looking back 2017
endings, beginnings
always another day
reality, there is only now
always is
this very moment
Q
endings, beginnings
always another day
reality, there is only now
always is
this very moment
Q

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.
Snow 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

Diva Pippa, sitting pretty for the photographer (her Mom).. all she is missing is a poodle skirt. Loved the picture and once again, asked permission to share,
pippa_g_thats_me found on Instagram
For some reason I thought of the actress Sandra Dee, she also has a bit of Audrey Hepburn ?? maybe someone out there remembers the beach movie..from way back when… Did you smile?
Keep the smile, spread the happiness around.. Pippa’s is an award-winning smile giver. =^_^=
Oyashikiri
ps. my two, look at me with eyes that say, don’t you even dare think of it. LOL Pippa is a born model. Of course we have to acknowledge her costume and set designer too. winks and waves…

You can see it, you can hear it, but you just can’t get to it. The door is there, it opens, but even when it is just a short distance away, there is no access.
Life holds such moments at every turn. We can look at attaining access to the door, there is a way in, but the time, or the moment is just not right

You can walk closer, but the fence is still there, the door is still there, but at the moment in time while you are standing there …you can only look and contemplate. How badly you want access to that door, will determine what actions you will take. Even if you obtain access to the door, what then, the operation of the plane is in someone else’s skill set, not yours.
Such situations when they occur, bring to our attention how well we do with waiting, being patient, and learning to appreciate that this is a lesson that is important. We may not know why it is, not at the moment, we are looking through the fence… but as sure as night follows day, why the delay, or why the opportunity presented itself, will be known.
PL Precept #18 Each moment is a turning point
PL Precept # 5 One’s Self is lost by being Emotional
Being upset by something we have no control over, nor change is a waste of energy. Instead, be grateful you are alive to live the moment, and that in doing so, life is progressing, and from the experience, you will gain inner strength.. focus on the positives… the fence will stay there, but you will find a way, it is only at that one moment, that access is not possible. If there is a fence, there is a gate, if there is a door, someone will eventually come to that door.
Change is the only constant in life.
Oyashkiri
Today, was a day of errands. After church I was busy gathering ingredients for a soup, and then to a craft supply place that still had their special sale on. With the holidays around the corner, I have once again, begun to work at my “work table.” I want to finish cards that I have promised for a few “retail” outlets, and want to make a few personal greetings that need to be posted soon.
To accomplish this, I wander and look at everything that I discover along my path, one never knows when an idea or a creative moment will present itself. Funny I go into a shop looking for a very specific item or theme, and come out with way more than I had anticipated. Anyone else, know this curious “happening” it is as if an elf is putting things in our basket when we aren’t looking. When we do see it, we realize that ..”wow! that is a great ^whatever^ guess I will keep it.”
Fortunately, more often than naught, these are the items that will be the first to be consumed or used in the creative process.
If you are someone who delights in homemade soup… then you are likely familiar with the above utensils… maybe not these, but a strainer of some kind.
I start my soups with bones, for me the most delightful of tastes is the meat that is closest to the bone. Exquisite flavour can be obtained by combining the oddest ingredients, then after hours of slow simmer, straining the broth, only returning to the liquid ambrosia, the jewels you want to feature. Sometimes they have absolutely nothing to do with the making of the broth. But their taste, harmonized perfectly to offer up a feast not only for the eyes, but for your taste buds … not to mention the aromatic teasing of your senses
All this to say… I’ ve got a soup on the back burner, and I steamed my veggies to put on my rice, in a Pad Thai sauce. Hmmm must be time for me to eat.
Hope you all had a great week-end. Tomorrow we start a brand new week! Soon a new month will appear too… YAY!!!!
Make every moment count, and enjoy all that life has to offer.. The more you succeed, the merrier life will be.
Oyashikiri

Cranberries and turkey ….stuffing and mashed potatoes ….gathering of friends, sounds like holiday cheer. My sister was telling me about her menu, for today’s Thanksgiving feast (she lives in the States). It was interesting to learn that mashed potatoes were not just “mashed potatoes” as I know it, but, how she specially prepared the potatoes for guests on this special evening of sharing.
Potatoes being carefully peeled and cooked, so they could be mashed and presented in a certain consistency etc. The care and thought she has put into serving up a dinner for her friends I found heart warming. Just listening to her explain the shopping for, and the prep done days in advance, the settings, the placement of chairs to accommodate the gathering so that all would be comfortable and feel welcome, was all “new” to me. Our family has our own “Martha”… I was impressed.
My long time personal friends, will all chuckle and know that “yours truly” does not share my sister’s flare. I felt really proud of her, as she went on about her dinner today. These were/are her friends, and she for years now, has them over to share in a now, “traditional” Thanksgiving in appreciation and love for their part in her life. My little sister, gave me a warm glow of love and appreciation for HER, I am still basking in it today.
LOL she will be busy today, and seldom reads my blog.. so I can get away with saying nice things about her today…hahahaha
Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends…. let us ALL embrace and share the meaning of Thanksgiving, in our lives today and always.
PL Principle #3 I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.
