WR - Issue 20: Discovery and Anticipation
Today's Photo -
a pied-billed grebe.

We came across this not-so-common-to-Wakodahatchee bird, by asking a photographer what she was photographing. It took a while for me to even see the grebe. It was so small. Only after seeing the photo on my computer monitor did I really get excited.

Looking at the photo I got the feeling that I'm on one of those boat rides that go through fantasy environments in Disney World, or one of the other big amusement parks. I'm left thinking, "What exciting images and events await, as I glide through the entrance sitting in the boat?"

When I shared my response with a Dellie Rosen, a friend, I was surprised and delighted with her totally different reaction. She stated, "My thoughts were of the bottom of an ocean with the three dominating leaves looking more like big fish."

What about you? Any similar reactions to either of ours?

Self-Reflecting Queries -
As I look at the photo now, the water appears so tranquil and smooth, all I want to do is glide through life along an effortless path.

Despite the "jungle" ahead, all bodes calm and well.

Is this a state in which you'd like to be as you embark upon new adventures, peaceful and yet excited by what might be possible?

If so, do you have the tools, know what they are to create that? I assume that you do and invite you to keep the image of that available so that you can use it at any time.

Feedback and shares are always welcome, either on the Picture to Ponder WR Issues Blog, or e-mail me directly.

WR - Issue 19: Being with What Is


Today's Photo -
a blue-winged teal in Wakodahatchee Wetlands.

Recently, in WR-Issue 13, we featured a green-winged teal and I thought I'd share a blue-winged one this week. Note the blue under the wing. It's amazing how the birds can bend and twist their necks when they tend to themselves. Don't you agree?

I selected this particular shot because I loved the overall flow and rhythm in the bird, as well as the bright blue of the water. You can see a head-up view of the teal at http://www.eteletours.com/EZINE/blueteal1green.jpg. The added green under the wing on this one, particularly, intrigued me and sent me to google.com to verify that it was,in fact, a blue-winged teal.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Specific queries are not coming up for me in relation to this particular photo and I'm okay with that. Sometimes it's good to simply be with something as it is, or how it feels, without making it into something else. Today, let's simply be with the pleasure of the scene.

On the other hand, if you feel the need for something more, you could reflect on times you might have made things mean more than they were. How often do we put interpretations onto things and then interact with ourselves and others out of what we said happened, without ever checking it out?

Is there anything going on in your life now where you might be stuck for just that reason - your interpretation, or mis-interpretation, of it?

(Note - If any of you reading have done the Landmark Forum and are sensing familiar terminology and wondering, "yes" I did the Landmark Forum and many of the programs for a period of well over 10 years. I heartily recommend them all.)

Feedback and shares are always welcome, either on this Blog, or e-mail me directly.

WR - Issue 18: Sunset Peacefulness
Today's Photo -
sunset looking west, while walking in Wakodahatchee Wetlands.

This is one of many sunset photos I have taken. It evokes a feeling of peace for me when I look at it and I wanted to share that with you.

When I sent it to my friend Marion in Germany, she replied,

"I just came home from a very strenuous week. When I saw you had sent a photo, I thought the moment before I opened it: 'Oh, I hope she’s sending something calming and soothing for tired eyes and a tired mind.' Then I looked at the picture and it brought a broad smile to my face. Indeed calming, soothing, soul-refreshing! What a delight! Thank you! "

How great to be experiencing, together, the Universal connection that Nature provides!

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Have you experienced a sunset recently? We are most fortunate where we are in Florida to get brilliant pinks and reds that often paint the sky at dusk and just beyond. Even knowing this, and the peace I get, I often forget to look outside to be with the beauty Nature is providing.

If you haven't done so recently, I invite you to pay attention to a sunrise or sunset, however it shows up for you, and to simply be with the experience. Then notice, is there anything different in your body or emotions from the way you ordinarily are?
Feedback and shares are always welcome, either on the Picture to Ponder WR Issues Blog, or e-mail me directly.

WR-Issue 17: Standing Tall

Today's Photo -
a Rhode Island Red rooster

This rooster was seen in Wakodahatchee Wetlands for about two weeks, shortly after a hurricane here in Florida. He was evidently displaced from his home that must have been somewhere else in our area.

Wakodahatchee is a man-made Wetlands Preserve set up by Palm Beach County Water Authority in Florida for recycling water. It is a beautiful area which attracts a wide range of wildlife, not domesticated animals. See http://www.pbcwater.com/wakodahatchee/ for more information and visuals.

When we were walking on the boardwalk there the other day, I suddenly thought of him and decided to go with a picture of the rooster for the photo-of-the-day. Sam and I settled on this thoughtful one, Sam was quick to point out the heart shape of the rooster's body, something I had not noticed at all.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Looking at the photograph now, I'm noticing how comfortable the rooster seems with himself in this environment.

I'm thinking, "How many of us are so self-assured in our own bodies that we can stand proudly, and with love, no matter where we are, no matter what the circumstances?"

I'm taking this visual of the rooster, remembering the circumstances, and holding it as a reminder when I might be feeling "down."

Is there a visual you have, or can create, that is a trigger for "standing proud" in any situation you may be in? How about assuming that posture right now, for starters.

Feedback and shares are always welcome, either on the Picture to Ponder WR Issues Blog, or e-mail me directly.

WR-Issue 16: It Won't Work


Today's Photo -
an epiphyte (air plant).

I did not expect to get a picture with the image showing. It was almost night and quite dark when I took the photograph.

My next-door neighbor and I were outside chatting and she told me that there was a plant on her tree about which she was very excited, I, of course, had to grab my camera. I could barely see the plant, but took my macro lens to it anyway.

Later, I was thrilled when I saw it on my screen. "This is tomorrow's photo!" I love the textures, the swirls of the green, contrasted with the red, the touch of purple with the yellow highlight and the patterns in the tree trunk.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
The experience also left me thinking aboout the times I might not have done something, simply because I was sure it wouldn't work.

I wonder now how many unexpected surprises or experiences of beauty that I've missed?

How about you?

Comments on Epiphytes -
For those of you who are not familiar with epiphytes, their roots are directly attached to trees and they are nourished by air and water. Orchids, bromeliads, staghorn ferns and Spanish moss are among the epiphytes with which I've been familiar.

I always loved the staghorn ferns in Longwood Gardens (Delaware) and now find their commonality, here, one of the pleasures of living in Florida.

Feedback and shares are always welcome here, or e-mail me directly.

WR-Issue15: The Point Is...
Today's Photo -
a Bird of Paradise flower.

I had the full flower set to go,

when I had second thoughts. It was the "eye" part of the picture that had grabbed my attention - the flirtiness, the coyness, the "I dare you" that I saw.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
In the coach training I've had, a valuable lesson has been to focus on "the point is." "Why not follow the same principle with my photographs?" thought I.

So, I cropped the photo to reflect what, for me, "the point" was of sharing this particular photo.

Are there places in your life where you are so caught up in the whole picture and its entanglements that you are missing, "the point is...?"

Feedback and shares are always welcome, either here, or e-mail me directly.

WR - Issue 14: Reaching Up
Today's Photo -
a Philadelphia Skyscraper.

a view looking north on 16th Street in downtown Philadelphia, shortly before our relocation from central NJ to Florida. Philadelphia is the city in which Sam and I were born and grew up. When I shot this picture, I was attracted by the straight lines and the sturdiness of the building and, then, the openness of looking skyward.

Laurie Kristensen, a friend, captured it beautifully, when she wrote:
"I love your urban shot... the contrast between the warmth of the old-world lantern and brick building against the modern steel and glass skyscrapers is striking, especially framed by the tall dark shadowy buildings along the edges!"

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Are there places in your life where things look stark and cold, heavy contrasts? If so, and you look further, can you find warmth and light somewhere in that picture?

Can you also create it to be multi-dimensional and uplifting as the imagery in the photo above?

WR - Issue 13: Green Winged Teal

Today's Photo -
a green-winged teal from Wakodahatchee Wetlands, called "green-winged" because the color on the underside of their wings is green, visible when they spread the wings.

The green-winged teals kept calling to me and I was compelled to share one here. Although the green on the head is not showing up, on this particular shot, as vibrant as it was, the whole scene gave off a feeling that I wanted to convey. I've used it to share wishes for light-filled, refreshing, peaceful experiences, the freshness, symobolized by the plants in the water.

Beyond the peacefulness and serenity, the next day there was playfulness in a scene I call "Bottoms Up."Self-Reflecting Queries -
For you to create today, or simply take a moment or two to be at peace while being with the water.

Feedback and shares are always welcome, either on the Picture to Ponder WR Issues Blog, or e-mail me directly.

WR-Issue 12: From an Orchid - Different Points of View

Today's Photo -
a paphiopedilum orchid, commonly called Lady Slipper, from the American Orchid Society Gardens greenhouse.

I love looking at the faces in Lady Slippers. Though it doesn't look white in the photo, it was the white color that first attracted me. When I saw "her" in the camera's eye she looked very whimsical and humorous, left me smiling and wanting to share. Then once she got on the screen, for me, she became very serious looking.

Some other people's responses follow:

"It kind of lept off the screen at me. To me it looks like some strange, inhuman, yet very loveable fairy who wants to give me a hug. My artist eye just thinks it's gorgeous as an image of an orchid. :)"

"I perceive a wise little monk balancing an elaborate headdress. I know he will listen to anything I have to say."

"I see a baby chick being hatched and coming out of its shell. Definitely two eyeballs looking at ya."

"It looks like a woman - (leaves as arms) and reminds me of the meditations I've done where you visualize the chakras lining up and a burst of light shooting straight into the ground up through the crown of your head to connect with the heavens."

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Look around you. Find an inanimate object, or something from Nature, that you can now personify. What are its characteristics? If it could talk what would it be saying?

I now invite you to find someone with whom you can share what you saw. Before telling them your interpretation, ask them the questions I asked you. After listening to what he, or she, has to say, you can speak yours.

Are there differences? If so, do they tell you anything about the way each of you views your own worlds?

Lastly, are there any current situations in your life where you can apply what you've discovered about different viewpoints? If so, what actions will you take?

WR - Issue 11: Acting When Indecisive

Today's Photo -
a hibiscus from my side yard.

The color, the liveliness and abundance of the flower is what I responded to here. I love the way the petals seem to be dancing. I was undecided whether to put up this one up or the one below.


I preferred the latter, with what I thought had more dancing in the petals and husband Sam voted for the first one featured here.

As I looked again, I found myself still moved by the second one. There seems an added delicacy and grace that I love.

On the other hand, based on some feedback, when I shared these at another time, I wasglad I settled on Sam's choice! I love the word pictures that were sent to me and thought many of you would appreciate them also. Portions of these responses included:

"...[This flower] is gorgeous, the contrast of colors, and the amazing flower looks like it's in flight, almost like a whirling, flowing angel. " Laurie Kristensen

"This photo made me think of a bridal gown, with gossamer layers flowing on top of one another...and, I think, I'm conjuring up images of me as a bride...unafraid to be un-traditional and wear colors instead of white, with a handsome prince who wouldn't want me in anything but gold and bright colors, anyway." Marney Makridakis

Self-Reflecting Queries -
I am actually putting this issue together from one I had done at an earlier time. I'm fascinated by the amount of time and energy I seemingly expended on two photos that now look so similar. Also, I'm thinking as I observe the two now, it might have been the variations in color that were effecting my preference. That had not even showed up as an indicator in my description.

This leads me to querying:

"How often do I, do you, spend an inordinant amount of time on decision-making, choosing, when, in fact, there is not a great deal of difference between the options?" In the long run will it really matter?

And maybe the latter is the question to ask ourselves in the first place when we are faced with a quandry. "Does it matter which one?" Even more importantly would be to look at, "What do I want to be accomplishing?" or "The point of it is.....?"

Looking at your own life, do you have any areas of indecision going on right now? If so, I invite you to ask yourself the questions above.

View it as a puzzle and have fun putting together the pieces.

Feedback and shares are always welcome, either on the Picture to Ponder WR Issues Blog, or e-mail me directly.

http://www.eteletours.com/
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WR - Issue 10: People Pleasing
Today's Photo -
alligator in Wakodahatchee Wetlands

When I first started photographing this alligator, I was fascinated because I had never seen a head-on view of one. He looks somewhat passive and, also, "all knowing." Perhaps he's thinking, " I know something that you don't know."

The whimsical green on the snout is duckweed from the water out of which he came to rest here, a common pasttime of most of the alligators I see at Wakodahatchee Wetlands.

It's interesting for me to observe my own reaction, getting caught up in the "crowd mentality" of everyone being excited if one or more alligators are found during a walk on the elevated boardwalk there. When I see one I immediately want to share it with others. AND, I don't even particularly care for alligators!

I had mixed emotions on even using this picture here. Whereas I thought it might be gruesome, a few friends found it appealing. So here it is.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
I mentioned "crowd mentality" above, not particularly excited by seeing alligators and yet responding to other walkers who are and wanting to share what I've seen.

I'm wondering, "Is it people pleasing?" "Wanting to be liked?" Interesting. Why am I even concerned with being liked my strangers? Of course, most of us like to "look good," so pointing out to people what they want to see is one way for me to set up that experience for myself.

On the other hand, in terms of getting excited, I've learned that very often excitement comes simply from generating it, rather than waiting for it to happen. Thus becoming excited and sharing has me achieve that state for myself.

Can you recall experiences that relate to what I am describing? Whatever your answer is, I invite you to do some intentional experiments of speaking and/or acting enthusiastically, especially when you "don't feel like it."

Have fun with it, especially as you observe the results.

WR -Issue 9 - Joy in the Unexpected

Today's Photo -
a backlit, open-winged, Great White Egret.

I love the beauty and the power of the light shining through the egret's wings. To me it symbolizes bright light, freshness and discoveries for us all, a great way to prepare for the new month and the summer ahead. As an almost-aside, note also how the egret is carefully tending to him/herself.

This picture was one of those wonderful happenings where the unexpectedness and beauty of the light, magically showed up for me when I viewed it on my computer after downloading it. I was not aware of intentionally taking the photo for the lighting.

I've experienced the same excitement, in the past, upon getting a few special fired clay pieces back from the kiln and finding that the glazes had produced unexpected, beautiful images.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Can you recall times in your life when the unexpected gave you pure joy? Are you an opening for noticing the unexpected in people or situations?

One of my passions is discovering new things - ideas, people, programs, objects in Nature or anywhere else.

What excites you about new situations? If, in fact, you fear them, as some people do, check in with what you know that excites you. I invite you to see if you can bring that to the new or anticipated circumstances in which you find yourself.

Feedback and shares are always welcome, either on the Picture to Ponder WR Issues Blog, or e-mail me directly.

http://www.eteletours.com/
http://picturetoponder.blogspot.com Bloghttp://www.cafepress.com/natureart -Gift Shop

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WR 8 - SUNRISE AND EXPECTATIONS

Today's Photo -
our grandchildren and two of their cousins dancing at sunrise on the beach in Boynton Beach, FL

The silhouettes of the children dancing bring back, for me, the joy of their dancing and playing and the power of the freedom of being "in the moment."

I also get to smile, recalling how the hurriedly packed breakfast for our first sunrise visit instantly became a "ritual." On our next trip, my grandson spontaneously started telling his cousins what "we take to the beach when we go for sunrise," reminding me of what foods and snacks we needed to be taking with us.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Where in your life have simple acts turned into fun rituals?

Also worth considering, do you greet each day with the joyful exuberance of these children? If the answer is "no," what might life be like if we did?

Getting five of us up and out early enough to travel the 20 minutes to the beach, before sunrise, could have started out feeling like a tiring burden that I almost wanted to forget. At times I have dreaded outings, only to be proven wrong (thankfully), but wasted energy in the meantime.

This particular day I was wide awake, fulled with enthusiastic expectations for a great time. And that IS what we had! I find it's worth checking out the states I'm setting up for experiences yet to come. Enthusiasm is a lot more freeing that dread.

How about you? How do you face new or recurring situations?

Feedback and shares are always welcome, either on the Blog, or e-mail me directly.