TMI...OVERLOAD...or BE STILL!?!?!

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! 
   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?  
   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!!

It Only Takes ONE!

It only takes one, though I did lament on the BE STILL and SEE sight that there was only a single water lily in the pond when

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

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...
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!!

Weaving the Web of Creativity

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!!
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.


________________________________________

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.
    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!!
   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??

Peace, Love and Healing

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. 
   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!
   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!! 
  

Today friend Bob posted a piece by photographer Tony Sweet
   Here is the link...truly gave me pause...and peace...and self awareness!!
      http://tonysweet.com/2013/09/01/finding-voice/
  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.

FULL MOON /Blue Moon Power

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!!"
   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.
   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.
    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.
   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.

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

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!!.

Be Impeccable With Your Words

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.
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.
   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!!

Meaning, Passion, Purpose: FUN FUN FUN!!!

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!

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 -

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!! 

Photography and Storytelling: Perfect Together!!

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!
  At one point, I glanced toward the door

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.
   Remember too that WE ARE ALL STORYTELLERS and have lots to share with one another - through photography, through conversations and by creating memories!!

Inspiration or Depletion - Choices!!

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.
   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.
   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.

 

New Colors and New Friends - Shoes Alive!!

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.

   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.

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!!

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??

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!!

Perfectionism...NOT!!

"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."
     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!?!
    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.
   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!!  

Excitement, Joy and Curiosity!!

Just the other day, the BE STILL and SEE photography group gathered to learn, share and have FUN.  That we did.  Little Friend captured this view of me.  It gives me pause to think about who I am and what brings joy to my life.  It's LIFE - learning and curiosity.  I want to know what is going on - what everything is all about - and I am often seeking out new knowledge because maybe - just maybe - I will learn something new that will make the journey - the puzzle of life - come together in a different way. 
    I look at my life as a puzzle - there are so many pieces - facets maybe - and as I gather in something new - zap - it falls into its place in the puzzle!  WOO HOO as I have been known to say lately.  The puzzle is never complete - now I am thinking that the solid outside is complete - and much of the inside too but...always one more piece floating in front of my face and wanting to be understood and/or to have her place.
    Today I was reading yet another article about diet/nutrition and a concept I knew about but well, could learn more clearly.  I wrote about this to a friend and she wrote back - no I don't know about that and am not sure I want to.  Gave me pause - she called it TMI!  Huh?  Then I thought - too much information!!  Gosh - in everything that I do, that describes me - looking for more information for clarity and understanding.  No wonder my brain is tired sometime!! 
   So I give myself pause and will go back to reading the Shambhala magazine that came today about finding your perfect self - and realizing that it already exists!!
   Oh - and a picture that will go to the gallery show in the Fall.  I love this for its simplicity!  Possibly I need to just sit and gaze at it and learn more of the lesson of perfection...and simplicity!?!?!

Eyes to Their Souls...

It all started out when Friend Bob and I were talking about BE STILL and SEE Photography and how it resonates with us.  "Let's start a group and see who comes?"  First meeting three months ago brought over 20 curious photographers.  In the next few months, there has been a solid core of unique divergent individuals who continue to come together, explore and have FUN together. 
    Friend Bob sparked Emma's interest when he sent out a link about photographing hands.  Emma said that sounded 'cool'.  So we suggested that we needed to play with that at one of our next meetings.  Then Friend David suggested that it was fun to take pictures of all kinds of body parts - well those that are external, easily visible and tasteful, of course!!  Today we met and brought our cameras to see what we could see.
   Hands...feet...eyes...noses...ears...earrings...shoes...the world was wide open and we laughed a lot at what we were all doing.  Our little kids were definitely playing and that was GREAT!!
   I sat and watched everyone, seeing how I could best "SEE" them.  I knew it was their eyes - and after all - isn't that one of the ways that BE STILL happens?  We look with a clear vision and an open heart!  It was fun to put the pictures together and create our group.  Today we decided to continue - to present challenges to one another and to learn and grow and create with one another! 
   It's a great thing to bring together a group of very different people with a common interest - in this case photography in many of its variations - and watch how the group evolves. 

Sisterhood and the Flowers

It's not everyday that I see something on Facebook that truly captures my attention - and my heart.  Today Little Friend posted this picture from yet another site - Wild Woman Sisterhood and my heart melted.  I looked at the photo and could see myself right there in the garden.  Then I stopped to think who would be beside me - a sister from my birth   family?  A friend - or different friends who have traveled/journeyed with me at different times in my life??  I am thinking it could be any and all of the above.
   It gave me pause to think about the flowers - all related and so different as well.  It's what gives me such pleasure to recognize and acknowledge that.  Yesterday I received an email that 'labeled' me in a way that was definitely in the eyes of the person who sent the message.  I wrote back and shared about perceptions and how they are not often accurate except in our own eyes.  I won't get a response from the sender, yet I just wish that the message was heard.  I hope he recognizes that we are all as the flowers - alike yet so different and that it is our vibrancy - or quiet presence - that completes the garden...and life!!
   Friend Lillian reminded me of Don Miguel's Four Agreements - again #2 - Don't take it personally - so when I am labeled, I need to let it run off my back and not go into the usual obsessive thought mode!?!  Right?!?  Sure...still takes practice though.
   Today I will just go out with the camera and cherish the small things and the beauty in everything that I see around me.