Cast magical visuals as the sun lazily rose in the sky
There was a hush in the Grosbeak melodies
Even they, were silenced as we watched the scene unfold.
Experience the joy of change. It is truly amazing when you look back at yourself this year compared to last year, or today, compared to yesterday and realize how much you have improved and changed.
Perfect Liberty 2016.30
Let’s have a humble mind. Once you think, “that’s good enough,” you become blind to the opportunities to be more creative. Perfect Liberty 2022.30
I think this last one is a good thought for me to meditate on today…. have I become blind to opportunities? Some times I get so focused on what I want to do… I miss new possibilities.
I went out. All was going well until I encountered a tree knocked over by the high winds (over a hydro power line) to avoid the tree I maneuvered to the left to go around and slid off the road coming to rest against another tree. This tree prevented my opening the door of the car, and the car being on an angle I couldn’t get out the passenger side.. which is just as well since when the fire dept and police arrived, it was discovered it had fallen over a hydro line.
To say I was a tad “upset” … would define my reaction. I had just fed the crows, and had a satisfying visit with them… so simply sat in the car at first not knowing what to do first. It was a country round with few homes on it.. it led to a dead end (parking lot for the Mer Bleue bog) A crow flew over and looked into the car.. that startled me into action) I pushed the On Star button on my car, within seconds I had an operator on the line…The responding agent was very good, he stayed calm, and walked me through what he was going to do, and what he needed me to do.
Of course #1 was … was I hurt… did I require medical assistance. He already knew from my Gps exactly where I was, he was able to give the 911 agent, the coordinates in detail. That took away any of the anxiety or stress I was getting from the questions she was asking. He answered technical questions on my location, where I was in relation to the map she was looking at, how many kilometers I was in from the main road etc. Then he stayed with me while we waited for the emergency crews to get to me. It was very reassuring. He did not leave me till the fire department and police arrived.
I think it is the first time I have watched a fire truck approaching me with all its lights going and felt such a sense of relieve. The police car was right behind the fire truck. As soon as the fire personnel arrived and he heard them talking to me, only then did the ON STAR agent sign off.
The men who responded were so kind, calm and responding to the situation with such a professional yet warm manner that I was immediately at ease with them. My car was wedged tight against the tree in the ditch. I could hear them talking over their options. The police officer who took the lead in dealing with me (the “victim”) also asked me whether or not we needed the medical/ambulance to come.. I assured him I was OK, I did not need medical attention. the ambulance was canceled, it could be needed elsewhere after all, there were accidents all over the city.
With no damage to city property, it was decided I should call a tow truck, but…. bless their hearts the men (Fire Department) gathered around the car and together, got the car angled so it could be driven out of the ditch an unto the road. They were AMAZING. AND somehow while all this was happening a few of them managed to clear the tree from the road. They checked to make sure the car was ok to drive, and sent me on my way.
Then while I was at the feeders, I saw the truck drive by the round about slowly, turning itself around to get off the side road…. it made a second drive by, I waved and believe me… I was sending them a lot of love and gratitude. It is so easy to take for granted what these men/women do, we don’t engage with them unless we have a problem like I did today.
Their professional and effective/efficient way of dealing with would could have been a very serious and life affecting situation made the incident one I won’t forget, AND left me feeling very good about the world I live in. Too often we hear only of the negatives… The police and the firefighters do a lot we don’t see or hear about – they impact a lot of lives… we are richer as a community for their services.
Yes I had an accident, Yes, it was stressful, BUT I came away with a feeling of joy and happiness at having had that encounter with men who knew their jobs and were not only good logistically at what they needed to do, they were kind and generous of spirit.
They ( the operator at ON STAR, Fire Department, and Ottawa Police) were angels in disguise. For me it was a Xmas gift I will never forget.
For days now all we have heard on the radio/television is that there is a bad storm approaching and causing havoc in the States and parts of western Canada.. It is here, it arrived in the wee hours, I heard it tapping on the bedroom window.. I saw it when I let the dogs out at 2 something this a.m. The backyard was dressed in its all white finery, the dogs had to high step it out into the yard.( They are whippets they have long legs! )
I know this will get a raised eyebrow from some… but… I will not attempt to go out this morning. I could easily get in the car and back it out of the garage ..making a trail over the fresh fallen snow no traffic has been by, there is no mountain of snow at the end of the laneway. BUT.. I will stay put. Yesterday I filled the feeders and put out extra fat/suet, with the freezing rain/snow, I hope the birds stay tucked into their “nests” till there is a break in the weather.
It is only 6 a.m. I’ll wait and see what the rest of the day will be like…. if there is a break in the precipitation.. who knows… something to look forward to… =^_^=
When you get stuck take a step back. When you are able to see things objectively, your viewpoint will change and you will receive new wisdom.
Perfect Liberty 2022.23
Seeing the woodpecker I’m rethinking my plans for the day… I do have new snow tires on the car, and a full tank of gas. hmmm?
oh.. I should mention, a roofer has been found who will come over next week – thank you for all your positive prayers and thoughts/input.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Let’s live with gratitude toward everyone and everything all day today.
Perfect Liberty 2022.21
In Perfect Liberty, we learn to live an artistic life. the 21 Principles and the 21 Precepts are the practical guidelines for our daily lives , The Principles assist us in practicing the Precepts. How to reach a positive state of mind, so that we can express ourselves more harmoniously and joyfully.
I look around at this time of year, and I am bombarded with visuals of jolly red decor, against white sparkling backgrounds… peppered with tinsel and dark green boughs. In Canada here, the Xmas, holiday decor starts as soon as November arrives. In the States they seem to wait till after their Thanksgiving. Already in some stores, they are clearing the Christmas merchandise and stocking the shelves with spring and the items that will have customers clamoring to “make changes”
While the ho ho ho and holiday music appears to be everywhere, if we scratch below the surface, we find the real story for a lot of people – that is one of uncertainty, aloneness, sadness, anxiety, and often a quiet desperation that they try to hide to spare friends/family from seeing how they are really feeling and coping. Everyone (many) put(s) on a brave front.
I will live paying careful attention, putting Makoto into all I day and do. Principle 1
I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things. Principle # 3
**** 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. Principle # 2
I put #2 last so I can address this one in particular. this is one that keeps requiring my attention .. it is so easy to fall into the comments and negativity one hears all around.. It comes from the radio/television, conversations overheard nearby, it isn’t easy to get away from negativity… try not to contribute to it.
You are the result of your daily efforts. Put your whole heart into everything you do in your daily life. Your true self will shine through.
Perfect Liberty 2022.20
This picture of an Evening Grosbeak was taken by Peter De Gannes a nature/wildlife photographer and graphic artist https://www.instagram.com/peterdegannes/ he also has his graphics design website… please have a look at his work there too… Peter is an amazing talent. https://peterdegannesdesign.com/
I wanted to share a picture of the Evening Grosbeak with you, these darlings warm my heart every morning with their antics.
Have a wonderful day everyone… Smile, be kind… enjoy the season. Oyashikiri – Blessings !!
Someone wrote on his/her profile they preferred to take the roads less traveled. This morning as I took my time driving to the feeders, I revelled in the serenity of the road I was on. There is something to be said about going somewhere early in the day, before many are out and about (it was after all a Saturday )
I wonder who is happier . me when I see the birds waiting for me to clear the snow and open my trunk to access the seed/suet, or the birds. They sing and begin to fly to the feeders, some come directly to me and land on my scoop with the feed, no longer shy they just dive in and fly away with their prize.
Help the people around you smile more. Always strive to make those around you smile. That will bring you joy too.
Seeing my babies tuck into the suet is all the thanks I need… the snow was falling so steadily and hard, everything was blanketed in snow. At Mer Bleue the city plow had been by to do the parking lots, but the driver although he has to drive from one parking lot to the other… lifts his blade, he does not do the roadway. I did make it to the second parking lot… where to my surprise the NCC contractor* was there shovelling a path to the outhouses. WOW… dedication for sure. I got there it was shortly after 7 a.m.
The birds were so happy to see me, they were hovering over me waiting for the scoop to appear with the seed. LOL then I had a chickadee escort service tailing me to the feeder I was heading to fill. Even the grosbeaks were nattering at me to hurry up. No sooner was the feeder cleared and seed put in, there was a gathering of evening grosbeaks all around the feeder showing great appreciation for the feed.
Linda* helped out.. we walked back and forth tramping down the snow before putting out the still in the shell peanuts for the blue jays. They were patient but did vocalize from time to time if they thought we were being a tad to slow. Of course they could have been scolding Linda who sneaks a peanut or two when she thinks no one will notice… believe me the blue jays have sharp eyes.
At P23 (Dewberry) it was very quiet, the lot had been cleared, but the drive to the location was dicey at best. I was joined there shortly after my arrival by wildlife and nature photographer Dan Cadieux.. . https://www.dancadphotography.com/blog/ who like me… revels in the quiet of the early morning in the woods… he was already snapping pictures seconds on arriving.. the birds were busy chowing down on their morning breakfast. Can’t wait to see what he will post on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/dancadphotography/
Whatever you decide to do with your day… enjoy … be safe…
If you are going to do it, give it your best. Your actions will be dulled if you worry too much about the outcome. Once you decide on a course of action, don’t hesitate to complete your task.
You can only change yourself. Before you start telling people how they should do things, think of how you can be more flexible
Perfect Liberty 2022.13.
Something to tuck away to look at .. later.. Mindfulness teaches that interruptive thoughts are actually very pliable and like elastic bands… we can snap them out of the way… put disruptive thoughts aside, “you can tend to them later” ( I have a drawer full of elastic bands.. all colours and sizes…just saying..) The day comes, I open up the drawer and toss them all away.. why… I forgot what they were for. =^_^= ….
Someone asked me “where do birds go to die”… Last night I was reading that the birds work very hard at surviving our winters… the nights are the worst time.. they have to eat enough to fuel their bodies till they can feed again.. they huddle puffed up in their “safe” place till they can start feeding again as soon as the daylight begins again,
I went around yesterday to various shops looking for “fats” to try my hand at making suet cakes for them, Every little bit helps.. This is a month where so much is happening, celebrations around every corner, people gathering … Please remember that not everyone will live the same experiences, or have the same opportunities. Reach out if you can.. remember to smile… and share a positive or happy vibe whenever you can.
You can be with God by having a prayerful mind. Let’s pray for world Peace. We are all one big family. Let’s start by praying for the happiness of those around us.
Perfect Liberty 2022.11
Photo was taken by BeeJu
There was a dream like ambience at Caledon yesterday (Second Life) Organizers are and were preparing for a concert. Money is being raised in a number of places for Diabetes, Cancer and other very worthwhile foundations in SL (Second Life). If you are part of the virtual platform(s) please give if you can.
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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