Dear ,

This week's Picture to Ponder's featured photos are a result of two different experiences I had this past week. Although the photographs are not particularly beautiful. nor are the imaginary images that clear, they do represent an important message.

The thumbnail photo on the left is a piece of a live oak tree root which grew around one of the sprinkler heads in our community. The root needed cutting and, the portion close to the house, dug up. It took Issaac, one of our grounds maintenance men, over an hour to remove it. Feeling triumphant, he brought it into the office to share.

Gini, the admin assistant, somewhat attuned to my finding imagery in natural objects, stood it in a plastic cup and placed it on shelf to show others and me whenever I happened in.

I did stop by yesterday to drop something off. As soon as Gini saw me, she excitedly went for the root and said, "Oh. I've just been reading your garlic story in the latest issue of SAN MARCO MATTERS (our community newsletter). Here's something you might want to photograph and include in one of your upcoming articles."

I looked at the root, didn't particularly connect with it, and responded, brushing her off with, "Thanks. But I'm making it easy on myself and only repurposing photos and articles that I've already written in my weekly newsletter."

We then went on to look at the root. I pointed out the face I saw. Gini saw that and then shared what popped out for her. She called Issaac into the office to find out more about the tree and location and told him what we were seeing. He looked at us a little strangely and then said he saw a lion.

So, what's the significance of all of this? See "The Story Continued," after the today's photos and before the Queries.

Today's Picture to Ponder Photos -

In the view above only the left "eye" (on our right side) is visible. The "face" is looking toward the character's right side (our left). The way it's placed also gives the appearance of a long-tailed animal. The pottery vase is one I "threw" many years ago.

Since the root was from the ground, it felt important to do some photographing outside in nature. The grass makes it rather confusing. Though, if you look closely you can see the two "eyes" on either side of the white "nose". What could be construed as a "mouth" is the handle on the vase. And it wasn't until after I saw the photograph on my computer that I noticed the top of the sprinkler head looks like a perfect "hat."

The Story Continued -
I left the office empty-handed and as I was driving home, something felt amiss. I started regretting not having been more open and acknowledging of Gini and her desire to contribute to me. Then a recent conversation with Chadia Meroeuh popped into my mind. Chadia, co-owner of an award-winning auto body and technical service shop, is one of the amazing women in the Women in eCommerce Platinum Mastermind group of which I am fortunate to be a part.

I was on the hot seat, looking at what's next for me, including doing in-person speaking and workshops. Chadia pointed out that a few months before she had enthusiastically spoken of my photography, describing what she thought I did, as she introduced me to an associate whom she thought might be a great, helpful business connection. My response had been a somewhat curt, "I'm not doing that now."

Reflecting on both situations, I immediately drove back to our community office, apologized to Gini (who had not felt offended at all), and borrowed the root/sprinkler head to take home for a photo shoot.

And, on the way back home again, I recalled the many times Laurina Anderson, my coach, has pointed out that I yearn for attention and acknowledgment and then am not open to accepting it when it does come.

So now you have my major insights. In addition there was the bonus of a subject for Picture to Ponder and the timesaver of not having to search for an article for the lurking deadline for our community newsletter!!

How might all of this fit for you? On to the

Self-Reflecting Queries -
The lessons from this issue's photos and their message lead to the invitation for you to look into your life for past situations and to create an awareness for ones yet to occur. 

Check in. Are there times when people acknowledge you that you minimize what they've said?  What we forget is, that in the process of so doing, we are unintentionally diminishing the other person. 

If nothing shows up immediately for you, think back. I'm sure at times you've brushed off a compliment on how you look - hairdo, piece of clothing, jewelry....and beyond. What about praises for a job well done?

Next time, someone commends you, I invite you to take it in.  Pause before saying anything. Then a simple "Thank you" may suffice. Appreciate both yourself and the giver.

I also invite you to do some acknowledgment of others. Notice what happens for you when it's accepted, or rejected, both what occurs with the other person, as well as your own feelings.

As always, have fun, and please share on the blog your experience with these photos and what comes up for you.

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.

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Inspirationally,


Sheila
sheila[a]picturetoponder.com
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