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Friday

Nature in abstract

I have been going often enough now.. they don’t fly away when I am working around the feeders, they don’t get chummy, but they do stay where I can get a good look at them. I’m close enough that I can see that each one of them has its own unique colour pattern, subtle, never-the-less some have more brilliant yellow, some more mustard colour, there is even softer shades of the golden hues. The contrasting black can be like an ebony while a few have more of a charcoal black, then of course there is the blinding white that stands out so dramatically.

This was my morning visit. After I pruned back broken twigs and branches that were in the way, and filled the feeders that needed tending to. I just stood there, letting them come and go, fly by, settle and eat. It was fascinating to see them at such a close range. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I’ve been able to gain their trust enough that they allow me to be so close.

The forest floor is covered in an array of shapes of all sizes, the snow that blankets the fallen timber and dead branches makes for natural abstract visuals. I come away feeling very pampered that I have been able to enjoy not only the fresh air, and clear blue skies, but the company of active birds, squirrels and ….. the odd human that wanders past .. heading out on one of the trails.

I must ask next time I see one of the photographers, where all the cawing and squawking is coming from that I hear off in the distance. Or… maybe.. just maybe, one day I’ll take the walking poles and head out for a stroll. So much to look forward to.

Listen carefully and speak clearly. A good relationship starts from truly understanding each other.

Perfect Liberty 2021.5

Oyashikiri

Thursday Doors

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 …

You can visit Dan’s site (he has taken over for Norm) to see more doors by visiting this location. https://nofacilities.com/2021/02/04/author-author-thursday-doors/

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”

Perfect Liberty 2016.4

Enjoy the day!

snow removal

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 !
love and appreciate YOU !

Tradition

this stamp is available from Canada Post

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.

for each and everyone of you.

Always be with God

Perfect Liberty Precept #11

God appears through One’s Self.

Perfect Liberty Precept #3

Photo art

another time – another place
a reckless heart
the 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.

Oyashikiri

February 1 fevereiro

Shirley Keen, NZ

Each Persons Peace leads to World Peace. First of all, you have to be happy. That happiness will spread and be the foundation of World Peace

Perfect Liberty 2021.1

Paz Para cada pessoa, Paz no mundo.

Perfect Liberty 2021.1

Oyashikiri

In a land far away

It is nice to be able to travel and explore the creativity of others, This is Japanese themed Estate. Gardens and Bath house.

It is beautifully done and welcomes tourists to come explore and enjoy … photographers are welcome. If you are an SL traveller, this is the link http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BASED/95/16/24

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.

Enjoy today, it will not come around again.

Oyashikiri

clear your mind

There are days when you want to simply clear your mind of all the mental debris that lingers in the crevices and nooks and crannies that fill up the space between your ears, and behind your eyes.

At home we can dig out the vacuum cleaner and do our best to manually suck up the dust and dander that has collected over time. If you are lucky enough to have hardwood or uncarpeted floors, you might even get to sweep up the different dust bunnies that have gathered here and there within easy reach. The mind however, can be a little trickier to unclutter.

Today I spent time enjoying the quiet of the church. With the pandemic having our city on lock down, the church is experiencing a lull in human activity. There is something to be said about being quiet, allowing the stillness to weave its magic .. and then accepting and allowing the mind to empty itself without haste, or worry.. When we meditate/pray, the heart rate mellows out, and tensions ease away. It is an amazing experience, and yet.. it is something that we often postpone, or put aside “till we have time”. Now more than ever, we need to make the time for reflection and “letting go”.

Do things joyfully instead of taking it easy. Enthusiastically engage with what’s in front of you. You’ll enjoy it more.

Perfect Liberty 2021.30

I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

Perfect Liberty Principle #3

Oyashikiri

photo- by Nick

Attitude

Keven took this, it is soooo full of expression I had to use it this morning. (male Grosbeak)

Instead of worrying do something about it. It doesn’t help to over think situations such as, What if this happens? or, “Things might end up that way” Instead be proactive and change how you see and do things in each situation.

Perfect Liberty 2019.3

Spending time with the birds means I get to see that they are not just a pretty face, they do have their own personalities within their “circle”. I don’t know how long you had to stand there to get this shot Kevin but thank you for sending it to me, its wonderful. This little guy is having his say….good on him. The other day when they were gathering to dine, they were very vocal that day… other days.. I don’t hear a “peep”.. not like the Blue Jays, who love to call out and shout to one and all.

Actually.. my new friends the crows are very good at vocalizing as well. Smiles to self, another “language” to learn..

On that note, I have noticed that we have many different readers now from all over the globe. Welcome! I am enjoying the introduction to the many new languages (to me) that are now part of my world, thank you for introducing me to your “culture” words and colourful stories /pictures.

female Grosbeak

Cheers everyone, have a great Tuesday… wherever you are.

Oyashikiri

Kevin Baldelli wildlife photographer

I’ll do it later..

Japan in bloom

I’ll do it later. No, I will do it now” To make progress do anything while its still fresh.

Perfect Liberty 2021.25

Thought we could do with some floral beauty. Have a wonderful day! Make it shine.. smile!

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