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Susan

My long time friend,  passed away Friday – if she were here, we would likely quip that “another one bites the dust”  Susan and I were the dynamic duo who felt that we could do anything we wanted to. If others said it was impossible, Susan and I would sit down and work out how we could get it done.  I had two friends called Susan, she was known in our circle as “little Susan” cuz that is what she was, 5’2″ if that.

IMG_4120Being a Taoist, for me landscaping was all about bringing nature to my property so that it would as closely resemble natural growth, Susan shared that passion, when I bought a home with a double lot, she said, I’m going to get more land too.  She moved to a place where she had the kind of lot that she could build on.  We were off to the races, every week-end we toured miles of countryside looking for landscaping places that would offer us plants that were not the standard backyard fare.

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Susan’s passion soon outgrew her backyard, she called me one day to tell me she had decided to purchase land.  We both had full-time careers in Corporate Health Care, and were raising our “young” but that didn’t stop her.  Once her mind was made up, Susan was a very determined person.  Over the years I watched as she  took on one “project” or “passion” after another.

IMG_4126When I remarried in the late 90’s, we didn’t get to spend the time together that we did before, but anytime we did meet up, we picked up just where we left off. That was the kind of relationship we had. The bond we had created when we were younger, held like glue.  The years passed, friends in our lives changed, but still, we knew each other like one hand knows the other.

IMG_4116She is gone now, at least the human form is no longer here.  But her presence, the secrets we shared, the long evenings of simply “being” in the same space, discovering our “selves”.. that will always be.

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Rest in peace my friend, our joy in prisms will always be a reminder of how much you are part of mine.

When love is true it lasts forever, no matter what…

true friendship is not about how often you see each other,

or how long you have known each other..

but in the truth of what you were to each other.

Q

 

photos along the Tay River, Ontario,Canada

soyez tranquilles

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tranquility

moments pass

yet stillness

inspires

more lingering

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Make every day special, we only live it once.

Oyashikiri

 

Perth, On. Canada on the Tay trail

 

 

Stash

fabric stash 4Happiness is finding that the coloured hook and loop tape is on sale, buy 1 and get 2 free.  I had not seen coloured hook and loop before, so I was for sure, having a few. Especially they were in the fall colours I was on the hunt for.

Took me awhile but I finally found the fat quarters, and when I did, I forgave the shop for hiding way in the back.  They were all half price. I managed to find enough quarters in the colours I was wanting.

fabric stash 3I’m even going to follow the “rules” and launder the pieces first before I start to cut them up and heat bond them.  I am showing you the raw pieces, before I play with them.  Hopefully I will eventually show you the end product.  I have no idea what I will do with the tape, but the possibilities are endless.

I’ve also begun to work on the art/junk journals again .. fall is in the air, I always get a nudge from Mother Nature at this time of year, the vibrant colours she splashes all around us is enticing.  Even the rows of golden rod and mellow yellows that dot the fields along the highways call out to me.

The unbelievable thrill of seeing the  1000 shades of orange/reds that wave from the hardwood trees that line the road, exhilarates.

My stash is slowly taking on the colour theme that I will work with. Yes I am excited at the pending creativity that is awake and churning to get going… anyone else out there feeling that zing that is floating around in the ethers of the bright fall days.  Not to mention the crisp night breezes that lull us to sleep.

It has been a super great Thursday  …  hello Friday, I’m ready for you.

May the happiness of the season, float effortlessly your way. Appreciate and enjoy this season of harvest.

Oyashikiri

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

bee,blessed

Mickey

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I was just going to settle into bed when I heard the ping of my phone, I could have ignored it, but I wasn’t completely settled in so, I had a look.  There was Mickey smiling away while in the shadows I could see a throng of people wandering, mingling the Disneyland “Park” Even at night it is able to captivate with the charm that is Disnyland.

Where I was, on a quiet street, night time had descended, and most residents on our street anyway, were safely tucked into bed.  My sister on the other paw, visiting in Los Angeles was surrounded with activity and coloured lights, (3 hour time difference)

I love when I am reminded on how wonderful life is in 2017,  that with technology the way it is now I can share a moment in space and time with someone (in this case my sister) and be miles away, and in a totally different “place”  These are blessings friends, we experience them everyday.   We have much to be thankful.

Appreciation of life, learning to share and care as a daily part of our lives, that is important.

People who choose to be toxic, who get their “highs” on the distress or perceived failures of others, who can only malign and remember past incidents that they feed on to give them a reason  to live.  That is SAD.  we can only pray that their toxic behaviours and  “sick” fumes don’t darken our paths.  When they do, appreciate that you are not in “that place”  give thanks for your own life, and pray that their “unwell” state of mind and being will find its way to a better place. Then move on.

PL Precept #11   Always be with God.

The negativity and disease of others, need not infect your world.

GOD is LOVE

no matter what philosophy you live by, LOVE permeates all teachings.

Oyashikiri

 

photo -Valerie

au soleil – in the sunshine

huntsman spider in australia.

A spider will play, the warm sun fondly warming his legs as he feels his way along the path he is on.  A beautiful day for a stroll, I’m sure he is focused on his search  for his catch of the day. Yet he will be ever vigilant of the world around him.  Of course, realize that it will be from his perspective.

When we are out and about on a sunny day, do we focus on the moment or the day ahead.  I was myself not focused on my day, only on the moment, when a friend knocked on my door, saying, “come out and play”  Left on my own, I would have had a boring day. Sure I would have gotten things done, but having a friend to share some time with changed the whole “colour” of my day.  Not that we did something extra ordinary in a way that would win us, ooohs and aaahhhs…. but, it was an absolutely different and wonderful day, because it was shared with a friend.  So for ME, it was a fantabulous day..

How many times have I used the word =day=   hmmm doesn’t matter this is not a literary piece, it’s a shout out.. saying ” YAY” today was a good day!

What a nice way to enjoy such an interlude in the middle of the week.

Make times my friends to do something that makes you smile. Don’t squander all your day, doing the mundane.

Jai eu beaucoup de Plaisir, I had a lot of fun “living” today.

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no goblins or ghouls, I hope this “leaves” you with a smile.  Happy Thursday…

Q

Oyashikiri

 

photography,Hillwalker (D. Su)

 

 

stained glass

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Imagine the sun streaming in on a cool fall day.  Isn’t there something wonderful about the way, light is transformed when it penetrates and shines through  a stained glass panel.

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even the high ceiling is mirroring the colourful hues, giving the  room an aura of light.  When the organist plays, what divine inspiration must flow from his hands to the organ itself.  A true delight for all who are embraced by the sound,

PL Precept # 15 All is a Mirror

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

God is everywhere – PL Precept # 11 Always be with God

Oyashikiri

 

Pictures taken by Valerie (sister) while at her retreat

Thursday, week 2 of treatments

ompah

Nature has many faces, depending on where we are at a given time, what we will see and experience , are miles apart, different in every way, yet beautiful at the same time.

With the many prayers and healing thoughts coming our way, how can we not be enriched in every way, by the thoughtful and caring generosity of our friends.

PL Precept # 11  Always be with God.

PL Precept # 7  Everything exists in Relativity

Squally Cove, Shirley Keen

Oyashikiri

Thank you, I give thanks each day you are in our lives!

bottom photo, Shirley Keen (Squally Cove) (down under)

top photos, Ompah, Ontario (Q)

 

 

an angel takes flight (Georgina)

9.25 bye Georgina_003

My sister in law was a strong resourceful woman, she battled with medical problems what seems like forever.  Yet she raised her family, say her children marry, and then the blessing of grandchildren.   Had she stayed around, she and my brother in law would have celebrated I believe their 49th. anniversary.

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The last few years saw her visiting the train station, more than I’m sure she wanted to, but an intelligent woman, she knew that a journey was soon to come. I never failed to marvel at her sense of “life” no matter her physical limitations, she always had an aura of vibrancy and life the emanated  from her.  Everyone who met her, dealt with her, enjoyed her presence. Even in the greatest discomfort, she made you feel welcome by her side.  A “true lady”, genteel, she will be greatly missed.

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She was a ray of sunlight that shone just a tad brighter than most.

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The last few days, we saw the skies cloud over, we felt the murmur and call of the Universe.

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One night the stars shone extra brightly, the next morning, we knew, she had spread her wings and flown home where she will shine down on us from up above.

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The sunbeams that dance across the lakes, and caress the changing seasons, will always be a bit of Georgina, reminding us, she is not far away,  Her legacy and faith in “life” will always BE.

Oyashikiri

Rest in Peace dear friend, you will never be forgotten..

 

 

 

 

howling time

fright nite b

LOL the howling month approaches.  Love end of September, and all of October.  Witches, goblins, spiders and bright vivid shades of oranges, blood reds and black. It is time to dig out the dies, stencils and paints. Yahoooo where is the glue.

OK so not everyone is enthusiastic and carries on like I do.  But a roll of big bright ribbon with pumpkins and black cats… wow what a blast. here they are ready to be part of my stash

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I had so much fun, just finding the right shadows to go with the ribbons.

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Having fun is what life is all about.  Happiness is… living each moment to the fullest.  At one time I would have cropped out or photo shopped out shadows etc.  Now I find that they are part of the moment, so I leave them in.

canvas torn

I found a picture of some torn canvas that I had happily ripped into shreds for a project.  I think I still have some, so will go in search of what is left.  I feel a new project coming on.. inspiration is rounding the corner.  Time to rock and roll!!!!

Have a good day my friends.

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

gelli art 2.20.17

text, photos and artwork, Q

ribbon- MultiCraft Clearance Centre -Ottawa,On,Canada

Travel safe my friend – goodbye

goodbye Lizzie 9.18.17_008.pngLizzie was an artist with a thirst to create, not just anything, everything she did was alive and vivid, just like her. Her creativity knew no bounds.  When she first was told she had cancer, she said, OK, let’s deal with this.. and did what she needed to do, she beat the odds.  Once, twice, the little vixen fought her way to live another day.

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This last fight, she grew weary. She laid down her brush,  with the quiet dignity of the true diva she was, she spread her wings and took flight beyond the heavens into the “night”..

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We will miss you Liz, your energy and spirit,  a diva  warrior like no other,  will forever glow in our hearts.  Rest in peace.

Oyashikiri

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