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Kindness

Kindness – Yesterday I was blown away by the kindness of friends who wanted to “touch base”, and came by. With the Chinese New year soon to be at our doorstep, I was surprised by a visit from one of my cherished friends that I have not seen much of because of the pandemic .. yes we can chat on the phone, but to get to actually see her and experience her smile and vibrant personality at close range was a true JOY for me. I feel a silent tear slipping down my cheek, but I assure you it is one of happiness.

As you know, I left home with out my cell yesterday, it happens, I am focused on getting the food ready for the crows, feeding the dogs etc. before I leave.. and the cell is not on my mind. This of course means, not only was it not there for me to use when I wanted it, but friends calling me, could not reach me. Knowing I had not had my phone with me, didn’t mean much to me except the inconvenience of not being able to use the camera when I wanted to.

What I didn’t think of, was that family, friends trying to reach me were unable to …. that is not a problem in itself, but eventually one sees the messages and calls back. However, I am of a generation where a phone was not in my life at all, and then when it was, it was attached to the building, and the one setting on it .. was a loud ring if someone called your number. So of course I came home and went about doing my “business” unaware that I had had calls and that there were messages I should be addressing.

I was therefore surprised and delighted early evening to find my niece and nephew at the door with my wild and wonderful dog niece Lily… again there had been a message and I had not responded. Their thoughtfulness, kindness was doubled when Lily came barging in (she is almost 5 months now and probably 50 pounds of furry energy) and took no listen to her “parents” as she charged in wanting to ensure that all was well. Both my dogs, one more senior than the other I think were taken back by such highly charged activity. It was a fun delightful 15- 20 minutes of chasing, hugging and kissing (the puppy and I )

Kindness should never be under estimated or taken for granted. My visitors and callers yesterday, made my day a truly sensational event. I am filled with gratitude that I have family and friends who are such genuine delights. I truly am blessed.

My friend Shirley (whose pictures I often share with you)… lives in NZ, altho’ we have never met in person, we have been in each others lives since very early days. Probably over 50 years. We began as penpals. Yes before internet, when people communicated by writing letters and using stamps. You would wait impatiently for mail to arrive from distant places, to hear news from friends who you corresponded with .. then when the letter arrived you read about what your friend had been doing and saw pictures (yes, black and white or colour) taken with cameras where you had to wait to finish a roll, get the film developed.. and then wait for that service to be provided to get your pictures..) Our friendship has endured. She takes wonderful pictures of her hometown, and her interests, I am blessed with her kindness, she gives me permission to share her world with you (my friends).

Experience the JOY of being KIND to others. The Joy of expressing kindness to others is much greater than when someone does something kind for you. Always strive to be a person who can be kind to others.
Perfect Liberty 2012.5

Oyashikiri

Category:

amazement, appreciation, art, blessing, Chinese new year, educational, expression, faith, flower, friend, friendship, giving thanks, God, hug, joy, lanterns, Life, living, Love, mind, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photograph, pl, pray, prayer, quotations, sentiment, smile, spiritual, Tao, Taoist, teaching, Uncategorized, unconditional love, Universe, visual art, wonder, world peace

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fickle heart

Pileated wood pecker, this was the profile I saw today.

My reward today was getting to see this beauty at one of the feeders. (Mer Bleue) I have heard one and seen one in the distance at Dewberry Trail, and of course I see the results of their woodworking skills tap tap on the trees they love to peck away at. But today, one flew up to the feeder I had just filled and settled in to feast. I was struck with awe. I stood in the swirling snow and just watched, transfixed at his/her beauty and size. When I got my initial awe struck mind to register that it was happy snacking and not going anywhere, I quickly sought out my cell, both cameras were not with me. Guess who didn’t have her phone with her, it was still plugged in beside the bed. (the above picture is from good old Wikipedia)

To say that seeing one so close to me, and so amazingly unfazed by my being there, was truly an experience I will treasure, is fact. I noticed when reading the info on the Wikipedia site, that the picture I am using indicates its a female, however the male doesn’t look that different.

Interestingly there are usually other woodpeckers around when I am there, the mid size one and a smaller one. Neither was around when my “star” arrived. The other birds paid her no mind, but then they were interested in the peanuts and sunflower seeds I had put out in the other feeders. My beauty, was after the suet. Interestingly I have noted freshly chipped out rectangular holes in the big tree that is in the clearing, but I had yet to see the “artist”. It seems they are looking for insects, especially ant colonies, they even eat poison ivy berries. I am smitten, but fear not, I am not about to embark on a search and find mission for insects to put out for her. I will however, make sure the flavour of the suet she likes is made available for her.

Thank goodness she is far away from my murder of crows… This must be what a cheating heart feels like.

Don’t think “I Can’t” from the start. Begin by taking the first step, then you’ll be able to see what comes next and a path will open.
Perfect Liberty 2021.6

Everything that happens to you is material for growth. Approach everything with a firm belief that “it will turn out for the best”. Anything can be used as material for progress and development.
Perfect Liberty 2015.4

Oyashikiri

Category:

appreciation, art, educational, giving thanks, God, guidence, Life, living, Love, mind, mirror art, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photographs, pl, sentiment, sharing, smile, Tao, Taoist, teaching, teachings, trees, Uncategorized, unconditional love, Universe, visual art, wonder, world peace

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In a land far away

The handmaiden’s Estate in SL (Second Life) (Japanese)

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

Category:

amazement, appreciation, art, educational, expression, faith, feelings, friendship, guidence, Japan, joy, Life, Light, living, Love, mind, mirror art, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photographs, pl, pray, prayer, quotations, sentiment, smile, spiritual, Tao, Taoist, teaching, truth, unconditional love, Universe, visual art, wonder, world peace

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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

Category:

amazement, appreciation, art, blessing, educational, expression, faith, feelings, friendship, giving thanks, God, guidence, joy, Life, Light, living, Love, mind, mirror art, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photograph, pl, pray, prayer, quotations, sentiment, sharing, smile, spiritual, Tao, Taoist, teaching, trees, truth, Uncategorized, unconditional love, Universe, visual art, wonder, world peace

crows

A friend came over and left me a big steak, a fillet of salmon and a package of bacon that had freezer burn. I chopped it all up into little pieces and this morning set out a buffet for the waiting birds. Even as they landed to grab pieces and then fly away, there were so many of them, that I lost count .. I knew that by the time I positioned myself and got the camera ready, poof they’d be off. In less than 10 minutes, the ground was clear of all signs that there had been a feast.

What I don’t get is there can be an empty sky, when I arrived there was one crow on a snow bank, he flew up into a tree as I drove in, and parked. By the time I scattered the food, they were all waiting, well a portion of them. As I drove away to give them space and position myself over a ways, I could see more crows coming from blocks away. How do they know? How do they communicate? Like after any big meal, some sat around just chilling, others left. Certainly there was nothing left on the “table’.

I noticed when I got to the one trail that I go to, this morning there were crows. I seldom see crows there, I would have liked them to stay around, but on my arrival they all took off. My usual crew of Evening grosbeaks, blue jays, woodpeckers and the little birds were hovering waiting… I set about filling feeders, dusting snow, and spreading the peanuts and sunflower seeds. Wasn’t long before the dining area was full of chatter and flapping about.

The beautiful cardinal was there this morning (guess I was early enough to catch sight of him) his female companion was there too. I was pleased that I was able to distinguish her by her head/shape and colouring. I’m getting better at recognizing the ones that I see regularly. I am even flattered that there are some of the chicks now that will actually land on me pecking at what is in my container. A few are as bold as brass.

Even the naughty little squirrels that I scold for getting into or on the flat feeders.. will just look at me now and talk back to me. so…. guess who went and got them their own peanuts complete with shells. Gosh.. is there hope for me… LOL it is fun. and I am getting my fresh air.

Be careful about saying “Its probably good enough” Wholeheartedly do what you notice, when and how you notice it.
Perfect Liberty 2021.29

Oyashikiri

Category:

appreciation, art, blesssings, expression, faith, feelings, friend, friendship, giving thanks, God, guidence, hug, Life, living, mind, mirror art, musing, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photographs, pl, quotations, sentiment, sharing, smile, Tao, Taoist, teachings, Translation, trees, trust, truth, unconditional love, Universe, visual art, wonder, world peace

Wednesday

It’s Okay to think “this is where it starts” There is always a turning point, its important what you do from
Perfect Liberty 2021.27

Ana, Luzia, Claudia . Vera, Cristine, Francisa, Bene, Paulo, Jane, Lena, Shirley, Rosangela, Edneia, Maria, Elaine, Nancy, Marcio, Telma, Giuseppe, Sueli, Cleide, Cida, =^_^=

Category:

appreciation, art, faith, feelings, friend, friendship, giving thanks, God, guidence, joy, Life, living, Love, mind, mirror art, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photographs, pl, pray, prayer, quotations, sentiment, sharing, smile, Tao, Taoist, teaching, trees, trust, truth, Uncategorized, unconditional love, Universe, visual art, wonder, world peace

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Perfect LIberty

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.

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

Oyashikiri

Kevin Baldelli wildlife photographer

Category:

amazement, appreciation, art, educational, expression, faith, feelings, friend, friendship, God, guidence, Life, living, Love, mind, mirror art, musing, Oneness, perfect liberty, photographs, pl, prayer, quotations, sentiment, sharing, smile, spiritual, Tao, Taoist, teachings, trust, truth, unconditional love, Universe, visual art, wonder, world peace

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honey bears-laughter

Multitasking reduces your joy by half. When doing something give it your all. There is joy in everything.
Perfect Liberty 2021.23

The spirit of God/Nature, enlivens me, and I am spiritually enriched.
love/inspiration

Friendships, laughter, what better ingredients in a happy life.

Oyashikiri

Category:

amazement, appreciation, art, educational, expression, faith, friend, friendship, giving thanks, Life, mind, mirror art, Oneness, perfect liberty, photograph, pl, prayer, quotations, sharing, smile, Tao, Taoist, teaching, teachings, truth, Uncategorized, unconditional love, Universe, visual art, wonder, world peace

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crow/raven

watchful, sharp powerful foresight- change, transformation, prophecy and good luck

Spirit animal. full of symbolism and meaning

I’ve never met a crow/raven that I have not fallen in love with. Today, I was in the right place at the right time, I saw one, and then another, it was kismet. For me they symbolize intelligence, flexibility and destiny.

Ebony feathered wonders. The are very vocal, usually having a lot to say. I saw them in the parking lot of a McDonalds… Yes I was picking up my black iced coffee, no cream, no sugar. (for those of you who know my need for cold coffee when driving) Then at Dewberry Trail, the sky was full of crows, they were in the tree branches .. my first time, in all my visits there to actually see them there.

Throughout history, these birds have been portrayed as spirits and divine messengers. I would like to think, they are letting me know// something good is going to happen! Crows are not afraid of dealing with something new (unknown). Entering into this new year, we can all take a page from their chapter on optimism.

It’s Okay, God is watching over you. Things turn out for the best. Don’t be captured by momentary troubles but continue doing everything with sincerity.
Perfect Liberty 2021.19

Category:

amazement, appreciation, art, blessing, coping, expression, faith, feelings, flower, friend, friendship, giving thanks, God, guidence, hug, Life, Light, living, Love, mind, mirror art, Oneness, perfect liberty, philosophy, photograph, photographs, pray, prayer, quotations, sentiment, sharing, smile, song, spiritual, Tao, Taoist, teaching, teachings, trees, trust, truth, Uncategorized, unconditional love, Universe, visual art, wonder, world peace

morning smile

you can almost hear her thoughts forming.. she’s waiting to……??

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

Be in harmony with those who are closest to you. Work to cultivate positive and strong relationships with your family and with the people you work with. Getting along with t hose who are closest to yo is the key to happiness.
Prefect Liberty 2015.8

Have a grand day everyone. The sky has finally started to get brighter.. (still a dull gray, but I can now see a better definition of the trees outside the window). Yes, I am one who likes longer daylight hours. =^_^=

Smile, make every moment count!

Oyashikiri