Dear ,

Thank you for following along through the last several issues. Special thanks to those of you who registered for Through and From The Lens, as well as those who offered feedback. As a result, I will be offering twice-weekly mailings - one the traditional Picture to Ponder, with Photos and Self-Reflections Queries; the other with products and services which I am excited to share. (See below, for more details.)

Updates On What's New - If you are one who enjoys "Mystery Photos", I have set up the Through and From The Lens Facebook Fan Page, which I believe is viewable whether you are a member of Facebook or not. If you have been subscribing to Picture to Ponder for a while, you may remember some of them. I invite you to check out the TFTL Fan Page and to also click on the "Like" link at the end of the line of links under the page name. Clicking on "Like" will not result in your getting any email. The only way to see the page is to bookmark the URL and go directly it.

Also, since this will be the only mailing until next week, I invite you to check out the two programs in which I've just enrolled - under the Queries.

Today's Featured Photos -

Four different views of the same image - scattered remains of fronds that fell onto the sidewalk from the boot of a palm tree.

On a neighborhood walk, I first noticed the "bark" from the point of view showing in the upper left of the lower composite. I started walking right past it, when my inner voice kicked in. I heard my constantly writing here, or telling people, "When you see something that catches your eye, stop and take a picture." So I did, walking around it, looking at it from different directions. (FYI - The images above were rotated when I edited.)

Once I downloaded the picture on to my computer, I started smiling. I immediately saw a dog and named it "Bark-in Dog", a play on words as well as the material.

I suspect that part of the reason I saw a dog is that in our community, there are, as a guesstimate, 30 to 40 small dogs (under 30 lbs, specified in our documents). Given I'm bound to see one or more, as I walk through the neighborhood, on some level I was probably programmed to see "dog."

To me, each of the above photos emits a totally different feeling. To include them individually was too much for one email, thus the composite. All four are posted on the blog, in the same size as the top photo. Please experience them individually for yourself on Palm Frond Bark.

Self-Reflecting Queries -
Today's SRQs once again relate to changing perspectives. As I stated, each view of the same scenario above gives a totally different message. To fully experience this for yourself, I,again, suggest that you visit the blog and look at the pictures there.

Then, on your next walk either outside or in your home or office, I invite you to be open to seeing something new or newly. Notice what starts catching your eyes. Stop and slowly look at it from all directions. If it's small enough, or moveable, place it in your hand or on a surface closer to you than the ground or the floor.

What are you observing? Is there anything new or different that opens up for you out of this exercise? If so, can you apply that to other areas in your life?

When you're finished, is there a person or situation to which you can now bring your "new eyes?"

As always remember to have fun with the pictures and the queries and share on the blog what comes up for you.

Programs I recommend -
for Writing -

I have just registered for my friend Julie Jordan Scott's 7 Week Writing Camp, starting in mid-February. Julie is one of my oldest, "virtual" friends. I've participated in many of her classes and attribute much of my own "public authenticity" in writing to the example she sets.

In addition to her multi-talents, Julie also is a model for giving oneself and others permission to be totally accepting of who they are. Self-acceptance and self-acknowledgment of my own writing ability came in large measure out of my work with Julie and others she attracts into her class circles.

I am excited and looking forward to, once again, being in Julie's space for 7 weeks. If you have desire to write for the pleasure of it and to see where it takes you, I invite you to check out Writing Camp. The page states that there is a special rate for the first 12 registrants or until January 29th whichever comes first.

Creating the Impossible in 30 days -

I have also just registered for Michael Neill's Creating the Impossible in 30 Days - February 1st to March 2nd 2011 - A 30 day project challenging YOU to CREATE THE IMPOSSIBLE. This can be a simple project or a complex one. You set the parameters.

I did this program, four months ago. Though I did not achieve what I stated as my goal, with setting intentions and community support, I went well beyond my own self-imposed limitations.

To find out more about it, check the Creating the Impossible. It would be fun "playing" with you in this environment of mutual support and sharing of resources.

** Future Mailings Explained -
Continuing from above - As a reminder, I stated in the last issue that I would be starting twice-weekly mailings. One will be the traditional Picture to Ponder, as you've know it, with one to two Photos, plus the Self-Reflecting Queries. "Picture to Ponder" (no quotes) will be in the Subject Line of these emails.

The second will be sharing offerings of programs in which I have participated, am currently participating, and/or am familiar with the presenters. The Subject Line for these issues will include "PTP". in relation to upcoming PTP mailings - Programs To Prosper - Emotionally and/or Monetarily (tentative acronym and title) -

In some cases, there will be a commission should you purchase the product or service about which I'm writing. In others, there is/will be no compensation. I will also be reminding you of my own products and services as I continue to develop them.

At all times, my underlying desire is to serve you, at the same time fulfilling on one of my biggest passions - sharing that which I've experienced, or heard about, that's making a difference.

Please feel free to email with questions. I am specifically identifying the mailings with different subject lines, so you have the choice of opening one or both, or not.

Note - There is an "Unsubscribe/ Manage Your Subscriptions" link at the bottom of every email. If you get more than one mailing with subject "Picture to Ponder" / "PTP" (one subscription), it means that you have accepted different offers with other email addresses. You can simply change your email address to that they are all the same. You will then get only one issue of Picture to Ponder.

Reader's Comments are welcome -
To post them on the Photography and Transformation blog click on the small word "Comment" at the end of NY post. A window will open, asking for your name, email address that will NOT be published, a URL if you have - Your name will be linked to that - and a box with space for you to "Leave a Reply" will be there to type in your response. Then remember to click on "Submit."

If posting on a blog is not your style, please continue to send your comments directly to me. Learning what you are experiencing means a lot. It is part of the reward, for me, of publishing Picture to Ponder.

Guests - If this issue has been passed on to you by a friend, we invite you also to take advantage of a no-cost subscription. Simply click on SUBSCRIBE. You can learn more about Picture to Ponder on our INTRO page.

Inspirationally,


Sheila
sheila[a]picturetoponder.com
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©2004 - 2011 Sheila Finkelstein - All photos and written content are copyrighted and, unless otherwise noted, the property of Sheila Finkelstein and sheilafinkelstein.com. Photos and writings may be printed out for personal use and inspiration only. All other rights are reserved. Modification, further reproduction, or distribution of any of the content is prohibited without express written permission. For other uses contact Sheila