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.

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!!

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!!

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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

Stop to BE STILL ...and SEE and then turn around and SEE more

I've been looking for crocus in our yard...nothing showing...until today!  I was on the way to the water (and wish I had a camera there today!!) when I looked to the right and the front yard rather than the garden.  Oh my - my wish had been granted - two tiny perfect crocus.  Put the car in park...go and sit and look at them and wait.  OK...the message was to take them together just as they were...later into the center as well!  I was filled with gratitude.

Then I turned around , preparing to stand and get back in the car but WAIT...look what I saw?!?  There was a drip from the tailpipe - and the pattern of the water on the driveway was explosive!!  I sat and looked at it - thankful for the vision and then looked through the camera to see what came forward.  Being contemplative...is about not labeling...just seeing...a challenging lesson to be learned - until then this reminded me of the iron filings in a Etch a Sketch!!  Just happy I turned around and just noticed...
We have started a group - Facebook page - BE STILL...and SEE Photography - inviting like minded spirits to join us and explore - more synchronicities - and what will evolve?  Hmmmmmmm

My Head's In the Clouds!!

It was 9:15 in the morning and I was sitting and waiting for my friend Martha so we could go to the Philadelphia Art Museum to see the Whitman Samplers.  You know them because most likely you have eaten from the yellow boxes with the sampler design on them.  I know I grew up with them - often received them as a gift from my mother-in-law for Christmas!  Anyhow - I was just gazing and my hand reached over to the seat next to me for the little red Fuji I am now carrying (fits in my pocket).  I just had to take some pictures of the clouds.  Once again they were totally awesome.  There was such diversity - seemed a turbulent sky but from another perspective, the sun was shining brightly!!  I posted this on Facebook and got some great comments about my ability as a photographer.  Ever humble and realistic, I said that "everyone can do this" but a new friend in Nebraska said, "No, not everyone can see this...nor do they take the time to stop and look!"  I totally appreciated Lisa's comments...and the gift of the clouds on that particular morning.  What they looked like...an impending storm, was not the truth nor was the day at all like that.  Martha and I are getting to know one another and this day we discovered so many similarities in our upbringing, our personalities and likes/dislikes.  Too bad that she is moving to Williamsburg,VA - but hey - a place to visit!!  Adventures await!!   And here is one of the Samplers... done in Scotland in the 1800s - well preserved.

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!!

Simplicity, Priorities and Beauty

Well hello there!!  It's been awhile but now it is a New Year - not a time to make resolutions that will be no more in a few weeks, but a time to stop and be still - think about the beauty and simpllicity of life - and consider priorities that are meaningful to body, mind and spirit!  Years ago, I took a Photography course - creative photography I do believe.  One night, the discussion was about ISO, fstops and everything related.  At that point, I understood what mattered to me and it was NOT the technicalities of life but the clear vision.  I took off my glasses, laid them on the desk and looked at the world through different eyes.  Here at the beginning of 2013, I am doing that once again.  I have come to understand who I am...who I choose to be...and see the effect "ME" has on different people.  Some want to be in my 'energy' and some say they can't trust me - WOW - I am the same person - the perceptions are so diverse.  Sure there are still times that I wish everyone could/would like me, but my lesson for this year is NOT understanding, but acceptance of what is.  Without my glasses, my world can be blurred - but sometimes that is a wonderful realilty and life is good!! 

Intentions...and Reality

My intention is to share the Dance of Relationships pin story with you - the Reality is that I seem to be out of space on the blog and truthfully don't want to pay for more space - so ...stay tuned!!

Here is what this is about!  Last weekend we went to the Bead Expo in Wilmington.  Lately I have been wearing my Dance of Relationships pin a lot - makes me feel good and gets Photoschmoozer to meet lots of new people!!  That day was no exception.  I was wandering and gazing when all of a sudden this guy says "I love that pin.  I would really like to give one like that to my wife for a Christmas present!'  As I love to do, I reached up and unpinned it and said "Want to trade?"  YES!!  Michael  Harrington - who creates awesome paper beads - jewelry and PENS - traded with me - I own two really cool pairs of earrings and he will be able to gift his wife for the Holidays.  WIN WIN WIN.  Synchronicities abound and someday when I figure this out, you will see the photo of the pin and the earrings...someday!!

Inside the Red Pepper...awesome

It was my turn to make the salad - not a usual occurrence - but it just happened this way.  As I cut the red pepper for the salad, I had to stop, sit and really take some closer look.  I was still and noticed the lines and patterns in the red color of the fruit (??) and then the way the seeds clumped together.  This all reminded me of a batik class I took at Glassboro State College about 38 summers ago.  I was there to learn batik - the teacher had intentions of getting us there but in her way and at her pace.  We had to bring something to draw and study.  At that point I chose a green pepper.  First we sketched the outside - shadows and colors and then gradually cut it apart to see what was inside.  Why this when I wanted to learn about batik. Kamiko was the beginning of my realization that everything has pattern and color - design and style.  Eventually we got to the wax and dyes but I have never looked at a pepper in the same nonchalant way ever again after all of these years!!  Guess I have to reconsider the gratitude I have for the lessons learned!!