Happiness is

Oyashikiri

picture of sloths from the sloth sanctuary web page

leopard tortoise meandering along on his/her way, likely oblivious to the spectators following his journey. It’s intent is to get to where it is going.
In the pouring rain today, sirens could be heard coming from different directions as I made my way across the city. It was a constant downpour, so I wasn’t hurrying. I simply pointed myself in the direction I was headed, and followed the traffic in front of me, mindful of the speed limits and the traffic lights.
From the news this evening, I learned that in the early part of the day, there had been a lot of accidents with cars, trucks school buses going off the road and highways due to the slippery conditions. The usual pictures of vehicles in the ditch and the complaining that the darn weather was the cause of everything that happened.
I, like the tortoise accept that we live on this beautiful multi-facetted planet.. .. we are responsible for our actions. When one foot goes in front of the other, or a direction is taken, we are moving, it is me, myself and I making the choices that move me through the day.
It is not the weather that had me leave the house without an umbrella, it was a choice I made to leave without one. If I am walking along the road and it is so wet that the puddles are like small lakes, I have to know that a car could go by and I will be drenched. It is not the car’s fault if I do get splashed. That’s life.
Does that sound callous, I don’t mean to, it is just that life is what it is, and wet weather is part of living on this earth. Winter in some countries means, snow, cooler weather, and slippery roads. It is life. If you know you have to deal with such things, why is it a surprise when winter weather does what it does. If you have lived here for a lifetime, then, it happens every year. It is not something new.
Happiness is a state of mind we choose to live in. If you decide that negativity is all you see around you, then perhaps you need to re-evaluate what you do with the positives that come your way. Because positives are out there.
When we are able to have a thankful attitude, when we appreciate what we have and not dwell on what we don’t have, our perspective on life will change. We will grow as individuals. Our lives will move in a positive direction.
The 21st of each month, is Thanksgiving in PL (Perfect Liberty) – Let us be thankful for all the blessings we have received this past month. Giving thanks, and showing appreciation, we move forward into tomorrow. Hearts open to unconditional love.
Oyashikiri

Remember the saying, “the glass is either half full” or “the glass is half empty” Is this fellow walking on the bottom, or is he coming up for air. Some days it is hard to tell, if its a good day, or we are just used to the “ambience” and tempo.
“I am so busy” I heard someone say, ” I just can’t get anything done”
I would wonder, then what have they been doing that they are so busy. If we are focused on the moment, then each moment we live through, is an accomplishment. When we go out to lunch, after we have had our lunch, didn’t we accomplish what we set out to do. We ate lunch. We actually “do” things all day. Is it that we don’t acknowledge our accomplishments, that we are always looking ahead, and not satisfied with the present?
Have I been listening to too much Pi. Unless you have heard of the book, seen the film or listened to the CD you might not recognize my reference. That’s OK, my musing can be confusing. Life of Pi
PL calendar day 20 You are YOU, Others are Others
You have your own way of doing things, and others have their way of doing things. Don’t worry about what other people will say. Simply take care of the task at hand.
Can you believe we are already mid month. Please have yourself a grand day tomorrow. Enjoy it to the fullest. Make each moment count. A moment wasted on negative energy, is a moment you are not smiling. Happiness makes for a great day.
When you smile, others will too.
Oyashikiri
Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Driving through the take out lane, I saw the fog was lifting. earlier, not even an hour or so, I could see only two car lengths in front of me
I was heading back towards the city now, with each passing mile, the sky got brighter

bright enough, that I thought to stop to take a picture. Usually I am driving by this site during the work day, and the road is just too busy. I may have mentioned that I have been wanting to get a picture before the whole building disappears. It has happened before, I am driving along a road I travel many times a week when suddenly I realize that a building has disappeared.
The world around me is in constant flux. For some reason, the demolition, began at a time that for whatever reason, I missed it. I happened to go to the post office one day (it is across from this location) and when I drove out, it was a “WOW when did that happen???” That was in the fall, and here it is February of the following year, and there it still stands.

I did see an opening in the fence. However, my common sense, held me in check. No hard hat, and not wearing my steel toed footwear. Maybe I’ll get a chance another day. LOL if I were to find rust I would be in 7th heaven.
This adventure took place last week, today, I am looking forward to what’s ahead.
PL Calendar 18 Look Forward to What’s Ahead.
There is no use brooding over the past. Always try to begin each day anew with a fresh outlook.
What a good teaching to start a new week. Hope everyone is enjoying a long week-end, and is revving up for a stunning brand new week.
Oyashikiri

February in South Africa and the Jackass Penguins are enjoying a day on the beach. Isn’t that always the way, someone is enjoying sunshine while we are experiencing gray skies and rain. No matter, what is important that in our day-to-day living, no matter the weather, or situation, we do our best.
PL Calendar #16 Don’t hold anything back; Give it your all
“Always approach things with full enthusiasm and energy. Then, things will develop in a new direction.
Every day is a new day, a new canvas, a new beginning. Let us celebrate today, share a smile, wave hello, and send love!
Oyashikiri
Year 2018 —— Dog (earth )
Dogs are capable and knowledgeable, and it is not unusual to see Dog people in high demand in the job market. Dogs like to work at whatever career they choose. Prince William, Elvis, Cher, George Gershwin, Mother Teresa, were born in Dog years
As a partner Dogs are extremely loyal although they think they know best, it is fortunate that they are usually open-minded. and will be open to advice. Generally speaking with their sensitive and compassionate heart, they do well in occupations or careers that “serve” or work in the best interest of others. ie. teachers, charity workers, doctors etc.
Unlike other Dog years the Earth Dog is less idealistic than most Dogs, the Earth element makes them practical enough they don’t lose sight of reality.
In China dogs are usually associated with justice and compassion.
We are living at a time, when the plus, positive characteristics of the Dog, could stand us in good staid.
HAVE A HAPPY START TO THE NEW YEAR. BLESSINGS, GOOD HEALTH, AND PROSPERITY always.
Oyashikiri



PL Calendar # 7
Don’t strain, don’t rush and don’t be greedy instead relax and enjoy the process,
Oyashikiri

rust on canvas
1930’s
mixed media
abstract, acrylic, paste, recycled canvas, mega art stones, paint roller, textured Catalyst brushes by Princeton, layering, natural dry,
rust products by Art extra vagance, (Finnabair) made in Hungary
mega art stones -Finnabairn (art ingredients)
In the past I have used sludge from DeSerres (Tri Art) I spilled my last jar and have yet to replace it, so the above was done using alternate products found in my inventory.

To achieve a result, often requires more than one product, and when one ingredient is not available, if we are determined to get the result we are hoping for, we explore what is available, or easy access, and we experiment. It doesn’t matter if we succeed exactly as we had wanted what matters is that we do our best .. and try.
*** and *** that you are happy and cheerful while you are creating. Happiness is a state of mind. It is the journey that counts. When we are not open to every possibility around us at any given time, it could be a missed opportunity.
Seize the day, make it yours. Have a great start to a brand new week. Each day is a new canvas…Play, Explore, Live, take the initiative, be the first to smile and say hello.
Oyashikiri

Chinese turnip cake, Quebec pork & beans, Omega 3 egg. steamed, ready to eat.

Meal taken in Japan, back in 2014 by a friend.

Japanese noodles in a rich tasty broth
Anticipation, taste sensations, nurturing of the body, Food, what is it with food, we can spend so much time deciding on what to eat, how to cook it, what will go with it, enhance it, and then for some of us, how much to eat of it.
Yet, when it comes to the health of our “mind/spirit” our day-to-day emotions, we allow others to influence and affect the “inner balance” of our personal “self”
PL calendar 3 . Use the power of your smile
A smile has the power to help people feel at ease, cheer them up, and at times, give them courage. Smile and spread your warm-hearted energy to the people around you.
Oyashikiri