This manse stands beside the big church in a small town on the way to Cornwall. I’ve seen the church for years, but I’d never gone down the street beside the church. the other day I did. It is amazing what we find when we venture down a side street, turn a corner or simply look in a different direction.
Private beach behind what was a manse and now a retreat – in rural Ontario
I thought today I would focus just on the one “set” of doors that lead into the manse on the way to Cornwall, it was such a lovely old home, well kept, and very inviting. The church it sits next too is full of character, it stands proud along the highway, and is always a “joy to behold” driving towards it and past it. The corner were the church stands, always feels special. You arrive there, and always there is a welcoming feeling.
A church is but a building, true, it is the community and the people that give it life, and character, but the above architecture and overall lay out of how it is situated and been maintained, was a pleasure to discover and now share with you.
Easy is the seed of ease . It is often said that “raku” is the seed of pain and bitterness is the seed of ease,” but when you thank “raku” and wish for the happiness of others, “raku is the seed of ease,” even more happiness comes around.
If you illusion that you have gained comfort as if it were your own power and forget to appreciate it, you will be a source of pain.
PL teaching from Japan as received 9.22.21
I will ask my “teacher” what she means, the translation or definition I found for raku is
History and Etymology for raku Japanese, literally, pleasure; from the use of the character for this word on a seal given to the family of the potter who introduced the style.
I will reflect on this passage.. I see it as a reminder that we are to be appreciative and grateful, not take things for granted.. not think only of ourselves but importantantly think of the happiness of others.
Your thoughts?
Oyashikiri
Pouring but going to check feeders anyway. Have a good day everyone!!
Surrounded by overgrown lush vegetation I ventured into what I call Coyote Territory it is a large expanse of land that runs along an old railway line and the river. The access is off a dead end road, usually I take the trail on the left today I decided to do the trail on the right. Both are gated, no cars or vehicles allowed One has to park and then hoof it along the trails Big signs DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH.. there have been reports of the coyotes ambushing and attacking dogs, the smaller dogs are easy targets.
There is a path, in the spring this a favourite area for birders, some of the path is still visible as you can see, now with the summer almost over, there are spots where you have to tread carefully to stay on the path. There were a zillion birds calling and singing in the trees, but don’t ask me what they were, I did look up into the trees and I could see their shapes now and then, but aside from that.. I haven’t a clue.
There was city sounds, conversations, kayakers drifting down the river, children across the river playing along the water’s edge, but strangely enough, on the side I was on… it was only the call of birds, the rustle in the brush of small animals getting out of the way of human footsteps, and my movements as my elbows or waking stick (hung over my shoulder) hit the foliage of protruding branches.
I hadn’t been to this location since early spring, I was happy to see the makeshift bridges over small ravines, were mended or replaced.
I did get to the water’s edge, and will post that another time. Suffice to say, the up and down walking, stopping, starting, and very uneven paths made for a good morning’s workout. I cannot express it enough just how totally refreshing and engaging it is for me to spend time in Nature There were only two other people out in the area I was in this morning, a woman and her 6 month old Great Dane, and another gal who I startled when I came out from a side trail… we had a giggle and I let her get on ahead, since I kept stopping to take pictures, that was easy enough to do.
Today being the 21st. is (in PL) a day set aside for special prayers and service – we give thanks for the blessings of the past weeks, and express our appreciation, for life is full of wonderful moments, for this I am truly grateful.
PL Precept #1 Life is art.
PL Precept # 2 To live is to express One’s self..
PL Precept # 11 Always be with God.
This morning’s walk in Nature was truly a time of reflection and wonder. I may be tired, but I feel totally blessed to have been able to experience quality time embraced by/in Nature’s bounty.
Walking the trail this morning, I found a lot of interesting “pieces” it took me forever to walk any great distance. I did get to the row of what I call the “giant” trees. Enough leaves have fallen, and brush cleared that we can now see the trees, soon we will be able to get a much better view. I will do my best to practice patience.
Express your appreciation with enthusiasm. appreciation is the driving force for progress and development.
Perfect Liberty 2021.21
Q – do you create an image for yourself,? This procedure presumes a difference between public image and who we really are. Outwardly we project an image, but it is not who we really are…. What lies behind the image? what is the substance.. I don’t want to know the answer, it is one I ask you to think about, and answer for yourself.
I was recently on a road trip with a friend, and as we always do, we chatted and got caught up on what had been happening in our lives. During the trip I met with family that I don’t often get to see.. I found myself in a social situation that was “different” from my daily day to day .. ie when I go about my activities when I’m home… I felt different, I saw myself differently. It has given me pause. I found myself reflecting on how different it was for me, and how seeing myself in a different “circumstance/environment” also gave me different perspective on other aspects of my life.
PL Precept #7 Everything exists in relativity
PL Precept #15 All is a mirror.
PL Precept # 18 each moment is a turning point.
Everything happens for a reason. Certainly a time for reflection.
Seems I’m not the only one with a BD this month. Happy Birthday wishes to all other September “babies”! I know some don’t like to celebrate or even acknowledge the birthday, however, for me, I feel it is our day, not a declared holiday by another source, it is OUR day, it is the anniversary of OUR OWN PERSONAL JOURNEY.
In honour of my birthday, today I started the morning with something new. I made mashed potatoes for breakfast. LOL… I can see the eyes rolling .. I’m not a big fan of mashed potatoes in fact I seldom have them. But a friend suggested when I had the oral surgery that I should stock up on soft foods, one of the items suggested was the packaged instant potatoes. Mashed Puree butter and herb potatoes, comes in individual packages. Not bad. Just didn’t want an egg. Why not. I’m a grown up. I can have what I want for breakfast.. smiles.. that what being an adult is all about right.. we can make choices.. whenever and however.. just remember there are always consequences.
Ed took this one last winter. I’m looking forward to seeing more woodpeckers as the colder weather starts to settle in
Let’s live without compromise – No compromise means that you don’t lie to yourself and you’re honest. when you deal with things without compromise, everything will be more efficient and you will surely see remarkable results.
translated from Japanese, PL 09.19
It’s Okay! God is watchin over you. Things turn out for the best. don’t be captured by momentary troubles but continue doing everything with sincerity.
Perfect Liberty 2021.19
Reminder – do things with makato (sincerity) willingly and joyfully.
hello! HELLO! pinches self.. yup.. still here… Not what I expected, I got to have wonderful long uninterrupted conversation with my sister-in-law who lives away, and a friend who has been playing telephone tag with me for months. It was great!
Yesterday in my travels as you already know I ventured down an unknown path, tried some video software .. it was a day of exploring.. Today, well… being retired… guess I’ll get out to check the feeders and replace one that needs repair. Are you taking advantage of this wonderful late summer, early fall weather. The picture above is an area I will often photograph depending on the sun/shadows.. I like the possibilities, and I always wonder.. what stories this location could tell.
This location I visited yesterday is one where it is not a big area compared to others nearby, but it has a certain feel, it holds enchantment, and places that I can easily envision little wee ones “holding community”… I keep telling myself, to bring a notebook, and flesh out a storyline… but I don’t do it.. Guess the idea is still forming.. or… I want to keep it a secret. =^_^=
Do everything willingly and joyfully. Your upbeat attitude will make things more cheerful and enjoyable.
Perfect Liberty 2021.18
Thank you to my very talented friends who left me fun greetings on my cell. I won’t name you, but the singing was something else!!!! I loved it! we’re all nuts, but two of you are “cracked”..
Have a great day everyone!
Oyashikiri
THANK YOU flowers arrived (from down under)… beautiful!
Today I took another path, one I had never been on before. I saw it when I got out of my car, it has been there, I guess I’ve just not been inclined to explore it. Today I did. I thought I’d try to present some of my findings today in video format.. my first attempt =^_^=
Sept.17 video from Sarsaparilla Woods
Will wonders never cease. Tried something new. Now I’ll post and see how it comes out. Thanks everyone for your patience while I learn.
Good morning everyone.. I think it is safe to say that if you are reading this, you’ve had a birthday along the way. =^_^=, one or two likely stand out from other birthdays. We all have them and we all get to experience the milestones along the way.
Todays quote translated as best we could from Japanese.
Form is the basis of art – No matter how good the content is, it takes form to express it. It is impossible to say “As long a the content is good the format doesn’t matter” It is only when the content and the form are the same that things are accomplished.
PL Friday Sept. 17.2021
Make today a different day. Instead of doing the same old thing, be creative and do things to improve your day.
Perfect Liberty 2021.17
I would like to congratulate my dear friend Eisuke Inagaki who has just been licenced as an official instructor for the PGA (in Japan). He has worked hard and long at his passion… I am very happy for him. He loved golf when he was here in Ottawa, he went out to play as often as he could, nothing deterred him from his passion to play and improve.
With dedication and purpose he applied himself to what he loved best.. and now he is not just watching what is happening in the world of golf, he is part of it.
It seems like I have been celebrating my birthday all month, so far thanks to my wonderful kind and considerate friends, I have had some wonderful outings and they are not over. I head to Quebec on the week-end for a visit with family that I have not seen since what seems “forever” .. and there are other adventures on the calendar before the month comes to an end.
Birthdays are very personal, as we all know, because they are ours and ours alone. It has always been a time of reflection for me, a time where I review the events of the past year, and what is happening NOW. Am I content, is life happening for me in a manner that is comforting and meaningful. When my husband was alive, he would take me away for my birthday so that I could explore different environments, people, places and and and. That is how it came to be that friends celebrated with me on days in the month when I would be around. ( My birthday day itself was usually one when I would not be in the city, it would be only Brian and I and the dogs. )
Of course all that has changed hasn’t it. And then of course we have had the pandemic to deal with, and the changes that has brought into all our lives. I cannot as much as I want to, get back to each and everyone of you who have sent me birthday greetings, but I can assure you that I have looked at, and cherished each and every one. It means much to me and I am humbled that you remember and take the time to connect with me. Believe me when I say, there are days when I feel “down” or my mood is “below the happy line”.. then I get a text, a message, snail mail, and I am lifted and feel the joy of happiness.
I appreciate each and everyone of you.. I truly do. I am blessed with friends who shine bright in my life, and I give thanks everyday that I have been so blessed.
Always remember that your smile, your kind word, action, deed, will return to you 100 fold and more. Never under estimate the power of prayer and the LOVE that embraces the Universe. I love YOU.
Once more I have come face to face with the unexpected “goodbye” of a fellow traveler .. someone who brought smiles into your day when he would walk by, share a moment, or simply wave. always a lopsided smile, a big wide eyed grin.. There are such people in the world, they radiate happy… during a winter storm, you are trying to dig through the big dump of snow at the end of the laneway, and along would come Johnny, “not to worry” he’d day, I’ll get that. And he would. He’d stop what he was doing and come over to help you clear the way so you could get out.
He was young, only in his early 50’s. He walked into the bedroom to change (he and his girlfriend were going to paint the bedroom) keeled over and died. Presto! gone! He’d been looking so good, he was walking every day, his colour was wonderful, I saw him just the other day, he was beaming, when he came to the door, I tell you, he was so genuine in his outlook. Now that light is gone, and we, family, friends, neighbours, will miss his delightful energy.
A shared passion .. love of nature, being outdoors, simply taking in life. As I walked along the edges of the forest yesterday, I took in the changes that were taking place… the season is changing, the weather is cooler. Where the big thrasher had gone along and cleared all in its path, new growth was taking over, the remnants of bigger stumps of wood were scattered … I spent time wandering, head down, intent on the wood left behind, looking for clues, messages from beyond.
It is that time of year, for some it is Yom Kippur, for me this time of year, is one where the clock turns over for me and I enter another phase/chapter – so the life long tradition of meditation on what was.. what is.. and how I am doing is all happening .. it has been a lot to take in. So much has been happening around me. As we age, we say goodbye ..far too many times. Unlike in the Jewish tradition there is fasting along with the reflections.. I spend time reflecting, and meditating on how and why I am in the “frame of mind” I’m in.
The time spent in nature helps me a lot. Yesterday I gathered wood, and spent time rearranging pieces (like a puzzle) to build a picture.
Life IS, we ARE no more no less
Oyashikiri
Stand still andconsider the wonderous works of God. Job 37:14
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.
