Colouring, an art form that I love to enjoy visually but realized a long time ago, that this skill was not in my bag of tricks. MY friend Awen who is a genius with a colour palette never ceases to amaze me with her delightful little art pieces. She send me this little fox a few years back, every once in awhile I come across it and it always … ALWAYS makes me smile. She was learning to blend water colour pencils using a wet paint brush. Even that .. I remember being so thrilled with her little gift to me, and the way she was able to take a pencil and blend the colours like she did… that I went out and bought several sets of water colour pencils. I tried, I truly did… but finally I had to face the fact, yes I could colour, but in no way did I have the patience or the necessary “talent” to get the results I wanted.
Another example of my thinking that if I had the tools I can reproduce or do anything. Not true. it is like the time I wanted to try oil painting (my Mom painted in oils)… I lacked the patience to work with oils .. over the years my reality is I like immediate satisfaction/results from the tools that I work with. example, I love multi media products, especially acrylics and the pastes,waxes and powders that allow the artist in me to create in 2, and 3D .. I like texture and form. I want hills, valleys, shadows, lumps, bumps, swirls. I create and express my visuals in abstract.
We all have a need to express ourselves, and each and everyone of us will do so in a different way. If you are like me, you never repeat something exactly the same ..each piece has to be unique to “itself”
Make the best use of materials and money. You can do different things as materials and money play their roles. How to make them work is important.
Perfect Liberty 2023.16
No two people are alike, nor do they express themselves in the same way. Our form of expression is unique to us.. what is the same and the common thread, is the need to have the ability and outlet to express ourselves. WE all have our own way of expressing ourselves. Do you know what yours is?
arggghhhh I want to freeze this moment in time. I find it so frustrating when talking to “some” people, especially if they are of a younger generation. Their concept of time and mine are just not the same. I get asked what I consider to be the silliest of questions..
A happy moment, my neighbour’s garden is in flower, I am lucky enough to have a couple of very dedicated gardeners nearby.,, what a delight to drive by in the morning and see the beautiful blooms.
“OK guys, we’ve had our breakfast, let’s wander” they casually head off to groom and enjoy the clear blue skies, Life is always better after a visit with the 3 muskateers.
PL philosophy, Every day is a new beginning. Make today count.
This might be a friendly look, however, I wonder just what this bird is thinking as he is being held by yet another tourist, for a photo for their “holiday moment”. I had a twinge of envy when I saw my sister’s picture she posted with this handsome feathered bird.
Everyone has their own way of seeing and thinking. there are different points of view and ways of thinking which makes it interesting and creates new ideas. try to enjoy others’ expressions.
What happens when you know you are awake, but you think you are sleeping, or vice versa. Is there a name for this condition. I was actually having a discussion with Velcro (male whippet) about his food intake, and whether or not the food was fresh.. I know.. scintillating conversation,but it seemed to me (at the time) that the discussion was heartfelt.
I must have gone to bed and gotten up again a dozen times yesterday. Not because I was tired and couldn’t stay awake, but because, my body wanted to lie down. With the poor air quality of the past week, I was still out and about. one day we walked the boardwalk to identify the planks that needed replacing. The NCC take safety seriously, the next day we went back and replaced a couple of the damaged boards and secured others that were not secured and wobbly. Yesterday I went back on my own and picked up the boards we were not able to carry the day before and carried them back to the parking lot to be dealt with Monday when the mtc. staff are back.
There were no problems, in fact I felt good at having accomplished the tidy up on my own. Obviously my brain and my body were not on the same page. (it does happen) The city rated # 1 for worst air quality (in the world) on one of the days that I was out …. I don’t know where I got the idea that I was invincible, but yesterday I got a healthy dose of “wake up” … I wanted to know from nothing, I ate, slept, ate some more and lay down again. I did try to watch the silly box, but it was a failed attempt at being interested.
Here is one of my gems of wisdom… that came into my brain while the fog was clearing. my aching arthritis in my thumb joints… as I lay there thinking about what a pain it was having to deal with the “aging body” and my throbbing thumb joint. Like an insert on a telly show. my mother scolding me, telling me to stop bending my thumb back.. I thought it was so cute I could bend my thumb to touch my wrist (flexible joint) ..my Mother told me over and over again, that I would be sorry. Guess what… she was right. fortunately she is not around to gloat .. which she would never do anyway… she had too much class for that.
Today is the 11th, Ancestor’s Day. In PL we have a ceremony every 11th of the month, where we express our gratitude for the love and virtues of our ancestors …. service today sill be at 10. a.m. See you there!
Make today a “give back day” We can live our daily lives owing to our ancestors, our elders and the work of our predecessors. Above all, kindness for others is the best way to give back.
Perfect Liberty 2023.11
In PL, everyday is a new day. a new canvas… (thank goodness) PL Precept # 1 Life is Art. I’m ready for a new day and a new experience, how about you…
With wild fires happening in so many areas that the smoke travelled for miles blanketing areas for miles and miles in whatever way the wind was blowing, spreading particles of ash and heavy smoke filled air… it was recommended by officials that if at all possible to be safe staying out of the unfriendly environment … it was not a pleasant situation. Today the forecast is telling us it will only reach a high of ..maybe 60, compared to over 80 of the other day, that is a drop.
The nasty air of the last days, has not been good for the wildlife either… Poor avian population with their little lungs. Hark I am hearing the song of the cardinal this morning, for days now, the birds have been quiet. The other day needing to feel refreshed and wanting to hear the roar of water… I went to Hogs Back, you can see how two birds were getting some “chill” time in… I didn’t spend a lot of time there, I just needed a recharge. there is something about the roar of rushing water, and watching it cascade down over the rocks that I find refreshing, The sight of the two birds just relaxing and grooming, enjoying the moment was inspiring.
Small changes can bring about a fresh outlook. are you just living each day getting into a rut? By making small changes in the things you do, your day to day life can become fresh and exciting.
Somewhere in Portugal, I saw this little house and was enchanted. I was inspired to write a little “verse” .. the Universe didn’t agree with my sentiment, the whole blog didn’t save, it simply disappeared. After many failed attempts to retrieve it… I gave up… however, I am still going to show you this little building, isn’t it a charmer?
No I won’t try to redo the verse… suffice to say, tomorrow will be another day. Meanwhile, enjoy all the wonderful doors that will be available from Dan’s site.
Today’s calendar
Always have presence of mind. If you overexert yourself, you will get easily swayed by emotion. Always put the best Makoto with presence of mind.
Sitting out in the sunshine yesterday, I marveled at how in just a few days the trees had doubled their foliage, even the magnolia seemed happy in her spring frock of pink/purple blooms. The long week-end just past, traditionally is when the gardeners plant get their summer gardens going, but this year, due to the frost warnings still in effect (overnight).. I heard many are waiting for another week or two for the warmer weather to really take hold.
For me, sitting out on my deck… it was wonderful, cool enough there were NO biting insects.. my guests and I could simply sit and enjoy the sun’s warm rays and the clear sky. I did see the pollen flying about, I’m sure allergy suffers are having to cope. Sending out healing vibes and a happy wave to all.
Today’s calendar
Being asked for a favour is a chance. When someone asks for a favour from you, this is a chance for you to help others. Face the chance proactively,
Perfect Liberty 2023. 23
” Making memories with you, is my favourite thing to do” I found this small card on my studio work table a left over from a card making project I had. I love the thought, and was going to send it to a special friend… then.. the thought came to me that the saying made me smile and think of YOU… so I am posting it here so anyone finding it, and enjoying the sentiment… can share it too.
I feel so blessed, sharing with you over the years… you are locate in far off places some just minutes away, others oceans away, yet… you are all part of the community that I am blessed to have in my life. thank YOU!!
Yesterday I stepped into the past. I was standing with the wild turkeys in the woodlands listening to the baby birds chirping and singing their little hearts out … the squirrels and chipmunks were chasing each other and racing up and down the trees where I had spread the nutty butter (made for wildlife).. we were happy in the moment of sharing under the wide open sky. When a thought clear as a bell, nudged me to pay attention….
I got back into my car, drove home, emptied my trunk of bird seed, peanuts, etc. took out unnecessary clutter, got my passport and headed back out the door to the highway. No advanced planning, no wondering why … I just followed my nose. (expression)
PL Precept # 19 Begin once you perceive
PL Precept #18 Each moment is a turning point.
As the miles slipped past me, the landscaped changed from sprawling city to the outskirts, and then towards the American border, I felt oddly at peace. A quiet settled over me, and I realized that I had turned off the radio, there was just me, myself and I alone with my thoughts. In an hour I was at the border crossing being welcomed and waved through by cheerful customs personnel.
When asked where are you coming from, why are you coming over .. where are you going… I had no definite reason or plan… I simply wanted to be there. The agent smiled at me and encouraged me to have a good time… Smiles go a long way, feel good too!
Move forward with confidence Experiences you have acquired through efforts so far are wonderful. Give it all you’ve got.
Perfect Liberty 2023.20
Not two hours past, I had been standing in a conservation area, with wildlife all around me, now I found myself standing in an American Walmart under construction. Was it busy, YES. Ahhh life in 2023. I had remembered to turn off my phone before crossing into the States (avoiding roaming charges).. how grand is it that I could start my day in Canada and be in the States for lunch. I did a no brainer.. drove through MacDonald’s for a big Mac and fries (hey! on a mini holiday here)… paid and happily drove right off without my food! Was on my way to search out the airport when I realized what I had done. Had to turn myself around and go back forit.
Again I was greeted with smiling and cheerful staff who were waiting for me… I decided to eat in and discovered a new experience. On the tables are big screens to play games on while you eat. I took my time enjoying my food playing mahjong and then a word game. What fun!
The news these days has been filled with negativity, when you stop to think about it, it is always about the anger, frustration and crises situations …senseless killings, neighbours fighting neighbours, natural disasters (they do happen)… yet here I was… people all around me, smiling, chatting, going about their business, courteous, oh and the temperature was warm and balmy, Everything felt so positive. I got the directions to the “international” airport that was advertised on PBS (television) and once again got in the car and headed off to “discover”
I found one of two old, very old cemeteries. I stopped to get pictures for a Thursday door feature and was drawn to the tall tombstone you see. Period 1816 -1863, it was not the oldest, but interspersed here and there were newer headstones. It was so tranquil ,.. there were old trees, the grounds well kept… I could feel the years, sense the history. Not far off when I took to the highway in search of the airport again, I saw the horse and buggy signs… and a big sign telling me if turned right I would find a national State Park.
I was searching for the airport, so after taking the turn, I turned myself around, that will be for another day. I was headed out of the city when I realized that I had to have passed the airport, I pulled over and turned around.. all I could see was farmland, big empty fields and older well loved homes. Then I saw a faded sign on a chain link fence.. saying to watch out for low flying planes. Ah Ha… I was close.. but I had passed here just minutes before the cemetery I had been in was just on the left. slowing down I saw a paved road that led to a big parking lot.. (almost empty).. with a commercial building looking very empty. Taking the turn unto the road, I saw the way was barred… just up ahead… so I slowed to turn around. It might be small, but it has a lot of good reviews. =^_^=
Ogdensburg International Airportthe sign is big enough, how did I miss it?
Finding the airport, having spent my time wandering the Walmart, enjoying a quick lunch in a clean bright Macdonald’s.. Hey! a wonderful interlude. AND not once did I feel alone, YOU were with me all the way. we can cross borders, travel great distances, but always…. WE, me, myself and I are constant in my head/heart.
It was an adventure, and what made it all that much more special, the people.. the army photographer I met in the morning, the customs personnel, the staff in Walmart, the cheerful clerks at MacDonalds, the man who held the door open for me at the store,, the gas attendant when I stopped for gas.. It was a positively glowing day…. all because life IS good and there are opportunities always presenting themselves. we need only be open and willing to participate.
What will you do today?
MC I bought pickled eggs!!!!
Cheers everyone! Tomorrow Sunday service will be an early ceremony Day of Appreciation.. followed by another service in the evening at 7 pm.
The magnolia is trying, it really is… the up and down temperatures, the aging of the tree, and the lack of proper nutrition in the soil… It is doing the best it can. the blooms come and seldom last more than a day or two…
The ducks are happily regrouping on the water, and along the shores.. they are loving the sunshine and the feeling of the fresh spring breezes ruffling t heir feathers. There is promise in the air.
The path to achievement is “TO START WITH WHAT YOU AN DO” Try to find out what you can do towards challenges in your own situation. This will pave the way for achievement.
Perfect Liberty 2023.17
Mid week everyone… have a productive and happy day!
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.