You’re happy, I’m Happy… Have the mindset of “good for you, good for me”. Express yourself in a way that makes others happy.
Perfect Liberty 2021.7
Can you imagine the man hours and the number of components that went into creating this marvel?
Kindness – Yesterday I was blown away by the kindness of friends who wanted to “touch base”, and came by. With the Chinese New year soon to be at our doorstep, I was surprised by a visit from one of my cherished friends that I have not seen much of because of the pandemic .. yes we can chat on the phone, but to get to actually see her and experience her smile and vibrant personality at close range was a true JOY for me. I feel a silent tear slipping down my cheek, but I assure you it is one of happiness.
As you know, I left home with out my cell yesterday, it happens, I am focused on getting the food ready for the crows, feeding the dogs etc. before I leave.. and the cell is not on my mind. This of course means, not only was it not there for me to use when I wanted it, but friends calling me, could not reach me. Knowing I had not had my phone with me, didn’t mean much to me except the inconvenience of not being able to use the camera when I wanted to.
What I didn’t think of, was that family, friends trying to reach me were unable to …. that is not a problem in itself, but eventually one sees the messages and calls back. However, I am of a generation where a phone was not in my life at all, and then when it was, it was attached to the building, and the one setting on it .. was a loud ring if someone called your number. So of course I came home and went about doing my “business” unaware that I had had calls and that there were messages I should be addressing.
I was therefore surprised and delighted early evening to find my niece and nephew at the door with my wild and wonderful dog niece Lily… again there had been a message and I had not responded. Their thoughtfulness, kindness was doubled when Lily came barging in (she is almost 5 months now and probably 50 pounds of furry energy) and took no listen to her “parents” as she charged in wanting to ensure that all was well. Both my dogs, one more senior than the other I think were taken back by such highly charged activity. It was a fun delightful 15- 20 minutes of chasing, hugging and kissing (the puppy and I )
Kindness should never be under estimated or taken for granted. My visitors and callers yesterday, made my day a truly sensational event. I am filled with gratitude that I have family and friends who are such genuine delights. I truly am blessed.
My friend Shirley (whose pictures I often share with you)… lives in NZ, altho’ we have never met in person, we have been in each others lives since very early days. Probably over 50 years. We began as penpals. Yes before internet, when people communicated by writing letters and using stamps. You would wait impatiently for mail to arrive from distant places, to hear news from friends who you corresponded with .. then when the letter arrived you read about what your friend had been doing and saw pictures (yes, black and white or colour) taken with cameras where you had to wait to finish a roll, get the film developed.. and then wait for that service to be provided to get your pictures..) Our friendship has endured. She takes wonderful pictures of her hometown, and her interests, I am blessed with her kindness, she gives me permission to share her world with you (my friends).
Experience the JOY of being KIND to others. The Joy of expressing kindness to others is much greater than when someone does something kind for you. Always strive to be a person who can be kind to others.
Perfect Liberty 2012.5
Oyashikiri
My reward today was getting to see this beauty at one of the feeders. (Mer Bleue) I have heard one and seen one in the distance at Dewberry Trail, and of course I see the results of their woodworking skills tap tap on the trees they love to peck away at. But today, one flew up to the feeder I had just filled and settled in to feast. I was struck with awe. I stood in the swirling snow and just watched, transfixed at his/her beauty and size. When I got my initial awe struck mind to register that it was happy snacking and not going anywhere, I quickly sought out my cell, both cameras were not with me. Guess who didn’t have her phone with her, it was still plugged in beside the bed. (the above picture is from good old Wikipedia)
To say that seeing one so close to me, and so amazingly unfazed by my being there, was truly an experience I will treasure, is fact. I noticed when reading the info on the Wikipedia site, that the picture I am using indicates its a female, however the male doesn’t look that different.
Interestingly there are usually other woodpeckers around when I am there, the mid size one and a smaller one. Neither was around when my “star” arrived. The other birds paid her no mind, but then they were interested in the peanuts and sunflower seeds I had put out in the other feeders. My beauty, was after the suet. Interestingly I have noted freshly chipped out rectangular holes in the big tree that is in the clearing, but I had yet to see the “artist”. It seems they are looking for insects, especially ant colonies, they even eat poison ivy berries. I am smitten, but fear not, I am not about to embark on a search and find mission for insects to put out for her. I will however, make sure the flavour of the suet she likes is made available for her.
Thank goodness she is far away from my murder of crows… This must be what a cheating heart feels like.
Don’t think “I Can’t” from the start. Begin by taking the first step, then you’ll be able to see what comes next and a path will open.
Perfect Liberty 2021.6
Everything that happens to you is material for growth. Approach everything with a firm belief that “it will turn out for the best”. Anything can be used as material for progress and development.
Perfect Liberty 2015.4
Oyashikiri
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
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!
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.
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
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.
Always be with God
Perfect Liberty Precept #11
God appears through One’s Self.
Perfect Liberty Precept #3
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
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
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
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