A fine WordPress.com site

Archive for the ‘giving thanks’ Category

Looks can be deceiving

A beautiful sunny day, the entrance to the site is still closed to visitors. The trees lie where they have fallen, the exposed roots lay bare for all to see. There is no access to the paths or the outdoor facility. Destruction is everywhere. The birds and wildlife are back to singing and going about their business, but to the human visitor, the paths are littered with fallen trees and branches. Very dangerous.

As I wandered on the outskirts of the debris.. I heard a chain saw. Curious I made my way back to the entrance, where a young woman had backed up her truck and was cutting away the limbs that were within her reach. She explained she was gathering up wood for the winter… some of it was obviously too green, but she said, it will be dry for next winter.

I am not an official of the conservation area, I could only caution her as to the risk she would be taking if she ventured into the woods.. I could understand her wanting to gather up the dead wood, her logic was that as people cleared up and put the fallen branches and tree parts to the curb.. there was so much of it, often it could not all be gathered up in one go. So she was in her own way, helping declutter. (her logic)

Since I myself collect fallen bits and pieces for my wood carving and whittling.. I could do nothing but smile and encourage her to be cautious. Life… is what it is…

Start by thinking “let’s do it” Once you decide to do something and put your whole heart into it, things will start moving forward.

Perfect Liberty 2022.8

Yes there is potential danger we had such a severe storm, and damage in areas is brutal. However, life is what it is and nature will continue to grow and recycle. I am drawn like a moth to a flame. I find comfort in being near and part of what IS. What will be, will be.. No more, no less.

Oyashikiri

7.7.22 Tanabata

Think “now is the time” Instead of “it’s no use now” Don’t give up by thinking it’s too late. Tell yourself that there is more that can be done.

Perfect Liberty 2022.7

Thursday Doors taken by good friend Nick Vrtis who was travelling in Germany recently, Grey door is the Cathedral in St. Ola, and the brow doorway is Kirkwall. Thank you Nick…! For more doors, please visit the Thursday Doors posts on Dan’s site. No Facilities https://nofacilities.com/2022/07/07/june-leftovers/

Tanabata is based on the legendary meeting of two stars, Hikoboshi and Orihime, which are represented by Altair and Vega, respectively. After his marriage to Orihime, Hikoboshi idled away and didn’t work. An angry god split Hikoboshi and Orihime apart from the two banks of the Milky Way. However the god permitted Hikoboshi and Orihime to reunite once a year on July 7. So Tanabata is held on that day every year, and it is said to be the day lovers can reunite. (translated from Japanese to English in Japan)

The romantic in me loves that there is a day set aside for “lost love/s/ers” There is always a place in my heart for someone who has brought me pleasure, shown me kindness, taken time to get to know me, spend time with me. In today’s “throw away” society/culture, we often forget that each moment we live/experience life… that moment is etched in our “being”. To know sadness, we have had to have experienced happiness. Love is in every breath we take, it is like the air we breathe. Unseen but ever present.

Always and Forever

Praying, do you?

ever had one of those days when everything seems to be going wrong, or not happening, like nothing is going right

“life is not always a bed of roses” note.. roses have thorns.”

Praying before taking action changes the outcome… Have clear wishes and do your best. then something new will open up for you.

Perfect Liberty 2022.27
Life is full of surprises – Enjoy!

relearning…

Good morning.. I went back through my files.. to find this picture that Num took some time ago, this rabbit, (ok one like it) gave me a very pleasant visit yesterday. I had come back from my “mindful” walk earlier that I expected to. The mosquitos/biting insects* were just to hungry. Cloudy overcast, off and on drizzle kept the film crew away, so I was totally alone in that stretch of woodlands. I was feeling a tad grumpy I had been viciously attacked during my walk, through my clothes and despite the “keep away” bug sprays and lotions.

Once I took off my rain gear, put away my carving knife and the piece of wood I was working on, I felt watched. Closing the trunk I turned to walk around the car to get in .. and found that I was being watched. At a safe distance sat this young rabbit just watching me. I had seen him/her earlier as I came closer to the parking area.. running in and out of the tall vegetation that lined the path I was on. I was surprised that it didn’t turn tail and run.. it just sat there as if it was wondering what this odd two legged creature was doing..

The birds that had been feeding and going about their morning routine had also taken an interest.. was it because I was alone, there were no other beings around, certainly the film crew was not around, nor were any of the regular “bird watchers” or dog owners .. it was just too damp and muggy. I got in the car, started the car, and watched as the rabbit hopped away when the engine started. For some reason, I turned off the motor and just sat there… he/she reappeared peaking out from the brush. With the motor off, I simply sat there, turned the radio off and just watched to see what would happen.

LOL I got a taste of what the animals must feel like when humans come around pointing cameras /binoculars etc. at them. The rabbit boldly came up closer to look up and into the car at me.. then ran around so it could see from all sides of the car.. I won’t swear to it, but I think it was being playful, it began to run across the road down into the little gully and around the outer rim of the parking lot, showing its stump and long legs as it ran, pranced and explored the grounds all around the car. Always checking and looking back to see if I was watching. (fyi this is a dead end road that is only used by people who know this area exists)

I am not a person who just sits in my car. but here I was.. just sitting and watching the antics of my little friend who was obviously keeping me company. This took place for a good 15 minutes, till my phone came alive.. and broke the “spell”. I was given a reminder.. that one need not always be “doing something” or “on the move”.. maybe an old dog can be taught “new tricks” or reminded of past lessons that have been put aside or not practiced.

During my walk, even tho’ I was being bitten and bothered by flying dive bombers*… I did notice that my mindful walking has been improving.. I walk slower, quieter and even though I’m whittling, I’m finding a way to be present in a way that blends in with my surroundings. The birds along the way, were not flying away when I approached, they were accepting of my presence. I’m a long way from having the “stillness” and mindfulness that I am wanting.. but progress is being made.

Be cheerful and friendly with those around you. Other people* can sense how you are feeling. So be cheerful

Perfect Liberty 2022. 24
You never know who is watching or paying attention to YOU
  • just because we don’t see .. doesn’t mean there are no “eyes” on you.
  • * I had huge big bites/welts on upper arms and neck that itched like crazy (through my layers of clothing!!!

Wednesday 6-22

When a professional guide takes you fishing to “just that spot” there are no guarantees, but if/ when you catch and bring in a fighter… that is an experience you will remember.

We each have our own way of experiencing “NOW”, I like the mindful walking in nature, someone else will enjoy the solitude of a lazy day on the water. Someone else will get lost in their garden, whatever it is you like to do that makes you feel an “inner joy/pleasure”.. make the time.. take the time .. put aside a block of space.. just for YOU. So often we are so busy doing, we forget to “stop and smell the roses”

Today’s calendar reminds us to

Be in Tune with the feelings of others. Let’s start by trying to understand other peoples’ feelings.

Perfect Liberty 2022.22

I want to add… it is important to be mindful of our own thoughts and feelings.. It is easy to gloss over our personal reactions… in lieu of… when we do that… it will come back to haunt us.. maybe not immediately but it will.

Oyashikiri

determination

In life nothing is ever “simple”… the lake may look calm, but under the surface there is a multitude of activity in all shapes and sizes. Decide what it is important, and let it happen. Find a way. Stay positive.

Does the past ever walk up to you and say…”hi” “remember me” – when you clean up/ clear out, boxes are found, files, old correspondence, pictures. There are a couple of you that have traced your families back, I am fascinated when I read the detail and the wonderful stories you uncover. In my world, I live in the moment (most of the time)..so when my extraordinary friend (she loves organizing, sorting and the like) (like.. there is such a person in my life…!!!) came down and said,” you should look at these”(she had opened an old briefcase** she came across when trying to put some order to what remains of my husband’s offices …

Like the plant, I just keep on trucking… I like space to move ahead, explore, to live each moment as it comes. Sometimes these is a lot of “happening” all at once, and then there are dry spells… always there is change.

I have around me, beautiful gardens and landscapes, I appreciate them, I do… but I am the plant that grows in the cracks along the roadside, or in unwanted/unused spaces. “When there is a will, there is a way”.. the picture brought back memories.. long road trips to hotels/nightclubs in distant places. We played 6 nights of the week, traveling on the 7th day to the next gig, unless we were booked for 2 weeks. We were a “show band”.. lead guitar, bass, and drums.. side men were added depending on the lounge or club we were playing and what the venues wanted. At one place, we even arrived to find that there was a stripper booked at the same time.. her back up didn’t show. we got to play for her… now that was a hoot!

Today is the 21st. there is a service this evening at the church 7 pm. Service of Appreciation. – When we live each day doing our best, and being “present”… there are few regrets.. just memories that help make the person you are today.

Thank you thank you, thank you. Let’s live with gratitude towards everyone and everything all day today.

Perfect Liberty 2022.21
Oyashikiri

wish I still I had the dress to see if I can still wear it.. yeah sometimes the ego just won’t shut up.

** I have yet to really look at all that is in the briefcase, I will..

Monday

You are the result of your daily efforts. Put your whole heart into everything you do in your daily life. Your true self will shine through.

Perfectc Liberty 2022.20
Oyashikiri

Happy Father’s Day

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Put your heart into your words. Do you tend to speak in just a matter of fact tone? It is important to put your heart into your words

Perfect Liberty 2022.19

And I wish you joy and happiness. But above all of this, I wish you love.

Dolly Parton ( I will always love you)
Always and forever

after a storm

There is a reason the conservation staff have put up “park closed” and danger/caution tape up blocking the entrances to the trails. They are dangerous. You can see the size of the downed trees, you have to be able to climb over or walk around them. AND there are still trees leaning very precariously at an angle, so much so, a tremor or wind could topple them.

See how this tree is leaning, half of the roots have been pulled out of the ground. I am very familiar with this trail, I was very careful making my way around. I did not venture away from the areas where I knew I could easily manouver out of the way of a falling branch/limb.

All was VERY quiet. I did get to have a visit with the duck .. he was alone.. the water was devoid of other birds/ducks, On my way out I met a fellow “wanderer…’ Bev and I had met some time ago, it was nice to catch up. she had been in the parking lot talking with the conservation officer that had come by to replace the “stay out” tape that someone had removed. I had to limbo under it to get out =^_^=.

a quote from the past

We are all here for a purpose. Please reach out and share your beautiful smile today. enjoy the pictures of a paradise dealing with “change’… the birds have begun to sing again, the chipmunks, and squirrels used to visitors are searching for the handouts that are no longer there.. but… time will rebuild.. workers will get to the different trails and the tidy up will happen.. Send positive energy to all the workers who are having to work long hours to repair/clean up and the many hydro /internet problems that still need resolving.

PL Precept # 20 Live maintaining equilibrium between mind and matter.

Always and Forever

Friday morning greetings

fresh green of new growth

It’s easier to adapt to something when we find it interesting. No matter how enjoyable a situation is, a slight change in our attitude can make it boring. Let’s face any situation with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Perfect Liberty 2022.10

Welcome to new readers, I would be remiss in not biding you a good day! It is such a warm rush of pleasure when I see that we have new members in our “community”.. When I read today’s calendar I asked myself the question.. “how am I adapting with the many changes that have happened in my life over the month of May.”

May was painful in many ways.. the anniversaries of my Mother’s passing, my husbands passing the major storm that left me without power for a week plus. I felt at times like a rubber ball being bounced over large sharp edged boulders.

if I was one of my warriors – this would be a selfie

Nature will continue to flourish and grow around the warrior … soon he won’t be seen the vegetation will become so dense. Time will work on the fresh wounds and soften the jagged edges. Reality – there is o going back.

Many of you have experienced simliar aches, even if the causes are comletely different – you know what it is to feel sadness that overwhelms. It is important to not overlook or try to diminsh that “fact”… The rebuilding is slow, and I now know can take not days and weeks, but months and maybe even years … to move comfortably into “now”.

Research has shown that there is a reason we love a sad movie. (sad film paradox) They talked and asked questions of hundreds and thousands plus people…. we like to be moved, to feel connected to what it is to be human, to be reminded of our inextricable connection to one another. Their study revealed a highly significant positibve correlation between sadness and enjoyment. This association is sequential. Sadness leads to feeling moved, which in turn leads to enjoyment.

Grief does not obey your plans, or our wishes. Grief will do whatever it wants to you, whenever it wants to. In that regard, Grief.. had a lot in common with love.

Elizabeth Gilbert

Tomorrow the 11th. is Ancestors Day, service will be at 10: a.m. if you are able to attend we will see you there, if you cannot attend, please take time to share a silent moment with us from wherever you are.

Oyashikiri

Tag Cloud