a Trans Alpine Trip by train from Christchurch NZ to Greymouth. – Photos Shirley Keen
Everything here is soooo green, lush and over grown, when I saw Shirley’s photos from her trip she was just on, I asked to share a few with you. Isn’t the world a wonderful place, the geography is so different .. depending on where you are on the “globe”
Life is what we make it.
Don’t think overly about people. Instead of being excessively concerned about others, focus on what you should do.
Perfect Liberty 2021.31
I had wonderful “ladies day” outing, we had lunch at a cafe/restaurant on the canal, ate out by the water. I didn’t intend for it to happen but I have a golden glow that wasn’t there earlier. The sun was out, there was a breeze, company was exceptional, food was good.. hey.. Life is Good!
to stand alone looking out into the vastness of your wonders
encourages me to be strong
to embrace the distance of tomorrow
and to live today, like the waters in this river
allowing the currents to gently take me
with each wave, gently and resolutely towards
whatever shoreline you guide me to.
I know I am never really alone, for always you find a way to let me know you are listening
It is true, sometimes the world takes on a different hue
But…. always, and this is true…. always, I see the wonder that is YOU
I know I am never alone, for YOU are always with me
whether I stand, sit or lie, you are by my side
you take me where I need to be
like the tree, I am rooted in YOU
I extend my arms into your infinity
with the knowledge that
I am a but a part of the whole
Along this same shoreline, where I had been standing musing, I had moments before been along this stretch of the island, and to my wonder and joy had an encounter with a blue heron. To awed to grab for the camera, I simply drunk in the moment, as he/she up and flew away.
PL Precept # 1 – Life is Art.
PL Precept # 2 – To live is to express one’s Self.
Every day is a new canvas, on which we can express ourselves in our own way, We are all different, each one of us is unique, yet we are all connected, we are all ONE
Three years ago, I would never had been up and out walking like I am now.. I would never have had occasion to meet the wonderful people I meet now as I wander the woodlands, rivers and parks…AND I would not have reconnected with Nature the way I do now, or known and seen the wildlife that I am now. NOW is a powerful moment in time.
Improve yourself to have a kinder heart. Do what you can to be caring and considerate to make others happy.
Perfect Liberty 2021.3
I started out with the intention of walking around the bog at a very slow pace. I wanted to concentrate on how quietly I could walk. As often happens, the bird calls, the textures of the various plants were distracting for me. I found myself taking pictures (what’s new!!). As I slowly made my way around the trail, I met a couple who were also out for a morning stroll. I think one of the greatest joys is meeting new people who share the love of the land.
In PL, we believe that PL #18 Each moment is a turning point.. how true, the pleasant visit, the exchange of ideas and information left me with lots of possibilities to put on my “to do” list. Places I have not been to in a long time, they reminded me of in telling me of their experiences. I feel a happy anticipation, a couple of the places they brought to my attention, I used to visit when my husband and I traveled the backroads.
We are heading into a new week – lets in following the teachings of PL, remember that .. PL # 15 All is a Mirror We should try to start each day with a smile .. PL Precept# 2 To live is to express One’s Self. If we are smiling and happy, people around us, will feel the positive energy…
Energy Springs from your smile. A smile makes you and others cheerful and energetic.
Perfect Liberty 2021.4
To all my American readers.. have a wonderful celebration today.. enjoy, make memories.. stay safe..
I want to also thank each and everyone of you who drop in and visit, share your comments, thoughts, visit with me along the trails, and in all areas in my life.. I love the energy you bring into my life.. you all contribute, by being YOU. Thank YOU.
There are no empty spaces between the trees now, everything is covered with vegetation all vying for a place in the sun.
PL Precept #16 All things progress and develop.
Nowhere can this be seen more when walking the nature trails – the landscape changes every day, there is always something new to see or find. I didn’t crop the second picture, I wanted you to see the wall of vegetation that is so abundant with life.. The bird songs are always floating over the land, coming from all directions. Woodlands are alive with activity.
PL # 16 Tudo progride e se desenvolve
Be a person who can say ” I like it” find what moves you the most and express your appreciation.
I managed a few pictures of the sun and shadows that played amongst the ground cover on the forest floor. I confess to giving in to the hoard of biting mosquitos that swarmed all around me. This is the first time they have managed to get up my sleeves, and /or bite through the flannel shirt I was wearing. My arms are covered in bites/welts, I will be taking allergy pills for the rest of the day.
I have a video that I somehow took while capturing the pictures I got this morning. Try as I might I don’t know how to size it so it will show up here. You can actually see all the activity of the mosquitos flying back and forth around the lens of the camera. If someone out there also on WP can offer a suggestion I’d appreciate your comments. What I have is 1:48 minutes long. In the past I just insert and it has copied, but not today.
Tell yourself “Things happen” Even if something is inconvenient once you accept it you will be able to move onto the next step.
Perfect Liberty 2021.8
Nature always wears the colours of the spirit.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them
What a treat. I last visited here, a LONG time ago, I remember my Dad bringing me here so he could take pictures. Back then it was a whole day’s journey to get out to this location. People came with picnic baskets and to fish. while they watched leisure boats come through the locks. Now from downtown, 15 minutes maybe.
When I heard that today was going to be a scorcher with a very high humidity factor, going into the woods was not going to be an option I was going to consider. Along the water I thought would be my best location for pictures and my walk. I’ve reached my next level of accomplishment on my health tracker app. =^_^= so far today I’ve done 1.5 miles. it’s just after the noon hour.
Energy springs from your smile. A smile makes you and others cheerful and energetic.
Perfect Liberty 2021.4
Note. Parking is not free, it is $1.00 and hour, maximum $4.00
What I saw was a lot of cleared area for picnics and family gatherings.. Tables are spaced well apart. There must be good fishing, several guests arrived after I arrived for fishing. The people I saw, had picnic hampers with them, and folding chairs, they were there for a good spot of leisure fishing.
Easy to find, drive out Prince of Wales, keep going, past Hunt Club, and before Fallowfield. It is on the left, you will see the sign near the road.
From the highway looking down the laneway you take, you will see the old gate keepers house. Staff are friendly and there are facilities there for when and if they are needed.
can’t help but wonder, what sound(s) took place when the tree fell
My first “conversation” this morning was with Dan https://nofacilities.com/, a wonderful man who lives with a special dog called Maddie, they eat /share a piece of toast after a walk. In his post yesterday he shows a very contended dog chilling on the couch after a walk, and the shared time with her human,
Yesterday was a beautiful day as you can see from the above photo, today it is a happy day for farmers, it is raining. Not sure how much rain we will get, but from what the radio announced yesterday, it will not be nearly enough. While in Pennsylvania it has rained, stormed and rained some more, we have had little rain to speak of, just lots of bright sunny days, one after another.
We live in such a complex world, so much is happening all around us, Some we can control, and much of it, is simply out there. There is nothing we can do but accept some of it, work around a lot of it, enjoy and appreciate what we can, and move along beyond what is not in our power to do anything about.
Improve yourself to have a kinder heart. Do what you can to be caring and considerate to make others happy.
Perfect Liberty 2021.3
the cycle continues
In PL we have the 21 Precepts and 21 Principles to help guide us through the maze of experiences we encounter in life, the ministers and Hokyoshi (assistant ministers) are always available to help/assist ..
Key is PL Precept #11 Always be with God.
#16 All things progress and develop. # 15 All is a mirror # 18 Each moment is a turning Point
Simple statements, yet very difficult to master, we are constantly learning and relearning… believe me, it is not from lack of trying.
Today is a new day, PL Precept # 1 Life is Art… PL Precept # 2 To live is to express one’s self.
Change we all need change in our lives, yet for some unknown reason, the tendency is to hang on. Let’s work to improve ourselves… meditate, find inner peace.. even if it is for a short time. ie. for me its the walks in the woods…
Do what you can to be caring and considerate to make others happy
meet my little hairy woodpecker Photos by Bjoern Rost
Silly how one bird can make your day. One photographer Bjoern Rost, can make it even better. By the time I got to the bog, I was running late, I’d already walked at P23…time was limited, I asked Bjoern who had just arrived, IF he was able to get a picture of my little “princess” could he send it along to me.. Et voila, I got more than one, you can see the little woodpecker in all her beauty. yes, to me, she gets my attention more than the blue jay who has also been hanging around. Ok yes there are other birds.. but this little one is the one I spoil. Thank YOU Bjoern!
Tomorrow 31st (calendar)
Don’t think overly about people. Instead of being excessively concerned about others, focus on what you should do.
top row was a week ago, bottom yesterdayEvery day is a new beginning
In a conversation with a treasured friend who lives in sunny California, she observed I took pictures of sticks, and empty branches, another precious friend, mentioned I like “dead wood” Hmmm I thought, how true the expression… beauty is in the eye of the beholder… =^_^=… I love capturing the moments I experience, they tell a story, and give a visual to the life that unfolds around me.
my magnolia in bloom
I love my magnolia, when it blooms the fragrance that fills the air is AMAZING. My neighbour who is beside me and shares the love of this tree, says she gets the best of it.. the pure beauty of its flowers, and the scent it gifts the neighbourhood. I get to sweep up the fallen petals as they descend to the ground after they do their showing off.
Yeppers, each and every one of these petals falls to the ground when it has done its “showing off”… and no they don’t all fall at once or in the same place, the wind/breezes ensure they land everywhere. I had a very mindful day yesterday, must have swept up the fallen at least 5 times in the span of afternoon and early evening. This morning I found more waiting, and by this afternoon when I return from church there will be more.. and NO she hasn’t finished shedding yet.
Is the tree still loved and appreciated. YES. I never tire of saying, that I feel very blessed that I live in a country that has 4 distinct seasons. Each season, has a reason for being.. just like me, myself and I.. every part of my personality, character is ME, and even when I am fragmented and disjointed, life not running smoothly I thank God that I am alive and here to experience all that is offered. If I didn’t experience the greatest moments of LOVE/Happiness I wouldn’t know the sadness or feeling of lonely/loss…. it is because I feel, because I love that I am alive ..
I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.
PL Principle #3
What is “normal” is different for each individual. Everyone has a different way of thinking and doing. It is important to understand others’ feelings.
Remember this – the snow is gone now, yesterday i went to clear out the dead wood
today I’m going back to meet up with a wildlife nature photographer who has a new idea for capturing what our forest friends are up to. He has invited me to join him to show me what he has been up to.. yeah! except I’ll have to cope with the mosquitos, Eliza has thoughtfully offered up what she uses… guess who is going to pause here to see if the product can be found here. We are on lock down, only essentials are open. fingers crossed.. (note to self, save to draft)
was introduced to a part of a trail I’d not been on before.. more to follow
Perceiving equals doing. Each time you notice something, it is a gift from God. don’t miss the opportunity to act.
Perfect Liberty 2021.15
Oyashikiri
every day is a new beginning
the OFF worked.. Thanks Eliza
no wild life nature photographer was harmed in the making of this blog =^_^=
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.