Similarly, I love art that is multi-layered.  Inspired by diverse sources converging together to create a fresh point of inspiration – there is always a new way of seeing the world.

I can see layers in my own art – photographs that I took during a shoot entitled, ‘Sisters of the Moon’ were inspired by the following:

• Rorschach Test 
• Springtime
• Elk
• Maiden/Mother
• Symmetry
• Sisters of the Moon
• Green
• Sacred Geometry
• Nature
• Native
• Merging the selves
• Jerry Uelsmann
• The observing ego

I am quite glad that art is inspired by so many sources because it gives it history, purpose, roots.

I’m not sure how it all comes together and I don’t know if I’ll ever truly understand the way ideas merge and intersect or why they do, but nevertheless I’m grateful for them.

xoxoxo

Happy Spring!

Erica

I am excited, grateful to be a part of the timeless music and cannot wait to use this experience as yet another source of inspiration.  May we all continue to be inspired by our community and those who help us open our eyes and look up to see the stars.

xoxoxo,

Erica

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”
– Rumi

Every time it is asked, this age old question shifts perspective like a magic wand.  We are programmed to go through the day so quickly that taking a time out to reflect on the actual events of the day is uncommon.  As soon as we get home from work/school/life, there is the cooking, the reading, the television, the jogging on the treadmill and countless other distractions that take away from our reflective time.  So here is a challenge, take some time to consciously reflect on your own gratitude.

I ask you “what is it that you are grateful for?” Stop and take a moment to really think about it.  Breathe.

What happened today (even if it wasn’t pitch perfect) that stood out to you as something that you are grateful for?  Did someone make you smile? Did you hear from a friend who you’ve been meaning to get in touch with? Did your toaster burn your toast this morning but you handled the entire fiasco like a pro?  I encourage you to take a moment to sit down and make a list – I bet you it will shift your energy to a reflective place and you might surprise yourself in seeing just how many things are going your way.

I will share with you my list for the day:

• I’m grateful for love
• I’m grateful for a roof and good books to read beneath it
• I’m grateful for my sexy boots and my comfy slippers
• For my camera
• I’m grateful for the smile a stranger offers up even when they are having a bad day
• Gratitude for the birds singing before the storm
• I’m grateful for the old bird feeder that was left outside my home by the previous owner
• I’m grateful for empty park benches
• I’m grateful for beeswax candles that smell like orange and cinnamon mixed
• My gratitude is ongoing for family and friends
• I’m grateful for anyone who has ever shown their vulnerability in any way
• I’m grateful that each day provides lessons both old and new
• For the stars late on a summer night…
• For red lipstick, black mascara and newsboy hats
• I’m grateful for you.
• For colored pencils
• For yoga pants after a long day of work.
• For my niece and her beautiful knowing eyes.
• I’m grateful for hazelnut coffee with a splash of half & half
• for poetry
• for friendship
• for peace of mind
• for knowing how to really cry when I need to
• for knowing how to really laugh because I need to
• I’m grateful for the sun shining in my window
• I’m grateful for Christmas lights that will stay up year round
• for the beginning of Spring
• for garbage bags
• for olive oil
• for love (it’s worth repeating)
• And I’m grateful for wishes and trust
• for memories and for time which moves away like stardust…but is still so exquisite in it’s impermanence.

I hope you’re having a great week!

xoxoxo & Much Gratitude,

Erica

I was lucky enough to have a photo shoot this past weekend at a local farm with three wonderful friends.  We went running through the fields, stopped by an ice pond and sat in the gazebo atop a quiet hill sipping hot chocolate and sharing stories.

All I know is that when I am out in the wind connecting with both friends and nature, I am at my best.  I remember what it’s all about and I am able to take a photograph that not only connects with the person but also connects with the moment.

I hope you are having a beautiful day and that you take time out of your busy day to have fun!

Erica

In the technological age we have moved so far away from one another that we hardly take time out to connect anymore.  I’m guilty as charged, scrolling through my iphone in search of messages and updates, photos and articles.  Seated in the local diner, I can easily be a party of one – fully engaged in a fascinating tech-conversation with my phone, enjoying a nice salad for lunch and texting four friends at once.

Remember life before the internet?  For some it may be a hazy memory but we all functioned just fine.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I dislike the internet, I think a lot of good has come about as a result of technology but there is one issue that technology presents — we are forced to make choices about when and how we want to connect with others.  That’s right, the ball is in our court!  Depending on who you are this can be either a blessing or a curse but for most people I know, it’s not working in their favor.  Texting is so easy and going on facebook to look at photos makes you feel like you’ve watched the infant grow into a toddler overnight when in fact five years has actually passed.  Many of us have stopped reaching out to one another.

I think it’s imperative in this day and age to find a balance.  To ensure that you maintain tangible, positive relationships with friends and family outside of the virtual box.  It’s important that you still get offline and outside to breathe in the fresh air and smell the rain.

So how do we make a change?  If you’re anything like me the best kinds of changes are small, simple and easy.  I suggest that you ask a friend to meet you at a local cafe for coffee or tea at some point within the next week.  Make sure during this meetup your phone is turned off so that you can be fully engaged and present.  Be sure to connect and to breathe…take in the experience and remember life is not happening behind a screen, it’s in our daily connections.

I can assure you of one thing, when you and your friend are laughing or in tears over a good cup of jo, you will recall why it is essential to unplug every now and then, and “to get back to the garden.”

Despite much adversity, Pinterest is a calming visual feast.  I enjoy it and look at each of my pinboards as a personal meditation, a point of reference to go back to and continuously build on with new ideas.  In honor of the full moon in Virgo today I have been putting together a vision board entitled, Silver Full Moon in Virgo - May you use this full moon to get clear in your intentions and trust in the process.

Virgo is all about cleaning house if something or someone is no longer serving you for your highest good, let it go.  Reassess and look at what energetic ties, people and situations you are allowing into your life.  Virgo is the perfect full moon to lure in abundance, good living and healthy relationships.  Be clear in what you ask for because the full moon is the perfect time to manifest so make sure you clarify what it is you want.  Being specific is not only a good thing, it’s imperative.  How can you get to the destination if you don’t have clear directions?  Create your own directions and drive your way to your destiny instead of pressing autopilot and sitting back.  Life is short so make sure you use this time to flesh out what you want and surround yourself with folks who lift you up and shine on your spirit!

The Virgo full moon is by your side to help you manifest a beautiful life so be sure to allow yourself your most treasured vision.  Anything is possible.

Dream Big and Happy Full Moon!

xoxoxo,

Erica

by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dreams
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon…
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your
fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.

If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand on the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after a night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the center of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: a poem, being alive, Erica Mazzeo Photography, Inspiration, oriah mountain dreamer, poetry, risk looking like a fool for love, the invitation ]]> http://ericamazzeophotography.com/2013/02/22/an-invitation-for-you/feed/ 0 ericamazzeophotography http://ericamazzeophotography.com/2013/02/21/breaking-and-entering/ http://ericamazzeophotography.com/2013/02/21/breaking-and-entering/#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:11:42 +0000 Erica Mazzeo http://ericamazzeophotography.com/?p=5946 ]]> On my way to school yesterday I discovered the location for my next photo shoot.

A cut in the fence surrounding the majestic space provided the reassurance that I needed that this was the perfect location.  Yes, I have been known to have a small habit of enjoying a little b&e in my day.  Let me clarify breaking and entering – but only when it makes for a great and I mean a GREAT photograph.  This space has everything that I am looking for and come the springtime it will only be more well-suited.  Stone columns amidst flowering dogwoods and antique statues that guard the curious nearby path.  I have a clear sense of chiffon, movement, coral and the working of a joyful shoot – celebrating the birthing of the spring, of longer days and the emerging of the sun.