Poetic Aperture

Welcome to Poetic Aperture and thank you for being here.  This blog has helped me get to know myself better, as well as reach a new community of friends. It is a little world unto itself and a repository of my favorite creations, books, ideas, and a record of personal discovery and growth.


I began Poetic Aperture in 2011 as an overwhelmed new mother searching for a creative outlet. It started as a “momoir, ” writing to understand my suddenly different new life, and then grew into a way to connect with other photography lovers. I thought of it as my unique lens on the world. As my daughter grew, so did I. I learned to let go of many preconceptions; I became more humble; I continued to seek and find meaning in everyday moments. I shared all the emotions of losing our home and building a new one. I have found new talents and interests and cultivated them with your encouragement. I have tried to lose the part of myself that is a people-pleasing perfectionist (a work in progress). I have tackled hard things and this community has been there with me holding my hand.


Today, Poetic Aperture is about embracing authenticity, encouraging self-acceptance (hello Imposter Syndrome), staying curious, fostering creativity, finding joy in simplicity, and building community.


You’ll see that I love creating mixed media artwork, although the past several years have led me away from that. I enjoy swirling little pieces of myself into paint and texture and simply playing with the materials. You’ll notice that I am always reading several books at once. If you’re wondering if I’ve read it, I probably have. I read to find new ways to understand humanity as well as myself, and to learn of new perspectives and experiences that I will never have. 


I am a seeker, curious about many things, and a lover of learning. Currently I am immersed in being a rabbinical student at the Academy for Jewish Religion, a seminary in New York. We gather in person twice a year, but our classes are on Zoom. It’s amazing how quickly the small class size and 2.5 hour discussions lead to soulful connection. Being deep into the study of Jewish tradition, philosophy, liturgy, ritual, and current issues is a very personal undertaking with the goal of being a responsible and holy representative of the Jewish People. I find interfaith work to be meaningful and rewarding.


I am a student and facilitator of Mussar, a Jewish spiritual practice of self-discovery and personal growth that uses Jewish texts, reflection, and the cultivation of ethical character traits to help us become more aware of who we are and how we move through the world. I feel so privileged to watch people become more intentional, grow toward their spiritual potential, and make lasting transformations in their lives. 


My supportive husband and I have been married for 25 years, and yet it still feels new. We love traveling together, laughing, reminiscing, sharing our accomplishments, and talking about how amazing our daughter is. She is a senior in high school, doing all the things that entails – spending time with friends, going to concerts, applying to colleges, preparing herself for a new stage of life. 


Some of my favorite things about this life:
… reading in bed, candles, diving into a new project, learning something new, crisp crunchy leaves underfoot, hearing my daughter laugh, starting a new book, finishing a book, organizing, floating on my back in the pool and staring at the sky, writing, craft supplies, photography, poetry, a good massage, knowing smiles, singing along to the radio, getting things done, comfy bedding, hot chocolate, paying attention to the details, libraries and bookstores, campfires, astronomy, finding beauty in the everyday, impromptu road trips, quiet, journaling, learning about myself, waking up and reading in bed (preferably with coffee), home, interesting flowers, affection, Sleepytime tea, capturing a moment in time with my camera, true laughter, soft rain.
“There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue those.” ~ Michael Nolan