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.
Excessive heat, days of it… We have had wild fires all over the place. Close enough that there have been weather warnings for days now. Yesterday the air was so polluted that Ottawa made the # 1 city for the worst air pollution in a world survey. It was not easy breathing, especially if prone to allergies, or other health problems that affected breathing and lungs. the air quality warning is still in place. Please be careful if you need to go out..
Today’s calendar.
Give importance to listening, looking, thinking, doing and speaking. Look and listen carefully befor emaking a judgement. Assumptions and hasty conclusions can lead to misunderstanding.
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.
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
It wasn’t that long ago that there was snow on the ground, these past few days of record breaking warm weather for this time of year has started the “spring cleaning” buzz. Trying to catch some rays on the deck the other day was great till one neighbour started to vacuum up leaves/debris from the winter, which brought on a flurry of activity from another neighbour who decided to power wash his deck. Timing right.
“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceable with all” Romans 12:18″
Harmony does not require sameness. A single note played simultaneously thru different instruments creates beautiful music when different chords are played.
Give importance to listening, looking, thinking, doing and speaking. Look and listen carefully before making a judgment. Assumptions and hasty conclusions can lead to misunderstandings.
“Is there anything I can help with?” enjoy a feeling of happiness to contribute to those around you It will give you confidence that you have something you can do for others.
Good Morning, since it is freezing rain and cold outside, I took to the virtual world to grab a few photos the other day. I posted the lying down resting by an open fire one on Instagram the other day. Just looking at the avatar chilling… squeezed a big sigh out of me… The one on the left is the avatar taking timealong her journey of discovery to dance. The opportunity was there so she took it.
Discover something new today. Have a willingness and an interest, and start your day with excitement.
Perfect Liberty 2023.22
Dancing is an activity that we do that it is all about the journey .. it is an opportunity to stretch our bodies, lift our arms to the sky, give space to areas in our bodies that have been dormant. It is healthy for us to be active. We get up and move, not to get somewhere but to enjoy the feeling of movement and reconnect with our bodies.
Chilling, taking time to be quiet, allow contemplation (in this example) gaze at the sky, listen to the fire crackling, watch clouds drift by, is that water in the distance, can you hear the sound of a waterfall, are the birds singing, a bee buzzing, allow the mind to drift, wander, if thoughts come, acknowledge them and then let them go… Chilling is making time for YOU.
Explore new thoughts, places, be open to the wonders around you. Do everything willingly and joyfully…
Strive to live with a positive outlook everyday. Put your whole heart into whatever you do. With motivation, you will feel joy and excitement.
Perfect Liberty 2017.20
Move forward with confidence. Experiences you have acquired through efforts so far are wonderful. give it all you’ve got.
Perfect Liberty 2023.20
Tomorrow is thanksgiving (in the PL world) or day of Gratitude and Appreciation.. service will be at 7 pm if you are unable to attend the service, please spent a moment in prayer/meditation .. expressing your appreciation and gratitude for life and its blessings.
Good morning world. I didn’t jump out of bed this morning, but at least I was motivated to get up .. yesterdays “happy moment” with my turkey friends.. has given me the nudge needed to leave my warm bed and sleeping companions (whippets) to get ready for an early departure for the woods.
We’ve had a bit of a return of a cold snap. When I got to the area yesterday, I again was a shade late, they were on their way back into the wooded area, I could see their tail ends sauntering through the trees, picking their way over the snow. (the picture above is from last fall). There were at lest 5 of them, I reacted, I called out to them like I did last year.. a beckoning call I used… (sweet talk) with coaxing and air kisses.. darned if two of them didn’t stop in their tracks.. to listen. I was encouraged, my heart may have even sped up a bit…
“Come to me, come on… look what I have for you…” (bribery pure and simple) the two that had stopped, actually began to run back towards me… they had to have been from the group that I fed last fall. The happiness and joy they gave me by responding to me and coming right up close .. after months of being away from me… tugged at my heart…. I couldn’t have loved them more…
I will always marvel at how Nature has a way of showing us that we are all part of the Universe and kindness and pure intent (sincerity) (makoto) are what will bring about positive results/moments in our lives.
Make the best use of materials and money. You can do different things as materials and money play t heir roles. How to make them work is important.
Perfect Liberty 2023.16
Do everything willingly and joyfully. Your upbeat attitude will make things more cheerful and enjoyable.
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.
dymoonblog 