Sitting out in the sunshine yesterday, I marveled at how in just a few days the trees had doubled their foliage, even the magnolia seemed happy in her spring frock of pink/purple blooms. The long week-end just past, traditionally is when the gardeners plant get their summer gardens going, but this year, due to the frost warnings still in effect (overnight).. I heard many are waiting for another week or two for the warmer weather to really take hold.
For me, sitting out on my deck… it was wonderful, cool enough there were NO biting insects.. my guests and I could simply sit and enjoy the sun’s warm rays and the clear sky. I did see the pollen flying about, I’m sure allergy suffers are having to cope. Sending out healing vibes and a happy wave to all.
Today’s calendar
Being asked for a favour is a chance. When someone asks for a favour from you, this is a chance for you to help others. Face the chance proactively,
Perfect Liberty 2023. 23
” Making memories with you, is my favourite thing to do” I found this small card on my studio work table a left over from a card making project I had. I love the thought, and was going to send it to a special friend… then.. the thought came to me that the saying made me smile and think of YOU… so I am posting it here so anyone finding it, and enjoying the sentiment… can share it too.
I feel so blessed, sharing with you over the years… you are locate in far off places some just minutes away, others oceans away, yet… you are all part of the community that I am blessed to have in my life. thank YOU!!
Yesterday I stepped into the past. I was standing with the wild turkeys in the woodlands listening to the baby birds chirping and singing their little hearts out … the squirrels and chipmunks were chasing each other and racing up and down the trees where I had spread the nutty butter (made for wildlife).. we were happy in the moment of sharing under the wide open sky. When a thought clear as a bell, nudged me to pay attention….
I got back into my car, drove home, emptied my trunk of bird seed, peanuts, etc. took out unnecessary clutter, got my passport and headed back out the door to the highway. No advanced planning, no wondering why … I just followed my nose. (expression)
PL Precept # 19 Begin once you perceive
PL Precept #18 Each moment is a turning point.
As the miles slipped past me, the landscaped changed from sprawling city to the outskirts, and then towards the American border, I felt oddly at peace. A quiet settled over me, and I realized that I had turned off the radio, there was just me, myself and I alone with my thoughts. In an hour I was at the border crossing being welcomed and waved through by cheerful customs personnel.
When asked where are you coming from, why are you coming over .. where are you going… I had no definite reason or plan… I simply wanted to be there. The agent smiled at me and encouraged me to have a good time… Smiles go a long way, feel good too!
Move forward with confidence Experiences you have acquired through efforts so far are wonderful. Give it all you’ve got.
Perfect Liberty 2023.20
Not two hours past, I had been standing in a conservation area, with wildlife all around me, now I found myself standing in an American Walmart under construction. Was it busy, YES. Ahhh life in 2023. I had remembered to turn off my phone before crossing into the States (avoiding roaming charges).. how grand is it that I could start my day in Canada and be in the States for lunch. I did a no brainer.. drove through MacDonald’s for a big Mac and fries (hey! on a mini holiday here)… paid and happily drove right off without my food! Was on my way to search out the airport when I realized what I had done. Had to turn myself around and go back forit.
Again I was greeted with smiling and cheerful staff who were waiting for me… I decided to eat in and discovered a new experience. On the tables are big screens to play games on while you eat. I took my time enjoying my food playing mahjong and then a word game. What fun!
The news these days has been filled with negativity, when you stop to think about it, it is always about the anger, frustration and crises situations …senseless killings, neighbours fighting neighbours, natural disasters (they do happen)… yet here I was… people all around me, smiling, chatting, going about their business, courteous, oh and the temperature was warm and balmy, Everything felt so positive. I got the directions to the “international” airport that was advertised on PBS (television) and once again got in the car and headed off to “discover”
I found one of two old, very old cemeteries. I stopped to get pictures for a Thursday door feature and was drawn to the tall tombstone you see. Period 1816 -1863, it was not the oldest, but interspersed here and there were newer headstones. It was so tranquil ,.. there were old trees, the grounds well kept… I could feel the years, sense the history. Not far off when I took to the highway in search of the airport again, I saw the horse and buggy signs… and a big sign telling me if turned right I would find a national State Park.
I was searching for the airport, so after taking the turn, I turned myself around, that will be for another day. I was headed out of the city when I realized that I had to have passed the airport, I pulled over and turned around.. all I could see was farmland, big empty fields and older well loved homes. Then I saw a faded sign on a chain link fence.. saying to watch out for low flying planes. Ah Ha… I was close.. but I had passed here just minutes before the cemetery I had been in was just on the left. slowing down I saw a paved road that led to a big parking lot.. (almost empty).. with a commercial building looking very empty. Taking the turn unto the road, I saw the way was barred… just up ahead… so I slowed to turn around. It might be small, but it has a lot of good reviews. =^_^=
Ogdensburg International Airportthe sign is big enough, how did I miss it?
Finding the airport, having spent my time wandering the Walmart, enjoying a quick lunch in a clean bright Macdonald’s.. Hey! a wonderful interlude. AND not once did I feel alone, YOU were with me all the way. we can cross borders, travel great distances, but always…. WE, me, myself and I are constant in my head/heart.
It was an adventure, and what made it all that much more special, the people.. the army photographer I met in the morning, the customs personnel, the staff in Walmart, the cheerful clerks at MacDonalds, the man who held the door open for me at the store,, the gas attendant when I stopped for gas.. It was a positively glowing day…. all because life IS good and there are opportunities always presenting themselves. we need only be open and willing to participate.
What will you do today?
MC I bought pickled eggs!!!!
Cheers everyone! Tomorrow Sunday service will be an early ceremony Day of Appreciation.. followed by another service in the evening at 7 pm.
Top of the morning to you Update on the post of the other day, where I showed the garbage strewn all over a public area.. (if you need a reminder this was the post with the litter strewn all over.. https://dymoonblog.com/2023/05/09/crazy-antics/ ) the above pictures show you the scene I found when I returned yesterday. The area had been cleaned up.. the birds could be heard happily singing … the sun shone bright… it was a happy moment. Don’t know who took action, I posted and sent the link to the mayor and a dozen or so councillors along with a few media links.. Whatever, whoever, the Universe worked its magic…The place is once again a serene and beautiful welcoming environment. Oyashikiri.
“Respect the existence of each other.” The world consists of people with different circumstances and different lifestyles. Respect and understand each other.
Perfect Liberty 2023.14
Keeper is doing much better. She is showing interest in life and the world around her. She even came to bed last night and slept with Velcro and I. I was thrilled. I got my booster shot yesterday, so I was glad for an early night.
If you are still not sure if the mosquitoes are out… They are! so are the black flies. The birds who feed on insects must be in heaven. The woods are teeming with the whirring and buzzing sound of greedy hungry flesh eaters. Ours locally are ugly and savage biters.
Long sleeves, light colours, stay protected, especially if your sensitive to their venom/sting. It will be shorter season, they must know it, and are out there making up for lost time. Still.. weather is good, skies are bright.. . enjoy the outdoors… dress accordingly if you go into the woodlands, be prepared.
Have an age free life. It is not a number its about energy – balance – and – Joy.
Good morning dear friends… It is a sunny day in the woods, and the little squirrels are up to their usual mischief. This little one, is determined to show me her skills and determination at getting at the bits of suet she can get at. We have an ongoing conversation, with her ignoring me most of the time, she no longer natters at me but she does come right up to me and give me the twinkle tease.. in other words . . I can almost hear her saying.. “OK watch, I’m going run up the tree, I saw what you just did” and then she whips around and dashes up the tree on the back side of it only to show up in seconds hanging from the suet feeder. She IS funny, she could just run up the tree and do her thing, but no she actually comes over to where I’m standing leaning against my car… looks up at me and then dashes off to show me her “stunt”.
The location is on NCC (National Capital commission) land, and maintained by the NCC staff and their contractors. The wildlife in the area is protected, much of the land is conservation land.
Not so for the shameful display I’m going to post next.. please skip over if you are sensitive to trash and misuse of public space.
Disgusting, you bet.. .. I found out yesterday by speaking to personnel on the other side of a fenced off area (the tracks are actually in use by VIA rail), trains go by daily for passengers to see this eye sore. I was also informed that the city has been called with complaints numerous times..to no avail.
Today’s calendar…
Perception is important. Take immediate action once you suddenly perceive. You might discover something important in what you perceive.
Perfect Liberty 2023.9
How many people are turning a blind eye to what is happening in this small area of the city. (Not far from the airport, and in an area that is very much travelled daily by commuters) Would you care if this was happening near you? These pictures are not made up, they were taken yesterday morning. This is minutes away from a public beach and park one of the city’s tourist picture post card areas. yes, really.
PL Precept #15 All is Mirror
could this happen near you?
Who is responsible, the city of ottawa… ??? our mayor is Mark Sutcliffe for anyone interested.
Under the clearest of blue skies yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting a new photographer, we were standing on a lookout watching beavers sleeping in the sun. So unusual to find two beavers, happily having their morning siesta on a big comfy nest they had made for themselves. They were totally undisturbed by the humans who were standing feet away from them (separated by 10 – 20 ft. of water.)
Matt had his camera at the ready and got this great shot of the beaver when she/he turned over to do a bit of grooming. (Matt’s Instagram link is above) The other beaver had a different shade of colouring they were such an adorable sight.
I am often asked why I get up every morning and head out into the “world” to spend time with the wildlife and various other “wanderers” like myself. It is because I am blessed when I do with meeting and interacting with wonderful like minded humans who enjoy nature and follow their dreams/instincts and roam and explore the world around us.
I saw my first red fox yesterday, I was off on a side road looking for more rocks for my rock garden I am working on… when I saw a movement at the side of the road, I slowed to a crawl, et voila, out came a beautiful little fox. She/he was out for a morning stroll.The car now stopped, I waited and watched as it ran across in front of me and then slowed to sit by the fence of the business it was now in front of. We casually looked at one another…. it was very early barely 7 a.m. I tried talking to it… not understanding a word I was saying, it decided i was not worth spending more time on and moved on.
The encounter made me feel good tho’… I had seen my first fox of the year. I have known them to be around when I am walking the trails, but this was my first sighting. Then to later come across the beavers sun bathing… well … it was a good day. Add to it I heard Matt telling another photographer about the picture he got of the bird taking off.. (I asked to see it too… seeing it I knew I wanted to share it with you all..) I had such a sense of freedom … the sun, the drive, new sights, sounds and people, It was a feel good moment, the bird taking flight was a great visual.
Today’s calendar…
Give importance to listening, looking, thinking, doing and speaking. Look and listen carefully before making a judgement. Assumptions and hasty conclusions can lead to misunderstandings.
Perfect Liberty 2023. 7
Have a great day today everyone. remember… PL Precept #1 Life is Art!
Bouts of forgetfulness? You find yourself wanting to test your cognitive skills. Do you identify with articles that talk about memory issues. Do you have trouble staying focused. How do you do with retaining or learning new information/technology? Something that we are all experiencing at some level if we are now “adults”…
Every magazine has some kind of article in it that wants to educate us, on healthy habits, diet changes so that we are getting more legumes, whole grains, eat fish for more omega etc. the list goes on and on. there are articles and “people” who specialize in studying and passing on information about how to age gracefully.
A doctor once told me when I asked him the question..”am I over weight, should I be on a diet” his reply was to ask me, 1. how do you feel? do you feel good? Are you experiencing any symptoms that we need to look into? I had to think, but no I had no aches, pains, or discomfort, I was eating well, I wasn’t having headaches, my arthritis was not acting up, my diabetic numbers were good, maybe I could fall asleep faster, but in the grand scheme of things, I was in good working order. So health wise, I was fine, yes I was overweight (in my opinion) I wanted to be back at the weight I had been in my 20’s.
In his opinion, I was doing really well, my blood pressure and all the other factors he concerns himself with were good. So I was 20 pounds maybe even 25 pounds heavier .. so what, I was also older and less active than I had been in my younger years. He suggested at the time that I get out more, walk, get fresh air, spend less time worrying about my weight be thankful for my good health, and appreciate that I was healthy and able to get out and do things.. in other words.. practice a positive attitude.
I have taken to making sure I get out every day, I may miss a day here or there, but basically I go out every day and walk, or sit/commune with the wildlife in various locations… It is MY time… I allow myself the pleasure of taking in “nature”.. “seasons” “weather”… I interact with the wildlife and other people I meet along the way. I spend time in the present. Over time, being present/focused and being in the moment has become natural for me. It didn’t happen overnight, its been years in the “doing”.
I don’t worry/obsess about my estrogen levels, I don’t go looking for middle age problems, i simply enjoy whatever the day brings my way, and move on … Sometimes it works like a charm, other times I may come across a hiccup or two, but…. I know… this is now.. and it will pass. If I am tenacious about anything, it is about learning to”let go” to live my life the best way I can.. and move on. So brain drain becomes just a cute catch phrase to grab attention… did it work?
Get things started with grit. If you work on things in daily life with the attitude of “let’s do it!” you will feel a power to accomplish thigs. People around you will rely on you.
The skies were so beautiful today, the shadows cast pretty patterns across the white snow. Wednesday when the storm hit, the sky was dark and angry, we were hit with ice pellets, snow, freezing rain and raging winds that howled and ripped across the counties with a vengeance. On the Quebec side of the river, over 1.5 million homes were without hydro. On this side of the river we were in over 65000 down. Hydro workers would just get one grid up and the winds would tear down more trees .. power lines fell and many were left in the dark. Even now as I write this, there are still homes without power. What a way to spent the “Easter” long week-end.
Today I toured two of the trails in the conservation areas I tend to spend a lot of time at. The one tree that you see in the lower left hand, had a girth to it that required my climbing over it very carefully. I admit it was an exercise I could have done without. but it was either climb over it, or walk back to the parking lot and take another route. Thankfully I was fit enough to accomplish the task at hand. Because it was a holiday week-end, and there has been so much devastation… there were less people wanting to hike the trails. This is good. I and others will go around and do our best to locate the areas that will require the attention of trained forest workers to come and remove the fallen trees, limbs and the debris that is littered all over the forest floor.
The skies were blue, but if there are winds of any kind, trees with deep wounds/cracks that have not been toppled could do so… see example in middle picture upper row of another possible danger.This coming week, we are told it will be very mild.. hopefully work crews will get in to take a look at the possible dangers in the green spaces we have around the city and surrounding countryside. Until then, the NCC has closed some of the parks/conservation areas, the areas that remain open .. are ones that so far seem to be alright, but there hasn’t been time yet for crews to get around to all areas. Please practice caution. Stay on the trails.. bring a walking stick if you have one… be prepared. This is also mating season for some of the animals, ie. wild turkeys.. if they are showing signs of aggression, keep your distance.
Make today a “give back day” We can live our daily lives owing to our ancestors, our elders, and the work of our predecessors. Above all, kindness for others is the best way to give back.
Perfect Liberty 2023.11
Reminder, on Tuesday the 11th. Service/Ceremony will be at 10 a.m
it was a beautiful sunny morning, The male was wanting attention, the females were more interested in climbing to a sunny spot and chilling. Timing wasn’t on his side yesterday.
If you work on things with the attitude of asking a favour, people around you will advise you what they have noticed. there’s something in fact you are not aware of that you do
Perfect Liberty 2023.5
Special prayers today for friends, family and everyone else who needs that extra boost today. Whatever it is, oral surgery, a bad cold, simple “anxiety overload”.. this is just another moment in time. prayer is a silent moment — a reaching out — a calm in the middle of a muddle… PL Precept # 1 Life is Art.
PL Precept # 18 Each moment is a turning Point.
It is not an easy time for everyone. You can make a difference. You really truly can. OYASHIKIRI
Be careful not to lean towards only what you like. Live a life of balance; don’t just do things you like to do, or are good at, or already know how to do.
Perfect Liberty 2017.19
FELIZ ANO NOVO! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
WORLD PEACE STARTS FROM PEACE AT HOME. Your life is part of the bigger world beyond you. Start with your surroundings and spread peace to the world around you.
Cast magical visuals as the sun lazily rose in the sky
There was a hush in the Grosbeak melodies
Even they, were silenced as we watched the scene unfold.
Experience the joy of change. It is truly amazing when you look back at yourself this year compared to last year, or today, compared to yesterday and realize how much you have improved and changed.
Perfect Liberty 2016.30
Let’s have a humble mind. Once you think, “that’s good enough,” you become blind to the opportunities to be more creative. Perfect Liberty 2022.30
I think this last one is a good thought for me to meditate on today…. have I become blind to opportunities? Some times I get so focused on what I want to do… I miss new possibilities.
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.
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