A fine WordPress.com site

Archive for the ‘joy’ Category

chop suey 1.6.18

Bone soup

For anyone starting the new year with me, “chop suey” = a little of this and some of that.  When Chinese cooks came to America and needed to create similar dishes to their own,  What would be normal ingredients to them back  home, was not available in the very early years, they adapted, using what was readily available and what they could grow in their new home.

Bone Soup, this morning’s breakfast, I add an egg for protein,   The egg gives a rich taste to the broth.  Egg is raw, when the boiling water engulfs the noodles and covers the egg, it marinades together.  Yum

It is another cold day here.  Someone used the phrase “bone chilling”… that reminded me that I had Bone Soup packages, my breakfast was decided.  When I finish with my hot soup, I will make myself an ice coffee, with big fat ice cubes.  I have put the coffee outside for it to chill …. when I say I like it cold, I mean COLD.

playing chess 1.6.18

I found a small chess set yesterday that I thought the dolls could enjoy, and yes, they liked the idea.  My husband set up the board for them (I don’t play) and explained the game to them.  This I hope will keep them entertained over the week-end.  My friend Tanya who also does doll  displays I think is dressing her dolls for outdoor activities.  Brrrr.. for the dolls to go out, that means the human has to accompany them to set up the display.  Dolls are a creative pass-time…

When I wanted to be a fashion designer and model, I spent hours designing clothes and drawing the models to wear them.  Today, I still like to do set designs, and make up stories for the “dolls”  to  portray.  With our down sizing, I have had to part with a lot of “this and that”  Some dolls had to be given up for adoption, they didn’t really work into my story telling.

The positive about downsizing, is that we are finding things we had long forgotten we had, or we knew we had .. but didn’t know where they were… sound familiar.

roller skatesMy roller skates didn’t have pink wheels, but I did have pink laces.  I would still go roller skating if we had the kind I am used to.  Mind you .. in my day we skated in special roller rinks, that were covered, and had hardwood floors.  Before my time, they had bands that played for the skaters, by the time I was into skating, there was an organist who would play from 8 – 10 sometimes 11 for those of us who wanted to dance (on skates).  Two steps and waltzes.

Later of course we had the disco phase.. where there were special skating places with disco music and lights.  Usually big open rooms, where the figure skaters could do their spins and fancy solo footwork in the middle while the rest of us went around and around in time to the music.

abandoned

My sister always groans when she sees my posts with abandoned buildings or old rusted out relics… but to me they are like memories.  they spark my imagination.  This one I received in a Pintrest notice.  I have a board on Pinterest of “Once upon a time” places …Their software searches out “like” pictures from other posts, and send them to me to see if they interest me.

You have all seen the pictures I share with you of the places I find when my husband and I are touring the roads. I like character, history, and places that show a bit of eccentricity, personality .. even with the passing of time, the facial reconstruction done by nature these places still maintain an aura that compels and second look, maybe even a third and fourth.

Heading out soon, have errands to run, wanted to share a few minutes with you, say hello, and wish you all the best as you carry on with your day.  If my friend North is out there, bundle up, some of that cold northern air you enjoyed, is wanting to bring you memories of days gone by .. but in doing so… is colouring our area too.

I heard last night, that the warmer air is on its way.   Yay, a change will be nice.  Drive carefully, where there is snow there is white out.  If you are in a place that is sunny and warm… close your eyes and send a bit this way… wink.. imagination goes a long way, believing, makes it happen.

hand of the past_edited-1

Loving hugs being sent your way..

Oyashikiri

 

roller skates and abandoned building – Pinterest

 

day 1 2018

card 1.1.18

First card of the new year.     =^_^= “Life Is art”  PL Precept #1.  Will head out to the church soon for our 11 o’clock ceremony.  We have four major ceremonies in PL, and Monthly ceremonies, today’s occurs on the 1st of each month.  Day of Peace.

Through this ceremony we gather and pray for World Peace.

Let us join in prayer today, that everyday will see us focus on working together towards, making this a better place, loving, caring and sharing.  Appreciation and gratitude being the foundation of our days.

Always and forever.. Oneness with the Universe…

Oyashikiri

 

Happy New Year

dec-31st_002.png

Wow  December is coming to an end,  With fantasy and sunshine nudging me today, I went in search of Q to see what she was up to.  I found her high  up on a mountain playing with a duck on a frozen pond. She was not delighted at my appearance guessing that I had come to draw her away from her fun to do some work with me.

dec.31st_003

She did start to run away, or so I thought, but bless her little heart, she decided to play along.

dec.31st_005

Here she is after changing her hair .. chatting with a couple of the snow people we met along our way.  The little snow boy was really happy that the weather has turned nice and cold.

dec.31st_006

This mother and daughter were on their way to a snowball “game”… I thought that Q took a bit too much interest..

dec.31st_007

As you can see, she was keen to take lessons on just how to make a good snowball so that it would make the biggest splatter.  Q wisdom.. if you are going to do something, do it right…

dec.31st_008

Nothing would do but we had to visit her little reindeer pal for a big fat Holiday hug, you can see her gearing up to swoop down on him.. Q wisdom .. give a hug with lots of love, show you care…

dec.31st_009

Flying across the frozen landscape, we searched for the site where the 2018 welcoming party would be.  Of course Q was the first to see it..

dec.31st_011

The stage is set, the decorations are out, now the count down will begin, for night-time to come, and the celebration hour to arrive.

Q what were you about to do?  I am watching you… yes… you little missy Q you don’t mess with other people’s things.  We have completed our mission, we have found a new year’s wish for you… Happy New Year everyone.. I’ll take Q skiing, that will keep her busy for now…  =^_^=  dec.31st_015

From Q aka Dymoon and all my characters..   Blessings to each and every one of you.

dec.31st_016

 

http://www.secondlife.com

kittens, are Dinky avatars found in SL (Second Life)

white AV in pink is a Roo avatar

 

 

 

 

 

snow day

snow dec 25bHappy Dec. 25th. a snow day here in Ottawa.  There will be no shortage of snow for the guys and gals who love snow activities    There is a gentle falling of snowflakes as I look out the window I see them drifting by, almost like an animation.  I’ve been out to shovel the backyard, (not the driveway, no, the backyard) this is an annual event, that begins to prepare trails for the dogs to exercise and run when they are yard bound.

snow dec 25a

Tin man did hope for a trail his way, since the snow is deep there and he fears rust.  However, I did not make it that far this morning.  If and when I do, I will try to bring him in, I understand his desire to keep himself free of rust for as long as he can. Circumstances have been such that I neglected to get to him in time this year, before the snow began to fall.

PL Precept #19 Begin once you Perceive.

Today I noticed it, so I will do my best yo get back out there before there is too much more snow and move Mr. Tin Man.  Even if it is to the shelter behind the garage.  PL Precepts are simple reminders to us, to help us navigate the day to day challenges that sometimes get overwhelming, mostly because we don’t always act when we first notice something.

snow dec.25

While I go out to shovel a path to him, I wish you all a very happy day, full of warm tender moments, and joy filled events.  If you are going to celebrate is in excess, know that tomorrow is another day, =^_^=

Oyashikiri

PL Precept #21   Live in Perfect Liberty

Thursday doors -windows

houses 2x

Good morning everyone, the holidays are fast approaching.  We are busy trying to settle back into a routine, and I am once more running the roads on errands.  I am especially trying to beat the rush that will take place closer to the week-end, it will be impossible to find parking in the shopping mall parking lots.  Already there is a sea of cars as far as the eye can see in the bigger centers near us.

Norm’s Thursday doors, is a huge interest to me, doors being so much a part of my life over the years.  I am a keen  buff on older homes, doors, windows and all that go along in the inspiration of my creative spirit.

The I found this collection of hand stitched works of art, sitting waiting to be framed in a  thrift shop of all places.  Someone had spent hours carefully building these charmers stitch by stitch.  That to me is a true love of houses, windows and doors. Having attempted at one time this craft, I had full appreciation for the hours spent on putting these together.

If I have learned anything during the last few weeks, it is that what we see on the outside is not necessarily what is going on “inside”  Our bodies house our “souls” the vibrant and vital energy this is our “lives”.  The windows and doors, are the way we look out, and how we maneuver the in and outs of our journey through this life.  In some ways they reflect our personalities .. many times, they are merely shelters.  It is what goes  on, inside the house, that makes it a home.

PL (Perfect Liberty) celebrates every 21st of the month, with a Thanksgiving ceremony.  The service is dedicated to giving our appreciation and gratitude for the blessings we have received through the month.  Think today as you read this, just how many blessings you have received in the last few days.  There are always positives, we need only be receptive to them.

At first I was sad that the beautiful work someone had done was now in a Thrift Shop, then I realized that it was the joy in stitching that was the person’s pleasure, and now, I was happy in the discovery.  Sharing his/her work with you, is also a “happy”… May the many little windows and doors open for you today.

Find the sunshine, find the happy, in your day.  You will be blessed in many ways.

Oyashikiri

 

 

a door closes, one opens

Dec.13 in bloom

In life we pass through many doors, some close and never open again, others close for the moment, and then reopen slowly to let the sunshine in, and the air is fresh and clear.  Like a perfect sunny day in December should be.

dec 13th b

A favourite flower to watch bloom, when it opens is a joy to behold. I have been overwhelmed by your kindness and caring.  I felt it only right to share our news with you.  smiles out at her community of caring hearts.  The surgery was scheduled for 8, we were asked to be at the hospital for 6.  At 5:15 my amazing husband wakes me “Q it is 5:15 I am ready to go, I’ll be in the truck waiting, can you be ready to leave for 5:30”   Ladies  I ask you…  this is the faith he has in me. catch my wink and smile  You all know I rose to the challenge and was ready with my coffee with minutes to spare.

And NO.. I am not going to tell you what I looked like.. LOL …. Let us just say I was presentable

Bottom line, the surgery was to have been from 8:30 to 4:30 and I was told that I likely would not be able to see him till after 6pm.  I received a call mid afternoon, they were unable to proceed, they saw it had spread, did a biopsy and yes, it was more cancer cells.  Rather than put him through a major surgery at this time, they checked the tumour that was there, saw that the previous treatments had dealt with it in a positive way.  And “sewed” him back up.  GOOD NEWS and some not so good news.

However, we are happy, we will only be apart a short time, and he will be home. Yes there is more treatments to come, and he and the medical team he deals with, will be there to coach and help us.  ALWAYS GOD IS WITH US, every step of the way.

Myself personally, your consistent supportive encouragement and caring words have been such a blessing.  Know that we/I truly appreciate each and everyone of you for what you bring into my life. Personally, online, from wherever, I love you all. You are all so special in your own way.

dec 13th a

A flowers beauty will fade, but the last memory of the beauty in its BEING, will last forever.  PL Precept #11    Always be with God

Oyashikiri

 

The only constant in life is Change 

chop suey 12.11.

Dec.11

No, not my birthday, but I am sure it must be somebody’s birthday, somewhere.  With my husband’s surgery fast approaching, I am finding that playing in my studio is a distraction that I find “restful”   In the truck I have been listening to a story about King Henry the VIII’s last wife, Catherine Parr, and the court life she led.  Interesting enough I guess, but I have decided I can do without the court drama.

The radio is either Holiday music, or if it is talk radio… the news, happenings of the day, budgets, politics and again, not what I call ambient for a soothing companion while I travel around doing last-minute errands.

skyline card started 2.25.17

On Sunday, the church was all festive with a decorated Holiday tree, even had lights. That was a nice surprise, I realized that each year, my husband has put up coloured lights on the garage, of  course, this year, that hasn’t been done.  Seeing the lights, reminded me that yes, it is the holiday season… but… for us… we will miss it all, it will be a quiet and hopefully healing one.

The Tree 5.20.17Snow is in the forecast, starting early evening, and, on into the night and most of tomorrow.  For everyone wanting a white Christmas, looks like you just might get your wish.

May the joy of the holidays fill your homes with glad tidings.  The merriment of shared laughter and tender moments be the ingredients of your days, and peace and serenity the balm of your nights.

Oyashikiri

 

art work and photos- mine

PL Church

Dec.5.17 Olinda

Good morning everyone.  Tuesday, Dec. 5, and it is a mild day with rain.  I heard that the mild weather will stick around for a couple more days.  Somewhere I saw a big sun in one of the forecasts showing on most of the days of this week.

To me,  our  church here in Ottawa is beautiful.  Clean lines, no clutter, you could be walking into a clinic, it seems so bare compared to the buildings I am entering especially at this time of year.  As I walked towards the front of the church to pray, I caught a glimpse of colour.  I paused to looked over.. WOW simplicity making  a statement.  Whether it was just the time of day, sun streaming in from the large windows but the play of light and shadows was such, that I rushed to get my phone.

A minister’s wife is someone in the PL ministry that supports and works with the minister at maintaining and providing a “home” for its members.  This current minister’s wife is very quiet, speaks little English and never misses the opportunity to give you a warm welcome when she sees you.  She is also creative and talented, there are little touches everywhere that turn up like the arrangement above, when you least expect it to.  These little offerings are not only “a breath of fresh air” they brighten a day, and for this we really appreciate her silent gifts.

Her understanding of how to help a worn out or troubled “soul” whether with a cup  of coffee, in my case, unlike everyone I only drink iced coffee, black.  Yet, like magic a cold glass of ice with coffee will appear where I am working/sitting. It is humbling to experience such generosity of SELF.  Over the time I have known her, I appreciate her goodness more and more.  Could I be so selfless, so caring, to live every day for the good of others, in a country where the language is so different, never mind customs and cultural differences.

She makes me realize what I know, but don’t always practice, that “actions speak louder than words”  In PL, it is said.. “Church is a spiritual home away from home” and a “place to find your Inner-Self”.  I was at the church to  pray and to ask for help in the coming days.  I came away with such a wonderful feeling of “happiness”  yes the praying was good, but the flowers touched me..  the knowing and recognition of what a blessing she is…Today is about saying thank you to a beautiful lady.

Dec.5.17 Olinda x

Without saying a word, this arrangement, spoke volumes.

Oyashikiri

PL Precept # 21 Live ink Perfect Liberty

 

 

 

 

orange tree

orange tree xI loved this little orange tree.  Every year I would prune it back and bring it inside so it could survive our Canadian winters.  Circumstances were that it grew very big, and we simply were unable to bring it back in.

Fortunately, our niece knew of just the right home and the little, now larger orange tree, went to live somewhere new.  Happiness is letting go, knowing when it is time to say good-bye so that life can continue to grow and bring joy to someone else.

For months now we have been trying to declutter.  We have been finding things we forgot we had.  They are leaving to begin their lives again. Going where they can be rediscovered, and enjoyed and used in the light of day.  Not stored away and forgotten.

When I see piles of this and that.. I’m heartened knowing it is temporary, every day a  bag or box leaves for somewhere else.  It is a work in process.

What are you working on today? Strive towards a positive outcome.  Life is good!!!

“Happiness is giving it away”

Oyashikiri

PL Precept #15  All is a Mirror

 

 

Reflection

Darren 2015 Monterey Bay Ca

quiet reflection

a moment of silence

a prayer for peace

a prayer for understanding

join in prayer today

reach out

show you care

kindness, love and compassion

communications that come from the heart

is how we start

to do our part

world peace

begins with us

we can make a difference

Believe, have faith

it can be done

seasons come and go

“life is art”

Oyashikiri

 

top photo – Hillwalker (D.Su)

Tag Cloud