you done? How will you make this happen? The pressure is on!!"</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial;"> It happened and I did it! We started with a Mindfulness exercise - visualizing that we are the flower opening and closing to discover our inner beauty. After some lively sharing, this activity stilled us to move on.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial;"> Acknowledging the Full Moon and her power as a time to let go of what no longer serves us so we can bring in the new or grow with our strengths, we each wrote something on a paper - set it aflame and quietly sat to watch it burn. I did one...tonight I am going to do another - alone and reflective. I am wishing for relationships built on looking for the best in one another - affirming who each of us is...acknowledging and recognizing how wonderful that is to knowing one another and building strengths. As I wrote in the last blog - when that doesn't happen in your own life, it can be very sad. When there are beautiful ways to acknowledge and you hear what is wrong - well, sadness came set in and one has to learn to let go of that.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial;"> Life is short and tenuous - life is filled with wonderful people and insights - life is meant to be shared... people are meant to be acknowledged and celebrated with joy.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial;"> For all who are important and valuable in my life, I celebrate you. For all who cause challenges, I still celebrate your wonder and aliveness. As we say in Mindfulness/Metta Meditation: May you be safe; May you be happy; May you be healthy; May you have peace of mind and ease of wellbeing. May you be at peace.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And may I add the same peaceful message to all in my world - may you go deep into your heart as I have gazed at the essence of this flower and found calm - and may it bring you stillness and peace - today and always</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Addendum to this blog: I wrote the whole thing and published it and forgot to mention that the DRUMS came out and we drummed! What fun...what inspiration...and we indeed were what Christine Stevens calls in Drumming Diva a TOWER OF STRENGTH!!.</span></em></strong>Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-63159650875172264602013-08-19T07:44:00.000-04:002013-08-19T07:44:33.805-04:00Be Impeccable With Your Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just as the tree is solidly grounded by its strong roots in the ground...and just as this tree finds peace by the flowing water, so am I grounded and flowing in my life. Sounds perfect...and peaceful...sometimes it is...sometimes not, but under the surface, it...and I...and strong and solid.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;">Remember when you were a child and someone said something that hurt you? What did you say?? "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me!!" Truth...or not. Words can be hurtful! Maybe they are meant to have good intentions, but the way they are read is open to interpretation. Social media can NOT be a helpful way of communication. So I had words sent to me recently and they gave me pause. They expressed one point of view...not acceptance of different ways of being. Just saying.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;"> Right away I thought of Don Miguel Ruiz and The Four Agreements. I got out the book and reread Agreement 1: Use Your Words Impeccably. He says that these words are simple but very powerful. The word is a force to communicate. One word can change a life...This also makes me think about DARE to AFFIRM: Catch Them Doing Something Right. Do you have people in your lives that can tell you what is not appropriate about you BUT never quite take the time to say what they value and appreciate? Just think seriously about this. What good does it do to tell someone what they have done wrong that doesn't agree with what you think and believe?!? Must we all behave in the same way? Think about it. It's a valuable lesson - Affirmations and Acceptance are so much more powerful than reprimanding that makes another feel less than ok. Just saying!!</span></em></strong><br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-10805070051060560602013-08-18T10:56:00.001-04:002013-08-18T16:49:40.077-04:00Meaning, Passion, Purpose: FUN FUN FUN!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Find your Element! Find Your Passion! Find Your Purpose! You are so good at ___________(fill in the blank!~!) You have so much to share with the world. Why don't you teach classes! When will you do this? Been thinking about this a lot...quiet times of refelction and meaning! YES - I love to take pictures...and I love to make drums...and hear the sound of drumming...and now I have to add, I LOVE being a Nana! So when I am encouraged to DO IT and asked, "What are you afraid of?" I ponder...I listen to 'their voices' and I wonder. Been doing that a lot lately as I can feel Fall in the air - Fall for me - and maybe for many of you - is a New Year - a time of transitions - some things die off and others come along to take their place. So what can a girl do!? Years ago, Bill and I sat down to write our goals and objectives. The overarching goal had the "F" word right in it - FUN FUN FUN FUN. If I can be of service, yet it doesn't bring me joy - then is it paying attention to my life's goal? Nah - not really NO!</em></span></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just the other day, an email came to me from Alyssa Janney and Remo. Arthur Hull - yes the Arthur Hull for those in the know - the granddaddy of drum circles will be doing a Playshop in Red Bank NEW JERSEY toward the end of September. OMG! What an opportunity. Can we do this? Is it too much money to spend for a day? Then I think of the operative word - remember - FUN FUN FUN - and my heart does more than make a pitter patter...it is jumping with joy!! My biggest goal is to let go of some of those niggling fears about not being good enough and get out there - and working with myself and others to discover their rhythms - has always been front and center in the picture - maybe it is even related to BE STILL - because IF you find your rhythm, then you can CHOOSE to be still or get out in the middle of the circle and dance - to lead - or to be a follower...choices can seriously lead to FUN!! So I have chosen to go and be with Remo and Arthur Hull. Where will it lead? Do I have to know? All I know is that I can go and play and be free and have FUN - remember that word? Will I teach others to be still and see? I don't know...will I do training in Rhythm, Drumming and Relationships? I don't know . What I do know, is that I am allowing myself the gift of being still and discovering , truly understanding what brings JOY and LIGHTNESS and FUN to my life. Hey - last night it was pizza with pepperoni, blue M and Ms and Almost Fab/Beatles Music - time with friends - FUN -</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now the ultimate friends - the ultimate realization of what life is all about - sitting peacefully and resting with the child of your child. It is the ultimate gift and I would definitely add it to the definition of FUN! Hey, I would probably put it at the top of the list!! So Ken Robinson, Jack Canfield, and so many others...finding your element -discovering your passion...all valuable lessons...but for me, I have to say I have discovered my passion - and I CALL IT LIFE IN ALL OF ITS GLORY!! </span></em></strong>Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-72283879394768409762013-08-13T08:40:00.000-04:002013-08-13T08:43:10.487-04:00Photography and Storytelling: Perfect Together!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last month at a photo opening at the Normal Gallery in Glassboro, NJ, we attended an opening for the newest photo exhibit. As I often do, I asked a simple question: "How about hanging my pictures sometime?" Ed, the gallery and frame shop owner said, "Sure Martie. People know you!" What had I done?? I leaped and then thought about it afterwards but hey, I like the pictures I take and they are all meaningful and insightful to me. So I said OK!! The die was cast and then came the decision of what to display. Bill and I sorted through and I chose some of my very special pictures. I love to look at them all and realize that every one of them has a story to tell and PhotoSchmoozer loves to tell stories!! I decided to make a display card for each picture. It became meaningful to me as I did it - and as I watched people looking at the pictures at the opening last Friday, I saw that it added meaning and perspective to what they were seeing!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia;"> At one point, I glanced toward the door</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: cyan; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>and saw this person walking in! It was Bev - we hadn't visited with one another for at least a few years - only a bit of email contact - but there she was and what a treat!! I had sent emails to all kinds of people inviting them to join us and that she did!! We took time to catch up and reconnect. I realized that out history of friendship has extended for more than 25 years through careers, children, name changes and so much more. She just connected with yet another one of my friends I haven't seen in years. Why do I share this story? For lots of reasons - first of all - as I say - look out for life's synchronicities - dare to take risks - reach out to people and don't believe they are not interested in connecting because they are 'too busy'. Life is tenuous and needs to be lived day by day - relishing the precious present and all of the gifts we are given.</em></strong></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia;"> Remember too that WE ARE ALL STORYTELLERS and have lots to share with one another - through photography, through conversations and by creating memories!!</span></em></strong>Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-49932885618322034372013-08-13T08:20:00.000-04:002013-08-13T08:20:19.514-04:00Inspiration or Depletion - Choices!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every day a myriad of inspirational sayings comes to my inboc and sometimes, one of them causes me to pause and reflect on life as we know it. I have been thinking about life - my time - and how I spend it - and where I choose to spend it. Sometimes, spending it alone is preferable to spending it with someone who is challenging and exhausting to be with! Sometimes I wonder about my own effect on people - I would think that everything is situational - how we feel - our life situation - and theirs.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Sunday I spent time with a friend and it was fun - adventuresome - and a great exploration and sharing. In the course of conversation thought we chatted about another in our lives who can be more on the draining side. This person needs to have control and be right - to be in charge and can't really hear beyond what her filters allow in. My friend and I started talking about the Four Agreements - and how everyone needs to read and practice these - how to use our words - how not to take things personally - how to do our best and how not to assume. Sounds simple, yet I think that often the simplicity of life itself is complex.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A few weeks ago, Bill and I traveled to the MidWest to meet the new grandbaby and then drove to Iowa to visit dear friends. Talk about people who inspire rather than drain - this is Beth and Wil. They have had their share of challenges in life, but have an attitude that is accepting and uplifting. Good people to be with. I won't go as far as to move to Iowa - but having opportunities to spend time with them is priceless.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sunday afternoon with perfect weather and off on an adventure with Friend Jan. Where to go? Flea Market? Nah - too far and too big and too hot. Let's cross the bridge to Head House Market on 2nd Street in Philadelphia. There was a Farmer's Market under the pavillion - just the kind of people and the kind of Farmer's Market I had in my dreams and visions last year for Uptown Pitman...different town - different people - different ways of looking at life. This one was my dream come true. It was better than being a kid in a candy shop.</span></em></strong> <br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The car wasn't big enough and we have pretty much run out of space in the yard...otherwise this magnificent white hydrangea would have come home with me. I loved the size of the flowers - the variations in color - maybe it was the setting where I was seeing it and my excitement about discovering a new experience - a new adventure!! The joy - I can go back any weekend that I want.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Then there was the organic farmer from Williamstown, NJ - imagine that - just around the corner almost from our CSA. They don't have a farmstand or sell locally, but will definitely be at this market with their unusual produce throughout the growing season. Yes, we have tons of tomatoes in our garden, but, well...these were different and had to come home with me!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Then as we were walking back to the car to go and explore yet another South Philadelphia neighborhood - East Passyunk Avenue, I stopped in my tracks to have a look at these shoes. They are way too cool. Loving the sneakers - running shoes - whatever you want to call them - and the diversity of colors with the shoes and laces - that are so out there this season. It's more of a way for people to express who they are. I stopped to chat with this guy - loved the blue - the striped laces - and the stripes on the shoes. I shared all of that with him and he said, "You made my day!" Oh - another successful conversation and affirmation - woo hoo!! Friends - it's so easy to stop and visit and compliment and make someone feel good (NOT like the woman who stole our parking place at Wegman's later!!) Check out his shoes - have you gotten any for yourself yet??</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There's more to share about the day, but who is going to read this blog when it gets too long?? I always talk about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary - and yesterday was no exception. I always advise you to BE STILL and SEE - to stop and chat - and catch people doing something right - life is beautiful - also tenuous - so capture the moments! Enjoy!!</span></em></strong> Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565156603298411758.post-72355324389259827952013-07-24T07:35:00.000-04:002013-07-24T07:35:01.085-04:00Perfectionism...NOT!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>"Aim for success, not perfection. Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make yourself a happier and more productive person." </em></strong></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana;"> How often have you been awake BEFORE the sun rises in the sky. Months ago, I spent time with Friend Annee at her beachfront condo in Ocean City, MD. I knew I wanted to be awake to see the sunrise on the ocean ...so my internal alarm clock woke me to this sight. WHAT? I always knew that the sky could be magnificent after the sun went down and the clouds lit up, but never did I realize that the same thing happened early in the day before the sun rose on the horizon! What a gift? When we talk about perfectionism...here it is in all of its glory!?!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana;"> Life's journey is full of twists and turns and if we flow with them, we will float along on the gentle - or not - swells of the water and be guided in the directions we need to go. Why am I saying this now? It's not a new thought but lately I have been struggling toooooo hard to figure "IT" out. What is it? Where am I going? Why the struggle? I talk about BEING STILL , Seeing and Listening yet I actively engage the mind, body and spirit and forget to take the time to BE with ME - to be still, go inward and receive whatever it is I am searching for.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana;"> Here's one way for me to do that...yes - the garden and our flowers. Have you ever gone really up close and personal with sunflowers? Have you seen the perfectionism...and not...at their center? Are we really any different? We are perfect at our core - trust and believe...and be patient!! </span></em></strong><br />
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Photoschmoozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749693331516011910noreply@blogger.com0