The past was not that long ago. Yet in many ways, it is a very distant past. How we communicated, and how relationships, friendships/work related, were formed, was also very different from how it is today. Who knew back then, that our means of communicating would be so drastically changed.
Today is the 11th day of January. Each 11th of every month, we in PL have a monthly service/ceremony Ancestors’ Day . Through this ceremony we express our gratitude for the love and virtues of our ancestors. When I first was told about Ancestors’ day and asked for more of an explanation, .. I was told it is not just family, but anyone who has influenced or been part of your life, contributed to who you are today.
It is only as I have progressed along this “road” that I have realized just how much certain people have touched my life. People that at the time, I did not (I thought) cared for or had any impact on me. Now I do see I was influenced, something in my behaviour or way of seeing “life” was introduced or became part of “me” .. imprinted if you will.. in my subconscious.
When I first learned to use a PBX, that switchboard you see above (picture upper left) I didn’t realize how it enabled me to learn to multi task, and gave me in-depth hands on knowledge that would serve me so well in later life situations. The Underwood typewriter, which was the typewriter that I learned to type on, taught me how to use a keyboard so that as the technologies changed, the basic finger skills I learned enabled me to fit in, in almost any office environment.
It is in accumulating new skills, & learning to use these applications in different environments that round off our skill sets. Every time we step into a new “situation”, embrace the opportunity for learning, we grow. Our Ancestors did the same, they lived, learned, and passed on their “‘gifts” for us to learn from, so we could live more fruitful and fulfilling lives.
Treasure each moment in time. Life is a continuation of “Now”. Treasure each and every moment as it comes, so that you can live your life as fully as possible without regrets.
Perfect Liberty 2016.10
The past leads to Now, and Now leads to the future. Life is an accumulation of moments. Cherish each one.
Perfect Liberty 2021.11
Oyashikiri
Did you learn to type 65 wpm? Were you introduced to a dictaphone? Imagine the days when multiple copies meant “carbon paper” =^_^=
Switchboard, typewriter photos – sourced on internet
Bare with me while I recount to you another adventure with the delightful, brats of the woodlands the colourful Blue Jays. I was late getting to Dewberry Trail this morning, it was quiet and most of the feeders had been emptied. I got out to refill them, and saw a family patiently waiting for birds to appear. The Mother was telling the children, they should walk further along, perhaps they would see birds if they continued. As I neared with my container of black sunflower seeds and was taking off the lid, there was a sudden appearance all around of the little birds.
No sooner had the feeders been filled with round one, of the offerings, there came the distant calls now so familiar to me..of the Blue Jay. When the peanuts were dispersed, they were dive bombing, bold as brass, no waiting their turn. Today there was no shy, coy behaviour, it was a no holds barred attack on the seeds and nuts. Again I counted 5 of them, they were not being nice to their fellow jays either, going as far as cutting off their buddy if he was closest to the seed/nuts.
Their behaviour was ignored by the other birds, who simply moved away to other feeders, the woodpeckers were non pulsed, they silently went off to a tree with tasty bark and began tap tap tapping there.
Leaving this trail, I drove over to Mer Blu (less than two miles) to check what was happening there.. to my surprise as I was distributing the seeds and nuts there, I heard the now familiar cawing almost over my head. The little beggars were all lined up in the higher branches waiting for their chance to swoop down on the buffet that was being set out.. am I so predictable? I found it cold today, so I didn’t linger, tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny, I might attempt to use my camera. Meanwhile I’m so grateful to Kevin for allowing me access to his photos.
While perusing his Instagram account this morning (, which if you are on Instagram, might want to look him up..) I found this adorable face..
Begin each day with a renewed sense of appreciation. Always remember that you are here today thanks to God, and thanks to the many people around you. Let’s make each day meaningful by starting out with a feeling of gratitude.
Perfect Liberty 2014.6
Being with the birds and the woodland creatures always gives me a sense of “renewal” There is something very special watching them go about their daily routines. How they adjust when a bolder and more aggressive bird comes into the feeding area. There is room for everyone, no need to be first in line… their acceptance of a stranger in their midst is humbling.. Since I have been making these trips and spending time .. reconnecting to /with “nature” .. I myself feel life to be less chaotic … I marvel at the patience of the photographers who come early to stand and wait. To the other visitors who bring seeds and share with the birds. I am impressed with the number of young parents I have met who are starting their children at a very early age, to appreciate the woodlands. Life is good.
The simplicity of sharing the land/space with others in a positive way is healing.. it balances the world of the internet/ technology where often the focus is on negative, aggression, and competitive behaviour.
Always live “for the sake of others and society”. Be thankful to society for all that you have, and make a firm decision to be a person who can contribute to people and society. This state of mind will provide you with endless enthusiasm.
The smart little beggars realized I didn’t have my camera. I had a cancelation this morning, so decided to take the opportunity handed me to drive out and top up the feeders. It was quiet there were only a few cars in the lot, no photographers around, it was blissful. I took my pruners to cut back the dead branches that were in the way, then brought out the black sunflower seeds.. there were actually few birds around, its amazing as soon as the black seeds landed in the feeders, I was swarmed. Where they all came from.. I have no idea. But suddenly I was surrounded, even by the gross beaks who boldly sat and dined with a very relaxed air.
Ah ha.. the sound I was waiting for, the Blue Jays.. yes.. there they were, 5 of them.. swooping down, gathering seeds taking time to dance and flap for me. By then I had the gotten the peanuts and was distributing them in the flat feeders. They were happy, I’d say even chatty. Taking their time to look over at me as they casually pecked up the seeds and peanuts. If I didn’t know better, I’d think they could see that my camera was missing from around my neck.
They actually seemed to be in top form, flaunting their beauty and gracefully flying from branch to branch, within very close range to me. When I’m there with my camera they fly up to the highest of branches, but not today.. no.. uh uh.. a few times. I could have sworn they would land within arms reach from me, and then pop off with a happy little caw. almost like a “gotcha!”
All this to say, I saw many Blue Jays today, and was entertained by them. It was fun, but I have not one picture to show you. nadda. Even the Gross Beaks as I say, were friendly, but now that I think of it, I didn’t see the bigger woodpeckers…. hmmmmm.
Start by thinking “this is interesting! ” Even when you are dealing with a difficult situation, it is important to find something interesting about it.. From there, you will be blessed with wisdom and something new will come out of it.
Perfect Liberty 2019.5
Oyashikiri
an early avatar dating back to maybe 2013 SL Second life
There are days when waking from a dream, we open our eyes to the reality of the day. Today was a day snuggling back under the duvet. It is lovely, mild but no sunshine, looks like it will be mostly overcast. when I saw this picture it drew me into another world, One of books, fantasy, wee folk, and magic. Picture the wee ones, going about their daily routines under the dense foliage. Oblivious to humans and their woes.
Some of you will have memories of hot summer days, when central air wasn’t the norm, Maybe your at the cottage, away from your landline, and certainly no cell phones. You hear the buzzing of the bees, and the birds flying over heard call out a greeting as they fly to their destination. Its a lazy day, you could be on holiday, or maybe you just prefer living where there is less “traffic and busy activity” ..just thinking of times when one could simple BE .. if you fish, that quiet on the lake in the early morning dawn. Take a moment to relive a memory that brings you back in touch with your inner quiet/calm. =^_^=
Today due to circumstances beyond our control, many of us are having to deal with “alone” time. We’ve been unceremoniously thrown back in time (on some levels) where we have to adjust to less outside intrusions on our thoughts. Getting lost in electronic devices/games, or watching endless television, does not soothe or alleviate the need for meaningful connections. Whether that be with others who share in this “situation” we find ourselves or with “nature/life” Our minds need to have time to heal from the constant borage of negativity that is or has been filling the “airwaves”
Change begins within. PL Precept #15 All is a Mirror.
PL Precept # 7. Everything exists in relativity.
PL Precept # 4 Being annoyed limits your expression
Today’s message was to Listen Carefully and Speak Clearly ... read Precept #7 again.
I would like to mention here, to the PL members in Brazil who have been coming together to share their thoughts and support each other on the PL pages started in Brazil. Bom Dia dear friends.. I love reading all your comments, and appreciate the love you share with me and everyone else on the site. This site is also followed by members in Australia, South America, Spain, Europe, North America and of course Japan, and all our other members scattered in various places around the world. PL Precept # 11.. Always be with God
Our faith and commitment to living the PL Way and striving towards PL Precept #14 World Peace is everything is more important than ever.
When I first saw this picture, I felt a calm, a quiet.. this is a lazy day in the Ottawa area…. today in the woods there was snow and it was cool, ok cold. Smiles. That is why I enjoy looking back at the memories collected either by myself or others. A moment captured can give so much to the viewer, every picture tells a story.
photo -Q
Feel the contrast of emotion, the moment shifts, it changes when you visit the trees covered with snow. Life is full of such moments, one minute we are sailing on high energy, and the next, we can be coasting over rocky ground. either way, we are alive to the changes. In each of these pictures there is a whole world of “wild life” that we are not seeing. I was in smack dab in the middle of the trees in the above picture, what you don’t hear is the chatter of the birds all around me. I had just put out seeds and peanuts, the Blue Jays were cawing and calling, the smaller birds were chirping, woodpeckers were pecking… it was busy.
Life is wonderful isn’t it. We are so blessed that in this world we live in, we are surrounded with light and love. I know sometimes it doesn’t feel so, especially if you are constantly being bombarded with news media. Put it aside, allow the natural wonders of the Universe to be present in your life. Allow all your sense to explore and delight in the discoveries that you will find, when you take the time to “stop” and be “present”.
In PL we practice being present, we want to radiate love of life, and show our appreciation for all that is part of the world we live in. Live each moment, it will never reoccur.
Listen carefully and speak clearly. A good relationship starts from truly understanding each other.
Perfect Liberty 2021.5
I really love the contrast of these two pictures. Each one, tells me a completely different story, and has a different feeling to it. (yin/yang)
Have a great day today, remember to smile… reach out and show appreciation =^_^=
Energy Springs from your Smile. A smile makes you and others cheerful and energetic.
Perfect Liberty 2021.4
I spent a good part of yesterday looking for something. I really looked everywhere, walked around outside to see if it had fallen from my pocket. Checked my coat pockets many times, emptied my purse, I was determined. No dog muzzle. So after another search this morning, I gave in and ordered another one for curb side pick up. I wanted to take something out to the car, so had to grab my purse which I had emptied twice, to find my keys.. …. … guess what was hanging from the purse strap. Like Duh! SMILE everyone.. today we SMILE, and SMILE some more. =^_^=
In life we are often faced with having to make a decision, take the turn to the left, follow the road straight ahead or turn right. When faced with such a decision, do you ponder what road to take, or let your instincts guide you? In the wooded area that I was in this morning, when I saw people heading out on their adventure, I noticed that many of them seemed to know just where they wanted to go, what direction to head out on.
Myself, I didn’t venture past where I was tending the feeders. I was intent on waiting for and watching for the blue jays. During my time there, I noticed that when there was little to no activity in the parking lot, the birds would somehow know that there would be no “traffic” and they would dive down, swooping in from the tall tree tops. To experience this I had to practice, standing still. Each time I go, and the more times I practice being still, the easier it is getting for me.
Right now, in many of the churches we can only visit by appointment to ensure social distancing can be maintained. Standing still in the middle of a woodland “space”… is much like the quiet stillness that can envelope you when you are in church. Something magical happens. our sense are fine tuned.
Improve yourself to have a kinder heart. Do what you can to be caring and considerate to make others happy.
Finally the snow lovers who were waiting to put on their snowshoes, and X-country skis can snap them on and glide out over the trails. The parking lot was full .. families with children all decked out for their adventure were preparing to hit the trail. I got there a little later, so the feeders were in need of topping up, and I had diners ready to partake as soon as the goodies got deposited. I was thrilled to see several blue jays making ready to swoop down to feast. Guess who had a battery failure… yup.. red light went on.. camera closed up. Kamuwaza! Skies were bright and blue too.
Smile and the world smiles with you.
Be a person who can say “I like it”. Find what moves you the most and express your appreciation.
Perfect Liberty 2021.2
Always think that “everything will work out”. when you allow yourself to be pessimistic, your thoughts and actions become sluggish. Approach everything optimistically without hesitating.
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.