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Tradition

this stamp is available from Canada Post

Tradition in my house is that prior to the new year, I set myself to clearing out the debris from the previous year, to prepare for a brand new year. My parents were very “Chinese” in that they always celebrated the coming of the new lunar year. My Father would take me to the formal functions at the Chinese Consulate, and in later years, my Mother and I would almost always attend the functions at the Embassy. It was very important to her, thus making it important to me. It was a time to meet with friends and family that you have not seen during the year or seldom saw, and importantly meet and make new friends.

There was entertainment and LOTS of good food. I use past tense, only because I have not attended a formal function for years. When my Mother got ill and was unable to attend .. we just didn’t get there, and of course life over the years changed.. My husband than took ill, passed away, and I have been adjusting ..that is what life is.. an ever changing experience.

However that said, that is the social aspect of the coming of the new year. Spiritually, I have maintained and always cherish the time of meditation/prayer of what was.. and what is. In PL, we have special services/ceremonies that are performed 1st of the month, Day of Peace, where we pray for World Peace, the 11th. Ancestors Day, where we give thanks for our ancestors who came before us, making our presence in the NOW possible, and the 21st. Thanksgiving/ Appreciation for the blessings we experienced during the month and where we express our gratitude.

I faithfully attend these services, if not in person, at my own “family alter” it is part of the tradition (in my world) of keeping the commitment to do my best in the new year. The celebration of the Lunar new year, begins .. and then continues (for me) throughout the year, by honoring the decision to be a better person by attending and being present for the services that encourage a positive and useful life of service. Changes begin within ourSelves. For a better world, we have to start with our own behaviour, thoughts and actions.

I will not have complaints about others, matters nor the weather. Rather I will always be creative and will look for shortcomings in my own thinking and actions.

PL Principle #2

I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

PL Principle #3

I will live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion) working for the happiness of others.

PL Principle # 4

So saying, I look forward to the new year. I live every day as best as I can to be as positive and helpful as I can be. This past year, I have been trying to be better at “self care”. It is easier to look outward than to work on our own shortcomings.

Whatever your thoughts, faith, or life… the lunar calendar begins February 12. You have time to start sweeping.. ( sweeping out the old) to prepare for the coming of the “new”. My red symbols are out, I have already put out my welcome sign at the door .. (welcoming the new year) I’ve put one in my office/studio too, to encourage me when I let the “day” get to me. I look and there is the happy ox smiling at me.

for each and everyone of you.

Always be with God

Perfect Liberty Precept #11

God appears through One’s Self.

Perfect Liberty Precept #3

Photo art

another time – another place
a reckless heart
the invitation to dream

Past, present or future, always remember to be sincere and honest. At any time, the place where you are standing at that moment is the stage upon which you must express yourself. At each moment in time, there is sure to be a way to express yourself in relation to your position or status.

Perfect Liberty 2019.6

Each of the above pictures, I created to be the visual to a story line. I got as far as doing the photos, but never got around to doing the story, or piece to go with them. Years later, and I still feel that I will do it. Time will tell.

Oyashikiri

February 1 fevereiro

Shirley Keen, NZ

Each Persons Peace leads to World Peace. First of all, you have to be happy. That happiness will spread and be the foundation of World Peace

Perfect Liberty 2021.1

Paz Para cada pessoa, Paz no mundo.

Perfect Liberty 2021.1

Oyashikiri

In a land far away

It is nice to be able to travel and explore the creativity of others, This is Japanese themed Estate. Gardens and Bath house.

It is beautifully done and welcomes tourists to come explore and enjoy … photographers are welcome. If you are an SL traveller, this is the link http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BASED/95/16/24

When I was a child, my father would take me to places that now are only distant memories. These memories come back to me when I explore Asian builds in the virtual world.

Don’t think overly about people. Instead of being excessively concerned about others, focus on what yhou should do.

Perfect Liberty 2021.31

During these times of restricted travel, virtual travel is actually a great way to learn about other cultures, and places you’ve never been before. In SL I have met so many wonderful and interesting people, I have been a virtual traveler since 2007. I’ve met people from all over the world, and I’ve expanded my ability to stretch my creative ideas in more ways than I can count. Bonus.. I’ve made friends, good friends who have crossed the border into what we call RL (real life). The reality is, we are who we are, no matter where we are, or how we are expressing ourselves.

Enjoy today, it will not come around again.

Oyashikiri

clear your mind

There are days when you want to simply clear your mind of all the mental debris that lingers in the crevices and nooks and crannies that fill up the space between your ears, and behind your eyes.

At home we can dig out the vacuum cleaner and do our best to manually suck up the dust and dander that has collected over time. If you are lucky enough to have hardwood or uncarpeted floors, you might even get to sweep up the different dust bunnies that have gathered here and there within easy reach. The mind however, can be a little trickier to unclutter.

Today I spent time enjoying the quiet of the church. With the pandemic having our city on lock down, the church is experiencing a lull in human activity. There is something to be said about being quiet, allowing the stillness to weave its magic .. and then accepting and allowing the mind to empty itself without haste, or worry.. When we meditate/pray, the heart rate mellows out, and tensions ease away. It is an amazing experience, and yet.. it is something that we often postpone, or put aside “till we have time”. Now more than ever, we need to make the time for reflection and “letting go”.

Do things joyfully instead of taking it easy. Enthusiastically engage with what’s in front of you. You’ll enjoy it more.

Perfect Liberty 2021.30

I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

Perfect Liberty Principle #3

Oyashikiri

photo- by Nick

Attitude

Keven took this, it is soooo full of expression I had to use it this morning. (male Grosbeak)

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.

Perfect Liberty 2019.3

Spending time with the birds means I get to see that they are not just a pretty face, they do have their own personalities within their “circle”. I don’t know how long you had to stand there to get this shot Kevin but thank you for sending it to me, its wonderful. This little guy is having his say….good on him. The other day when they were gathering to dine, they were very vocal that day… other days.. I don’t hear a “peep”.. not like the Blue Jays, who love to call out and shout to one and all.

Actually.. my new friends the crows are very good at vocalizing as well. Smiles to self, another “language” to learn..

On that note, I have noticed that we have many different readers now from all over the globe. Welcome! I am enjoying the introduction to the many new languages (to me) that are now part of my world, thank you for introducing me to your “culture” words and colourful stories /pictures.

female Grosbeak

Cheers everyone, have a great Tuesday… wherever you are.

Oyashikiri

Kevin Baldelli wildlife photographer

a bloom for you

with snow falling, I wanted to share an exotic bloom with you..

Be very careful about doing things you really like. do everything in moderation. When you overdo, you will lose your balance.

Perfect Liberty 2021.26

Handle things that come your way one by one. Tackle your issues in the order they appear in front of you. You will be able to get things done more efficiently this way.

Perfect Liberty 2015.19

Oyashikiri

I’ll do it later..

Japan in bloom

I’ll do it later. No, I will do it now” To make progress do anything while its still fresh.

Perfect Liberty 2021.25

Thought we could do with some floral beauty. Have a wonderful day! Make it shine.. smile!

the gathering

Today I tried the Nikon. They were patiently waiting for me to give them some space so they could dive down to the banquet I’d laid out for them. There is another tree off to the right, there were more on that tree.

Today was a day of “waiting”. If anything getting to know birds and their tolerance for a human wanting to get a picture, is teaching me “patience”

Ok. can you tell if the other bird is facing us, or is that his/her rear?

I was waiting for someone to turn up between these two trees. I managed to push the button in time to get these two.. They aren’t doing anything interesting, but it was an accomplishment for me. It was 7 degrees here this morning. My fingers were not getting, they were numb.

this certainly looks like Mr. Grump

I have a great appreciation for the wildlife photographers who sit for hours to get a good picture. Not only do they have to wait for the bird to come into view, they then work their lenses to capture the bird in action or at least getting a good resemblance. LOL.. I at least can tell this is one of the blue jays.

Face challenging situations with positive determination. When you encounter difficulties, boldly take measures to overcome them. By creatively finding solutions, you will feel the joy in tackling any situation.

Perfect Liberty 2019.13

note… The crows are not in the same location as the Blue Jays

At Dewberry today I saw so many Evening Grossbeaks, it was a sight to see, the sunlight gleaming against their black and gold feathers. Sadly I didn’t even try to get pictures there. I was too occupied with filling the empty feeders. The Blue Jays were at Mer Bleue.

note… I got my fresh air. 🐱

Cheers on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Changes

With One thought “the world” will change … changing your way of thinking will make a difference on how you perceive the world.

Perfect Liberty 2021.24

The only constant in life is Change… how often do I say this. How often do I meditate on where I am, where I was, where I think I want to be. With the Chinese New Year looming, it will be in a couple of weeks now. I really have to make time to look at last year .. what if anything I accomplished, and what I think I want to change, or be different in the coming year.

February 12. will begin the new year – white metal Ox.(lunar calendar) it will last until January 30th 2022. diligence, persistence and honesty. In the Chinese’s Culture the Ox is a faithful friend and makes a great contribution to the development of society.. Can we use some of these qualities in our world today.. People born in this year are industrious hold their faith firmly, and are always glad to offer help. The year of the Ox occurs every 12 years.

My personal tradition is to spend the months prior to a new year, reviewing and contemplating on how I have been living and if I am happy in my “circumstances”.. praying for guidance that I will do what is right, and continue to grow as a person, who contributes to life .. as it is lived around me. I cannot change the world, I can only change “myself”.

I am so grateful that I am blessed with the good fortune of friendships that have enriched my life and that I continue to make new friends who share in the joy of life.

Sharing, caring and listening, are important ingredients in our desire for change.

Everyone has a good side. Make effort to see everyone’s good side. You will become more open minded and your ability to see the good in others will increase.

Perfect Liberty 2012.26

Blessings of the day.. I have only love in my heart for you.. I want only that we grow together in a world where the sun shines (goodness) every day in all ways. for EveryONE! Be open to change…

Oyashikiri

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