Rain is cleansing, calming … yet … can be relentless and create anxiety
because it is said – does this make it a truth
Make today a memorable day. Let’s try to put our whole heart into whatever we say or do, as our unique signature.
Perfect Liberty 2022.26
Always live with a kind and generous heart. Show love and embrace others’ good points, and be willing to overlook their faults. One who has a generous heart can live a fulfilled life.
Good morning, Bom Dia… This capture was taken “somewhere” in a country setting that is very beckoning if you are in the city with ambulance and firetrucks constantly being heard rushing from one place to another. When I saw it.. I thought “how rustic”, and moved on to other incoming mail. However over the next couple of days, that picture kept creeping into my thoughts. I dug it out and had another look.
Not a lot happening… not even a sign that there are people living there. Then a conversation I had with a friend who told me about her vacation on a lake, where the lots were so close you could stand on the deck and see the neighbour’s yards on both sides. there was even a pizza parlour just down the road (light bulb moment) immediately, the “blue retreat” sprang back to my mind again… darn I kept returning to the photo of the blue “retreat” in the woods.
Two very different “get away” locations. I have no idea if there is a lake/river near the “hideaway” but what set it apart from the cottage on the lake, was the “apparent” isolation of the place. I liked the idea of being in the woods, yet being in a structure protected from the elements*. I realized that what I was finding so inviting about the picture of the blue “retreat” was that it didn’t shout “lonely” rather it exudes a peaceful quiet.
That dwelling what I now think of as a “retreat” gets more and more appealing to me as I rush from one activity to another and run one errand after another, trying to ?? what??
We all have moments where we suddenly realize that we are “spinning our wheels” we are trying to get things done so we can “catch our breath”. The “retreat” set my thoughts in motion, “why” “what is the rush”… It was a trigger. whether or not the photographer meant to invoke a “mood” or capture the “stillness” of the place.. doesn’t matter, it is how “I” the viewer has interpreted his “work”.
Just seeing the picture set my mind and thoughts into ‘overdrive” It reminded me that I was making “busy, busy, busy” my normal. It made me stop and think… and ask myself. .”why” how come I was always in “busy” mode. Was I enhancing my life with my behaviour, or was I ” running around in circles” .. had I let myself get caught up in “making busy” .. Time for some quiet contemplation and reflection..
Use money and things usefully and enthusiastically. Money and things are materials for self expression. Use them joyfully with appreciation
Perfect Liberty 2022.25
That one picture, captured in time … has made me realize that for someone who is “retired” I am far “too busy” and need to review and revamp my “gray cells” – it won’t be easy.. but I can try.
Do you talk to people you don’t know. Are you someone who strikes up a conversation with someone you don’t know who happens to be where you are, when you are? I hadn’t heard the term before, but I saw recently in an old Oprah magazine, an article about an author Malcolm Gladwell, who writes books about “cultural conversations”.. he writes about how close encounters between strangers can teach us ,how we can get better at reading each other’s signals. (Tipping Point)
Thinking back over my many years of my existence, I can’t count the number of people I’ve met, either in the workforce, out for the evening, waiting in line when running errands… everywhere, there is always, someone, somewhere who is close enough for me to greet or acknowledge. Do I always? .. no.. but on average compared to my friends and close associates, I would be considered “outgoing” and more likely to start up a conversation, or even, just say Hi, nod, say good day… I’ve met some of the most interesting people that way, and actually have found that I like most people I meet.
Being Chinese in the North America of many years ago, meant that you were “the oddity” your cultural background was different, and of course you “looked” different… I was taught that everyone has feelings, and meeting someone was an opportunity to “grow” as a person, to “learn” … my perspective on human behaviours was honed from a very early age to listen carefully, to watch and be aware of life as it came my way. PL Precept # 7 Everything exists in relativity.
It is in the meeting of people with different ideas, and backgrounds, that I found so many “treasures” (moments of wonder. PL Precept # 6 Efface your self-conceptions.
We are all so unique, I really enjoy brief encounters that elicit a smile, a wave, a brief exchange. =^_^=
When you get stuck, take a step back. When you are able to see things objectively, your viewpoint will change and you will receive new wisdom.
Perfect Liberty 2022.23
PL Precept # 18 Each moment is a turning point – we often make judgements based on our own unconscious biases. I try to be aware of my reactions and to be more receptive to “learning” and being more “open” to “differences” – an exercise that is ongoing… not that I’m a slow learner, .. there is just so much to see and discover.
Doorways by Dave RenzDoorways by Dave RenzDoorways by Dave RenzDoorways by Dave RenzDoorways by Dave RenzDoorways by Dave Renz
The charm of doorways found in Quebec City.
I don’t get to travel around as much as I used to … or would like to… I’m so grateful to have friends who know of my love of doors and send me smiles when they are away. Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, I am blessed with friends who are thoughtful and caring.
Today on Thanksgiving (PL day of Appreciation) I give thanks as I do every month on the 21st. for my valued friends. It is impossible to tell them everyday, but I pray every day and keep them in my heart always. Friendships are gifts that are treasures that enhance our lives.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Let’s live with gratitude towards everyone and everything all day today.
Perfect Liberty 2022.21
PL Service of Appreciation (Thanksgiving) is this evening at 7 pm
Yesterday i had to stand in line for almost an hour … due to covid, we are limited in how many people can enter the government office (to renew drivers licenses and health cards etc.) the seating that once was in the office area, is gone, now people have to line up outside the office and enter only when a “teller” is free. The line was already snaking past the bank and almost at the entrance to the mall when I arrived. I arrived before the 9 a.m. opening time. The government office was half way down the mall .. between the two entrances of said mall. It wasn’t nine yet and already the temperature outside was climbing. Inside with people standing in line for the office I was wanting and then further down there was another lineup for I don’t know what.. but there we were, all lined up.. waiting to complete whatever transaction was being required of us. I did what I had to do, and was out of there in just over an hour. It was a “to do” checked off my list. soooooooooooo that is a tick mark under accomplished today. It is a positive, my health card has been renewed, I couldn’t do it online because they wanted an updated picture.
The other positive, was I was able to renew my driver’s license online. and.. wait.. another positive, the car shop called, my car was repaired and ready to be picked up (remember taxi backed into me almost two months ago now). Wow so many positives in one day. No, you’re right it didn’t end there, I had more positives before the day ended.. life was a bouquet of positives yesterday. Now sprinkled in amongst all those positives, were the moments of waiting, standing, the heat, etc. but at the end of the day.. it might have been “busy” but I felt good, In PL, we look for the positives and show appreciation for those moments. When we do so, it seems that we are able to “see’ life in a more positive light, I am guilty of moaning at times of “having to” do this/that/ or something else.. but in the end when its done, it is a “feel good” moment.
Put your heart into your words. do you tend to speak in just a matter of fact tone? It s important to put your heart into your words.
Perfect Liberty 2022.19
“to do” or “not to do” There is only one way. Although we may have many choices in f ront of us, in the end we must all make a single decision. Once you have made up your mind, move forward without hesitation.
Perfect Liberty 2012.20
Bonus… they gave me my car back all washed, cleaned inside and out!!! yippeeee kiYAY!
Come on … let’s go.. last one to arrive, catches dinner. – ever notice, we are always on the move, there is someplace to be, something to do, someone waiting…
Start today with a fresh outlook. even though people and situations may look the same, they are constantly changing, Start each day with a fresh mind.
Perfect Liberty 2022.17
Let’s look at and listen to others with an open mind. your judgment becomes clouded when you look at a situation or person with preconceived notions. Observe them for what they actually are.
Good morning.. can anyone else see the heart that has been ripped open – bare – open to the world, Time will heal the wound – The sun will warm and the rain will wash away the remnants of what was.. What was a war cry and the horror of being ripped apart, now is the steady slow journey of recovery. Never to be what was, but to accept and move on, to experience what is to be.
Have a joyful day by being a little more creative. You will enjoy your day more by adding a little creativity to your daily activities.
Perfect Liberty 2022.16
Enjoy the week-end everyone. Here we are experiencing a lot of sunshine and very hot, humid weather, typical for this part of Canada. (LOL to me hot is anything over 65 ) but rest easy, it is going into the 80s for you summer lovers. A friend in Arizona texted the other morning it was 9:30 something (a.m.) her time and it was already in the 90’s.. I just wilt thinking about it.
my bitmoji has more grit than I do – enjoy everyone! have fun.
Good morning! Bom dia amigos, desejo a todos uma semana maravilhosa…. what a week! Where is the month of July going.. the other day I saw a hint of colour in the palette of greens. That tell tale sign of a rosy blush that will soon turn to red.. Our wandering photographer Ian Mitchell was on one of his “expeditions” when he took the above pictures while in the Gatineau Park. (on the Quebec side of the river) Twice I tried to find my way there only to be turned back by road closers. My known routes have been shut down due to a number of reasons, (last few years these changes have crept in un-noticed by moi) now to get there I’m told I have to travel a different route, using highways and going through towns that are out of the way (for me).
Why has this proved to be such a “chore” for me.. I have no idea. I guess because it was more or less in my backyard before, and now to get there I have to travel east, cross a different bridge, and make my way north via a super highway, it has lost its flavour… Nature was minutes away, aaahhhh says my inner voice, “you forget” that was before expansions, populations growth, new subdivisions, blah, blah.. blah. Ian ‘s hobby (one of them) is craft beers…maybe I need a new hobby to encourage more travel outside of my comfort zone.
Another friend actually got me out of the house to go for dinner last night. Whooo hoooo catchoooo, no cooking, no clearing up after, no dishes… all I had to do was walk to the buffet islands and fill my plate. Servers brought warm/hot towels prior to the meal, and after..(for wiping of sticky fingers and patting lips of excess sauces etc.) The meringue on the lemon pie was almost 2 inches high. yum….
Think of the timing before you say.. ” but…” When stating your opinion, make sure you are being respectful of others’ opinions. Be mindful of this when you speak
Perfect Liberty 2022.14
I was browsing the internet and found this picture on Cameron Shankland’s page, it is so amazing I’m sharing it with you.. there is a door down the way on the building, but it is the artwork I want you to see. (yes I did write to him !)
photo posted by Cameron Shankland
For more pictures of doors and interesting architecture .. please visit Dan’s (Dan Antion) – No Facilities site, https://nofacilities.com/2022/07/14/return-to-old-wethersfield/ where other like minded creative minds share our passion for doors and the buildings they grace.
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.