Franny the Cat

Yogi Hari

Sunday Evening Satsang, celebrating Father's Day, and Yogi Hari's 64th Birthday.

The Arts - ASK FOR MORE ! ! !

http://www.artsusa.org/public_awareness/default.asp

AND, here are the TEN SIMPLE WAYS, to bring more art into your life.

Forgot to post this last week . . .

This year's United & Proud Exhibit will be on display from June 1- 18, 2009 at Gallery Six, Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. The opening reception will be on Wednesday, June 3rd from 6 to 8 PM. Admission is free and open to the public.

LOVIN" the New PINK Album !

It's not just the music, the LYRICS are amazing !

MY NEW BOOK ON BLURB ! ! !

IN THE BOTTLE.

A collection of pho...

By Mary Schilpp

Book Preview

Come support this great cause, and have fun at the same time!

Come out Sunday, May 17, to a great
event to support Mickey.

The event is being held at Xtreme Indoor Karting, 5300 N. Powerline Road, Ft Lauderale 10 am - 2 pm.

















For more information about Mikey, click here.

This MUST BE STOPPED ! ! !

Click HERE for the tragic story of bullying.

Easter Ball !

How FUN ! ! !

Florida Cultural Alliance

http://www.flca.net/

JOIN THE CAUSE !

Uh Huh - that's right ! Having a SOLO SHOW !

Check out the show website
www.thebeautyofsport.com

AND - - - -
Funding for this project is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.

YUP ! I'm getting a Broward County Individual Artist Mini-Grant ! ! !

Additional partnership opportunities available, as well as LIMITED EDITION Portfolios, and books !

Good Samaritans !

Rosie and Mary spontaneously BABY WRANGLE to make the kid smile for her mom. Then, Mary attempts to do a group photo on the mom's camera, but needs some serious instruction to actually activate the shutter.

Elsa Experiences DISNEY WORLD !

Frannie !

THURSDAY NIGHT - BIG EVENT ! ! !

Come out and support Art at the Amy Alonso Gallery.
750 NE 124th St, N Miami.

Wonderful art, and a wonderful gallery.

Thanks AMY ! for this wonderful opportunity ! ! !

Arizona

THAT is what I'm talking about !

Upcoming Event - Thursday Feb 27

Women's Art Exhibit

Thursday February 26th 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Fache Arts & Amy Alonso Gallery, 750 NE 124th Street, Suite 2, Miami, Florida

Event Ticket price is $15/20

Guests enjoy a showcase of works by local artists at a reception featuring wine and hors d'oeuvres.

Local Artists participating: Carla Fache, Jennifer Maria Cordoba, Ileana Tolibia, Ana Mettola, Rosalind Keating, Mary Schilpp

DJ Karin Ward from NY and the Hamptons (www.djkarinward.com)

And Meet Sweet!

Sweet is the official sponsor of all of our women’s events at this year’s Winter Party Festival. They’re auctioning off a Caribbean cruise for Winter Party – enter and you could be sailing across warm blue seas this November!

For your safety -

Ren-Fest 2009

Today I went to my first Renaissance Festival. Here is THE MUD SHOW.








































This photo shows what happens when you sit too close to the mud show !




















BARELY BALANCED - check them out here !

ART EXPLOSION Opening

ART EXPLOSION, presented by ARTSUNITED, at ArtServe, Ft Lauderdale, FL.

Yoga class at Muse Arts

RoseAnn Britschgi leads a yoga class for invited friends
at Muse Arts in Ft Lauderdale.

LOVE the Delta cookie ! YUM ! ! !

2009

It's 2009. Time to do something. Time to DO1THING.ORG
This is a program started to bring awareness to Homeless Teens, and to do something about it. If you are on Facebook, here is the link to join the cause. http://www.causes.com/do1thing
Giving or getting involved doesn't have to be done on a huge scale - how about donating the price of one cup of coffee?

Backyard Osprey

CUSTOM MADE BATH BOARDS FOR SALE

I am taking orders for these NOW - and they will be done for Christmas. Contact me for details !

Christmas Tree at Dawn

Afternoon light + G10= Magic !

Before & After

Do1Thing.org

I have signed on to participate in DO1THING.ORG on February 14, 2009. I joined FACEBOOK, and found some old friends, from my NY days, including Najlah Feanny, who is heading up this project. Check out the site, and sign on to help, if you can.

ArtServe Member Showcase Opening

A big THANK YOU to all my friends who came out to support me last night at the opening at ARTSERVE. It meant a lot to me.














Liora Davis and Mary Schilpp. Photo by Wilfredo Trinidad. Thanks Will !

Ironically, my piece was displayed next to water color artist Liora Davis, whom I photographed at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. Nice !

You're Invited ! ! !

I have recently joined Art Serve, and as a member, I am displaying on 3-" x 40" print of DRIVING SUNSET at the current member holiday showcase. Please join me at the opening, this Thursday night, Nov 20.

Art Serve Member Showcase
Opening Thursday November 20th from
6 - 8 PM @ Art Serve

ArtServe and title sponsor Miller, Wiggin are pleased to announce the 8th Annual Holiday Member Showcase. A holiday tradition in itself, the exhibit will highlight the eclectic work of all ArtServe Members. The vibrant showcase kicks off the holiday season with lively entertainment by Larry Joe Miller and the Delusions, delectable refreshments and an opportunity to meet and mingle with the artists. Collectors and holiday shoppers will delight in finding special, one-of-a-kind gifts.

Opening Reception Thursday, November 20, 2008, 6-8pm.
Exhibition runs through January 9, 2009.
ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 462.8190

Kayak Day

Finally the kayaks made it out on a lake. A fun time was had by all, even tthough the muck under the bridge unanimously creeped everyone out !

Saturday, Oct 11.

Who doesn't love pumpkins !
















Later that evening, Ravi and Anoushka Shankar played at the Kravits Center in Palm Beach.It was a great show!

Evening Light

Morning Light

Rainy game

To view more images from the UM - FSU Game, click here.

What's that sound?

I thought I heard a chain saw, and sure enough, I looked out the front window, and there was a guy in a cherry picker, practically in my window, trimming the tree. Nice job.

Election Day is Coming . . .

This is America - exercise your right to vote, and VOTE INFORMED.

It's Never Too Late . . .

To play the video, click HERE.

Another Reason to LOVE TINA FEY

"I want to thank my parents for somehow raising me to have confidence that is disproportionate to my looks and my abilities," Tina Fey said, after picking up her best actress in a comedy statuette. "Well done, that is what all parents should do."

To view a fine Tina Fey performance, click HERE.

New Light.

That Western exposure is tough on the FPL bill, I am sure, but the light is worth it.

The Graduating Class

Thai Massage Training - August 2008













It was a lot, but we made it !

Laury Livsey - Literary Giant

Mary Schilpp Schops for a Schandwich
While Preparing to Schoot Schingh

As sche walked to her car with her camera equipment schlung across her schoulder, Mary Schilpp schlipped and fell on a schtray schomething littering the driveway. “Schtupid dog,” sche muttered to no one in particular as sche noticed the offending, trip-inducing item.
Why did sche have to drag this schoe from my closet and leave it where I would fall? Schilpp thought, knowing who the culprit was. A few feet away, aware sche was in trouble, a dog awaited her punishment.
“Come here, right this very schecond,” Schilpp yelled, while the dog schlowly schtrolled toward the bruised but otherwise none-the-worse-for-wear photographer. “I will not tolerate this. This has to schtop,” she schtated firmly. “But I schtill love you. Now be a good girl and never do that again, OK, schweetie? OK?”
The pooch, scholded but schafe in the knowledge sche wouldn’t be schtuck outside schleeping with the raccoons and schquirrels, bounded off, a renewed schpring in her schtep.
Schilpp, meanwhile, rubbed her schoulder, fearing it might be schprained after sche schlammed into the pavement. Well, no time to worry about that, sche thought. No time to put on a schling. She reached for the keys to her Schwedish car, a black and schilver Schaab.
“I hope Vijay is on time for his photo schoot,” sche schaid to herself, as sche navigated the scherpentine roads of Ponte Vedra Beach composing photos in her mind that sche planened on taking of PGA TOUR golfer Vijay Schingh. Then, realizing it wasn’t only her schoulder that was schore, but her schtomach, as well, Schilpp negotiated her Schaab into a Schubway for a schandwich before heading to TPC Schawgrass.
When sche discovered the schandwich joint didn’t offer coffee, sche said, “I’ll take the schalami schix-incher to go,” knowing full well sche’d be schtopping at Schtarbucks on her way to the course. A schpot of coffee would go good with this schandwich, sche decided.
Schuddenly, her phone rang. It was Vijay Schingh, always courteous and schensitive. “I won’t be able to meet with you today, Schilpp. I just schot a scheventy-scheven, and I need to practice a little. Schurely you understand?” he schaid.
Deflated, Schilpp schuggested another time, and Schingh was quiet. “Hmm,” he schaid. “I’m not schure if that will work or not. I’ll have to look at my . . . scedule.”

- Laury Livsey - PGATOUR. (Rumor has it that Laury had a close encounter with another photographer, Diane Arbus, when he was a boy.
Where were you in "62?

David Foster Wallace, Writer, Is Found Dead

I got an email with this news, and wondered, was it drugs, was it some medical condition? I searched, and found that he had hung himself. A tradgedy. There are not many contemporary writers whos work I know, but I was familiar with DFW because Caryn and I photographed tennis player Michael Joyce for a piece that DFW was writing for ESQUIRE magazine. When the story came out, two things were evident - the magazine did not select typical tennis photos, and the writing was like nothing I had read relating to sports. Perhaps that was all I have ever read by David Foster Wallace, but I am so saddened, and dismayed to learn of his suicide. Because, if someone that talented, who has also found critical recognition is driven to suicide by some internal demons, how safe are the rest of us? R.I.P. DFW, and all the other tortured souls.

A good day!

Today Emma and I headed to Oleta State Park to check out some kayaks. Yesterday I discovered Blue Moon Outdoor Center was selling some boats from their rental fleet. We tried out a Necky Manitou, and an Oldtown Nantucket. The Manitou is a lot lighter, and easier to handle, so we grabbed two of those, some PFD's, and paddles. Colleen at Blue Moon Kayak Company was awesome - very helpful, and low key. Can't wait to get out on the water again soon !

Hollywood Beach - Infra Red style.

Flag Man

"HEY - TAKE MY PICTURE ! " "Ok."

US OPEN

More process . . .

US OPEN - the process

No, I wasn't shooting the flowers.






































I was shooting this.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Arrived in NY last night to shoot the US OPEN. Today, when I got the the grounds, I couldn't help but take a walk over to the Unisphere, site of the 1964 Worlds' Fair. One day, I will manage to dig up a photo of myself there, as a 3 year old. For now, this Infra red shot will have to do.

YIKES !

That is one meaty Ft Lauderdale lizard !

Sometimes . . .It ain't not easy.

Pillow

Thai Yoga Massage Training

Today is the first day of the THAI ACADEMY - at the Mandarin Oriental. I am doing a 10 day, 70 hour training with Jongrak Intatha, who trains all the Thai Massage practitioners at Mandarins around the world, as well as having trained my yoga teacher, massuese, and guru, Rosie Brits.

YUM ! ! !

From Today's NY Times

“They’ll give their child two cellphones, so if they get caught with the first one, ‘Just give it up and you’ll have the second one to talk to me,’ “ he said. “That’s widespread, not isolated. I call it fading parental morality. What they’re doing is entering into delinquent behaviors with their children. And what kind of statement is that to a child?”

WOW ! That is F'ed up!

To read more about Summer Camp parents, click here.

Majestic Ma Xi Tuan

Chinese Acrobats at Ringling Museum in Sarasota.

Beauty and the Beach

Destin, FL

Here's to the woman who owns this barbershop, who came screaming outside "Can I help you"? "Excuse me?" "Can I help you - I see you taking pictures of my business!" "No, I'm taking a picture of the American flag."

Well, that rattled me for half the day - enough to make me realize I didn't want to be in Destin.

Bring It !

Bread !

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, OK.

OKC Museum of Art

Emma contemplates one of the 143 artifacts of Ancient Rome, which are on loan from the Louvre, to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, thru October 12.
I have been to Paris numerous times, but I had to go to Oklahoma City to see art from the Louvre.

OK City Museum of Art

Clinton, OK

Oklahoma Humor

Route 66 Museum - Clinton OK

Route 66 Museum - Clinton OK

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Elsa's Birthday

Doorway

Bass

Beaded curtain

Fun in the Sun

Emma Befriends the Amish

Voluntary Simplicity

For some reason when I got into bed last night, I decided to read the NY TIMES on my phone. I came across this article on a family who is getting rid of almost all of their possessions, and freeing themselves of their "stuff". Very intriguing, and although I am not there yet, I am inspired and buoyed by this idea, and also their blog.

Good Stuff !

Breakfast for Dinner

I-HOP, Melbourne, FL

Peaceful Portrait

Bonnaventure Cemetery, Savannah, GA

OUCH !

Tybee Island

YUM !

Cheesy grits with shrimp @ Tapas by Anna.

THE PLAYERS . . . . 2008

The "ONE SHOT WONDER"

This is a picture I took last year, that is hanging in the Commissioners building at the PGA TOUR headquarters. It is also in the annual report. The funny part is - Caryn took literally hundreds of frames of that little statue atop a sign last year. I shot a few. When I got here Sat night, she showed me the page in the Annual report. She didn't tell me it was my photo. I thought she was just showing me to say "See, all that work paid off" because last year, EVERY TIME we walked past the thing, she shot it. Yesterday she took me to the building to show me the new prints. She pointed out everything, and then showed me this one, and said "Don't you want to go closer and check it out?" And I said (in an annoyed tone) "NO - I want to see my picture! " "That is your picture !" she said. And so, the "ONE SHOT WONDER" strikes again !

Beach Stroll

Thanks My Friends . . .

Thanks for the tree, AND the cake ! Loved every minute of it.

Rest Stop I-95N FL

Happy Tail.

Swimming

Ready, Set, GO !

Apples

F-U-N with Stumble

http://www.eightprinciples.com/

Here is nice site, that I found thru STUMBLEUPON, a sight that takes you to a somewhat random website, that is based on your interests. Once you install the software, it gets placed in your favorites toolbar - at least with FIREFOX on a MAC. Good fun, sort of like a happy day dream doodle. : )

Westward Curtain

It ain't working

All the pretty pictures in the world still don't take away the broken feeling.

Nice light - Nice photo

Teach a Girl to Fish.

I remember those yellow pants, and going to Sunken Meadow at night, when the Blues were running.

All Abouts

It's all about the cookies !

Flora

Some Great Images

http://web.mac.com/holgamods/holgamods/Gallery.html

Poking around, I found this site. This is a LARGE gallery, but it has some amazing images. Very inspiring - just what I needed this morning.

Clouds - I 75 South

Lunchtime - Downtown St Augustine.

MaryTime - St Augustine

Flaggler College.






















King Street.

Teaching Meditation Workshop.

Teaching Meditation Workshop @ Discovery Yoga with Christopher Baxter.

Good stuff.

On the way up, we stopped for a bathroom break, but the bathroom was out of order, so we had to drive on to find functioning facilities- no time for such frivolity as gator heads. Too bad.



































Nothing to say about this, except that I like it.

Here comes 2008.

Xmas lights

Seeing Potential.

Note to self : Open your eyes, and see the possibilities.

Misty Morning

Mist rising over the Bonaventure Golf Course, Weston, FL.

Temple.

New Light.

A Great day of Shopping.

WOW !

Great Book !

I know lots of people have read this book, or have it on a shelf, but it deserves another look, with fresh eyes. I found the book very inspirational, and thought provoking, as well as comforting. The definition on page 81 opened my eyes -
"The will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth."
What is he defining? Love.

NEW NOTECARDS FOR SALE

I am happy to report that I have two new Yoga Themed Notecards for sale. These are commercially printed cards, NOT inkjet productions.



The © symbol does NOT appear on the cards - only on this website version.



Individual cards are priced at $3.50, and a set of 8 notecards is $20. The cards measure 6" x 4.25", and envelopes included. Wholesale pricing is available, please inquire.

For questions, or to order, please email me at
mary(at)maryschilpp.com

I will then email you the info you need to order by check, or thru Paypal, using a credit card. Thank you.

World AIDS Day

Let's not forget. Click here for more information. Thank you.

Me and Miss Tals.

True Colors . . .

In this case, Greek Villa.

Too Funny !

From the SCAD Photo Blog



















Check out the SCAD Blog, there are some pretty funny comments there.

A message from Rosie . . .

It is amazing how yoga brings people together. Although I should not be amazed, I often am. All walks of life, different histories, all blending for the balance that yoga brings.
By popular demand (and of course because I just can't stay away!) I am going to return regularly to to teach classes and workshops! I am soooo excited! I have created a schedule which rotates about every 5 weeks or so where I will come to Weston and teach Fri-Sat-Sun morning and night classes with a Saturday workshop squeezed in! Sound good? I hope so! I am currently working on locking down a location but I do have some dates for you all to put in your planners, blackberries.....

Yoga Retreat #1
Fri Nov 30 am & pm class
Sat Dec 1 am class & afternoon 3 hour workshop "How to Create Your own Yoga Practice"
Sun Dec 2 am & pm class

Yoga Retreat #2
Fri Dec 28 am & pm classes
Sat Dec 29 am class & afternoon 3 hr workshop "New Year, New You, New Yoga, Embracing the Past and Shining on to the Future "
Sun Dec 30 am & pm classes
MONDAY DECEMBER 31st NEW YEARS!!!! SPECIAL NEW YEARS PRACTICE....10PM-MIDNIGHT! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As always I will be available for privates & thai yoga massage throughout the weekend...

YOGA VACATION...COSTA RICA...APRIL 5-12, 2008...JOIN ME IN COSTA RICA for a wonderful week of adventures and yoga! We all know yoga in Weston and at home is great imagine what it is like in the rainforest?! WOW...Check out my website www.rosiebrits.com for some more info. It is still under construction but check it out! More details coming...

I am stilling locking down a location and can't wait to see you all. As soon as I have a space I will let you all know times and details!

Thank you again for the opportunity to share with all of you my life's passion.

Thanks a bunch without you I cannot serve...
Much Peace & Yoga to you all!!!
xoxo
RoseAnn (Rosie)

p.s. To any of my moms out there let's get together to see if we can coordinate a kids class. I would love to see them.

Tropical Storn Noel

Noel (masc) sure kicked up the surf in Deerfield Beach.

Riding the Bus

Tonight was my first yoga class without Rosie - yeah, I've taken classes with other teachers, bit tonight was the first one since she left town. I welled up pretty quickly into class, but something amazing happened - I heard her voice during practice. No, not literally in the room, but in my head. The teacher said a phrase and I could hear Rosie's take on it. Also, in Warrior II, with my eyes closed - fingers extended, I could feel her hand, gently touch mine, to draw me out just a little more. So Rosie, you may not be physically in Weston, but you're still driving the bus ! And I remain, "your grasshopper" - one of many I am sure.

Also, I had an understanding during practice - and that is, that sometimes tears that come are not for my pain, but for the pain and heaviness I feel from others.

"Hurry Up and Have Fun" -or - "Learning to Stay"

Watch below for a healthier approach to the same subject

Tribute to RoseAnn

RoseAnn has made a tremendous contribution to many people while we were fortunate enough to have her in Weston. Here is a brief, tribute by Gaby, one of the many who have been touched by RoseAnn's ineffable way. Here are some photos from the gathering.

Elsa and Butch

New Camera Test

SAVE THE DATES !

APRIL 5 -12, 2008

RoseAnn Britschgi (aka: Rosie Brits) will be leading a yoga retreat/workshop in conjunction with Omega Institute, in Costa Rica, at Sueno Azul Resort.

Whether you are experienced in yoga, or want to try something new, This is going to be one great trip ! There will be multiple excursions from the resort to experience more of what Costa Rica has to offer.

Please post a comment, or email me if you would like more information as it becomes available. Be sure to mark your calendar, and stay tuned - you won't want to miss this trip !

Double Down Dogs

Yoga Girls Night Out

Photo Shoot

Today I was able to get RoseAnn to work on some photos for her website, which has just begun with a bare bones web presence at www.rosiebrits.com

I'm still waiting to do the complete edit, but these two give some indication of the light we were fortunate enough to experience. It felt very satisfying to produce some good photographs. Thanks to The Artist's Way I have been able to embrace the creative process, and feel good about it.

October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Save2ndBase.net

Friday, October 5.

Good Stuff.

One last Canadian . . .

Latte, Self-Portrait, Bit of Bi-Lingual Wisdom

Monsieur Falafel . . .

C'est Bon ! ! !

Is that the cutest cup or what ! ? ! ?

Mary Time - Montreal

Hmm, not sure about this.

Misfire, or meant to be . . .

Sitting the camera down, it just went off.

Tuesday Night - Fortune Cookie

Flying

Self Portrait

"Shoulders down the back"

Oh boy, now I know why RoseAnn is always looking at me when she says that!

You're either losing your mind-- or gaining your soul. Life is meant to be an artists date. That is why we were created.

- Julia Cameron THE ARTISTS WAY.

Life is an Ocean . . .

"There comes a point when you can no longer touch bottom . . ."

YUM !

Another Version

Looking thru some photos from last week, I came across this image that I had worked on, but hadn't posted. I like it, so here it is.

It's all about the light.

Lunch, Dinner.

The View.

Sunday

Here is a photo of the top of my head, at HOOVER DAM.

Ice cream stop.

Bunting.

Boulder City, NV.

"The Way Vegas Was Meant To Be"

Gang of Four

Lovin' the light!

Out the Right Side you will see . . .

A giant wing, and, oh yeah - the Grand Canyon.

Nice Morning Light

WOW !

Sunrise at JW Marriott Camelback Inn.

It's a good one, right?

HAPPINESS IS THE GOAL.

Any questions? Well, I have tons, but they say "Set your goal, and you can't help but get there." So, here I go. , ,

Sunset at the golf course.

Breathe.

Take a cleansing breath over the ball, then inhale backswing, exhale, drive the bugger!

Roses.

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times.

Warmth.

Water for Elephants

"A Wildly Romantic Winner" - proclaims Mary Schilpp.












The Weston Yoga bookclub is reading WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. I motored thru it, and just finished. I liked it a lot - because it heralds the idea that if you BELIEVE, and you act accordingly, that LOVE triumphs, protects, and fulfills.

Discussion at pot-luck dinner follow an hour of yoga on Friday night. All are welcome.

Hhhmmmm.

The Artist's Way to the rescue !

8 Weeks ago, when I started THE ARTISTS WAY, I had the foresight to underline this paragraph. Today, in anguish, I cried out to God - "God please help me !" and as I thumbed thru the book, and it opened to this passage. That is the passage I was going to look for - I knew it was there - and this idea of living in the present moment has been a message I have been getting from yoga, and from friends. Today that was my synchronicity - my sign, that I am not alone, that if I am open, and ask for help - that I will receive guidance. I sure hope it continues.

Office Inspiration

Click for larger image.

Meditation @ Weston Yoga

It was good.

Playing the Cards at Yoga

First meeting of GAC

Today was the first meeting of GAC (Girls Art Club). In attendance were Maddie and Lois, as well as myself. We used Dewitt Watercolor Pencils to color photographs that I had printed (lightly) on Epson Watercolor Paper, on the Epson 2200 printer.

It was just the beginning - it takes some time to lay down the color, and then blend it with a wet watercolor brush. No one finished there project today, but we all show some promising results.

TAW - Week Six - Artists Date

Hollywood Beach, FL

Today I did my Artist's Date - Week Six of THE ARTISTS WAY. This was the best Artist's Date yet - really the first one that I put some effort into. Started with the idea of going to see LA VIE EN ROSE in Sunrise, but first I stopped into Al-Salam for a quick falafel sandwich. It was great ! and only $3. I felt like I was back in NY. The movie was good too, and I had no trouble sitting through a 2 hour 20 minute movie. Afterward, I went to Starbucks to get some espresso, then over to SuperTarget to kill some time, because it was only 4 pm, and too hot still to go to the beach. I went on a spree, buying notesbooks, and some household items. Then it was off to Hollywood, where I drove around admiring some small old style Florida houses on Harrison Street, west of the Intracostal. Then, it was time for more food. I looked around, and settled on Exotic Bites, where I had a falafel platter, and some turkish coffee. After dinner, I headed over to Hollywood Beach, went for a walk, and had a nice swim. I finished off the day with a trip to Publix, for some ice cream.

The day was very empowering - knowing that it was all about me, and that that was OK. It was also a great break not doing any real photo work that day. I came home tired, ready to sleep, and very renewed.

The Artists Way - Morning Pages and Synchronicity

The Morning Pages












This morning I decided to write my morning pages by candle light. My nose was a little runny, so I got up to blow it. When I came back to my desk, this is what I saw. Not bad, those monring pages !

In TAW, Julia Cameron talks extensively about how the "Universe will support your dream. This voice frequently shows itself in Synchronicity". Each week for the wrap up, she asks if we have experienced any synchronicity. Well, today was a small one, but I used the candle light for the first time, and made this photograph. This afternoon at Restorative Yoga we did a candle meditation. This was just one example of synchronicity this week - it may be small, but I noticed it. This ARTISTS WAY seems to be working - creativity and photo ideas are coming on strong, and I have actually been DOING the work, and producing. Personal life floats in and out of focus, but empowerment is growing in that area too. It is only Week Six, with six weeks left to go, and we how how powerful a block of time 6 weeks can be !

A day at the beach

Haircut Self-Portrait #1

I am working on redoing my website, and as part of the process, I have decided to include some older work. I found this print HAIRCUT SELF PORTRAIT #1 and decided to include it. I have no idea what year this was, but I am sure I can get some help from my sisters with that. When I do, I will update.

Beautiful Day

Photo Shoot

7/7/07 - Maddie's Birthday !

Update

I have more or less finished week one of THE ARTISTS WAY. It has been very powerful. I feel great about writing the Morning Pages, and I have begun to get clarity on some issues relating to photography projects I have been working on with varied amounts of success.

Coincidentally, someone recommended another book CALLING IN THE ONE.
I checked it out, and even thought it seems a littlehokey, and something I would probably mocked a few years ago, it is a very good companion project/process to T.A.W. As a matter of fact, Julia Cameron and The Artists Way is quoted a few times within the first two dozen pages. If you go to the link above, you can search inside the book on Amazon. It is worth a look. You know, give up that "contempt prior to investigation".

One last important point I want to make about Calling in the One - I think it can be very beneficial even if you are already in a relationship. For me, it is about looking at yourself, and your needs, and the way you function in a relationship. I think it can be a great tool, even if you already have "The One" in your life.

Aweome Book, Awesome Experience so far

This book is amazing !

A friend of mine was troubled by a situation, and I suggested that she just write - to get through the weekend, until she could take some action on the situation. She said "That is like The Artists Way" which began a whole conversation. Interesting how I could go thru four years of Art School, and countless years after that (ok, not countless, but 24 more years) and never have heard of this.

I have been doing my Morning Pages for a week now, and the results are amazing. I have put together so many pieces of the puzzle - why I have not been able to move forward with the next body of work that I had qued up to tackle, and how a body of work I produced back at SVA has given me insight into what I need to explore next. Phenomenal stuff so far.

A Great Line . . .

I read a great line last night - not sure what book, I'm in the midst of a few . . .

"Are you surviving, or THRIVING?"

Taking Steps - big and small

Today I went to AIP FITNESS Bootcamp - it was held at Coral Cliffs climbing center in Ft Lauderdale. I am not a big fan of heights - for many years it was a mystery to me, then a few years ago, my sister revealed that she and my brother used to put me on the dining room table when I was just a toddler, then pull all the chairs away, and watch me crawl around, trying to figure out how to get down. (I wonder how many unresolved issues I may have, and the untold stories that might clear them up, but I digress.)

I'm a big girl now, and I am strong, and capable of dealing with many things. Today, I faced this fear head on, and I am happy to report that with the unspoken support of fellow bootcampers, I was able to face my fear, and climb to the top - twice. I was even able to look down, and smile for a photo. Not bad for the girls who's hands still sweat when driving over a bridge. It is important to honor these things, because at times they may seem small, but if you honor them, the community, the spirit of the universe will conspire to help you achieve. I could have stayed home, and fed my fear - but I decided instead to show up, face up, and grow. And just maybe, I helped someone else too. I hope so.

A Fine Find.

Rainbow Restaurant - great home cooking.

OK . . .

so I returned the $18 worth of gel pens, but I did bust out the crayons !

I see the light !

Pool Pants

Pool Feet

POST SECRET

A particularly good week on www.POST SECRET.com.

I BELIEVE . . .

I believe I can fly . . . I believe I can touch the sky.

It IS Mary Time

Mary Time - it is a period of the day, around dusk, when the sky turns a dark blue - my favorite time to photograph - still light in the sky, but the night time approaches, and with it, some artificial light sources too. Here are a few examples of MARY TIME.































But today, I am giving this phrase new meaning - it IS Mary's time - see, I was the kid who "saved" my LITE-BRITE, saved my crayons- ate the things I didn't like first, saving the good stuff for later -I never just "went for it" I was always waiting for life to start. Well, life HAS started - it started a while ago, but now I am jumping in with both feet - and I KNOW it is going to be fine. I WAS the person who would buy you a gift, do anything for you, but was unable to do it for me - and I'm sure I could write for hours on why that was, how I came to be that way. But today something happened - an it has been brewing, I was cooking, and today I read a meditation that really struck home. I have to be strong in self - I can't loose the " I ". I've been in therapy for almost 6 months, and there were many points when I admitted I wasn't cooked - I knew more had to happen, that the " I" had to become strong enough to withstand anything - that the strength had to come from within - not from without.



Then this morning I went to a lecture at the library on "The Power of Attraction" what you think about will come to pass. You know, there is all this talk about the DVD movie "The Secret". I haven't seen it yet, but I have heard about it from a number of people. Funny thing, the first time I heard about it was six months ago - I must not have been ready for it -because I didn't get it, didn't watch it, but today, today something clicked - and it is GOOD, it is positive. I feel positive. So what is the end result? Well, I went out and bought myself some Sharpies, and not just a couple, a big pack, and a HUNDRED freakin' Gel Pens, and a drawing pad. And I WILL use it - I am not saving it - sure- I can share, but I can also use it by myself - I am worth it. And anyone else who wants to draw, who wants to experience, who wants to step out of their boundary box - I am here to share.

Hopefully there will be more to come in the coming days - thoughts on photography, it's use as an expressive tool, and how I can put together some of these ideas to create, and help others to create, and find their vision. It is exciting. I hope to post my drawing next, and some good news about my goals chart.

Color

Now that the house interior has been painted white - it is much easier to SEE color, as opposed to experiencing color overload.

WPA Art

Yesterday I was going thru some photos, and I came across this one.













It was taken at the same place I took this one.













I got a little curious - I was familiar with the WPA from studing the history of photography, but now I decided to check a little more, and see what I could find. I came up with this site: which has some state by state information about WPA art.

Here is some information about the WPA in general.

Do Good

Early today two guys came in to SBUX for coffee, and then asked if I wanted to go build a house with them. After thinking a few seconds, I said "Sure, where?" The answer was, "Somewhere in Pompano - Habitat for Humanity." What an awesome idea. I checked the website, and you can just show up at the job site. There is a link for where building is happening this week.

I sure hope to get my butt to one of these builds soon. No excuses !

Self - Esteem

It's in the cookies !

Love . . . and sounds

I love the windows being open - the house is being painted, so the windows have been open. I got up at 6:30am, and could hear the birds. I have heard them other days, but today the sound was expecially strong.

It is a grey day, but that is not bad - a cool moisture hangs in the air - reminds me of a NY spring day, the quiet of the morning, before the imminent rain falls. That cool moisture enhances the sounds - makes it all a bit clearer, and a bit more muffled at the same time.

I like to hear the sounds of the neighborhood - I heard a car - and listening to where it stopped, hearing the sound of the door, I could tell which house it was at. This heartbeat of the neighborhood is something that is usually absent from life here is South Florida. And now I have found something that is important to me - being able to have the windows open, at least part of the time.

Cleaning . . . and Love

While cleaning out stuff, I have found love. I came across this meditation book that I brought to Florida when I moved here from NY in 1993. It has been hiding behind some books on a book shelf ever since. I'm glad I found it - there is lots of good stuff in there.


















Also, I found this framed postcard, which I used to have hanging in the bathroom of my apartment. And I don't know if I bought the card because I believed in what it said, or if my beliefs have been influenced by seeing this card everytime I went to the bathroom in my apartment, but I know for me, it's true. Finding some one to love is as important as finding someone to love me. Loving makes me feel better - makes me more alive. Until I was able to love, there was no joy in me. Once I was able to love, a whole world opened up, that I never knew existed. And even with all it entails, it feels good to have a functioning, loving heart.






REMEMBER - you can click this image to view it larger.

Sparkly !

A Work in Progress

I took this photo last Saturday before The Race for the Magic Bullet at Markham Park. It is going to need some Photoshopping, but it has potential. I am going to have to live with it for a while, and figure it out.

Locks of Love

Today Maddie decided it was time to cut her hair for LOCKS OF LOVE. She and Lois came over, and did the deed, while I took some photos, and a movie. The movie is now showing on MADELICIOUS.COM

Newest Barista

Today Maddie came to visit me at Starbucks, and since she was in dress code (except for the shoes) I gave her her very own barista apron. She sure has the personality for this job !















GIRL POWER !

Hangin' with Jeff

Sweetness

Dinner and a Book

Tonight I was lucky enough to have dinner with Lois and Maddie. Dinner was good, but the company was better.

SWEET !

When Jana asked me if I wanted to be in the office pool for THE PLAYERS Championship, I said SURE ! and handed over my $5.

Monday afternoon when I was driving home, Caryn called to tell me that I had won the pool, and along with bragging rights, I also won $50.

PLAYERS shot of the day - Saturday

One of my assignments for the Sunday Pairing sheet was to get photos of Mom's with children for Mother's Day. After Phil Mickelson's group came thru the 17th, I was waiting for the crowd to disperse before heading out, when I saw this woman with her baby strapped to her walk out on the island, and remove the pin flag. I knew I had a winner. It did make it to the pairing sheet.

PLAYERS shot of the day - Friday

THE PLAYERS shot of the day

Thai Room

Paying for my take-out the other night, I had a few minutes wait time, so I took out my F30 and shot this.

Portrait in the Sunset Room

Photo by Chris Condon

Early Light

This morning I was at the golf course early, waiting for the sun to come up.

Birthday !

May 4

Store Prep, and some early birthday cake.

Sometimes I like these cup sayings . . .

Prep work

The prep work continues, but at least the espresso bar is functioning. I got to make the first drink - a cappucino for Jeff.

Maddie comes for a visit

Today Maddie came to check out the new Starbucks Store. She got a tour, before it opened to the public.

READING

I don't know that I have ever participated in a book club, I didn't even do the summer reading thing back at the Smithtown Library when I was a kid. Ok, maybe once or twice I thought about the OPRAH book club - I admit I bought EAST OF EDEN, but I couldn't get into it.

Last time I was at WESTON YOGA, they started a book club. The first book is EAT PRAY LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert.

















I am about half way thru it, and I am enjoying it. May 19 will be a one hour yoga class, followine by book discussion, and pot luck dinner. Me and the Weston housewives, "And you may ask yourself . . . How did I get here?"

Another book I just read is RULES OF THE RED RUBBER BALL by Kevin Carroll. It's a good one.

5 Stages of Grief

The Kübler-Ross model describes, in five discrete stages, the process by which people deal with grief and tragedy.

The stages are:

Denial

Anger

Bargaining

Depression

Acceptance

Kübler-Ross originally applied these stages to any form of catastrophic personal loss (job, income, freedom). This also includes the death of a loved one, or even divorce. She also claimed these steps do not necessarily come in order, nor are they all experienced by all patients, though she stated a person will always experience at least two.

Others have noticed that any significant personal change can follow these stages. For example, experienced criminal defense attorneys are aware that defendants who are facing stiff sentences, yet have no defenses or mitigating factors to lessen their sentences, often experience the stages. Accordingly, they must get to the acceptance stage before they are prepared to plead guilty.[citation needed]

Personally, I think these stages should be color coded, similar to the terror alert codes. Chakras have color, and maybe they should be related.

Unfortunately, the MOOD RING does not exactly correspond to the chakra colors. Maybe the mood ring could work with the stages of grief - this might require a little more investigation.

Standing Up

WOW - I just watched 20-20 on ABC where Barbara Walters interviewed three children who are transgendered. It was very enlightening, powerful, and sad, but yet, a story that needs to be told. I think I'm pretty well informed, but I never realized that there where kids who felt this so strongly, at such an early age. BRAVO to their parents, for standing up, for supporting these children at home, and in their schools an communities, but also for going public, with Barbara Walters, in an effort to make this world a better place, for their children, for all children and adults, now, and here after. I strongly applaud these folks. There is no telling how many children and families these brave families gave voice to on this show, how many lives were saved.

Earlier this week, and adult male sports writer for the LA TIMES by the name of Mike Penner just came out as transgendered. Here is the article he wrote on April 26 for the LA TIMES.

in April 2007 Steve Stanton, the City Manager of Key Largo FL was fired from his job when he announced his plans to pursue a sex change operation.

Haircuts !

Gotta Love the Quilted Truck

Especially at sunset !

APRIL 1

A holiday for fools.

Amateur Hour

Valentine's Day is to Lovers as New Year's Eve is to Alcoholics.















There is SO much more.

Silly question of the day . . .

So, there I was, sitting at the 18th tee box at the Allianz Championship (the Champions tour of golf), with my digital camera and EF 500/5L lens on a monopod, and a spectator passed by and decided to engage me in conversation. "And what is your job?" Dumbfounded, I paused for a moment, and replied "I'm a photographer". I'm not exactly sure if that was the answer she was looking for, but it was all I had.

Unfortunately I don't have a photo of me from this event, but here is a photo of me with a similar camera and lens.














me @ 2006 US OPEN Tennis

Any questions?

Yoga-rific

Lots of unexpected changes for me in the past year. Who would have ever thought I'd be doing
yoga, and handstands. (I did a head stand too- but a different day, when there was no camera available.


















Maddie did one too - I love the way it looks when you flip the photo.

But any way you flip it, she has a beautiful smile, don't you think?

Ooommmm.

I had the privilege of shooting some photographs to hang in WESTON YOGA. There are three in the reception area, and six more in the studio. I think the whole place looks great.








I've taken three classes already, and I'm hooked. I love this place !

Del's Freez

Del's Freez
402 N. Harbor City Blvd.
Melbourne, FL 32935
321-254-8381

Today's thought

"The great end in religious instruction
is not to stamp our minds on the
young, but to stir up their own;
Not to make them see with our eyes,
but to look inquiringly and steadily
with their own;
Not to give them a definite amount of
knowledge, but to inspire a fervent
love of truth…
Not to impose religion upon them in
the form of arbitrary rules, but to
awaken the conscience, the moral
discernment…
In a word, the great end is to awaken
the soul…"
-- William Ellery Channing (1839)


So I've been thinking about religion, and I happened upon the BELIEF-O-MATIC quiz. When you answer the 20 questions, it will tell you which religion is a good fit for you. Here are my results. You can click it to make it bigger.

The Real Deal

Today I shot the photos that will hang in WESTON YOGA. The shoot went pretty well, and althought some thought this shot might be "too rainbow flag-ish", I think it's beautiful.

Testing . . . .testing

Today I did some test shots for WESTON YOGA. I will be shooting a series of yoga poses, converting to sepia, and having some large display prints made. Today we worked out the best way to light it, and got the sepia conversion dialed in pretty well. I'm looking forward to the actual shoot.












Studio Set-Up

It sure was nice to have a big, empty space to set up in.

BUT ?

But, but, but? !

Artie used to say that everything after the "but" was bu!!sh!t.

Pee Wee Herman said "Every one has a big BUT Simone".

Oh SNAP !

Today I went to get my eyes checked - I thought I needed a new reading glass prescription. When the doctor asked me about my distance vision, I said it was great. At the end of the exam, he told me my distance vision wasn't perfect, and that I COULD use glasses, but that it was up to me. I tried some lenses, and they did make things look sharper, but I am not ready to start wearing glasses full time, only because I know so many people who hate having to wear glasses. I did get a new reading glass prescription, and to all those skeptics who say - just buy reading glasses at the drugstore - I say - each of my eyes requires a different prescription, and being a photographer, I want to do whatever I can to make my eyes happy and confortable. Now, if Madd