smile | dymoonblog

A fine WordPress.com site

Archive for the ‘smile’ Category

Japanese curry soup

Oh dear, I hesitated on posting this, but the soup turned out to be so delicious… I thought why not. Coming from a culture that loves its soups (Chinese)… my Mom was a wiz at pulling together a soup for almost any occasion, and usually it involved left overs and of course always rice. After my trips to Japan, I developed a taste for Japanese Curry. Since I am currently dealing with a mild concussion, I don’t feel like cooking or eating even, but being the mature .. responsible adult I am… I know I have to eat. So for the last many days I have had a soup going on the stove.

My first soup was a rice, mushroom and chicken soup, it was cooked up much like a congee… and would take from the pot a bowl every time I felt I should eat. That was eaten up… and I needed to come up with another easy peasy soup..

I found a cabbage sitting forlornly in my fridge… I chopped it up with a lonely carrot that was in the crisper and put it on the stove to simmer while I got ready to go to church… ( my symptoms were such I never made it to church, I got about 2 miles away from home and turned back.)

I turned the burner under the pot of cabbage soup back on.. and looked around for what to do with it so that I could let it cook and have myself a tempting cuppa when I got hungry. I spied box of Japanese curry in the pantry. (it comes in flat squares) I had one square left. The Japanese curries come in mild, medium and spicy, This was a mild piece. I added it to the broth.

I also found a couple of small pieces of pork liver that I had cooked a few days ago, that got chopped up and added along with what was left of the Tim Horton’s chicken noodle soup a friend brought me yesterday. I cut up a nice fresh potato into thin strips and added that too.

Letting that simmer. I came in to my office to do the blog, the aroma of the soup called me back to the kitchen. It is delicious. I took a picture of it after I realized that it was yummy and really hit the spot. It was so good that I almost demolished what was made this morning… so … I have now put in what is left of the congee and added a chicken garlic broth (Campbells) so that I will have enough to dip into for the rest of the day,

When I made the congee I had also used dried beancurd sticks.. So there will be some sticks in this new batch, can’t wait to try that later.. I’ll let is simmer for awhile.. the flavours will be richer in doing so, In the congee there was also dried chinese mushrooms and shrimps…that had been soaked and added… it will be a whole new taste delight for me to enjoy later,. Especially combined with what is left of the Japanese Curry broth. .OOOH OOH YUMMY.

Because of the way we make up our homemade soups… they never come out the same way each time, that is what makes them soooooo wonderful.

Make the best use of materials and money. You can do different things as materials and money play their roles. How to make them work is important.
Perfect Liberty 2023.16

the little green bits you see .. fresh garlic shoots cut up into tiny bits so that you get that tangy hit of garlic, you put it on (if you like garlic) fresh as a topping when you serve.

I added no salt.

Category:

appreciation, educational, expression, feelings, Life, mind, mirror art, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photograph, pl, prayer, quotations, sadness, sharing, smile, spiritual, Taoist, teaching, Uncategorized, unconditional love, visual art, wonder

07.09

You all know my passion and love for crows, ravens, and now we can add the grackle… what some often call, blackbirds. The common Grackle is slightly more stretched, they are taller and longer tailed t han a typical blackbird and the adult male will have an iridescent bluish head and bronzy body in good light.

this photo from internet. male on left, female on the right.
I have been spending mornings with these birds, they come when I arrive for their share of peanuts and corn. What interesting behaviour they have. Especially when it comes to making their presence known in the community. They will stand up to the bluejay and dive bombing competition can get fierce if they zone in on the same coveted peanut.

What I found most interesting was that both the blue jay and the grackle have taken a liking to the special bird butter that I put on the tree limbs.. (it gets smeared on, much like putting icing on a cake) I put on only about a tablespoon in this one area, and then further up the limb where there is a pocket in the bark, I tuck in some more. They wait in the tall branches of neighbouring trees… while I spread the butter.. if I’m slower than then usual, I don’t know I get distracted by a chipmunk pulling on my pant leg for a peanut, or one of the wild turkeys chest bumps another turkey and I have to move out of the way… they (the birds) can get very vocal.

Today the parents brought their young to the feeders.. what a joy that was. I got to see them even closer than I did the other day. =^_^=

Perception is important … take immediate action once you suddenly perceive, You might discover something important in what you perceive.
Perfect Liberty 2023.9

Living where I can spend time with and in nature, is such a blessing. Have a wonderful start to a new week everyone! Life is to be enjoyed,

Category:

appreciation, Life, living, Love, mind, musing, nature photography,, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photography, pl, prose, quotations, sentiment, smile, spiritual, Taoist, teachings, Uncategorized, visual art, wonder

25 June

Overgrown, running wild, vegetation everywhere, even the Saskatoon berry tree has already given up hundreds and thousands of delicious berries, birds and passers by have been feasting. The heat has been unrelenting… looks like we are headed for another sun filled day with temperatures in the high 80’s Weather network is still putting out warnings of ongoing poor air quality. Great weather for holiday goers at the cottages and resorts where they can water ski, swim etc.

In fact for the first time in a long time, I have been so affected by the heat, I am sleeping a “dead” sleep. I’m not sure if I think this is good or bad. Talking with my sister last night reminded me of when we were younger … our bedrooms were on the top floor (2nd story) under the eaves.. it was HOT. stifling, a fan when we did have access to one was a small fan that only blew air around. Basically if you were in your room, you lay down and hoped to fall asleep in short order.

Even tho’ my home has central air, the heat is such that when you open a door to the outside, it reminds me of looking into an oven when its reached its hottest, …You all enjoying the heat? My creativity levels have dropped to barely moving.

Always have presence of mind. If you overexert yourself, you will get easily swayed by emotion. Always put your best makoto with presence of mind.
Perfect Liberty 2023.25

Makoto = sincerity

Category:

appreciation, coping, Dao, God, guidence, hug, joy, Life, Light, living, mind, mirror art, nature photography,, perfect liberty, photographs, pl, quotations, sentiment, sharing, smile, spiritual, teaching, trees, truth, Uncategorized, unconditional love, visual art

thanksgiving service @ 10

Be grateful for everything. If you see everything as material to express gratitude, you can encounter a number of opportunities you are grateful for
Perfect Liberty 2023.21

Category:

appreciation, educational, giving thanks, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photographs, pl, quotations, sharing, smile, spiritual, trust, truth, unconditional love, Universe, Wordless Wednesday, world peace

wild fires

Excessive heat, days of it… We have had wild fires all over the place. Close enough that there have been weather warnings for days now. Yesterday the air was so polluted that Ottawa made the # 1 city for the worst air pollution in a world survey. It was not easy breathing, especially if prone to allergies, or other health problems that affected breathing and lungs. the air quality warning is still in place. Please be careful if you need to go out..

Today’s calendar.

Give importance to listening, looking, thinking, doing and speaking. Look and listen carefully befor emaking a judgement. Assumptions and hasty conclusions can lead to misunderstanding.
Perfect Liberty 2023.7

Category:

appreciation, blessing, friendship, God, Life, living, mirror art, musing, nature photography,, photograph, pl, sentiment, sharing, smile, Taoist, teaching, truth, Uncategorized, unconditional love, Universe

More birds

Meet photographer Brian Waterman https://www.instagram.com/bird_bri/ There have been so many birds signing in the woodlands it has been a treat to meet up with Brian who has graciously shared photos with us. He has a wonderful selection of birds for you to explore and enjoy, I have a few favourites that I will use from time to time because he has captured the personality of the birds that I’m drawn too. Right now the leaves are filling out so quickly, I hear the birds but I don’t see them. I appreciate Brian’s patience and his ability to find and “catch” the beauties. Check out his Instagram, make sure you have time to doddle, you’ll love what you find,

Cherish this moment, this time, this day. People keep growing as time goes on. Cherish your self expression.
Perfect Liberty 2023.30

Category:

amazement, appreciation, birds, wildlife, giving thanks, guidence, Life, nature photography,, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photography, pl, prayer, sentiment, sharing, smile, spiritual, teaching, teachings, trust, truth, Universe, visual art, wonder, world peace

new beginnigs

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!!

Photos above.. Shirley Keen, NZ.

Category:

appreciation, art, believe, birds, wildlife, blessing, educational, expression, faith, feelings, flower, friend, friendship, giving thanks, Light, living, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photograhy, pl, pray, prayer, prose, sentiment, sharing, smile, trees, trust, truth, Uncategorized, Universe, visual art, wonder

travel/distance

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. =^_^=

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.

Category:

amazement, appreciation, blessing, coping, expression, feelings, friendship, giving thanks, God, Life, living, Oneness, perfect liberty, pl, pray, prayer, quotations, sentiment, sharing, smile, spiritual, Taoist, teaching, teachings, trees, trust, Uncategorized, unconditional love, Universe, visual art

Tagged with:

maybe today

Sun shines bright- Shadows cast – days go by – today there are clouds in the sky – soon it will be midnight and the day will have gone by.

The turning point is now. Life is a sequence of moments called now. You have the key to turn yourself around.
Perfect Liberty 2023.19

Category:

amazement, appreciation, art, blessing, coping, educational, flower, friend, friendship, giving thanks, guidence, hug, Life, living, Love, mind, musing, nature photography,, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photographs, pl, quotations, sentiment, sharing, smile, spiritual, Tao, Taoist, teachings, trust, truth, Uncategorized, unconditional love, Universe, world peace

today 15th

“from The Prophet. Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. and how else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Is it not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven? And is not the lute that soothes your spirit the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say ‘Joy is greater than sorrow’ and others say ‘nay sorrow is the greater’ But I say unto you, they are inseparable. Together they come, and when one sits alone with you as your board, remember tht the other is asleep upon your bed.
Kahlil Gibran first published 1923

Today’s calendar…

Express your feelings straight away. It will be good if you could express your feelings as they are to people around you, when you are happy or when you are troubled. Also it will be a good chance for you to get to know others.
Perfect Liberty 2023.15