Sometimes looking out into the distance, I wonder what it would be like to simply be able to point and magically transport myself to the top of the mountain, and look down. I see the snow .. it looks so pure so pristine…
I have had friends who recently went on retreats, silence, meditation, they had to leave their electronic gadgets … there was no writing paper, no reading…. just… time…. and quiet reflection.
The world is such a vast and interesting place… and the people who inhabit the various corners of the world are diverse … does today’s technology make for a better improved world, or… is it causing unrest and strife.
PL Precept 20 – Live maintaining equilibrium between mind and matter
Cold you say! Here is a brave young man testing the cold.. He took a soaking wet towel and swung it in the air …in a few minutes.. hello… frozen towel… the last picture, his big success, was putting a banana out in the cold, leaving it out overnight till it froze… then using the frozen banana, he hammered that nail you see into the board. Who says we don’t know how to have fun in cold weather.!!!
Good morning everyone, yes we had a cold snap, a very cold one.. but temperatures have been more reasonable the last few days and the sun has been brilliant high above, bathing the world in wonderful sunshine.
Here we are the 3rd day of February, the heart month, Feb. 14th is Valentine’s day … Feb. 17, is the Chinese lunar new year… (Horse) … AND… you will find Mardi Gras celebrations happening mid month as well….Lots to do, hope you are able to get out, in Ottawa, Winterlude is happening, ice sculptures, skating on the canal, beavertails, exhibits, snow slides, snow shoeing, X-country skiing… performances, live entertainment, tobogganing… just too many activities to list.. Guaranteed winter fun,
Instead of worrying, do something about it
It doesn’t help to over-think situations such as, “what if this happens?” or, “Things might end up that way”. Instead be proactive and change how you see and do things in each situation.
PL2019.3
Oyashikiri
beavertails, are sweet offerings, pastries, snack. a Canadian treat that originated in the Ontario, Ottawa Valley in 1978. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BeaverTails
Today is the first day of February, and being the first, it is a day of service /celebration at the church, On the first of every month, we celebrate -Day of Peace – Through this ceremony we pray for World Peace and dedicate ourselves to live as peaceful human beings in our own worlds which include, home, school, work and communityl
Harmony brings us Peace
Let’s strive to always maintain good relationships at home, at work and in the community we live in.
I was humbled and totally captured by this beautiful bird yesterday. He surprised me by appearing beside me, and I mean beside me… looked me right in the eyes, and actually stayed there long enough for me to re cover my shock at having him so close to me and my face. I was putting out seed along a fallen log for the other birds… he was an arm’s reach from me … we were face to face…
My only thought was … this must be the bird that hung around with me a year or so ago.. he would come and visit, then fly off and I’d hear his knocking…. loud knock knock knock.. on the various trees around.. He hung around maybe a week or two and then he was gone… I’d hear him, but never see him …. He left an impression… but with time.. the moments faded… so much else is happening in the world.
Yesterday when I saw him… the fact that he was so close to me, and stayed close enough to connect with me, brought back that first encounter… I had never seen a pileated up close .. ever… I was used to the Downy and the Hairy fluttering around waiting for the food to be put out… but never had I seen the pileated. What a majestic bird.
I was too taken aback and “in the moment” that getting a picture was just not even in my head. All I could do was look back at him … I might even have gasped… then he flew off calling as he went.
This morning I found the clip by Francois Potvin… I’m sharing it with you. Enjoy.
Life is an adventure. Every moment is a lifetime.
PL Precept #18 Each moment is a turning point
PL Precept # 7 Everything exists in relativity
You all know my love of the crow and the ravens… but this one bird, man … he has stolen my heart big time.
Even though you may have put your best effort into doing something you still may have made some mistakes. That is why it is important to always work with a prayerful mind.
It is not often I allow myself the luxury of picking these delicious delights up, but after last night I felt I deserved something special. If anyone knows what the country of origin is for these tasty morsels I would appreciate it if you could let me know. I came across them about a year or so ago, there was a package on sale at a local specialty food shop … I thought why not… I was feeling adventurous.. I was not prepared for just how much I would enjoy them. I suspect they are laden with calories.. so I don’t allow myself the luxury, especially when prices have gone up so much. I eat them cold right out of the packaging. (they are found in the fresh food deli section .)
What happened last night. Grief,, sorrow, delayed reaction to the loss of my precious Canaille.
Canaille was a Porti (Portuguese Water Dog) who stole my heart the moment I met her. She and I bonded like nothing I had ever experienced before. We went everywhere together, she was my constant companion, My husband graciously allowed her to sleep with us, he knew there was no parting us.
When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer with only a very limited time to live, I rushed home to get documents they needed at the hospital and get personal items he needed. When I got home, she was having a stroke… I rushed her to the vet… and… well… you know the rest… it was a devasting day for me, but I needed to move forward. I never had time to properly grieve for her… Then recently a friend sent me pictures he found on an old disk I had given him… the above picture was what he sent me… Its been 8 years but the blinding grief, hit me so suddenly it was like it happened yesterday. We can’t go back, life moves on… but …. the hurt, the sorrow, the stabbing reality of the loss …. has shaken me to the core.
Life is fleeting, please… don’t squander time with loved ones… cherish the moments you get to hold them, share time with them… when its gone, there is nothing left but the memory.
Today’s message..
Offer your services instead of expecting from others.
Take the initiative to do what you can to help others. Understand their needs and act swiftly.
PL2020.14
Although the tongue weighs very little, few people are able to hold it. (God’s little devotional book)
It is no joke. The nasty germs are running wild. Time to stay in…. steam the room… drink lots of fluids, and stay warm, Thought I was doing so much better… Mother Nature, had different ideas… She has made it clear I’m not out of the woods. I have to stay quiet, and stay warm. I did forgo a much anticipated evening out Xmas eve.. BUT it wasn’t enough.. seems I have to lie low for a little longer. How are you doing? You managed to stay healthy ???
Make today a memorable day
Let’s try to put our whole heart into whatever we say or do, as our unique signature
PL2022.26
Today is just another moment in time.. Tomorrow is another day.
I kid you not… these decorated wonders are all under one roof. AND I did not post all the pictures. Their displays take my breath away. This is in a home with dogs… many dogs…. yet, except for the odd ornament that a whippet/borzi wants to rearrange…. their decor stays pretty much as is till after the new year. This is a house of Joy and Wonder. thank you Steve and Paul for the tour of your beautiful displays.
Be Cheerful and Friendly with those around you.
Other people can sense how you are feeling ... so.. be cheerful…
Time for parties, dancing, good music, everyone dressing up, strutting their holiday costumes, it was nice to see everyone sharing in a couple of hours of Holiday music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag8tA_ycIrQ
Be thankful at the beginning and end of each day.
Each and everyone of your actions can inspire peace within your family your community and the world around you. This peace will eventually help lead to world peace.
PL2020.21
Not everyone celebrates the same way, be aware of differences, share your smile, offer kindness with Makoto (sincerity).. Celebrate the season.
Oyashikiri
If you see Quinkat in the video that is someone you know (one of the photographers for the event) wink.
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.