Colouring, an art form that I love to enjoy visually but realized a long time ago, that this skill was not in my bag of tricks. MY friend Awen who is a genius with a colour palette never ceases to amaze me with her delightful little art pieces. She send me this little fox a few years back, every once in awhile I come across it and it always … ALWAYS makes me smile. She was learning to blend water colour pencils using a wet paint brush. Even that .. I remember being so thrilled with her little gift to me, and the way she was able to take a pencil and blend the colours like she did… that I went out and bought several sets of water colour pencils. I tried, I truly did… but finally I had to face the fact, yes I could colour, but in no way did I have the patience or the necessary “talent” to get the results I wanted.
Another example of my thinking that if I had the tools I can reproduce or do anything. Not true. it is like the time I wanted to try oil painting (my Mom painted in oils)… I lacked the patience to work with oils .. over the years my reality is I like immediate satisfaction/results from the tools that I work with. example, I love multi media products, especially acrylics and the pastes,waxes and powders that allow the artist in me to create in 2, and 3D .. I like texture and form. I want hills, valleys, shadows, lumps, bumps, swirls. I create and express my visuals in abstract.
We all have a need to express ourselves, and each and everyone of us will do so in a different way. If you are like me, you never repeat something exactly the same ..each piece has to be unique to “itself”
Make the best use of materials and money. You can do different things as materials and money play their roles. How to make them work is important.
Perfect Liberty 2023.16
No two people are alike, nor do they express themselves in the same way. Our form of expression is unique to us.. what is the same and the common thread, is the need to have the ability and outlet to express ourselves. WE all have our own way of expressing ourselves. Do you know what yours is?
This might be a friendly look, however, I wonder just what this bird is thinking as he is being held by yet another tourist, for a photo for their “holiday moment”. I had a twinge of envy when I saw my sister’s picture she posted with this handsome feathered bird.
Everyone has their own way of seeing and thinking. there are different points of view and ways of thinking which makes it interesting and creates new ideas. try to enjoy others’ expressions.
With wild fires happening in so many areas that the smoke travelled for miles blanketing areas for miles and miles in whatever way the wind was blowing, spreading particles of ash and heavy smoke filled air… it was recommended by officials that if at all possible to be safe staying out of the unfriendly environment … it was not a pleasant situation. Today the forecast is telling us it will only reach a high of ..maybe 60, compared to over 80 of the other day, that is a drop.
The nasty air of the last days, has not been good for the wildlife either… Poor avian population with their little lungs. Hark I am hearing the song of the cardinal this morning, for days now, the birds have been quiet. The other day needing to feel refreshed and wanting to hear the roar of water… I went to Hogs Back, you can see how two birds were getting some “chill” time in… I didn’t spend a lot of time there, I just needed a recharge. there is something about the roar of rushing water, and watching it cascade down over the rocks that I find refreshing, The sight of the two birds just relaxing and grooming, enjoying the moment was inspiring.
Small changes can bring about a fresh outlook. are you just living each day getting into a rut? By making small changes in the things you do, your day to day life can become fresh and exciting.
Abby Saint Benoit in the Eastern Townships, Quebec.
How often have you heard the expression, when one door closes, another one opens. I have heard it often over the years and I have lived long enough to know that, it is true. At the time when emotions are raw and the hurt is cutting… the agony of the moment seems so all encompassing that we wonder if we will live through it all. We do. To know such pain is because you were blessed with happiness. Incongruent but true.
It is easy for me now, year past my “youth” I can look back and remember the moments of total misery, I felt and knew “heartbreak”.. I longed for and wanted something that I couldn’t seem to find, I didn’t understand what I wanted either. What I thought I wanted, and what I was so sure I couldn’t go on living without.. turned out .. it was a total disaster in so many ways, yet, I learned from these heart aches, and I grew stronger as a person.
My interest in doors goes back many years… You’d think that by now I would have seen enough doors, but just when I think .. a door is just a door…. I will come across a doorway that is simply “striking” .. it will shout out.. “hey.. gotcha!” and I know I am about to participate in a new chapter of “life”.
Meet photographer Brian Waterman https://www.instagram.com/bird_bri/ There have been so many birds signing in the woodlands it has been a treat to meet up with Brian who has graciously shared photos with us. He has a wonderful selection of birds for you to explore and enjoy, I have a few favourites that I will use from time to time because he has captured the personality of the birds that I’m drawn too. Right now the leaves are filling out so quickly, I hear the birds but I don’t see them. I appreciate Brian’s patience and his ability to find and “catch” the beauties. Check out his Instagram, make sure you have time to doddle, you’ll love what you find,
Cherish this moment, this time, this day. People keep growing as time goes on. Cherish your self expression.
Do we learn from our past. Can we move forward with peace in our hearts and the commitment and desire to live with respect/understanding and appreciation for others.??? This is a time to reflect and pause in our daily activities to remember and take notice of the positives in our lives.
Get things started with grit. If you work on things in daily life with the attitude of “let’s do it!” you will feel a power to accomplish things. People around you will rely on you.
Perfect Liberty 2023.29
The simplicity of a quiet morning – each day is a new beginning – a new chapter begins.
When your sister goes visiting, and you suspect she is treading into a world of magic and intrigue. You catch sight of her checking out the flying brooms…. Wonder if she suspects I have my own… =^_^= Having talked about this trip for some time, I can only assume she is finally in the UK again. She and my Mom loved exploring, my sister is a world traveller, I get to enjoy the fruits of her adventures from the comfort of my home.
Develop new ideas through your imagination – softly and flexibly. If you could find a way to add a twist, you will have more joy.
Perfect Liberty 2023. 28 (translation done in Japan)
When you reach the edge of NOW. The Province of Quebec has many such moments, it is only when you drive through the province beyond the built up areas, when you park, get out and explore. You can find a wonderland of simplicity that can transport the viewer to another time. An example of Nature at her best. In this photo, he* shares a timeless moment. . (*Dave Renz)
I know many a writer who will find inspiration in this photo. It certainly stirred my imagination..
Today’s calendar
Discover something new today. Have a willingness and an interest, start your day with excitement.
Yesterday I stepped into the past. I was standing with the wild turkeys in the woodlands listening to the baby birds chirping and singing their little hearts out … the squirrels and chipmunks were chasing each other and racing up and down the trees where I had spread the nutty butter (made for wildlife).. we were happy in the moment of sharing under the wide open sky. When a thought clear as a bell, nudged me to pay attention….
I got back into my car, drove home, emptied my trunk of bird seed, peanuts, etc. took out unnecessary clutter, got my passport and headed back out the door to the highway. No advanced planning, no wondering why … I just followed my nose. (expression)
PL Precept # 19 Begin once you perceive
PL Precept #18 Each moment is a turning point.
As the miles slipped past me, the landscaped changed from sprawling city to the outskirts, and then towards the American border, I felt oddly at peace. A quiet settled over me, and I realized that I had turned off the radio, there was just me, myself and I alone with my thoughts. In an hour I was at the border crossing being welcomed and waved through by cheerful customs personnel.
When asked where are you coming from, why are you coming over .. where are you going… I had no definite reason or plan… I simply wanted to be there. The agent smiled at me and encouraged me to have a good time… Smiles go a long way, feel good too!
Move forward with confidence Experiences you have acquired through efforts so far are wonderful. Give it all you’ve got.
Perfect Liberty 2023.20
Not two hours past, I had been standing in a conservation area, with wildlife all around me, now I found myself standing in an American Walmart under construction. Was it busy, YES. Ahhh life in 2023. I had remembered to turn off my phone before crossing into the States (avoiding roaming charges).. how grand is it that I could start my day in Canada and be in the States for lunch. I did a no brainer.. drove through MacDonald’s for a big Mac and fries (hey! on a mini holiday here)… paid and happily drove right off without my food! Was on my way to search out the airport when I realized what I had done. Had to turn myself around and go back forit.
Again I was greeted with smiling and cheerful staff who were waiting for me… I decided to eat in and discovered a new experience. On the tables are big screens to play games on while you eat. I took my time enjoying my food playing mahjong and then a word game. What fun!
The news these days has been filled with negativity, when you stop to think about it, it is always about the anger, frustration and crises situations …senseless killings, neighbours fighting neighbours, natural disasters (they do happen)… yet here I was… people all around me, smiling, chatting, going about their business, courteous, oh and the temperature was warm and balmy, Everything felt so positive. I got the directions to the “international” airport that was advertised on PBS (television) and once again got in the car and headed off to “discover”
I found one of two old, very old cemeteries. I stopped to get pictures for a Thursday door feature and was drawn to the tall tombstone you see. Period 1816 -1863, it was not the oldest, but interspersed here and there were newer headstones. It was so tranquil ,.. there were old trees, the grounds well kept… I could feel the years, sense the history. Not far off when I took to the highway in search of the airport again, I saw the horse and buggy signs… and a big sign telling me if turned right I would find a national State Park.
I was searching for the airport, so after taking the turn, I turned myself around, that will be for another day. I was headed out of the city when I realized that I had to have passed the airport, I pulled over and turned around.. all I could see was farmland, big empty fields and older well loved homes. Then I saw a faded sign on a chain link fence.. saying to watch out for low flying planes. Ah Ha… I was close.. but I had passed here just minutes before the cemetery I had been in was just on the left. slowing down I saw a paved road that led to a big parking lot.. (almost empty).. with a commercial building looking very empty. Taking the turn unto the road, I saw the way was barred… just up ahead… so I slowed to turn around. It might be small, but it has a lot of good reviews. =^_^=
Ogdensburg International Airportthe sign is big enough, how did I miss it?
Finding the airport, having spent my time wandering the Walmart, enjoying a quick lunch in a clean bright Macdonald’s.. Hey! a wonderful interlude. AND not once did I feel alone, YOU were with me all the way. we can cross borders, travel great distances, but always…. WE, me, myself and I are constant in my head/heart.
It was an adventure, and what made it all that much more special, the people.. the army photographer I met in the morning, the customs personnel, the staff in Walmart, the cheerful clerks at MacDonalds, the man who held the door open for me at the store,, the gas attendant when I stopped for gas.. It was a positively glowing day…. all because life IS good and there are opportunities always presenting themselves. we need only be open and willing to participate.
What will you do today?
MC I bought pickled eggs!!!!
Cheers everyone! Tomorrow Sunday service will be an early ceremony Day of Appreciation.. followed by another service in the evening at 7 pm.
TAOIST Life is Art (Perfect Liberty precept #1)
contact info.- via blogs
--- there are two energies, Yin and Yang = ONE
---to have balance we must live each moment
of our lives.. with Makoto (sincerity)
The only constant in life is change. I am grounded in the reality of Living.
This is true, in all worlds. RL or virtual. I am me and only me.
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