February 10, 2006
Volume 2 - Number 17
peach colored begonia in AOS Gardens
TODAY'S PHOTO -
a begonia flower, I think, from the American Orchid Society gardens.

Another flower from last week's second visit to the Gardens. This one attracted me because of the two eyes that I see looking straight at me. The cocked petal in between them adds a sense of whimsy.

The "look" also seems to be one of curiosity and interest. I offer it at the start of the weekend to invite you to be open to looking and discovering what catches your attention during the next few days.

SELF-REFLECTING QUERIES -
This morning was one of indecision as I waivered back an forth on my choice for today's Picture to Ponder. As I looked at each of the two different photos I had been considering, I started hearing the "noise" of the comments that I thought some readers might make on certain elements of the pictures. The "noise" continued with my own "replies and explanations."

I continued interacting with these conversations in my head. They were all based on my recollection of a few past observations made by subscribers.

We humans are so funny. None of those comments were critical, in terms of criticizing me or the photographs. They were simply statements, reflections of others' responses, and I allowed myself to shut down, avoid and, ultimately shift direction, or did I quit?

I share this story with the invitation for you to listen to some of the "noises" in your head this weekend. How many of the things you do, or don't, are based on what you THINK someone expects or will say?

A final note on today's sharing - The whole thing started from my thinking I "should" feature a water and bird or turtle photo to satisfy those subscribers who, I think, prefer these scenes to flowers.

Again, I was attempting to please others from a simple assumption, not even a full knowing of what's so. Where do you see yourself here? What, if anything, fits for you? Does noticing this now make a difference?

Have a fun time. I sign off today with the smile on my face, generated by glancing once again at today's flower. Thank you all for being here and for valuing my sharing.

NEW IN THE GIFT SHOP -
Picture to Ponder photos in Nature Art Gift Shop at Cafe Press
 Last week's Rainbow Banana Leaf Click on banaa leaf notecard image to see prints, magnets and other products with this enhanced photo fromVol 2- Issue 14 of Picture to Ponder.

We have now also have made a separate grouping with note cards only.

SHARING READER COMMENTS -
Thank those of you who are responding to my invitation to post your responses to the past few issues on the Picture to Ponder Blog. I am delighted.

Several of the past few issues have new comments on them. Please check them out. It's merely a quick scroll down each of the issues, a click on COMMENTS and then your browser BACK button for some very insightful comments.

Insofar as posting comments, those of you with web sites can have the added option of the exposure of your name being linked to your URLs. I chose Typepad as the location for the blog - www.sheilafinkelstein.typepad.com/picture_to_ponder - because it is so easy to post comments.

When you go to the BLOG, you'll see the current issue and photo and a link at the end for Posting Comments. To see the photo ENLARGED at the same size you see it here, simply click on it.

Lastly, 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 of Picture to Ponder for me.

ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIBERS DESIRED -
If you you are enjoying PICTURE TO PONDER please pass your experiences of it on to your friends and colleagues and suggest that they, too, SUBSCRIBE.

Especial thanks to those of you who have been passing this on!

Inspirationally,

Issue 209 of Picture to Ponder
 Sheila
sheila[a]eteletours.com
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© 2006 Sheila Finkelstein
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2/10/06