Good day to you … I had occasion to visit Dave’s photo gallery the other day, he had this window I was taken with .. when I asked for permission to use it, he said, “fill your boots”… so I looked around and found a few others that I tagged to use today.
What I so admire about the visuals taken by friends is that they see and capture moments in their own unique way. That is one of the reasons I participate in the Thursday Door weekly project, it is always so much fun to sit and visit all the different presentations. Since Norm began this theme years ago, I have seen so many different doors/windows from all over the world, and in every colour one can think of. Some are works of art, others practical, some full of history, ALWAYS a joy and fun …
Express yourself with a kind and thoughtful heart. Be attentive and put your whole heart into your expressions, as if you are always trying to create a “beautiful work of art”
I had no idea of course because it is just a natural normal part of our winters, that so many of you are unfamiliar with what I am talking about when I talk of snow in this part of Canada. We have been very lucky for the last many years, we don’t see a ton of snow like we used to.. But.. Mother Nature still keeps us in line with reminders.
Thought it would be fun to show you some pictures. Photos are taken from the internet.
When we have X amount of snow that falls, I have a contractor that comes and pulls the snow out of my narrow laneway. All this snow gets piled in the front of the house, causing snow banks. After a couple of such storms, then the city crews come along and clean up.
This is the company JR that I contract with. See the smaller vehicles .. these are dispatched all over the city to the homes and business that they clear for. parking lots and bigger areas, would be tended to by the pick ups with the plows on the front.
I enjoyed the communications I received over my post. Now you know when I am fascinated at how you can still get out and do gardening in winter months.. This is what makes life so interesting. How in just a short distance the weather systems and patterns can be so different. Friends in PA, USA each got the same snow warnings, one told me they were lucky if they got 6 inches and it fell lightly over a couple of days, while just north an hour plus away, the dump was over 13 inches.. and it was still coming down when that figure was given.
We are so blessed to live in a world that gives us such a variety of weather, that we are always using our creativity and ingenuity to adapt. I recall years ago.. when the snow plowing and removal wasn’t what it is today .. where I snow shoed or X-country skied to work. I worked in a hospital, and lived only 10 minutes by car, but there was no getting the car out of the laneway. ( A fond memory)
See, this is why I find you all so special, I thoroughly enjoy reading your thoughts, seeing your pictures and learning about life from your perspective.
The everyday things you do will show when it really counts. If you have a tendency to be careless about everyday matters, you cannot expect to perform well at crucial times.
Perfect Liberty 2020.3
now my crows will be waiting for their breakfast !
When you turn down your street and see this sign, you can let out a holler…YAY!.. It is the city telling you that your street is scheduled to have the snow removal crews visiting your street/area between those times. Everyone makes a special effort to clear the cars off the street. You find a place to park if you don’t have a laneway. They came this afternoon. Now when I look outside, my street, and sidewalks are clear of snow!
We live in a part of Canada that can get serious snow, but we are also blessed with a wonderful Cleaning and Mtce crew.. It doesn’t take long for our streets and highways to be cleared, (major)… side streets do take longer, but all in all, we have a very efficient system.
Improve yourself to have a kinder heart. Do what you can to be caring and considerate to make others happy.
Perfect Liberty 2021.3
Begin each day with a renewed sense of appreciation.
Perfect Liberty 2014.6
the snow in the woodlands is still big and fluffy =^_^=
Tradition in my house is that prior to the new year, I set myself to clearing out the debris from the previous year, to prepare for a brand new year. My parents were very “Chinese” in that they always celebrated the coming of the new lunar year. My Father would take me to the formal functions at the Chinese Consulate, and in later years, my Mother and I would almost always attend the functions at the Embassy. It was very important to her, thus making it important to me. It was a time to meet with friends and family that you have not seen during the year or seldom saw, and importantly meet and make new friends.
There was entertainment and LOTS of good food. I use past tense, only because I have not attended a formal function for years. When my Mother got ill and was unable to attend .. we just didn’t get there, and of course life over the years changed.. My husband than took ill, passed away, and I have been adjusting ..that is what life is.. an ever changing experience.
However that said, that is the social aspect of the coming of the new year. Spiritually, I have maintained and always cherish the time of meditation/prayer of what was.. and what is. In PL, we have special services/ceremonies that are performed 1st of the month, Day of Peace, where we pray for World Peace, the 11th. Ancestors Day, where we give thanks for our ancestors who came before us, making our presence in the NOW possible, and the 21st. Thanksgiving/ Appreciation for the blessings we experienced during the month and where we express our gratitude.
I faithfully attend these services, if not in person, at my own “family alter” it is part of the tradition (in my world) of keeping the commitment to do my best in the new year. The celebration of the Lunar new year, begins .. and then continues (for me) throughout the year, by honoring the decision to be a better person by attending and being present for the services that encourage a positive and useful life of service. Changes begin within ourSelves. For a better world, we have to start with our own behaviour, thoughts and actions.
I will not have complaints about others, matters nor the weather. Rather I will always be creative and will look for shortcomings in my own thinking and actions.
PL Principle #2
I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.
PL Principle #3
I will live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion) working for the happiness of others.
PL Principle # 4
So saying, I look forward to the new year. I live every day as best as I can to be as positive and helpful as I can be. This past year, I have been trying to be better at “self care”. It is easier to look outward than to work on our own shortcomings.
Whatever your thoughts, faith, or life… the lunar calendar begins February 12. You have time to start sweeping.. ( sweeping out the old) to prepare for the coming of the “new”. My red symbols are out, I have already put out my welcome sign at the door .. (welcoming the new year) I’ve put one in my office/studio too, to encourage me when I let the “day” get to me. I look and there is the happy ox smiling at me.
another time – another placea reckless heartthe invitation to dream
Past, present or future, always remember to be sincere and honest. At any time, the place where you are standing at that moment is the stage upon which you must express yourself. At each moment in time, there is sure to be a way to express yourself in relation to your position or status.
Perfect Liberty 2019.6
Each of the above pictures, I created to be the visual to a story line. I got as far as doing the photos, but never got around to doing the story, or piece to go with them. Years later, and I still feel that I will do it. Time will tell.
Don’t hesitate to show kindness to others. Do you ever find yourself hesitating to show kindness to someone? It is when you put your thoughts into action that you can show others what is in your heart.
Perfect Liberty 2014.31
Have a “Lets do it Attitude. Comece o dia de hoje com um sorriso
The handmaiden’s Estate in SL (Second Life) (Japanese)It is nice to be able to travel and explore the creativity of others, This is Japanese themed Estate. Gardens and Bath house.
When I was a child, my father would take me to places that now are only distant memories. These memories come back to me when I explore Asian builds in the virtual world.
Don’t think overly about people. Instead of being excessively concerned about others, focus on what yhou should do.
Perfect Liberty 2021.31
During these times of restricted travel, virtual travel is actually a great way to learn about other cultures, and places you’ve never been before. In SL I have met so many wonderful and interesting people, I have been a virtual traveler since 2007. I’ve met people from all over the world, and I’ve expanded my ability to stretch my creative ideas in more ways than I can count. Bonus.. I’ve made friends, good friends who have crossed the border into what we call RL (real life). The reality is, we are who we are, no matter where we are, or how we are expressing ourselves.
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.