a chance encounter
shadows cast a spell
allowing me to see
the world in your eye
when the sun moves on
you will be gone
I won’t forget, but
your location
I won’t tell
your secret is safe
with me
Q
Archive for the ‘Dao’ Category
Susan
My long time friend, passed away Friday – if she were here, we would likely quip that “another one bites the dust” Susan and I were the dynamic duo who felt that we could do anything we wanted to. If others said it was impossible, Susan and I would sit down and work out how we could get it done. I had two friends called Susan, she was known in our circle as “little Susan” cuz that is what she was, 5’2″ if that.
Being a Taoist, for me landscaping was all about bringing nature to my property so that it would as closely resemble natural growth, Susan shared that passion, when I bought a home with a double lot, she said, I’m going to get more land too. She moved to a place where she had the kind of lot that she could build on. We were off to the races, every week-end we toured miles of countryside looking for landscaping places that would offer us plants that were not the standard backyard fare.
Susan’s passion soon outgrew her backyard, she called me one day to tell me she had decided to purchase land. We both had full-time careers in Corporate Health Care, and were raising our “young” but that didn’t stop her. Once her mind was made up, Susan was a very determined person. Over the years I watched as she took on one “project” or “passion” after another.
When I remarried in the late 90’s, we didn’t get to spend the time together that we did before, but anytime we did meet up, we picked up just where we left off. That was the kind of relationship we had. The bond we had created when we were younger, held like glue. The years passed, friends in our lives changed, but still, we knew each other like one hand knows the other.
She is gone now, at least the human form is no longer here. But her presence, the secrets we shared, the long evenings of simply “being” in the same space, discovering our “selves”.. that will always be.
Rest in peace my friend, our joy in prisms will always be a reminder of how much you are part of mine.
When love is true it lasts forever, no matter what…
true friendship is not about how often you see each other,
or how long you have known each other..
but in the truth of what you were to each other.
Q
photos along the Tay River, Ontario,Canada
soyez tranquilles
tranquility
moments pass
yet stillness
inspires
more lingering
Make every day special, we only live it once.
Oyashikiri
Perth, On. Canada on the Tay trail
Mickey
I was just going to settle into bed when I heard the ping of my phone, I could have ignored it, but I wasn’t completely settled in so, I had a look. There was Mickey smiling away while in the shadows I could see a throng of people wandering, mingling the Disneyland “Park” Even at night it is able to captivate with the charm that is Disnyland.
Where I was, on a quiet street, night time had descended, and most residents on our street anyway, were safely tucked into bed. My sister on the other paw, visiting in Los Angeles was surrounded with activity and coloured lights, (3 hour time difference)
I love when I am reminded on how wonderful life is in 2017, that with technology the way it is now I can share a moment in space and time with someone (in this case my sister) and be miles away, and in a totally different “place” These are blessings friends, we experience them everyday. We have much to be thankful.
Appreciation of life, learning to share and care as a daily part of our lives, that is important.
People who choose to be toxic, who get their “highs” on the distress or perceived failures of others, who can only malign and remember past incidents that they feed on to give them a reason to live. That is SAD. we can only pray that their toxic behaviours and “sick” fumes don’t darken our paths. When they do, appreciate that you are not in “that place” give thanks for your own life, and pray that their “unwell” state of mind and being will find its way to a better place. Then move on.
PL Precept #11 Always be with God.
The negativity and disease of others, need not infect your world.
GOD is LOVE
no matter what philosophy you live by, LOVE permeates all teachings.
Oyashikiri
photo -Valerie
stained glass
Imagine the sun streaming in on a cool fall day. Isn’t there something wonderful about the way, light is transformed when it penetrates and shines through a stained glass panel.
even the high ceiling is mirroring the colourful hues, giving the room an aura of light. When the organist plays, what divine inspiration must flow from his hands to the organ itself. A true delight for all who are embraced by the sound,
PL Precept # 15 All is a Mirror
PL Principle # 3 I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.
God is everywhere – PL Precept # 11 Always be with God
Oyashikiri
Pictures taken by Valerie (sister) while at her retreat
Chop Suey Monday
On a retreat this past week-end, my sister thought to share some pictures with me. In one of them, I was very taken by these big white berries. They are so plump and lush. She is in California, so her countryside where she was visiting was very different from what I have now here in the Ottawa area,
I thought at first to crop out the shadows, but then I realized that it lent a very human element to the picture. the retreat took place on a large acreage owned by the diocese of the church she belongs to. Her church and another one were holding their annual fall retreat. Before the heat of the day set in, her group, were walking some of the pathways, exploring.
The picture isn’t perfect the wildflowers look a tad blurred, but I think the reason I liked it s much was that it was being shared with me, and it had been part of her journey that day. So often in life, we want everything to be perfect, I am guilty of cropping, removing, using photo shop at times to get what I call an artist visual of whatever it is I want to express. My sister, was taking a picture simply to share her happy moment, the joy we all feel when we are outdoors on a sunny day, being warmed by the sun, perhaps a gentle breeze and fellowship.
Realizing that the sharing of a special moment was more important and let’s face it precious, than a perfect picture. Appreciation of all that comes our way, is a gift. I like many others have to practice every day, giving thanks, and being grateful for all life has to offer. ALL, not just what I pick and choose . When we learn appreciation, only then can we truly be of service to others.
Look at the view ,for as far as they eye can see . No highrise to block our view,, no constant roar of traffic. Just open land. I wasn’t there at the time she was, but I am sure enjoying it now.
It is Canadian Thanksgiving today, but appreciation and knowing how blessed we are, is something to give thanks for every day.
Oyashikiri
There is no such thing as true perfection, but happiness, and Love/GOD are very real…
PL Precept #11 Always be with God
howling time
LOL the howling month approaches. Love end of September, and all of October. Witches, goblins, spiders and bright vivid shades of oranges, blood reds and black. It is time to dig out the dies, stencils and paints. Yahoooo where is the glue.
OK so not everyone is enthusiastic and carries on like I do. But a roll of big bright ribbon with pumpkins and black cats… wow what a blast. here they are ready to be part of my stash
I had so much fun, just finding the right shadows to go with the ribbons.
Having fun is what life is all about. Happiness is… living each moment to the fullest. At one time I would have cropped out or photo shopped out shadows etc. Now I find that they are part of the moment, so I leave them in.
I found a picture of some torn canvas that I had happily ripped into shreds for a project. I think I still have some, so will go in search of what is left. I feel a new project coming on.. inspiration is rounding the corner. Time to rock and roll!!!!
Have a good day my friends.
PL Precept # 2 To live is to express One’s Self.
text, photos and artwork, Q
ribbon- MultiCraft Clearance Centre -Ottawa,On,Canada
PL Precept #1 Life is Art
A beautiful capture by Hillwalker (Darren Su)(Sydney Australia)
Life is about sharing, not able to see the vistas that Darren does in his travels, I enjoy his view of the world he visits and lives in. No two people will view the same sunset or sunrise the same way. It is always fascinating to see the world through the eyes of another.
Be open to new discoveries, as bloggers we are blessed with this opportunity many days in one given day. I have discovered worlds and pieces of it, in so many ways, by sharing with fellow bloggers and readers. You all participate in my world. Thank you!!!
Give thanks and appreciation to all those that come your way today.
PL Precept #18 Each moment is a Turning Point
Oyashikiri
sky high – Monday
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
look at me – flying so high
I am in the sky
riding the free-flowing breeze
oh… to never touch ground
yikes, if I do, will I be found
go away negative thought
God pilots my path
and in God’s grace/love
I have faith and know
wherever I go
it will be where I am bound
for God is always with me
I am never alone
Q
PL Precept # 11 Always be with God
photography, Hillwalker (Darren Su)
pictures taken Australia, Festival Winds Bondi Beach
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