August 22-23, 2005
Volume 1 - Number 158



TODAY'S PHOTO -
flowering ginger plant in Costa Rica - Heliconia is in the background.

In the Photo/Creativity class I am currently leading, one of the participants mentioned something that had ginger as an ingredient and then in a creative writing exercise she wrote a piece which started out "stepping gingerly..."

This led me to thinking about some of the flowering ginger plants photos I have from our trip to Costa Rica 2 1/2 years ago and from the American Orchid Society Gardens here in Delray Beach, FL. In my collection I found photos of 3 different types of flowering gingers and chose today's for the feeling of lightness and frivolity I get from the flowers.

I also appreciate the energizing peacefulness I get from viewing the rather busy scene. I suspect that my body, as well as my mind, is being transported back into the wonderful space of that vacation and the tropical, plant-rich pathways to our cabin and the lodge in which our course was being held. (A few photos from that experience can be found on our naturesplayground.com's COSTA RICA page)

The "ginger" cropping up as it did in writings also led me to a search on google to find out more about the plant. I've long been wondering if the ginger I know in seasoning, and the root I occasionally mince for flavoring, comes from the ornamental plants whose flowers I have photographed. Result of research = "no."

I found it interesting to discover that one can grow a ginger plant from a healthy rhyzome/root purchased in the vegetable sections of our food markets.

Thank you, Suzanne, for providing the seed for the "state-shifting" journey upon which I embarked this morning.

SELF-REFLECTING QUERIES -
Today's rather long "story" leads me to a couple of query thoughts.

#1 - When you are feeling you need a sense of peacefulness, or a "state change," can you quickly come up with a place to go or an action to take?

Adela Rubio mentions having experienced "state changes" when spending a moment, or less, with some of the Picture to Ponder photos. I often forget that I have a rich body of photos with which I can spend some time, when needed. I've also been thinking that we've been overdue for a visit to the AOS gardens AND I was able to experience some of the benefits, sitting in front of my own computer, visiting folders of photos today.

#2 - Is there something you've been curious about that you haven't taken the time to research? If so, why not take a few minutes today or tomorrow to do so.

AUDIO TESTIMONIALS -
Check out the new 28 second message from Sondra, who shares how a custom photo/drawing of her father, done by Sheila, provided a major breakthrough for her in being able to get past her many years of grief at his loss, so that she can now enjoy photos of him.

Judith Tramayne-Barth wrote to say, "When I wanted to make an audio for Sheila, she made it really easy for me. She called me and set up a 3 way call so I could record how wonderful I think her ezine is and her artwork. I am sure she will do the same for you. And she didn't even mind the blooper I made about her art site name. (LOL)."

Check out Judith's and other Audio Testimonials on the new AUDIO LINKS page.
I'd love to have your voice there also. A sentence or two is more than enough, if you are person of a few words.

I will publish the link for yours in Picture to Ponder and on the testimonial page on the eteletours site. You can call in yourself at (214) 231-2905 ext 6956 or, if you wish, e-mail me to set a time and I can call you. We can do a phone interview, such as the one with Renee, or I simply can call and 3-way you in on the line, while I stay silent.

READER COMMENTS -
Comments continue to come in on the PICTURE TO PONDER BLOG . Why not add yours. Check the side bar on the left for a listing and links to the most recent comments.

Please continue to e-mail me with your feedback, if you are not interested in your comments being published. It does make a difference for me.

USING THE BLOG -
When you go to the BLOG, you'll see the current issue and photo. To see the photo ENLARGED at the same size you see it here, simply click on it.

You'll notice also notice photos in the column on the right. Clicking on any one of those will take you to the issue where it was featured. To see that image enlarged, simply click on it. All photos in the center column can be viewed enlarged.

 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.

The link for today's issue is http://www.eteletours.com/issue158.html, if you wish to share this particular one. In many instances, the photos are not picked up if you simply forward the issue.

Inspirationally,


 Sheila
sheila[a]eteletours.com
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© 2005 Sheila Finkelstein
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©2005 Sheila Finkelstein - eTeletours is a division of Nature's Playground. All photos and written content are copyright and, unless otherwise noted, the property of Sheila Finkelstein and eTeletours.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

8/18/05