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what I learned today

black-gesso-1Black gesso is messy.

Black gesso really works, and using the brand that works for you,  helps a lot.

When working with black gesso.. wear gloves, it really is black

practice, practice, practice…..

black-gesso

So far I’ve tried it on different papers, waiting for it to dry, then I’ll press the papers over night.  I had tried using white gesso with a black paint, but the results were not the same.

Learning to work with a new product, and to get results that please you, for your own personal style of expression, takes patience and the willingness to experiment. Taking chances, it is through mistakes that we learn, what we want.

This philosophy applies to our experiences in life. Sometimes we have to try something a few times, in a number of different ways to get what we “think” we want at the time.  Each new steps, leads us to further discoveries.  We need only be open to “change”

Oyashikiri

stuck in traffic

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it happens, you are trying to get somewhere and up ahead, the flashing lights and sirens give advance warning, that just ahead, someone is having not so good a day.  I knew I had to have the truck home in time for Hubby to get to the vet… I checked the dashboard, and saw if the delay wasn’t too long, I’d make it on time.

Turning on the radio, I was immediately surrounded with the drive home news, the traffic delays and the accidents, roads to avoid etc.  Didn’t seem to matter which station, they were all about the snarled traffic, and the bumper to bumper drive home for those stuck on what is supposed to be a freeway. Even the express lanes it seems were not moving, except at a snails pace.

Other cars, and a big school bus were trying to maneuver their vehicles to take side streets. With cars/trucks  at a standstill, and no where to move to it made their task very difficult.  Fortunately for me I had my ice coffee to sip on, and enough for a second refill in my extra container. I decided to turn off the busy nattering, and just sit in the truck pondering the days events.

blank-pages

I had actually had a wonderful visit with a dear friend who  after almost 10 years of visiting back and forth via the internet, had met over lunch a couple of months back.  She is like a breath of fresh air, we share a lot of interests, so we had a show and tell luncheon, and I admit to being rather chuffed about it. To share with someone else who knows the excitement of a “blank page” or what one can do with a rubber stamp or wafer thin die, is rather exhilarating. I had even taken my experiments (work in progress) to show her.  How cool is that…. To be able to present your “babies” and bask in the glow of having another “artist/crafter” understand why you think a typeset page, turned into a blank page with bumps and creases is so great.  It had been a fantastic lunch… so being stuck in traffic was not going to spoil my mood.

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There are choices we make in life, we can grumble and complain about a negative inconvenience that we have no control over, or we can dwell on a positive.  I always lean towards the positive.  I find it so much more productive for me, and time passes, and I get to appreciate, all the more, the experience of sharing with a friend.

PL Precept #4   Being Annoyed Limits Your Expression

PL Principle # 5  I will not get angry at anyone or anything.

This Wednesday, December 21st. is when the church of Perfect Liberty, celebrates Thanksgiving,  Service is at 7 PM.  Being stuck in the traffic gave me much time to reflect on the many blessings in my life.  Someone else (the reason for the flashing lights) was not as blessed. While I give thanks for my day, I pray that something positive will balance out the negative that happened to someone else.

Oyashikiri

blank-pages-pencils

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

many steps

sewing-project

we begin with an idea…

PL Precept # 19   Begin Once you Perceive

PL Precept #17   Grasp what is most essential

project-finished

In this case, my sister lovingly sought out and found this material  and presented it to me.  I loved it..  I wanted it to be something that would be used, and appreciated every day.  I don’t get to see my sister every day, she lives in California, but I appreciate her every day. This pillow graces our bed, so every day, she is part of my daily life.   A sister is a precious gift, I am lucky and have two =^_^=

PL Precept # 7  Everything Exists in Relativity

In PL we have a Thanksgiving service every month on the 21st.  It is the most important service of the month, held at 7 pm.  Members humbly express appreciation to God for all the blessings of the past month, and sincerely renew our determination to follow and practice the PL “Way”

Our 2017  Perfect Liberty Calendars are here and ready for those interested in obtaining one or having them for gifts to friends and family for the coming year.  They are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and of course Japanese.  A reminder if you need them mailed to you, there would be a cost for the shipping.

YOU are a blessing in my life

Oyashikiri

polar vortex, Artic chill

What do you think?  Does this suggest to you that it is cold outside 🐱

weather-dec-15-16

The sun shone so brightly today, for the first time EVER in my life, I out on a second pair of sunglasses over the ones I was wearing so that I could drive safely.  Even then, the glare was so hard on my eyes, it actually began to feel painful.  My eye balls wanted to retreat deep into the recess of my skull.

The sky was the purest of blues, if not for the constant reminder that we were under a frost bite warning, and a caution that it was going to get colder as the day wore on, AND with the wind chill factor, it was like minus 30 degrees Celsius .. Note I am a Canadian that relates to the weather, as seen above in Fahrenheit.

snow-coming-down

I have been told, snow is coming, it was clear and bright today, but it seems certain that over the next 24 hours, we will have snow.  The snow will come and the temperatures will raise, so that we will be in for freezing rain/sleet.

Knowing this, I have prepared myself for a day of creativity indoors.  I am lucky that if I decide not to go out, I don’t have to.  The joys of being retired.

shovel-snow

Yes, snow does have to be shovelled, or getting out of the laneway, could be a challenge, but for those who love to be outdoors, skiing, whether downhill or Cross-Country, snow is welcome. When was the last time you sailed down a snowy slope on a toboggan

tobagganing-fun

LOL true, once at the bottom, you have to make your way to the top again.  Great way to stay in shape, and it is something the whole family can do.

Yes it is cold, Yes it is going to snow, Yes it could get slippery, but you know what, you have managed all these years, you know how to deal with the Canadian winter, or the Colorado lows… where ever you are, use common sense, dress accordingly, drive safely, enjoy the world around you.

snowfall_animated_gif_by_retsamys-d5f8kxr

Catch a falling snowflake on the tip of your tongue, see how long you can hold it there =^_^=

Oyashikiri

pictures.Bing search

** remember the weather forecasters, are not the ones who  “control” what you do, YOU are the master of your own “world”

Gather information if you want, but YOU decide how and what you will do .. and when.

 

 

 

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snow- start to the week

ohno-part-2e_010

Getting around wasn’t easy for some today, the snow started last night, and kept falling well into the day.  City crews did their best to ensure that the main  highways were cleared, but it was made clear, side streets would not be cleared till after the afternoon drive home rush hours.

On the six o’clock news they showed one enterprising young man, Xross-country skiing into work.  I recall one year when I snow- shoed in =^_^=  I didn’t have to go out today, but I wanted to take advantage of the weather and attend a sale, that is usually impossible to get close to, especially if you want to park your vehicle, in my case, a big truck.

I was right, traffic was light, it was mid morning, and I had plenty of room to park. My day went very well, I found some great “deals” and enjoyed being out in the brisk snow filled air. Sure one had to drive slowly and with care, but we should be doing that at all time anyway.   I was able to get some shopping in without a lot of fuss, and get home at a decent hour.

The PL philosophy is that if you start your day with a positive attitude, and a sincere appreciation for the weather and the world around you, your chances of having a full and productive day are very good.

PL Precept #15  all is a mirror

PL Principle # 2  I will not have complaints about others, matters, nor the weather.  Rather I will always be creative and will for shortcomings in my own thinking and actions.

PL Principle # 3   I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

ohno-part-2e_014

 

 

black-white

ohno-part-2e_007There is a wonderland around us.  We walk through it every day.  There are magical people that pass us by on the street every day.  People with dreams and imaginations just like ours, who from looking at them we would never know that they were actors in their own theatres and plays.  Yet at night they could be transforming the world of others with their creativity and talents.  You need only walk though a museum, see a window display, every where and especially at this time of year, you will see the creative expressions decorating homes and whole streets…. We love to delight.

PL Precept # 2  To live is to Express One’s Self.

mess-12-9

There is an expression when you do something, do it right.  Well this was not my intent, but, hey, life happens.

PL Precept # 1    Life is Art

The congee did cool down and was transferred to another bowl, my wonderful husband, who I appreciate every day, cleaned it up .. he says I’m the best “mess maker” he has ever ever known =^_^=

PL Principle #21  I will live in true harmony with my spouse

Enjoy the sunshine, dress up .. it is  on the cool side, but remember.. LIFE IS GOOD!

Oyashikiri

 

 

 

 

oh no!

snow-dec-7_003Oh NO! the snowman exclaimed

I’ve lost my head again

As onlookers turned away

and shoppers kept rushing by

All he could do was  gasp and horror

as he saw his nose fall to the ground

snow-dec-7_002all around as the day wore on

people came and went on their way

not once did anyone notice

that the little snowman

was having a difficult day

the fresh snow on the ground

made the parks so merry and gay

snow-dec-7_004there was a shop down the lane

that if only someone would stop

he could tell them the way to find his friends

he knew his friends would come

help him put his head on again snow-dec-7_001with  a sigh of relief,

he saw his friends coming his way

oh joy, oh happy day!

you’ve come just in time

somehow my head fell off

and I’ve been at a total loss

I closed my eyes, and wished and prayed

and now….!!!! joy oh joy…!!!

 

ohno-part-2e_002

I can stand tall and proud again

his nose and smile back in place

he was ready to smile out at the world again.

ohno-part-2e_003

Life can get very busy, especially at this time of year.  We rush from one chore to another, our mind always on the task at hand.  While this is good, being efficient is always a positive, however, take time this year, to make time for your inner self, and for the friends around you who may not have the same holiday cheer you are enjoying.

Often someone really very close by or near to you can be  having a difficult time.  We fail to hear the silent plea not because we don’t care, but because in our “busy” mode, we don’t hear the world around us, we are running on remote control.

PL Precept #7  Everything exists in Relativity

PL Principle # 4  I will live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion) working for the happiness of others.

PL Precept # 11    Always be with God

 

The art of “Storytelling”

vintage xmas 2

I am a writer of stories,  but the art of telling the story, that is an art all on its own.  Last night I gave myself a gift, I took myself off to a magical place,  for an hour plus, I was transported to another world, and another time. The voice of the talented story teller from his virtual platform, took the audience to  Lapland where a boy named Nikolas was orphaned, and how the villagers came together to look after the young boy. Last night was  part 1 of Christmas Story (Joulutarina)

On the Seanchai libraries website,  they explain…  Seanchai (“Storyteller” in Irish) Library celebrates the Celtic tradition of stories told around the hearth or in the pub to friends, family, and welcomed strangers. Seanchai Libraries bring stories of all kinds to life, in Virtual Worlds: Second Life, InWorldz, & Kitely on the Open Metaverse.   www.seanchailibrary.com

The story teller last night was Shandon Loring.

santa-past

Do you have a picture in mind, of what Santa looks like, did you wonder which of the folk stories are  “true”   How did all this Santa Claus “stuff” all come about…. ?

Story telling is an “art” .. my time spent listening to Shandon last night, has me wanting to know more about the story he began telling us last night.

If you are interested, join us for his next reading. Next Thursday evening 7 pm. pacific time.

PL Precept #1   Life is  Art

Hone your listening skills, enjoy the gifts the story tellers offer us.

tag, your turn

rensei-2016-h

Life is happily moving along, life is very good, there appears to be chaos around you, but in your little world, each day is a brand new, happy day.

And then, and then, surprise, the magic wand comes around and a little tap, tap tap, and darn, something changes.

computer-imagejayeshprofitfromprices.com (PC search – computer cartoons)

You get a new computer, because your old, true blue friend, simply refuses to budge, you shut down one night, and it simply refused to wake up. Yes, the new one is top of the line able to do all that you want it to do.  However, it is not warm and fuzzy, it doesn’t remember your last dinner for two, it has not shared any real “moments” with you.  It is a cold black, metal box.

computer-cartoon

Nothing is where it used to be, and every time you turn it on. you just know you will discover another learning curve.  Sigh.  I know, these opportunities are sent to keep our gray matter from getting sluggish.  To keep us eager for more knowledge, encourage our creativity.

Great way to start the day, how is your day going?  Change is good, mantra for the day, change is good, change is good..

Smiles and waves, good morning, it is the start of a Friday, I’m told there are black Friday sales going on everywhere.  Even here in Canada.  time to take a break and go out to play.

I know my new friend here on my desk will be waiting for me when I return.

broken crayons

 

Oyashikiri

 

 

Thursday Doors 11.24 and..

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PL Precept # 2 To live is to express one’s self

I found this delightful animation on a blog I follow, it told a story that I would like to share with you.  I hope you enjoy.

Native American  (Hiawatha)    grab yourself a cuppa… and enjoy.   Blessings everyone..

Oyashikiri

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