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Rev Tiago de Medeiros Chagas – Photography

My name is Rev. Tiago de Medeiros Chagas, and I am a Brazilian minister of a church founded in Japan. I consider the Church of Perfect Liberty a universal church.

In the end of last year, I decided to buy a camera to take some pictures of my family. I always had cameras (point-and-shoot), but I was never a big enthusiastic about taking pictures. I used to do it in big family events and so forth, but that’s it! My level of photography could be considered below beginner. For those who understand about photography, I didn’t even know the difference between a point-and-shoot camera and a DSLR!

Rev. Eugene (the head minister of the Church of Perfect Liberty in Ottawa, whom is my supervisor) studied about photography in school, so, he knows a lot about photography. One day, when I was trying to take an impossible photo with my camera, he kindly explained to me why I wouldn’t be able to do what I intended to, as well as, what I should do in order to take that photo. Maybe as a response to his kindness, I became very interested to know more about photography, understand more about words, such as ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, which by the way, I had never heard before.

Since then, I’ve been trying to learn more and more about photography.

I bought a very basic entry DSLR camera, because it was the cheapest one I could find and went online trying to learn more about photography. I was able to find several websites, blogs and channels on youtube of photographers who have been teaching people for FREE.

At first, my wife was not completely happy about it. She said that I was spending most of our free-time watching those videos, and that she wanted me do something else, but since I started taking pictures, and she could notice that, gradually, I was taking better pictures of her and our daughter, she got very happy and excited. In fact, she started to encourage me to watch more and more videos to better understand the fundamentals of photography, in order to take better pictures.

If I could say something about my own skills in photography, I would say that I am still in the level below beginner if that exists. There are so many things I need to understand about photography in order to call one of my photos an artistic expression, however, if we compare present photos with the ones I took in the past, I can say that there was a big improvement.

I am very impressed by those people who can learn by themselves about anything. I am not like that. In order to learn a little bit about anything and now especially photography, I have been asking questions to many people, watching many videos of those photographers who use their time to record photography lessons to post on youtube for anyone out in this entire world. Even though I am not a very intelligent man, thanks to assistance of many people, my questions about photography have been kindly answered, for which I am truly thankful.

In our lives, it is very difficulty to improve ourselves without others’ assistance. Maybe it is impossible to do it. We do need assistance all the time. Since the moment that we were born, we receive assistance from others like the doctors and nurses for the labour, our parents for pretty much everything, our teachers for education. When we grow up, even though we are completely healthy and we can work, if there is no job for us, we will be very difficult to survive. Also, one can be self-employed as a photographer for example, if there is no store open to buy a camera, it will be impossible for anyone to do their job.

If one is a very skilled chef, probably it will be easy to find a job in one restaurant, but if all the stores close down and there is no ingredients, despite of great skills, there won’t be anything to be done to express one’s self. Therefore, the great results one produces are deeply related to the great effort of many other people. We should never forget that. So, now it comes the one question. What can we do to honour those people who helped us so much?

For the Church of Perfect Liberty, appreciation has the meaning of expressing your gratitude for others, but also, do something in return. Transform your feeling of appreciation into action. And how can we do that? For those you have contact with, you can return a favour with something else, but for those who you don’t have contact anymore, like the physician who performed your labour, the nurses, teachers from kindergarten, or even your parents who did so much for you, that there is nothing you can do that can pay this ‘debt’ you have with them.

As human beings, we can put wholehearted effort into whatever we do, in order to honour those people and try make them feel proud of us. Based on our actions, they can feel that it was worth all their effort to help us.

Thank you very much,

Rev. Tiago de Medeiros Chagas (all photographs in this post by Rev.T)

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happy Mother’s day!

Today we celebrate not only Ancestor’s Day (11th of each month) but in Canada it is Mother’s Day as well. I am very blessed to still have my Mother in my life, she is a witty, caring and loving person who has managed to meet all her challenges with a determination that has been awe inspiring. 93 years young, she still faces life head on. Happy Mother’s day Mom… =^_^=

Life flowers, Mothers come in all shapes and sizes – first and foremost they are women.

“Don’t drown in life looking for a woman. Drown in a woman looking for life” Gibran (Khalil Gibran)

With sincere Makoto, (sincere effort) give thanks, and show appreciation. Many readers are a parent themselves I pay tribute to you all. The role of a parent takes on m any guises, always the most important aspect of life is LOVE

Celebrate Mother’s Day – Happy Mother’s Day to each and every parent who lives and shares the joy of parenting .. Oyashikiri

photos found on PInterest

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Good morning smile, happy day!

Isn’t this just the cutest most adorable face.. looks like a big smile plastered on his/her face. Its real, it’s called a Whale-head or Shoe-billed stork an dis found in tropical east Africa. It can be found in large swamps from Sudan to Zambia. It is interesting what can compel a person to want to go somewhere, this bird I’d really love to experience. See it walk, hear how it communicates, what a wonderful morning discovery.

This Swamp Sculpture can be found in Eastern Ireland. It is called the Ferryman’s End. (Victoria’s WayRoundwood.co. Wicklow, Ireland) I’ve been to swampy areas in my travels, but I have never experienced for myself some of the world known swamp lands, I was most intrigued by this sculpture, the artist had to conceive the idea, build it, and then place it. Amazing workmanship. Since swamps to me are just boggy areas found in low lying land and usually freeze over come the cold weather. Swamps that house alligators, crocks and life forms all year round due to the totally different climate and geography hold a fascination for me.

This is Swamp Forest in Naikoon Provincial Park, Haiida Gwaii, BC. Canada, I found this picture while looking for inspiration to make a one of a kind doll that was going to be a swamp fairy.

Photo by John Hunter, 9/2005 – he canoed through the swamp in South Carolina, I’m afraid that this morning I have lost myself in the swamps. This can happen, I was going to talk on a very different subject, blame it on the Shoe-billed stork, his smile just captured my imagination and off I went further into the swamps. =^_^= I make no apologies, the artists/photographers of these pictures did such a good job of catching the moment, preserving them for us to enjoy, that I willingly wandered from point X to point B. My choice. … now what do you think, I found this house, wonder if it is for rent. I might sit a spell and delight in the moment. Care to join me?

Life is what we make it… thanks for travelling with me this morning.. on our mini journey. Happy Saturday! Oyashikiri

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No regrets

Having attended at blues concert the other night,my mind is still tripping through the various emotions and feelings that played through the night. The DJ had a tremendous knowledge of the music he played and he knew how to blend and knit the sounds so smoothly that you were drawn in almost immediately to his web. The DJ was one, SkyRider Sicling he plays nothing but the blues, down home southern blues. His partner is Butterflyrose, (owner of Sweet Magnolias) together they bring the house down. I will be reporting more on them at a later time.

What DJ Sky brought to me, were sound vibrations, that vibrated and sang through me like a massage that started inside and worked its way through out my body,( as the song goes), to higher and higher planes of personal ecstacy. If you are a music lover, what ever style you connect with, you know what I mean. This DJ has a talent for weaving a spell with his selections. that is an art form. Many other’s have a talent with music and can put together a good play list, This is not what this DJ does, he knows his music so well, that he can actually work the songs into a total experience that encapsulate you in his web. Compare the difference of going to the movies, and going to an Imax theatre.

His music may not be your style, but you appreciate the blues in anyway shape or form, you owe it to yourself to hear this man’s performances. I am told he does a gospel hour on Sundays, I have yet to attend or hear what he does with Gospel, but you can believe me when I say, as soon as I can get to one of his Gospel presentations, I’ll be there.

In life, we all face difficulties / challenges, and how we deal with them always involves choices. Sometimes we make good choices, and other times, we don’t quiet hit the mark. I’ve learned that if I am faced with a choice, its because I have a lesson to learn. Whatever that lesson is, it is mine, I own it. When you own the choices you make in life, when you look at problems as opportunities for growth. You have no regrets… life is good. Another door opens.

Blessings everyone! happy start to the week-end. Oyashikiri

Tunes found on YouTube

1- Edith Piaf, non je ne regrette rien

2. Bobby Blue Bland – you have to hurt before you heal

3- Candy Dulfer, living for the love of you, with guest Angie Stone

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the joy of transformation

Good morning everyone… how is your day so far? Good I hope. When I drove into the gym parking lot today I found myself parked beside a gleaning black and chrome Harley. I would have taken a picture but hot not been prepared to run into such a beauty. She was polished to perfection. Obviously the rider had ridden her to the gym, but even with the light dust she acquired during her morning ride she shone. I took the time to tour the bike, walk around her and really check her out. Wow, the love her owner showers on her was obvious. When I got home I tried to find a picture of a dirty bike in my files, even went on Pinterest.

Except for action shots like this one, most of the bikes are in immaculate condition. I bet that as soon as that little treasure got back home, it was cleaned down and not a spec of dirt would remain on it anywhere. The motorcycles that I found in my travels, (research) even the vintage old classis, were in top form. Like the motor I used the other day, they radiate love. Their chrome and bodies are pristine. Ok what am I getting at, ladies, not only men love the motorcycle, the motorcycle is an art piece just as an inanimate object. OK not everyone agrees, but there are a lot who do. Myself included.

Most riders I know develop respect for the bike they are riding. They trust the vehicle to transport them to another space in time. And really, until you’ve ridden on one, felt the power beneath you, you don’t realize just how personal being on a bike is.

The first time I took a corner on a motorcycle other than a touring bike, I was transformed from a passenger or driver of a car, to a motorcycle enthusiast. I was ready to grab a rag and start shining the chrome when we got back from our ride. If I thought I loved riding a bike when I rode as a passenger on a Honda gold Wing, ( my legs were too short and I too “little” to attempt to hold a Gold Wing up on my own, I tried!) I became a tad fanatic about a road and off road bike (Triumph Tiger) In a split second, I had been transformed and it was a transformation. I wanted the leathers and I always wanted to be out riding. Good or bad weather didn’t really matter, I wanted the wind on my face, and the freedom of being in Nature unconfined by a metal or fiberglass box around me.

I don’t ride at all now, but the love of the ride has never left me, nor the joy of transformation, the thrill of a new discovery. The true happiness of finding another dimension of yourself in life, how wonderful a shift of gears can be… To do those curves, you have to lean into them, balance, be in harmony with the bike and the motion of being there. You are in the moment. Living it, there is no other way!

pictures – Pinterest

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trust, faith,friendships

Really now? You think you thought this out carefully…

Would you like to rethink your position on the situation….

Have you really thought this through….

Did you hear about the parrot that sat on a cat’s tail the other day?

Sweet… heh!

Life is good when we live side by side in harmony! Oyashikiri

pictures >Pinterest

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ole’ Mac…had a farm, e -i- e- i -O

Ever have a conversation with a cow. If the cow is at all interested in what you have to say, it can be very rewarding, you get their full attention, and maybe just maybe they will nod or moo to acknowledge they’ve heard what you’ve had to say. Often they will simply flick their tail and walk away, never-the -less, it will be an honest reaction to you and or your words. Nor will you give much thought to how much you said they understood, nor will you really care. You met you exchanged a brief connection and you then both went on your way, having enjoyed that moment, but life moves on. no more.. no less.

You love to fish, swim, isn’t this dock and the setting a beckoning sight. I could place a deck chair right smack in the middle there and just sit and drink in the moment. The photographer when they took this picture I’m sure heard crickets, frogs and skeeters. Even the gentle plop of a fish breaking surface, see the small ripples.

My biking friends will enjoy seeing this old classic by photographer Gordon Calder of a Triumph T20 Tiger Cub. If you have ever ridden a motorbike through the back roads in the hills of Tennessee or the hills and valleys of the Gatineau Hills. You will appreciate how valuable a well tuned engine is. Gordon Calder has taken a series of pictures of motors, if you like this picture, you will enjoy his other beauties. (Flickr)

Most of us, know or remember the Old MacDonald had a farm song. For me it reminds me of a time of innocence and playtime. No other association comes to mind. But, other songs, and music can elicit other emotions and feelings from me. Bob Marley said “one good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain”…. in one sense. … music when you are tuned in, and it connects, it does so in a way that can be heart wrenching or joyful, and true we can drown in the moment and resurface without pain, but we do feel it.

Whatever is happening in our world today, thanks for stopping by and sharing this moment with me. This last photograph was posted by Celia M. Paulo it was taken in Vietnam, posted on Pinterest. I wanted to show you another side of Vietnam, one that the is rarely shown on the news and in newspapers. Vietnam is a place of beauty. There is undiscovered beauty in all of us. Oyashikiri

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Roots

Roots the life line that digs in, burrows down and holds a tree in place. Roots travel through the soil around in search of food, in their search they provide stability Ever wonder what your invisible roots look like. Imagine that each experience we live through is another root forming, some are strong and are leaders, others are just side shoots and really only affect us for awhile.

Mother Nature, has given this old beech tree very strong roots, the tree above(top) has very decorative roots. We all know if we garden, or do landscaping, that a tree can be very resilient even when it has had a good portion of its roots cut away by a careless shovel, or with full intention by the gardener. In the woods when I am traipsing through on one of my exploring forays, I actually go in search of roots, driftwood, fallen trees that have somehow come down exposing their root system, it is a treasure hunt, camera in hand I wander happily off trails and into the brush. When I was actively carving and sculpting I searched for pieces that I could carry away that could be recycled into “art” that represented human forms and “activities”. In nature, we see the natural progression of the life cycle of plants/trees. For our personal “selves” it isn’t so easy, yet each and every one of us has roots.

I could be one of these trees, this is a picture of “the Dark Hedges” of Ireland, after all, trees that have lived a long and productive life, are mostly seen along side other trees. We do see stand alone majestic trees, however, usually at one time, they were surrounded by other trees. I am one of many on this earth. But I see myself as a lone individual. Nor am I able to see the scars (rings) of my life. I may feel them, as my body ages, but I do not see them, nor do I see the roots that have held me and supported me through my journey. I am wanting to pay my respects to my roots, I want to nourish and take care of my roots. To do so I first have to acknowledge them, and determine what is needed to keep them strong and healthy.

Now how about this, I want to be this tree offering shelter to the wee ones, (for more info on this picture, follow link shown in picture) Roots come in all shapes and size, the older we get, the deeper our roots. Do you know, does a tree die from old age?

What do you see?

Thank you to all the wonderful photographers who posted to Pinterest

#1- lori-wright houldsworth

#2, beech Derbyhire district,National park, England by Keartona.flickr.jpg

#3 Ireland vickie hopper.jpg

#4 fb.com/nature galleries

#5 gnarled by loominpapa.flickr.jjpg

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Cat on a hot tin roof

I have to be honest here, I vaguely remember this movie, and the play by the same name. the movie was based on play by the playwright, Tennesse Williams. The movie was released in September of 58. The names Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, are familiar, these were people I did read about, and hear about. Somehow in my mind Burl Ives was a jovial character who sang some song to do with reindeer. I’m likely all wet here, I’m testing my memory. No I do not want to be young in years again, I love where I am now. thank you very much!! LOL I’ve earned it!

First impressions, we only get to make them once. Because the movie Cat on a Hot Tin Roof made such a splash, and I being as young as I was at the time, Elizabeth couldn’t ever escape my thinking that she was very beautiful, and very bad. Paul Newman, well I never saw past his blue eyes, and in later years I saw his name on salad dressing. But…. I always did have a soft spot for the young rebel types, remember James Dean. =^_^= (the reason at the time I even took an interest was because of the word CAT, ah for the age of innocence!) Sub-conscious thoughts often have deep roots!

Of course this is all very shallow and as an adult I realize and understand so much more about life. Movies, fan magazines television and the like, are the product(s) of creative minds who come together to entertain and feed inquiring minds. Truth be told, glamour aside, in reality acting is a profession, a career, these people live just like everyone else, in the sense that they have to pay their bills, and try to succeed at what they set out for themselves. They need friends, they get sick, they hurt just like we do. A big difference for them is that should they make it big, they are fair game for people who want to capitalize on their lives and lifestyles. Especially their appearances, heaven forbid they have a relaxed dress down day. They are constantly being judged, with half-truths even lies being splashed all over cheap thrill rags(tabloids) (can’t really call them newspaper!) We’ve all seen them, they are displayed like candy in all the check out counters across North American.

We all want and desire, respect and courtesy in our own lives, we value our privacy, how is it that we don’t extend that to others around us. Do our acts, our words, reflect how we value and appreciate our friends, partners, even strangers on the street. What does our demeanor say to people we meet. Please give some thought to this today, as you progress through your day.

Choose to be in a peaceful place. Choose to smile from the heart. be the sunshine in your world and share it with others.

May you avoid the temptation to treat love/friendship as a mere commodity today.. love and friendships are precious gifts. Blessings upon all who know it and willing reach out to another.

Pl Precept # 15. All is a mirror Oyashikiri …………..

pictures>Pinterest

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Change of plans

Thanks to my sister, I had a great walk on the Quebec side of the river today, Yes it rained off and on, but it didn’t deter us from our mission. For her it was “must” stop at Tim Horton’s for toast and coffee. When you drive everywhere, it was a nice change to do this little “hike” from my Mother’s to the Timmy’s down the way. Walking I found that there was a little creek that runs along the sidewalk. AND, that we were actually walking uphill and that by car, it is much easier =^_^=.

The first part of our walk had us in a big box store shopping center. However the walk home was through one of the trails in the Gatineau Parkway. The Gatineau Park lands extend for miles and miles, it was nice to see so many runners, walkers, and bikers out enjoying the day. For me I was thrilled at being in the woodlands, hearing last year’s fallen leaves crunch under foot when I trekked off trail to inspect a tree that caught my fancy. Seeing my first butterfly of the season!

In the summer once the leaves are full, and the ground cover has risen to its full height, many of the treasures being discovered today will be hidden from view. The skies were mostly overcast, so the pictures are showing you the day as it was. It was beautiful, quiet,the earth had just enough moisture in it to give us that earthy smell that can be so intoxicating.

I could spend hours marveling at the way the decay in this tree is unfolding into a work of natural beauty. The insects, bugs,birds,worms, and of course the elements all have had a go at putting their imprint on the tree.

These ducks were swimming about in the pond till we came along. I stopped to take pictures and the casually swam towards us and walked up to the walk where we were standing.

How cool was that. The whole day was perfect…. I got to spent time with my sister who is here for a visit.. walking, talking and just enjoying the day. Something we have not done in years. It didn’t matter the forecast was for cloudy skies and rain, being together was sunshine and the rainbow in my day. I hope you all had a great day too.

photographs -Q

Hull,Quebec (Gatineau)