Shoot What It Feels Like

by Judy

"Don't shoot what it looks like.  Shoot what it feels like." I try to keep this quote from photographer David Alan Harvey in mind when I'm shooting, but like many things, it is easier said than done.  

As photographers, we spend so much time learning the technical aspects of photography and perfecting these techniques.  I believe this to be a necessary step to good photography, but there comes a time when we must push some of the rules of photography aside to truly shoot what it feels like. 

Some times when I shoot, I'm unhappy with the way my photos come out.  They are usually technically correct, but they haven't captured the moment the way I had envisioned it.  I have found that one area of photography that I am usually able to capture "what it feels like," is through back lighting.  I was delighted when Kelly chose this to be our theme for June since back lit photos can be so magical.

Do you remember the old rule to always shoot with the sun at your  back?  (And do you have many an old photo, probably from your childhood, where everyone is squinting horribly into the sun as they pose for a photo?)  That rule needs to be thrown out when shooting backlit photos!

The backlit photo up top is far from technically perfect, yet it does capture "what it felt like." I love how back lighting can create an ethereal feel.

Back lighting can help you shoot what it feels like by bringing out the tiny details of your subject.

Back lighting can create magical silhouettes.

And, if paired with the golden hour, back lighting can create a magical golden glow over the most mundane field of weeds.  

I know that this monthly theme is almost over, but with summer's longer days and good weather to get outside and practice, I hope that you continue to capture some magic all summer long by back lighting your subjects and shooting what it feels like!

When The Well Runs Dry

by Judy

"Take a step back.  Clear your mind of its fog.  Refresh your perspective."

As most of you probably know, each of us here at Focusing On Life have a schedule for our blog posts.  We post every two weeks, and sometimes those two weeks seem to come around very fast!

Knowing that my post was coming up today, days ago I began thinking about what I'd like to write about.  Sometimes ideas come easily, the writing is easy, and the reception from all of you is great. There have been many times that I've found myself scribbling ideas down on the back of an envelope dug from the bottom of my purse, or jotting down notes on the back of a napkin so that I didn't forget them. The ideas just flow!  Other times, it's not so easy.  

This time I didn't know what to write about.  I couldn't think of a single thing.  All of the ideas that did come to mind seemed forced, and I know that when I try to force it, it doesn't make for my best posts.

 I've been stretched thin these past few weeks, both at home and at work.  Needless to say, I'm not surprised that ideas aren't flowing.  I have learned that when I'm very busy, and not giving myself time to be creative, the well runs dry.  I've said it before, others here have said it before, but it definitely bears repeating.... we must, must, must take time out for ourselves.  We must fill our buckets.

We have to be in the right state of mind to let ideas and creative thoughts in.  What works for me may be entirely different from what works for you, but I'd like to share my methods, and I'd love to hear your methods as well!

First and foremost, I need quiet time to myself  so that I am open and aware of everything around me. I used to go to my favorite sanctuary and sit on the bench near the pond and just BE.   I don't always have time for that now, so I've learned how to find a quiet place in my home to be still.  No phones, no social media, no people.  Now, that's not to say that as I sit there I'm flooded with creative ideas. No.  But giving myself that time, and letting my mind be still, allows for those creative ideas to start flowing again.  Maybe it's that day, maybe not.  But my mind is open.  

There's another method that I haven't done in awhile, but one that I found to be very effective, and one that I will be revisiting again.   I would start each morning 'free journaling.'  I learned of this method after reading Julie Cameron's book, The Artist's Way.  She suggests taking 30 minutes each morning to write freely in a journal.  

At first this seemed strange to me, but I quickly learned that the only way to do it is to just pick up my pen and start writing. I would set a timer on my phone so that I wasn't distracted by checking the clock.  I began looking at my free journaling as my way of daydreaming on paper. 

As I write this I am reminded of an article that I read this year that was written by a clinical meditation consultant.  He compared our brains to a body of water.  The calmer the water, the clearer the reflection.  Our minds are no different.  He states that when 'the surface thinking settles, it becomes much easier to see the contents of the mind.'

We live in a busy world and we must do what it takes to calm our minds to let our creativity flow. Today, won't you please take time for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes.  Be still, and let your mind be open to all that is around you.  

Focus On You

Our month of leading lines has come to an end.  This theme can be challenging, but as usual, you accepted our challenge and gave us some phenomenal photos depicting leading lines.  

For our Focus On You today I chose two photos.  The leading lines in both make for powerful photos. 

The first photo is by Janice Johnson.  Not only does the gently curved walkway draw our eyes into the photo (and drew mine directly to the large white cross in the background), but the stripes on the flags on the left, point our way deep into the photo as well.  This is such a powerful image Janice, and a magnificent use of leading lines.  

The second photo I chose is by Larraine Zungolo.  There is so much going on here that make this photo a perfect example of leading lines.  The curves of the steps, and the lighter colored step edges, draw our eyes up into the photo, to the gentleman standing at the top, and to the columns (lines) of names on the monument.  Even the man's cane creates a subtle line pointing toward the names of the fallen.  Well done Larraine.  

Thank you to all of you who posted your beautiful photos in our flickr group this month.  It's now a new month, and a new theme.  This month use backlighting in your photos.  Click on the Monthly Theme tab at the top of the blog for more details.  

Focus On Gratitude

by Judy

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. "

-William Arthur Ward-

The unofficial start of summer is upon us, and with it I am beginning my "100 Days of Summer" photography project.  As I did last year, from Memorial Day to Labor Day I will try to capture all of my summer moments - big and small.  This year, however,  I'm adding to my project.  Within the moments that I capture each day, at least one of my daily photographs will be of something that I am grateful for that day.  

We talk a lot about gratitude here. We even have our own Focus On Gratitude segments where at any time, whenever we wish, we can post about something we are grateful for, or talk about how we are striving to bring more gratitude into our lives.  So here I am today...

I practice gratitude every day, through prayer and journaling.  My hope is that by adding gratitude to my photography project, it will bring a deeper meaning to my photographs. My goal is to convey my feelings of gratitude in my photos. This may be easier said than done.  I am reminded of people who visit the Grand Canyon, or some other phenomenal place on earth, who say "the photos don't do it justice.  You have to be there."  But I will try.

Photography, and the practice (or discipline) of gratitude, keeps me in the moment.  Keeping my heart and mind open to the little miracles all around me, and acknowledging my gratitude for these miracles, makes me feel happy.  

So I ask you...what are you grateful for today? This week?  Did many things come to mind immediately, or did you have to pause and think?  I'd love it if you'd share with us the first thing that popped into your mind! (for me, the first thing that came to mind was that I am grateful for my sore muscles because it's proof that I had a productive weekend in my lawn and garden. And then, of course, that makes me grateful that I am physically able to work all weekend in my lawn and garden. It goes on and on.)

 It doesn't always have to be the big things in life that we are grateful for- they are so, so important, and I'm always thankful for them, but they're almost a given.  We can concentrate on the little parts of our day too and acknowledge all of the simple beauties of life, big and small.

I encourage you to focus on all the things in your life that you are grateful for. Every day. Think of them, acknowledge them, maybe even photograph them.  Let gratitude guide you through your day. 

"If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough." 

-Meister Eckhart-

Learn Something New Every Day

by Judy

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. 

-Chinese Proverb-

My Mother always says, "You should learn something new every day."  I remember her saying this when I was a kid, and she still says it today.  Maybe that's why I've always had the desire to try new things, and maybe that's why I am a self-described research nerd.  When I want to try something new, I research it from all angles. 

My newest project is planting a vegetable garden.  It seems funny that I've never done this before.  I grew up a country girl in Upstate New York.  My Dad had a huge vegetable garden and we enjoyed the fruits of his labor just about every day of the summer and early fall.  I've often talked about planting a vegetable garden, but this is finally the year that it is going to happen.  

For the past two months I have been researching the best plants for a beginner gardener, when to plant, the best soil for the garden, raised beds, and on and on and on.  To some this may sound like a lot of work.  To me it has brought me such happiness. (and I haven't even planted one single thing yet!)  

Of course, being the aforementioned research nerd, I even researched information about how learning something new can make us happy!  And you know what?  It's true!  It's not just in my mind - learning does make us happy!

According to my research I found that as human beings we have a natural desire to learn and progress.  This makes sense if we think of our ever changing world.  There's much learning and progressing happening all around us every day.  

I also learned that learning fuels our creativity.  Learning something new in one area of our lives can trigger ideas in another. Don't you find this to be so true?!  Friends who have learned to draw have naturally moved on to painting.  As I mastered one area of photography it made me want to learn another and another.  Now, my love of flower gardening has moved me to learn about vegetable gardens.  

Doing something new gives us a chance to grow and to challenge our bodies and minds. As we learn, we gain confidence in ourselves, which allows us to learn yet another new thing!  One of the most exciting bits of information I found is that continuous learning has been widely documented by researchers as the single variable tied most directly to improved health and longevity!

Do you find that learning something new brings you happiness?  Have you seen your creativity flourish as you've gained knowledge?  Come on everyone!  What have you always wanted to learn to do?  Now's the time to learn it!  Not only will you learn something new, you will be improving your health and adding days to your life too!  

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. "

-Carl Sagan- 

Leading Lines

by Judy

Leading lines are a very effective compositional tool that draws your viewers attention to a specific part of your photo.  Since our eyes are naturally drawn along lines when we view something, leading lines give the viewer the sense of being in the photo. Our eyes follow lines to a specific subject in the photo, or to a vanishing point in the distance.

When using leading lines as a tool you want to ask yourself, "where do I want my viewers attention directed?"  Leading lines usually begin at the bottom of the frame and guide the eye up and into the photo.

Leading lines in a photo help to connect the foreground to the background and create depth to the photo.  Depth draws viewers in.

Leading lines can be found just about anywhere.  We just need to keep our eyes open.  If we're drawn into a scene in front of us, chances are its the lines in our view that are making us take a second look.

Look for leading lines with fences, roads, pathways, and bridges.  Anything that is in a row creates leading lines too -  Trees, arches, and lamp posts.  Look at the architecture of the buildings surrounding you, and doorways and gateways can create leading lines.  I love to find leading lines in shadows and sun rays, and by following the flow of a stream.

As you can see, leading lines are everywhere and can make for a very interesting photo.  This month our theme is....you guessed it!  Leading Lines!  Take this month to search for lines that will draw your viewers in.  You will be amazed at how many lines you find.  Be sure to post your photos in our flickr group or on our Instagram page.  We look forward to seeing what you've found!  

Connection

by Judy

Just a few days ago I was sitting in a Doctor's waiting room, very much in my own head. Nervous and worried and gently rubbing my thumb back and forth over the tiny cross that my lovely neighbor gave me years ago, while staring at the crazy design on the carpeting under my feet. 

I looked up and I looked around at the other women sharing the waiting room with me.  I wondered - what are their stories?  Why are they here?  They all seem calm, but within their own heads, just as I was.  

I smiled at the older woman near me and I asked, "how are you"? A flood of words came out of her... about how she'd been cancer free for ten years now.  About how this radiologist was the best and had saved her life, but that she was still always worried that they might find more cancer. She asked me my story and I shared with her why I was there.  She asked me where I was from and about my family, and she told me about her oldest daughter just becoming a grandmother, and she a great-grandmother.  

When my name was called and I stood to follow the radiology technician, she reached out to me, touched my hand, smiled and said "good luck."  I responded with a smile and a "good luck to you too."  

That tiny bit of human interaction at a time that I really just wanted to withdraw into myself made me feel better.  And I truly think that I  made that woman feel better too.  I realized that I wasn't alone.  I wasn't the only one fearful and worried and needing a prayer.  

I'm not a big chit-chatter by nature.  I feel that I'm a friendly person, but find it difficult to carry on a conversation with a total stranger.  I am so glad that I looked up that day.  I'm so glad that I smiled at the woman and asked her how she was.  As she opened up I realized that she needed some human interaction.  We both needed that "we're in the same boat" feeling, and we're not alone with this.  

As children we are warned to not talk to strangers. I think we subconsciously carry this warning with us even as adults. But everywhere we go we are surrounded by people we don't know. Maybe the next time we're tempted to withdraw into our phones, or a book, or to put our earbuds in to prevent conversation, maybe we could just look around. If we took a second to smile and to ask "how are you"?, or to declare "nice day" it may be just the opening that a person needs to release some fear or worry, or to get something off of their chest.

Remember, these people we walk past every day, or sit next to in a waiting room, have names. They have families and worries and hopes and dreams.  Just like we do.  

 "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."  

  

Some Fun With Color

by Judy

In my last post I was lamenting the absence of Spring in my neck of the woods, and expressing my need for some color!  Sadly, I can't say that Spring has found its way to me yet, although I do see some buds on my plum tree and my forsythia, so I do know that it will show up soon. Fingers crossed.

I live in the Northeast, New York to be exact.  Our winters can seem to last a life time.  By the middle of March I've HAD it with the dull landscapes, grey days, and lack of color (other than beige.)

According to Certified Color Therapist, Eleyne Austen Sharp, " color is a vibrational energy that is absorbed through the eyes and the skin, so the colors you see instantly affect you on a physical, mental, and emotional level." I can't imagine that absorbing the color beige for three months straight can do much for my physical, mental or emotional well being!

Since ancient times, cultures around the world have understood the power of color.  Native Americans used colored crystals to heal.  In the Middle East, the color blue was used for protection, and in China, the color red symbolized celebration and luck.  The Egyptians and Chinese practiced chromotherapy, which is the use of colors to heal.  This is sometimes called light therapy or colorology, and is still used as a holistic treatment today.

Although I've been known to swoon over some of the soft, monotone photos I see on flickr and Instagram, my photography style is usually that of vibrant, saturated colors.  While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, just for the fun of it,  let's look at some of the colors and see how they are said to affect our mood.

Purple is the color of spirituality, healing and deep calm.  It's best to stick to lighter shades of purple, ranging from soft lavender and lilac.  Darker purple, like eggplant or royal purple, can make you feel negative and fearful.  We definitely do not want that!

White symbolizes the Divine and can  make us feel fresh, and clear the mind and soul.  Be sure to choose warmer shades of white so that your room doesn't have a clinical feel to it.

Green symbolizes harmony, healing, regeneration, refreshment, and freshness, and is both calming and uplifting.  It is advised to choose shades like sage, seafoam, mint, jade and celery as opposed to Hunter or Kelly green.  The darker greens can cause moodiness and obsessive tendencies, and that's no good!

Blue is the color of peace, serenity, communication, and truth.  In the bedroom, blue inspires tranquility and is ideal for insomniacs, but just as with the other colors, beware!  Darker shades of blue, like indigo, may make you feel depressed or claustrophobic.  Bleh.  There is anecdotal evidence that installing blue-colored streetlights can lead to reduced crime in those areas.  That's something to think about...

Red is the most emotionally intense color and can actually stimulate a faster heartbeat and breathing.  As we all know, it is also the color of love.  Red clothing gets noticed, and makes the wearer appear heavier.  Note to self - empty my closet of all red things!

So, what do you think?  Do you feel that color therapy is a whole lot of hooey, or do you notice that colors do affect your mood? No matter what, I love color.  I'm drawn to color and I can't wait until I begin to see some color around my neighborhood!

A Lesson In Patience

by Judy

This is my current reality. Everything is still buried under several inches of snow after last weeks blizzard.  Yes, the snow is melting, slowly.  Excruciatingly slowly.  

This is the reality that I'm dreaming about.

Color!  I need color.  And flowers.  And green grass.  And yes, I'll even take pollen!  

As I scroll through Instagram I'm bombarded with beautiful photos of spring that has sprung. Elsewhere.  And I want it too.  This blizzard was just so unwelcome.  Here in the Northeast we've had a very mild winter - with days in January and February in the high 60's and low 70's.  Unheard of!! To get almost all the way through winter with barely a snow flurry and then bam!  This!  It doesn't make for a very happy Judy.  

But then I think, be patient Judy, you know spring will come.  It always does.  Remember, patience is a  virtue.  

The definition of patience is "the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset."  That's where the "virtue" part comes in.  Sometimes we have to just suffer quietly and know that this too shall pass.  

Sometimes when we are waiting for something, no matter how big or small, we have to remind ourselves that life is about living in - and accepting - the present moment.  We talk often here about living in the moment and finding something to be grateful for each day - even on some of our darkest days.  Since waiting for spring to arrive in New York is simply an annoyance, and knowing that people show patience waiting for much more important things in life - I am choosing to just suck it up, photograph what is hopefully the last few days of snowy scenes, and patiently wait for the day that I can fill MY Instagram feed with colorful spring photos and color, color, color!  

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

Ubunto

by Judy

Over the past week I've had many ideas about this blog post, but I couldn't bring all of my thoughts coherently together.  Although I wanted to write about spring, or photography, my mind kept going to my friend Jeannie, who passed away last Wednesday evening, just one week ago today.  She had a horrible form of cancer that didn't respond to any treatments, and she suffered a long, arduous journey.  

She is survived by her wonderful husband, and two precious sons - one, a 10 year old, and the other, a 14 year old who is a good friend of my own 14 year old.  

Even though I still weep at the thought of her being gone, I'm trying to focus on the way that the community is coming together to try and help.  Neighborhood Mom's and Dad's, all of her family, the boys classmates, school administrators, church members and coaches are coming together to help the family through this.  

"Ubunto" is an African tribal philosophy that is about the community coming together to help one another.  We've all heard that "it takes a village" to raise a child, and even in this modern, tech-filled world we live in, the community is still such an  important part of supporting our friends and loved ones in need.  

In this time of sadness it is so heartwarming to see all of the good that is surrounding Jeannie's family.  It's human nature to band together and to help one another.  I see that there is still a lot of love and hope in this world, and that's a good thing to remember when it seems we only see what is wrong and hateful in people.  

I don't have the answers that Jeannie's sons want to hear right now, and I certainly can't fix this, but I can be there for them, and I will be there for them.  I need to help her children on their journey through this, to not only survive this awful time, but to thrive.  And I know that they will thrive. This loving community of people are going to see to that!  

"You must not lose faith in humanity.  Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."  

Ghandi

Thankful For A Forward Thinker

by Judy

"I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."

John Muir, John of the Mountains: The Unpublished Journals of John Muir

As I sat on the bench on the unusually warm February day I  watched the squirrels scamper by, I felt the warm breeze on my face, and I listened to the birds chirping, because they, like me, are being fooled into thinking that Spring has come.  

I sat a long time.  That  was a day that I needed some self-love, and the sanctuary was the perfect place to get that.  I go to the sanctuary often, but especially when I need to step away from the rush of my every day.  It's quiet there, and very few people are there during the week.  I love just sitting.  At first my mind is still racing, all of my to-do lists are still in my head.  But as I sit and I look and I listen, my mind gets quiet, till finally my only thoughts are the sounds of the birds and the feel of the breeze.  

As I walked the long trail back to my car I thought of the quote that I wrote above.  Call me a nerd, but so often John Muir quotes pop into my head when I'm fully immersed in nature.  I have always felt a strong connection with Muir's words, and as I walked I realized that John Muir was a man far ahead of his time - a real forward thinker.   His writings from one hundred years ago are completely relevant to our world today.  

Some of you may have been inspired by Muir's quotes about nature -  that is how I first came to know of him.  Today I want to use my time here to share some information about this very forward thinker. If you already know this information you will be nodding your head and smiling.  If I teach you something today, well, yay!  Either way, I hope that this post inspires you to find some of his writings and immerse yourself in his words and thoughts.

John Muir was a Scottish born American who lived from 1838-1914.  I describe Muir as an environmentalist, a naturalist and a philosopher.  Muir felt that there is a strong spiritual interconnectedness of humanity and nature, which is something that I believe each one of us here at Focusing on Life have felt and written about on these pages at one time or another.  

As a young adult Muir temporarily lost his eyesite in a work accident.  When his vision was regained a month later he said he wanted to "turn his eyes to the fields and the woods." It was from this point forward that he became a world traveler and lover of nature.

Muir was an early advocate of the preservation of wilderness in the United States. He founded The Sierra Club, a grassroots environmental organization that has saved millions of acres of land, and worked to protect the environment. 

After meeting and camping with Muir,  President Theodore Roosevelt was inspired to protect the wilderness for everyone to see.  During his presidency, Roosevelt signed into existence 5 National Parks, 18 National Monuments, 55 National Bird Sanctuaries & Wildlife Refuges, and 150 National Forests. 

John Muir has published 300 articles and 10 major books.  

Muir has a minor planet named after him, only a mile in diameter, but still, a planet!  You can also find a Muir Beach, the John Muir College, where students study environmental science, Mount Muir in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Muir Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska.  There is a mineral named after Muir, appropriately called Muirite, which is an orange colored mineral found in California.  Muir also has plants named after him, one of which is called Erigeron Muirii.  This plant is described as a daisy like member of the Aster family. There are even animals named for John Muir.  Muir's Winter Wren is found in California and is a sub-species of the Winter Wren that can be found from Oregon to California.  It is heartwarming to see how Muir's love of nature, and lifetime of activism, have been honored by giving his name to so many things in nature.  

Yvon Chou wrote of Muir on the Sierra Club website, " John Muir's life reminds us of the important things that just one person can do..."

I've only grazed the surface of John Muir's life and legacy here.  I am so thankful for him, his activism for the protection of land and the environment, and his words and writing.  I hope you've been inspired to read some of his work.  

What forward thinkers are you thankful for?  We'd love to hear all about them!  

Simply Breathe

by Judy

 I recently had the pleasure of spending a whole day at a wellness spa. Much of my day there was spent in a candle lit room with scents of warm vanilla and cinnamon in the air.  Soft music playing - barely audible. Thick, cozy robes and slippers warmed by a fire.  Vanilla jojoba oil massaged into my tense, tight neck and shoulders.  It was a special day, and a very relaxing day, but it is definitely a splurge treat for me and not something that I have either the time for or the money for on a regular basis.  

The good news is, since my spa day, I've learned a lot about aromatherapy and how our brains and bodies react to scents, and I want to share some of that knowledge with all of you today.  We can all have a day spa right in our own home, and don't you think that is exactly what the Doctor ordered for all of the stress and anxiety many of us are feeling? We can use the mindful breathing techniques that Dotti taught us on Monday while breathing in aromas that have positive effects on our bodies and emotions.  

Our olfactory receptors are directly connected to the limbic system, which is the most primitive part of our brain, and is sometimes called the "seat of emotion."  Aromas consist not only of the sensation of the odor, but of the experience and emotions associated with these sensations.  What comes to my mind when I read this is the scent of freshly baked bread.  It's not just the heavenly aroma of the bread that makes me feel good, it's the memories of home, of my childhood and my grandmother, of comfort and worry-free days.  

Enjoying the benefits of aromatherapy at home is quite easy.  We can use essential oils, burn scented candles, use scented body washes and lotions, and drink tea with herbs or citrus.  

Some of my favorite scents are:

1. Vanilla.  Vanilla stimulates the brain to release "happy hormones" and calms the mind. 

2.  Rosemary.  Rosemary is invigorating.  It improves memory retention, fights physical exhaustion and mental fatigue.  

3.  Chamomile.  Chamomile is said to help reverse irritability.  When it's used in a massage oil, it soothes muscular pain and improves inflamed joints.  

4.  Lavender.  The calming properties of lavender help relaxation and sleep and  it can relieve nervous tension.

5.  Lemon.  Lemon is crisp and uplifting.  The lemon scent promotes concentration and clarity.  

6.  Eucalyptus.  The earthy scent of eucalyptus helps give you energy when you're sick or feeling sluggish.  

7.  Peppermint.  Peppermint is an energy booster that invigorates the mind and promotes concentration.  

What are your favorite scents?  Is there one that brings you a feeling of peace and happiness?  Can you find a way to add that scent to your bath?  Or burn a scented candle as you read by the fire? Maybe sip a cup of warm tea with rosemary or chamomile?  Share with us how you use your favorite scent to improve body and mind. 

 Aromatherapy has made a world of difference for me in just a few short weeks.  I feel more relaxed and ready to take on the day.  I hope you can find a scent  that brings you relaxation and peace this month. 

Focus On You

by Judy

As we begin our February theme of Shadows, this photo of Natalie DeLuca's (known as hiddendoorfour on flickr) caught my eye. 

This is what winter looks like in my neck of the woods. The reflections of the trees make dark shadows in the water, and the contrasting snow covered branches give this photo the look of a beautiful painting.

Be sure to take a look at Natalie's flickr stream here.  It will make you smile!  

We hope you'll play too as we look forward to seeing our flickr stream and Instagram feed fill with beautiful shadows this month.  

Keep On Keeping On

by Judy

(photo from Google Images)

"We are what we repeatedly do. 

 Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." 

-Aristotle-

Today we find ourselves almost at the end of January and I wonder if some of you have been thinking the same thing that I've been thinking?  When, oh when will my goals for the new year finally become second nature?  Why is this so hard some days? 

What I do know, is that after "resetting" twice already this month, success does not come over night.  

I recall reading that it takes 21 days to create a habit.  What I found when I was researching goals and habits this week, is that 21 days is a myth.  

Instead of the three weeks that I've always thought to be true, on average, a habit will take a little over two months, 66 days to be exact, to be ingrained in our brains and to become second nature. This tidbit of info made me feel a little better. Hopefully it makes you feel better too!  I see that it's not that my willpower is weak, it's just that I haven't given things enough time to become automatic.  

So, in this hurry up world that we live in, forming a good habit is one thing that cannot be rushed. (Hmmm, seems that that is true for all good things in our lives!)  Our brains need to process our actions over and over to convert them into automatic routines.  Once that happens, this information goes into the unconscious portion of our brains and will become second nature.  We just need to keep on keeping on!  

Good luck everyone!  

Wise Words

by Judy

Advice From A Tree

by Ilan Shamir

Dear Friend

Stand tall and proud

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth

Reflect the light of a greater source

Think long term

Go out on a limb

Remember your place among all living beings

Embrace with joy the changing seasons

for each yields its own abundance

The energy and birth of Spring

The growth and contentment of Summer

The wisdom to let go of leaves in Fall

The rest and quiet renewal of winter

Feel the wind and the sun and delight in their presence

Look up at the moon that shines down upon you

And the mystery of the stars at night

Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures

Earth, fresh air, light

Be content with your natural beauty

Drink plenty of water

Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes

Be flexible

Remember your roots

Enjoy the view!

When I first read this poem I remember saying  "Oh my, Yes, Yes, Yes."  It really resonated with me. I loved it so much I wrote it on the inside cover of one of my journals.  Each time I opened my journal I would read this poem.  

Being a nature lover, and one who turns to nature to unwind and rejuvenate, the tree is always a part of that process.  As we are celebrating here right now, the trees bare branches in the winter remind me of a delicate lace against the blue winter sky. Just when I think that those bare branches are my favorite part of a tree, Spring arrives and I fall in love with the pink and white buds and blossoms bursting forth.  Then of course, the lush green canopy of leaves arrive in Summer, and oh, they must be the most beautiful thing I've seen!  Until the brilliant colors of Fall arrive, and well, you've guessed it, I think that they must be my favorite part of a tree!

The poets words that I read over and over are about embracing the changing seasons. Change is tough for me, but looking at change through the eyes of the poet, through the life of a tree, has helped me manage change more easily.  Each season has a reason, and the changes that happen to the tree over the course of a year allows for much growth and renewal.  What a beautiful metaphor of life. We all go through cycles - good times and bad times, of everything going right, and then, it seems, everything falling apart. We have times of  great creativity and productivity, then possibly long periods of quiet and reflection.  Remember, like the tree, during these changes we are becoming stronger, we are renewing and growing, we are preparing to burst forth again.

Focus On You

by Judy

This glorious photo, filled with beautiful bokeh, is from Donna Wagner, known on flickr as extremely fickle.  Donna's magical photo is the perfect way to end our month of bokeh. I wish I could walk right into this shot! Be sure to check out her flickr stream to see more of her work.  It doesn't disappoint.  

Thank you Donna, and thank you to all of you for sharing your photos here with us.  Stay tuned to find out the monthly theme for January.  Happy New Year all!  

Dear 2016

by Judy

Dear 2016:

It seems you've been quite the year for me.  There's been major illness and auto accidents and loved ones gone too soon.  There's been repairs and replacements, and bills, bills, bills.  There's been feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, and much, much worry.

But 2016 I'm still standing.  And even though it's so easy to sum up a year remembering all of these stressful, sad times, I choose to remember all of the good things about you.  Because 2016, there were many, many good times this year.  

There were birthdays and laughter....

There was time spent with family, and reunions with family I hadn't seen in years.... 

There were day trips and long vacations by the ocean....  

There were friends staying over and long talks and wine....

There was Christmas in July and sunset boat rides....

There were walks through gardens bursting with flowers....

There were raises and engagements and sipping coffee on the patio listening to the birds.... 

So many good times, so many good things. I could go on and on.  And although I can't pretend that all of the other didn't happen, I choose to focus on the positive things.  The every day, mundane, wonderful things that happened this year.  

We've said it here before, but it definitely warrants another mention - "every day may not be good, but there's good in every day."  

My wish for all of you is a happy, stress free new year, and the ability to see the positive in your every day, no matter what happens.  

Happy New Year my friends!

Two Simple Steps to Adorable

by Judy

YES, we're all busy this time of year, and NO, no one wants a complicated project to add to the already long list of things to do, but this is such an EASY, PEASY project and will look so cute in your home, or will make the perfect gift for someone on your list, I just have to share!

YOU WILL NEED:

1. acrylic paint (I just used leftover paint from various home improvement projects)

2. foam brushe(s)

3. mason jars with lids, OR glass food jars (think jelly jars, salsa jars, pickle jars, etc.)

4. drill and bit

5. knobs with metal screw bases

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Paint jar lids (both pieces), applying 2-3 light coats. 

2.  Drill through the middle of each jar lid with a drill bit.  Screw the knobs into place.

TA-DAH!!  Can you stand it?!?!  I know, right?

As you can see, I painted mine in softer, muted shades, but they would look so whimsical in bright colors, with the knobs contrasting with the lid colors.

Use these in your kitchen, bath, make-up vanity, or craft room, OR fill them up and gift them! If you don't want to take on a project right now, this is an easy project you can do during the long, cold winter.  

(Side note - to all of you still life photographers - I bow to you! I am announcing here and now, I am not a still life photographer!   These were difficult subjects to photograph.  The reflective glass and low light (because I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark I couldn't photograph these outdoors like I wanted to) made this photo shoot tricky.  My colors are off - but I hope you get the idea of just how cute these are!  Imagine glass knobs, or more decorative metal knobs!  I could go on and on.....)   

(Self) Love Notes

by Judy

Thanksgiving has come and gone and my hope is that you all had a wonderful day with family and friends, filled with love and joy, and lots of turkey.  The month of December starts tomorrow and we all know what that brings - lots of shopping, wrapping, decorating, get-together's, family, traveling, too much food, too much drink, well, in a nutshell, S.T.R.E.S.S.   But it doesn't have to be that way...

While researching some articles for work I came across a professional coaching/counseling blog by Angie Mattson Stegall.  In one of her posts she wrote about a trip her and her husband had taken where they rafted through the Grand Canyon for 16 days.  Being unplugged from electronics for those days allowed her to connect with nature, and by doing that she was able to center herself and recharge.  Since that life changing trip she designed a free course called "31 Notes From Nature."  

She describes it best this way, the 31 day 'course' gives you "permission to step outside the whirlwind of every day activities in order to get back into your body through breath and movement.  To allow yourself to take a pause, perhaps go outside, and see what messages Nature has for you."  

Now, before you say you don't have time for a course right now, please hear me out.  If you sign up for this free course you will receive a short daily prompt via email written by Angie, inspired by Mother Nature, each day for the month of December. These prompts will allow us to step away from all the madness and focus a little love on ourselves.  I've never done this course before, but it sure sounds easy enough.  Short. Easy. Free. Self-love. I'm in!   And if you'd like to give it a try too, here's the link:  31 Notes From Nature   

May your December be filled with peace and (self) love.

A New Perspective

by Judy

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

-Wayne Dyer-

There is an exercise for art students where the artist views a photo and draws a picture of what they see.  They then turn the photo upside down and draw a second picture of what they see.  Without fail, it's found that the second drawing more accurately represents the image in the photo.  Why is this?  Apparently, looking at the photo upside down keeps us from focusing on our preconceived notions of what something looks like.  When the photo is viewed upside down, the artist focuses on the smaller details, the shapes and lines, the little pieces, instead of the image as a whole.

A recent major event has made me feel as if my life has been turned upside down. Without really talking about 'it', we all know what I'm talking about. I'm flooded with many feelings - devastation, despair, worry.  And I know I'm not alone. (Alert...This is not a political post. This is not a post about 'sides.')

Looking at the big picture has been extremely frightening.  I just see this "big thing."  It feels overwhelming, intimidating and frustrating. But in a moment of clarity I thought of the art exercise, and I wondered if I could use that same idea to look at this "big thing" from a different perspective.  

By turning things upside down can this overwhelming thing be broken down into more manageable pieces?  Are there things there that I can work on?  According to author and creative expert Michael Michalko, "perception is an active rather than a passive process, it constructs rather than records 'reality.'  You construct how you choose to see the world."

By changing my perspective can I construct a more positive reality - at least a more positive path to follow? I can see myself walking this positive path, and just as the artist does, I imagine focusing on the smaller pieces, the shapes, the lines. As I walk this path I imagine being joined by others, who like me, are trying to find the positive amid all of the negative. With time, I imagine finding clarity, and with that clarity, I imagine this positive path branching off into many other positive paths.  

It's early in this thought process, so I really don't know if this is something I can do, but I do know that a new perspective is worth a try.  It is definitely worth a try.  

Do you ever feel the need to just turn things upside down? A new perspective can help all of us in every aspect of our lives.  Some time alone to be with your thoughts is usually helpful. Quiet time seems to bring about some lucidity and awakens our mind to look at things differently.