Enormous Gratitude

Recently I met my new friend.  We talked for hours, walked in a drizzling rain, went to the beach in the dark.  We had a great time and conversation.

In talking with her, I realized how far I came.  My attitude towards everything has changed.  Like the saying goes, “Do not look for me in the past.  I am not there anymore.”  It rings so true to me.

I realized all the struggles I been through in the past only made me stronger.  The people who treated me unfairly are no longer in my life.  Some things that I would be dead serious about before, just made me laugh.  I know what I want and nothing will stop me.

By talking to my friend, I glanced into my past and right now.  I came a LONG way. Wow!  I am not afraid of little setbacks anymore.  It only makes me stronger.  Setbacks are just a little building blocks that goes to the top of the castle of our dreams come true.

By summing up all our conversations about life and people, an enormous gratitude filled my heart.  I am grateful for:

1. My family and friends.  You are truly amazing, each one of you!

2.  My health.  Where I was and where I am now – HUGE difference!

3.  My pets who give an unconditional bundles of love and joy.

4.  A peace in my heart.  Forgiveness plays a huge part.

5.  My self-confidence.  Gosh, even my back is straight and I see clearer.

6.  My cheerfulness and positivity.  A simple smile makes the whole difference not only for me, but for others.

7.  My creativity and curiosity.  I LOVE making ordinary into extraordinary, to challenge myself to see in creative ways.

8.  Challenges.  They teach me lessons and test me how strong I’ve become.  It builds a character, so bring it on.

9.  New opportunities that unexpectedly present themselves.

10. LIFE.  I cherish every minute that I am alive!

What are you grateful in your life?

Tags: family, friends, fun, gratefulness, health, inspiration, journal, life, lifestyle, me, opinion, past, people, personal, photo, picture, post and photo by Ineta Mcparland, random thoughts, reflections, relationships, self-confidence, thoughts, women, wonderocity

Sorting the Friends Out

People come and go.  Some of them touch our hearts, some of them break them.  Some people come into our lives to give certain lessons.  Some people test our nerves, test how strong we become.  Yet with some people, it feels that we have known them for years.  We can talk to them for hours, and never gets boring.  It seems that they are our soul friends – people who are traveling a similar path.

If we look at our friend circle and people we meet, do we feel empowered?  Or do we feel drained?  Do we feel enthusiastic?  Or do we feel victimized?  How our friends make us feel?

This year, I decided to sort my friends out in a personal life and on social media.  Animal abusers or animal hunters for fun, people who demean women and others are not acceptable in my world.  I had to un-friend some on Facebook.  In personal life, I had to let go of some people as well.  People with chronic victim mentality only drains’ others’ energy.  They are real downers and not willing to change.  Some people just do not deserve to be in our lives.  If they put us down or belittle us, we can choose to let them go.  I did that, and my life became lighter.

Note:  if mentally we are still mad on them, they still have a control over us.  Therefore, forget, forgive and let it go. By being mad, we only hurt ourselves.

I choose to surround myself with people who are amazing, creative, inspiring and empowering.  Yes, we all go through life’s hard stuff.  We all have our stories.  However, if some people choose to complain about it and do not do anything, it is a downer not only for them, but also for us.  We do not need to get into other people’s dramas.

Life is all about going higher and achieving our dreams.  Let’s surround ourselves with people who empower us to be the best.  Let’s be the best for others, too.  Let’s inspire one another.

Tags: being positive, friends, how to recognize a great friend, how to start over, inspiration, journal, life, no drama, opinion, people, personal, photo, picture, ramblings, random thoughts, reassesing relationships, reflections, relationships, self-confidence, self-esteem, sorting friends out, starting over, thoughts, women, wonderocity

How to Make Space for New?

Happy New Year!  It is a new beginning.  Like Winfrey Oprah said, “another year to make it right.”  The thing is that we go through changes many times:  it could be at a beginning of the year.  It could be after some drastic event happening, like changing a job, losing someone, divorce, kids go to college, retirement, marriage, moving to a new place, etc., etc.  There is also a saying that major changes usually happen after 7 years.

Lately, I and my friends are going through major life changes, too.  So, how to cope with that? How to make changes fun?  First of all, I found the greatest thing to do is to get rid of crap.  Through many years, we collect so much stuff.  Some things we liked before, we do not like it anymore.  Get rid of it.  Our tastes change.  We have so many e-mails that we did not even read, subscriptions that we ignore.  Delete and throw away.   If we take pictures, some pictures seemed nice before. Right now they’re mediocre – delete them or save them on DVD.  There are clothes that we did not wear for years – donate, give away or sell them.  There might be some unfinished projects or writings that we never get to finish, or lost interest in them – throw it away.

Also, not only we got to get rid of old, worn, unfinished stuff, but also the same goes with mental stuff.  All negativity out – to open a new space for positivity.  There might be some people that hurt us in the past.  Don’t you wish that some of them would have a “delete” button?  We can do it in our mind:  we got to forgive them and let it go.  Because if we are mad or upset, we only hurt ourselves – let go of anger and hurt.

Or, here is a brilliant idea:  Use these feelings to make you go higher.  Sometimes anger or being upset gives us a motivation to succeed.  We can channel those feelings to make ourselves only better and stronger.  If somebody said, “You’ll fail,” just say, “Watch Me” and strongly believe that you can do anything you wish and do it.

Also, while we clean old or bad energy out of our lives, we open doors to new opportunities.  The thing is that in this process of getting rid of the stuff, the new ideas come.  In working on these ideas, we got to communicate with people.  That’s how we start something new and exciting.

Moreover, we shall not take on a new crap.  If people do not treat us right or be negative, we have every right to walk away or change a subject.  We do not need their negativity in our lives.  Let’s surround ourselves with friends that lift us up, inspire us, and encourage us.  No more drama and no bullshit.  Also, no more excuses.

Tags: friends, Happy New Year, how to cope with a change, how to make space for new, how to start over, inspiration, journal, life, lifestyle, major life changes, new beginnings, opinion, past, people, personal, photo, picture, post and photo by Ineta Mcparland, ramblings, random thoughts, reflections, relationships, self-confidence, self-esteem, starting over, thoughts, women, wonderocity

Act of Kindness

While going to the shop today, I noticed a young man jump from his car across the street by red light.  He went in front, picked up a wood piece (probably with a nail in it), run to the sidewalk and put it down, so nobody would have their tire damaged.  The wood was to the side of his car, not in a way of his way of going.  It was so kind of him to think of others.

Not everyone notices simple acts of kindness of others, but these kind people are among us.

When we open our hearts and minds, we think of others’ well-being, and the world becomes a more beautiful place.

How can we be kind to others today?

Tags: act of kindness, inspiration, journal, kindness, life, lifestyle, opinion, people, personal, photo, picture, post and photo by Ineta Mcparland, ramblings, random act of kindness, random thoughts, reflections, stories, thoughts, wonderocity

Love, Loss and Lessons

This is a third day after we lost our Thoroughbred Tango (Congressman).  He was the sweetest horse in the world with the biggest eyes that melted everyone’s hearts.  He was a gentle spirit with the biggest appetite.  He lived to be 25 years old.

Tango had a racing name Congressman and he was a winner in the races.  His grandfather is Mill Reef – a Century Horse, and his father was a Champion, named Diamond Shoal.

We are not sure about what happened after his racing was over, but he was abandoned, and my mom adopted him and nursed him back to health.  We had Tango for 10 years until 3 days ago when we lost him to cancer.

We do have another horse a Dutch warm-blood Princess Adora, who is grieving with us.  She spent most of her time with Tango.  When we buried Tango, Princess was running and calling him.  She stood at exact spot where we buried Tango and tried to dig him out.  Who says animals have no feelings.

Losing Tango was a huge heartbreak.  It still is.  Our bodies were hurting, and our hearts were heavy.  It felt as if a huge stone was on our chest.  No wonder, we carry our beloved horse in our hearts. <3

When we found Tango laying on the side, we did not know how terminal it was.  Therefore, we were fighting with all our might for his life.  He fought, too.  While waiting for a vet, we tried to sit him up at least.  He brought his head up a few times, but then he went down again.  Tango was incredible.  He still had a huge appetite.  He drank some water and had food and some alfa alfa hay.  We tried to keep him as much as comfortable as we could, not giving up.  We persisted, he persisted, too.  Unfortunately, his body did not cooperate.

At the end, he was tired.  After vet came, she informed us that he is in toxic shock because of cancer.  That’s why he can’t get up.  No matter how heart-broken we were, we had to learn to let go of him.  Our love for Tango was most important thing, and we did not want him to suffer anymore.  Persistence, love and letting go were our lessons.

Losing Tango changed me a bit.  It gave me a different perspective in life.  I realized how precious each moment in life is.  We should cherish every minute of it.  Family and friendship, a connection one to one can’t replace anything in the whole world.  Helplessness (while waiting for vet and not be able to help Tango) is the most frustrating and scary feeling and I do not want to go through that again.  To have an open mind to look for different solutions is very important.

We lost Tango and our hearts expanded for more love.  There is a space that opened up for new possibilities, for cherishing life and for what is most important.   And for some things, it is time to let them go…

When we came to the ranch yesterday, we saw the most incredible gigantic heart in the sky.  Perhaps Tango sent his love to us. <3  We love you, Tango.  You always will be in our hearts.

Tags: friends, horse, horse behavior, horse loss, inspiration, journal, life, love, me, opinion, people, personal, photo, photos, pictures, post and photos by Ineta McParland, random thoughts, reflections, thoughts, wonderocity

Happiness, Peace and Kindness

Tags: friends, happiness, inner state of mind, inspiration, kindness, life, lifestyle, links, love, me, opinion, peace, people, personal, philosophy, photo, photo inspiration, picture, post and photo by Ineta Mcparland, random thoughts, reflections, relationships, self-confidence, self-esteem, stories, thoughts, wonderocity

Photography Tips

A painter picks up a brush and expresses what is deep in his or her heart.  A photographer does the same.  The only difference is that photographer’s tool of creativity is a camera.  To an ordinary eye, it seems like it is a point-and-shoot, not a big deal.  However, it is not that simple.  See, the real photographer captures what is inside his or her heart using the outside world.

There are so many photographers with simple and gigantic with telescopic lenses cameras.  There are beginners and there are professionals.  Yet, some photographers stand out more than others, and not necessarily the ones with the best cameras around.  Why is that?  There are point and shoot and go people, and there are real artists.  What distinguishes artists from regulars?  They are masters of what they do.  They are masters of their craft.  They have an artistic eye and open heart and use them to create magical masterpieces.

How do they do that?  We can learn from them using these techniques:

1.  Capture what is in your heart.

2. Shoot with the feeling (this should come naturally).

3. Be aware of surroundings.  Notice things other people miss.

4. Use imagination, be creative.  Try different angles, textures, focus.  Do not be afraid to experiment.

5. Do not let anything stop you (rain, dark, etc.).

6. Follow your gut feeling.

7. Be patient.

8. Be your own boss (do not follow rules, be different).

9. Practice makes it better.  Know camera as your best friend.

10. Have a camera always ready. You never know what you’ll see.

First and foremost, capturing what is in your heart is a main and most important ingredient.  If you shoot what you do not love or like, pictures always will look crappy.  Now, if you capture something you love, it will show in your pictures.  You’ll give a special attention to your subject and even might find better angles to shoot.  The connection to a subject will make a whole world of difference.  If you love people and fashion, for example, specialize as a fashion photographer.  If nature and animals are in your heart, be a nature photographer.  Some photographers are skilled in various areas.  They bring love and undivided attention in anything they choose to capture.

Second technique is an extension of first.  If the first step is utilized, second technique should come naturally.  When capturing a subject, bring out a feeling.  Get to know the subject.  For example, in shooting a rose, smell it, admire its beauty.  Bring that awe and fragrance into a picture.  While capturing animals or birds, get to know them, study their behavior.  In shooting pets, play with them, bring out the cuddliness.  Look for traits of personality and capture the right moments.  In capturing people, get to know them to capture a real essence of them.  While shooting places, get to know the history and feel the energy, capture the light.

To have a great photographic eye, you got to be aware of surroundings and be present.  This way you can notice things that others miss.  Being in the now will surprise you what kind of things you start to notice.  You might be seeing the same things everyday.  However, if you look more closely, you can always notice something new.  For example, you go to the park and follow the same route.  If you are aware of your surroundings, you might notice a new flower or tree blooming.  In capturing people, you might use a different angle, different background.  Also, there might be an animal camouflaged.  Many people might drive or go the same routes, and they might not notice what is in front of them.  To be aware of surroundings all the time, it might bring some surprises.

In creating pictures, do not be afraid to use your imagination.  Be creative.  Try different angles, textures, focus.  Do not be afraid to experiment.  Bring your camera to the ground, shoot from up, sideways, upside down.  Let your creativity flow.  Make up backgrounds, shoot a splash of color in a dull places.  Capture different emotions, movements, surprising angles.  Sky is the limit to your abundant creativity.  Do not be afraid to be different, odd, unusual.

Once the sun goes down or starts raining or snowing, we find ourselves cooped up inside.  However, we miss some best shots.  Surprisingly, we can make the most creative shots in these conditions.  Rain brings the best reflections and raindrops that look like diamonds.  The night brings the splashes of colors.  Do not let any weather condition stop you.

Another technique is always follow your gut feeling.  If you do, you’ll find some great opportunities to take pictures in certain places at certain times.  That’s how I found much of wildlife and got pretty close to them.  Your inner knowing knows the best.  Never deny it.

Patience plays an important role as well.  It is easy to shoot a bird and animal standing.  Now, if they are in action, it is so much more interesting.  It brings out aliveness and personality, a moment.  Sometimes, we got to wait for a right timing, right light, right motion.  Also, the same goes with people.  We can take numerous shots and may not like any of them.  Now, if we have a subject to relax, or surprise them unexpectedly, or taking candid shots, we can capture their essence and personality.  I remember one winter my toes were getting cold in the water to the point of numbness, but I captured the most incredible pelican family fishing photos.  Patience is the key to find that right timing and right moment that pays off tremendously in creative shots.

If we would follow all the rules, there would be no creativity left and all the photos would be the same.  Be innovative, create something that nobody created.  Rebel because in being a rebel, all creativity comes out.

Of course, then comes practice.  In shooting constantly, we get to know our camera as a best friend.  We start from basics.  Then we get closer, then we try out creative shots, then experiment different angles, different lighting, different moods.  With practice, our hands become more steady in cases where we do not use tripod.  With practice, our pictures become better and better.  We see our subjects differently; we incorporate different techniques.

At last, always have your camera ready.  You don’t want to miss what you suddenly see.  You don’t want to miss opportunities that present themselves.  If you do miss the shot, just take time to enjoy what you see.  Do not beat yourself up that you have no camera ready.

My camera is my constant companion.  It taught me to be in the present, to enjoy every moment, to see things that many people miss.  Through camera, I capture moments that take my breath away, surprise me.  Through photos, I tell stories what I see, feel, touch, experience, hear and love to share with others.

See how to shoot your beloved pet here.

Tags: art, beauty, digital photography, fun, how to photography, inspiration, life, me, nature, opinion, people, personal, photo, photo gallery, photo inspiration, photo samples, photo tips, photography, photography techniques, photography tips, photos, picture, pictures, post and photos by Ineta McParland, reflections, thoughts, wonderocity

Bringing On a Smile

Smile – what a great way to start a day.  It turns a frown upside down.  Smile does wonders.  It is simple, but effective way to go through the day and make things happen.  It even chases the stress away.

Smile can ease a day.  It brings a natural beauty to the face.  It implies kindness, happiness and joy.  It reminds us not to be so serious.  It reminds us we can play no matter what.  Can you imagine how world would turn if people would smile more.  Not only people, but animals seem to smile, too.  And if we look closely, even nature brings us a smile.

Have a wonderful day filled with smiles!

Tags: beauty, fun, inspiration, life, lifestyle, making someon's day, people, personal, photo gallery, photo inspiration, photography, photos, pictures, post and photos by Ineta McParland, ramblings, random thoughts, reflections, relationships, thoughts, wonderocity

How to get over camera shyness?

I love to take pictures, but when it comes to take pictures of me, forget about it. I don’t think so… Or it used to be.

When I look at my younger photos, I look shy, like being caught, feeling uncomfortable. I hated to pose, so that’s how I came out in the pictures: frozen in time – frozen literally. Then of course comes self-criticism and oh, I could be the best self-critic. Just don’t get me started.

Sounds familiar? Usually what stops us are outside or our inner critics. And we can always stop them, especially our self-critics. All others can think whatever they want.

So, one day I decided to change all that – I decided to overcome my camera shyness. I thought how can I relax in front of the camera – in unfamiliar territory? At first, I put my camera on a self-timer and snapped some photos. I felt uneasy and somewhat ridiculous, but I overcame that. I just completely ignored my self-criticism. Hey, in this Facebook age, many people take self-portraits. Right?

Then I made a game out of it. Whenever my friend Sandy and I go out on photoshoot, first I take shots of her. Then, when she asks to take pictures of me, instead of declining, I agree. Instead of standing frozen, I make different poses. I encourage my friend to do the same. Posing is actually fun when we use our imagination. It gives us freedom and creativity. When we are flexible in posing, the pictures come out great. They show our wild side.

Using props are great, too. If none is available at the time, we can find anything in nature, like palm tree branches or tall grass at the beach.

Here is Sandy at the beach among tall grass.

I find candid shots are the greatest. No posing required. When we act normally without seeing camera present, we come out naturally.

Actually, now to take photos is fun: behind and in the front of camera. It is a great game to play. All those advices: you got to look pretty and photogenic, wear lots of make-up is not a real solution. Don’t need any of that as long as we:

1. Make fun poses and be creative;
2. Use any props available
3. Shoot candidly

So, next time anyone will ask you to say “cheese,” make it a fun game.  Bring your wild side out. The rest is easy.

Tags: Advice, art, beauty, Camera shy, Camera shyness, family, friends, fun, How to get over camera shyness, How to overcome camera shyness, inspiration, life, lifestyle, me, Models, opinion, people, personal, photo, photo inspiration, photo tips, photography, photos, picture, pictures, random thoughts, reflections, self-confidence, self-esteem, thoughts, women, wonderocity

Illusion of Independence

“Oh, I am just going to do it all by myself,” we think as we strive for independence.  We keep it in mind that as long as we are independent, we can achieve anything.  All by ourselves.  Is this a true independence?  Can we really achieve things by ourselves and not count on anybody?  I believe independence is an illusion.  It creates a separation, and we become alone and misunderstood. We separate ourselves from others.

Why independence is an illusion?  We all are dependent on each other.  Let’s look at nature.  Plants cannot survive all by themselves.  They need soil, rain and sunshine.  Businesses cannot survive by themselves.  They need customers who spend money on products they provide.  Customers depend on businesses to provide food, clothing, service, great living.  We depend on each other for comfort, love, support.  Everything and everybody are inter-twined.

Once we start to see that our every action creates a reaction, will we be more conscious of what we do and what we create.  If we see that we are dependent on each other, will we offer more support and care?  Will there be less pain in the world if we rely on each other to make a difference?  Well-being, a better economy, a better living all depend on us, as we equally depend on it.

Tags: better living, business, care, community, dependence, economy, independence, inspiration, kindness, life, opinion, people, personal, philosophy, photos, pictures, post and photos by Ineta McParland, random thoughts, reflections, relationships, shopping, thoughts, wonderocity