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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Yesterday in my search for more rocks, I stopped by a nature trail that isn’t used much except by those who live in the area, and for those who remember it from days gone by. It is off a busy enough road, and there is an old railway line on part of the land. Birds love the area, it is a cacophony of sound and activity at this time of year. i had not been since last year. I was shocked at what greeted me when I drove into the area. There has been destruction from the previous storms.. trees block the entrance to the areas I have shown you here. pristine looking yes.. I did not .. could not bring myself to take pictures of the debris, garbage and human waste that has been dumped and left to rot , spoil and mar the beauty of this beautiful location.
To get to where I took the pictures, I had to climb over several trees, or walk around on ground that was muddy and not very easy to travel without proper footwear. Plus the waste that has been just dumped was rotting near by, and litter is blowing around, you have to have the stomach and determination to go forward. I knew what was beyond the fallen trees, at least I thought I did. I made the effort even tho’ I was not dressed for climbing over trees being it was Sunday and service was at 10. I’m glad I did, I could show you that the area beyond the fallen trees where cars can’t go… was as you see, still looking inviting, welcoming.
Why do people take and leave their garbage .. their were old tires, garbage bags were throw up into trees??? others had torn open and all the contents were strewn about. The only bird in the area that is like a dump and open sore on the land, was a crow who turned black knowing eyes at me…. he could fly away, even he wasn’t going to stay.
Today’s calendar is about saying Thank YOU, and being grateful, and practicing appreciation for the positives in our lives. Yesterdays discovery was truthfully a shock for me, I do see litter and of course I read about or hear about the thoughtless deeds that happen in and around me … but… it still is a “blow” to know that the land/environment we live in/on and that is so important to our health and our well being is treated so callously and carelessly.
“Thank you” again and again. It feels great if someone tells you Thank you. even many times by repeating this be cone a person who comes up with the words “thank you” naturally.
Perfect Liberty 2023. 8
Please don’t take for granted the green spaces we have left. Trees are important in filtering the air we breathe, the birds, wildlife all play a part in our own survival on this planet. I don’t like all the rules and don’t always agree with what happens in these times, but the land, and the wildlife that live with us on this planet are necessary for our own well being. We are all ONE. Be accountable.
Be mindful with prayer. If you work on thigs with a prayerful heart, there will be many things you can be taught.
Perfect Liberty 2023.18
Yesterday I was drawn to a jewelry store, had not been in one for many many years. I was in a shopping center on my way to speak to an internet provider (kiosks are found in the big shopping malls, easy parking/access) I don’t even know what took me into the shop, I have rings I have not worn in years. When my husband passed, I simply put everything away and have only occasionally slipped a ring on .. but never kept it on. Long and short of it, I have now got a ruby ring on my finger.
Rubies are 9.0 on the Mohs hardness rating scale, it trails on the diamond on the list of hardest naturally occurring gems. A ruby can form in marble, which causes a lack of iron, and leads to an intense red colour. They can also form in basalt rocks, giving them a higher iron content, making them darker. They are created deep below the earth’s surface under extreme heat and pressure. It has been awhile since I’ve wanted to feel the connection one can get from handling or having a piece of the “earth” against one’s skin. I wanted to be able to see the ruby, so I got a ring and not a necklace. It s a pretty little thing set in white gold. oval, the setting allows for it to be worn all the time.
“Ruby Meanings, Symbolism, and Folklore
The word ruby comes from Latin ruber, meaning red. In Sanskrit, the ruby is called ratnaraj—king of the precious stones.
For centuries, rubies have signified passion, protection, and wealth.
Ancient warriors in Burma and China adorned their armor with the gem to provide protection in battle. Some went as far as inserting the gems into their flesh, believing it created invincibility.
The ruby has become a symbol of love and commitment. It was once thought to protect against misfortune and illness.
Early cultures treasured the gem, believing that it held the power of life due to its color association with blood. It has also been thought to remedy bleeding and inflammation, and increase body warmth. ” (taken from internet)
I have not really come to any understanding of why I felt I needed or wanted to have this stone.. but, it will eventually “come to me” Life has been hectic and very busy in many ways.. yet… I have a quiet and very content part of me that I am trying to balance with my day to day activities.
I want to move forward- I want to meet the new season looking ahead and not behind me. A friend suggested to me that I might want to take a trip, go away – but honestly, the thought of taxis, airports, hotels, rushing to get somewhere, doesn’t appeal to me. As another friend said to me, you are not a person who likes to lie in the sun, walk the beaches or swim. I don’t drink, go out at night, party, eat out…so vacation resorts would not be a good fit.
I don’t need to travel someplace to explore and spend time in the outdoors, I do that here. I am no longer interested in the latest and newest fashion trends… in fact… I tend to wear the same old things day in and day out. I call them comfort clothes.
So what gives with the ring… I have no idea,no one knows.. it will eventually come to me (why)… meanwhile, it will be my “spring fling”
OH.. for those of you who know me and my passion for bling… this does not have the bling factor. LOL I know.. it is a new day!
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
It wasn’t that long ago that there was snow on the ground, these past few days of record breaking warm weather for this time of year has started the “spring cleaning” buzz. Trying to catch some rays on the deck the other day was great till one neighbour started to vacuum up leaves/debris from the winter, which brought on a flurry of activity from another neighbour who decided to power wash his deck. Timing right.
“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceable with all” Romans 12:18″
Harmony does not require sameness. A single note played simultaneously thru different instruments creates beautiful music when different chords are played.
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.
dymoonblog 