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Stash

fabric stash 4Happiness is finding that the coloured hook and loop tape is on sale, buy 1 and get 2 free.  I had not seen coloured hook and loop before, so I was for sure, having a few. Especially they were in the fall colours I was on the hunt for.

Took me awhile but I finally found the fat quarters, and when I did, I forgave the shop for hiding way in the back.  They were all half price. I managed to find enough quarters in the colours I was wanting.

fabric stash 3I’m even going to follow the “rules” and launder the pieces first before I start to cut them up and heat bond them.  I am showing you the raw pieces, before I play with them.  Hopefully I will eventually show you the end product.  I have no idea what I will do with the tape, but the possibilities are endless.

I’ve also begun to work on the art/junk journals again .. fall is in the air, I always get a nudge from Mother Nature at this time of year, the vibrant colours she splashes all around us is enticing.  Even the rows of golden rod and mellow yellows that dot the fields along the highways call out to me.

The unbelievable thrill of seeing the  1000 shades of orange/reds that wave from the hardwood trees that line the road, exhilarates.

My stash is slowly taking on the colour theme that I will work with. Yes I am excited at the pending creativity that is awake and churning to get going… anyone else out there feeling that zing that is floating around in the ethers of the bright fall days.  Not to mention the crisp night breezes that lull us to sleep.

It has been a super great Thursday  …  hello Friday, I’m ready for you.

May the happiness of the season, float effortlessly your way. Appreciate and enjoy this season of harvest.

Oyashikiri

PL Principle # 3   I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

bee,blessed

Manaus, Brazil

manause Brazil - Amazon Theatre

What brings me to Manaus, Brazil?  A book I picked up because I saw on the back cover that it was about a young girl who travelled to Brazil.  It is one of those “ah” moments when you are wandering down an aisle in a shop and your eye falls on a object, or in this case, a book, and you know you want to see it more closely.

The book is Journey to the River Sea, by Eva Ibbotson.  It was runner up for the Whitbread Children’s Book of the year and the Guardian Fiction Award.  I glanced at it this afternoon, sat down and read it through till the end.   I had not expected to spend the afternoon reading, but that is exactly what I did.

I was transported to a land I know only from various media presentations, the story line, the characters, it was a perfect blend of words presented in such a way that my imagination created the visuals.

manaus brazil amazon rainforest

I was travelling along down the Amazon (the River Sea), seeing where the brown waters of the Amazon joined the black waters of the river Negro.. where soon after the main character saw the green and gold dome of the theatre and church spires.  It was wonderful to be able to totally immerse myself for a short time in the adventure of a young girl, and her friends.

amazon rainforest waterfall

There were no pictures in the book, I found the pictures you see here, on the net. To be a young girl, who due to circumstances is off to live in Brazil, with distant family she has never met… (from England)…. you know… there are many possibilities, the author is skilled at her craft.  I will have to seek out more of  her stories.

PL Precept #17  Grasp what is most essential

The story held me captive for hours. At first I wanted to know what was it, what held my attention, then a thought popped up.. Could it be, my mind needed a rest from the chattering of nonsense and noise that has been whirling around me of late… my husband had his last chemo session today, and soon it will be his last radiation treatment.  Then we rest, and prepare for the surgeries.

PL Precept # 12   Everything  has a way according to its name

PL Precept #7  Everything exists in relativity.

Isn’t life beautiful… PL Precept # 11   Always be with GOD

Oyashikiri

stained glass

retreat 10.7.17a

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.

retreat-10-7-17f.jpg

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

Zen Friday

be thankful

This little flag was brought back a year ago, it was to fly happily at the church reminding one and all, that we should be thankful at all times.  Somehow, it just never got put up, and it was  only discovered recently again, when I picked up several boxes of goodies I had to be recycled to the House of Lazarus, Community Outreach Mission, in Mountain, Ontario. *

Seeing it again, was uplifting and reminded me that I do have so much to be thankful for.  I kept it, and it hangs where I can see it everyday.  Actually it sits where both my husband and I can see it and rejoice at the blessing we have been given.  An illness is an opportunity to revisit  the purpose of life, and why we are here.

A reminder not to squander your days and nights doing things you don’t enjoy, or with people who are possibly toxic in your world.  Rather than peace, love and caring, they can only offer, negatives.  They project hate, greed and selfishness.

This is the Canadian Thanksgiving week-end.  Families will gather, with friends and family to share the bounty in their lives.

Be sincere, be honest love with an open heart.

PL Precept # 11 ASLWAYS BE WITH GOD

NO, no turkey or ham this year..

veggie pattie     image1 sending kisses

NB*  all the jewelry, name brand purses, bags etc. plus the fleece for spinning, felting and craft work,  is all up at the House of Lazarus now.  Please check their Facebook Page for their hours.  Or check their website  http://www.houseoflazarus.com  

Blessings Be.

Oyashikiri

howling time

fright nite b

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

ribbon xy

I had so much fun, just finding the right shadows to go with the ribbons.

ribbon x

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.

canvas torn

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.

gelli art 2.20.17

text, photos and artwork, Q

ribbon- MultiCraft Clearance Centre -Ottawa,On,Canada

roof tops

hwy 43 9.16.17f near Mountain

I sit high when driving, we have a truck.  I as struck by the vegetation and rooftops as I travelled how 43, going east.

hwy 43 9.16.17c

It was a beautiful day as you can see.  The miles slipped silently by as I rode along taking in the views.  It was a “me” day.  A day to allow my thoughts to come and go, my only objective to watch the road, and take in the beauty around me.

hwy 43 9.16.17a

Farmland as far as the eye could see.  Small villages, and towns, expanse of fields waiting for harvest.  Rural Ontario. (250km)  Lots of time to entertain my thoughts.

PL Precept # 15  All is a Mirror    –  I sought tranquility and peaceful surrounding.  The Universe granted my wish.  I enjoyed conversation and friendship along the way, then back in the truck  as I continued on my way………….. the steady hum of the tires and visual delights as Nature provided the beginning colours of her  fall palette.

Just before the final stretch, I stopped for fresh produce and discovered a new fruit.  Ground cherries.  physalis longifolia

Enjoy each new day, give thanks for the opportunities that come your way.  Life is good.

ground cherries

A day spent with and in Nature, alone, in meditation and quiet

is a special day indeed!

Oyashikiri

chop suey Monday 9.4.17

field fresh tomatoes 9.4.17

Field fresh tomato, sliced with a toasted bagel, and 4% cottage cheese.  I just discovered the 4%, in the past I’ve opted for 1%, BUT with hubby needing as much protein and nutrition as I can get into him.  I got the 4%………now I’m  in love.. doubt I will go back to 2 or 1%    Just looking at the picture I want to have my breakfast all over again. (Natrel by Sealtest)

electronic arts 11. 2015 Darren @ halloween

This is a picture taken by my nephew, Darren Su, he is a wonderful photographer, who can always capture a figure or sunset in a way that shows it at its best.  Seeing this picture again, was a reminder to me that in life, we need always be prepared.  Not necessarily to do battle, but to seize new opportunities in a way that will be creative and bring our desired results .. this means… it is important to arm ourselves with stress busters and a healthy lifestyle.

9.4.17

Spend time with a canine friend.  If you have a whippet like we do, they are true couch potatoes in the house…  emulate their techniques of relaxation =^_^=

Remember – PL Precept #18  Each Moment is a Turning Point….

Happy start of a new week… from our home to yours… Blessings & Sunshine hugs.

eastwood, john 9.1.17Here Velcro is smooching up to his uncle John.  Velcro didn’t wait for a second invitation to get on the couch..   Gosh anyone would think he gets to do that at home too…    everyone out there, who knows how Velcro rules the roost, stop snickering.

Oyashikiri

Church Garage Sale, September 16.  from 8 a.m to 2

Ancesters’ Day  on the 11th. service at 10 a.m.

Happy Monday

IMG_1679

How nice, another birthday card.  Rosie sipped on her tea, and listened as the movers grunted and called out to each other about the best way to get whatever it was they were moving into the house.  Her birthdays usually came and went without much fanfare, but this time, she had to admit, all the activity of getting the “girls” settled in was a lot of fun.

Each was so different, and the luggage and pieces of furniture that were arriving each day, was so fascinating.  So far, the silver dragon sculpture had been the best, although the very old roll top desk was also interesting. packages of odd sizes and shapes arrived day and night.  She was so glad she had accepted the offer to be here.

Even her old chest of drawers fit in, her room was big enough for her to enjoy the privacy of her room when she needed it.  Yet close enough to the kitchen and public area, for her to keep an eye on the coming and goings of the participants in the project that had brought them all together.

Birthdays were such happy times.  She wondered how old she was… but then, catching sight of herself in the mirror, she smiled.  Who cares she thought.. It is how I feel, and darn it all, I feel pretty good.

roses for Rosie

*knock *knock…” Roses for Ms Rosie”…. said a voice…

The day just couldn’t get any better thought Rosie.  Every day was so full of surprises.!

We hope you had a grand day dear friends… join us again for tidbits on Rosie and her friends.

PL Precept # 2  To live is to express One’s Self

PL Precept #15  All is a mirror

 

meet Ringo

Ringo dot 2 5.6.17

Sometimes we have to do what we want .. no matter what.  Ringo decided he was going to come to visit.   I saw him before he arrived, only I had my own ideas, but his desire to be present over ruled my half-baked idea.

That is what happens in life, we may want something, we have it in our mind, just what we want or what we need to do to achieve or get to our goal,  However along the way, it just didn’t or doesn’t work out that way.  You followed the steps, you went forward the way you thought you should, and when you got to the end.. It just wasn’t the same.  Not that it was a negative or simply not to your liking, it just wasn’t what you had, had in mind.

As an artist/writer, or other creative soul, it is an experience that happens to us often enough.  We are good at adapting, truth be told, we kind of like the hiccups along the way,  It allows for opportunities to experiment and usually go beyond what we have grown comfortable with.

PL Precept #1  Life is Art

PL Precept #2  To live is to express One’s Self

original mixed media -Q- Dymoon

a funny thing

Mother Nature 4.27.17

Something funny has started to happen, at the end of each day, I pull down a canvas or another form of painting platform, and I recap my day.  Nothing in mind, just a glance over my inventory of  tools, and my hands and “unconscious” thought take over.

I’ve always said, “I can’t do a journal” when asked if I have a journal, oh, I have lots of potential journals.  I love collecting them, but somehow, I don’t seem to be interested in writing in them. OR drawing in them.  I did start doing “art” journals, remember that, I got books and was keen on recycling the pages into artistic “expression”  I still like the idea, but that “action” evolved, I began to recycle canvas I’d find in Thrift shops, but as my husband has patiently explained, we only have so much wall space

In fairness to myself, I don’t really want to put up all the canvas that I paint.  But it does have to dry, AND some I do like to revisit.  BUT  once I do them, express that one “emotion/thought” I let it go. Working on Acrylic board, canvas sheets, or water-colour pages works far better, I can then once they are dry, store them till I decide to cut one up to use part or parts of it for a background for something else.

And why pray tell am I sharing this with you.  In PL, our first precept is #1 Life is Art. 

Think about it, many of you I know read my blogs, and you relate, maybe not to all of what I go on about, but some of it definitely resonates with you. With me, my daily lessons come from my “art” my writing, painting, how I deal with a “challenge/opportunity”  sometimes, I am a wiz, it works out just fine, other times, like putting paint to paper it really pops, just not the “harmony” you’d hoped or thought would reflect back at you…. PL Precept # 15   All is a Mirror

In PL we don’t do “sermons” we talk about the precepts, and how they are useful to us in our daily lives.  Much like you read here in my blogs.  I mention this because, over the years, I have been blessed with new friends through this blog who are not PL members but who share with me, their thoughts and comments, I LOVE IT.

Sometimes we begin a project thinking we know just how and what we will do.  Over time I have grown, listened, and learned from you, my delight in the world has expanded through the growth of my online, virtual friends.

How does my “garden” grow….. YOU make it blossom, YOU bring your thoughts and energy into my world, and I THANK YOU.

Oyashikiri

In PL Oyashikiri  is a blessing.

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