Rain is cleansing, calming … yet … can be relentless and create anxiety
Make today a memorable day. Let’s try to put our whole heart into whatever we say or do, as our unique signature.
Perfect Liberty 2022.26
Always live with a kind and generous heart. Show love and embrace others’ good points, and be willing to overlook their faults. One who has a generous heart can live a fulfilled life.
Perfect Liberty 2022.17
Good morning, Bom Dia… This capture was taken “somewhere” in a country setting that is very beckoning if you are in the city with ambulance and firetrucks constantly being heard rushing from one place to another. When I saw it.. I thought “how rustic”, and moved on to other incoming mail. However over the next couple of days, that picture kept creeping into my thoughts. I dug it out and had another look.
Not a lot happening… not even a sign that there are people living there. Then a conversation I had with a friend who told me about her vacation on a lake, where the lots were so close you could stand on the deck and see the neighbour’s yards on both sides. there was even a pizza parlour just down the road (light bulb moment) immediately, the “blue retreat” sprang back to my mind again… darn I kept returning to the photo of the blue “retreat” in the woods.
Two very different “get away” locations. I have no idea if there is a lake/river near the “hideaway” but what set it apart from the cottage on the lake, was the “apparent” isolation of the place. I liked the idea of being in the woods, yet being in a structure protected from the elements*. I realized that what I was finding so inviting about the picture of the blue “retreat” was that it didn’t shout “lonely” rather it exudes a peaceful quiet.
That dwelling what I now think of as a “retreat” gets more and more appealing to me as I rush from one activity to another and run one errand after another, trying to ?? what??
We all have moments where we suddenly realize that we are “spinning our wheels” we are trying to get things done so we can “catch our breath”. The “retreat” set my thoughts in motion, “why” “what is the rush”… It was a trigger. whether or not the photographer meant to invoke a “mood” or capture the “stillness” of the place.. doesn’t matter, it is how “I” the viewer has interpreted his “work”.
Just seeing the picture set my mind and thoughts into ‘overdrive” It reminded me that I was making “busy, busy, busy” my normal. It made me stop and think… and ask myself. .”why” how come I was always in “busy” mode. Was I enhancing my life with my behaviour, or was I ” running around in circles” .. had I let myself get caught up in “making busy” .. Time for some quiet contemplation and reflection..
Use money and things usefully and enthusiastically. Money and things are materials for self expression. Use them joyfully with appreciation
Perfect Liberty 2022.25
That one picture, captured in time … has made me realize that for someone who is “retired” I am far “too busy” and need to review and revamp my “gray cells” – it won’t be easy.. but I can try.
PL Precept # 18 Each moment is a turning point
*elements -thunder lightening-insects-heat
Do you talk to people you don’t know. Are you someone who strikes up a conversation with someone you don’t know who happens to be where you are, when you are? I hadn’t heard the term before, but I saw recently in an old Oprah magazine, an article about an author Malcolm Gladwell, who writes books about “cultural conversations”.. he writes about how close encounters between strangers can teach us ,how we can get better at reading each other’s signals. (Tipping Point)
Thinking back over my many years of my existence, I can’t count the number of people I’ve met, either in the workforce, out for the evening, waiting in line when running errands… everywhere, there is always, someone, somewhere who is close enough for me to greet or acknowledge. Do I always? .. no.. but on average compared to my friends and close associates, I would be considered “outgoing” and more likely to start up a conversation, or even, just say Hi, nod, say good day… I’ve met some of the most interesting people that way, and actually have found that I like most people I meet.
Being Chinese in the North America of many years ago, meant that you were “the oddity” your cultural background was different, and of course you “looked” different… I was taught that everyone has feelings, and meeting someone was an opportunity to “grow” as a person, to “learn” … my perspective on human behaviours was honed from a very early age to listen carefully, to watch and be aware of life as it came my way. PL Precept # 7 Everything exists in relativity.
It is in the meeting of people with different ideas, and backgrounds, that I found so many “treasures” (moments of wonder. PL Precept # 6 Efface your self-conceptions.
We are all so unique, I really enjoy brief encounters that elicit a smile, a wave, a brief exchange. =^_^=
When you get stuck, take a step back. When you are able to see things objectively, your viewpoint will change and you will receive new wisdom.
Perfect Liberty 2022.23
PL Precept # 18 Each moment is a turning point – we often make judgements based on our own unconscious biases. I try to be aware of my reactions and to be more receptive to “learning” and being more “open” to “differences” – an exercise that is ongoing… not that I’m a slow learner, .. there is just so much to see and discover.
Be in tune with the feelings of others. Let’s start by trying to understand other peoples feelings.
Perfect Liberty 2022.22
A simple message with a lot of homework. We have to work at nurturing, savoring and decoding our relationships. Friendships are often the bonds that complete us. It is not always easy to define friendships, in this new world of insta-intimacy, it is good to remember that friendships are a matter of the heart, not heart emojis. Caring, awareness, focus, and feelings.. are important ingredients of maintaining and appreciating a true friend.
virtual photo by Q
You are the results of your daily efforts. Put your whole heart into everything you do in your daily life. Your true self will shine through.
Perfect Liberty 2022. 20
Focus your energy – Let your best self shine … We wake to a brand new canvas.
This morning I opened a drawer and couldn’t see what was in it for ALL the STUFF that was dropped into it over time. Being a visual person, if it is in the drawer it is out of sight. How can one person use or need over a dozen erasers, and who knows how many pens, pencils and markers. Guess what, it will be passed on… gone from my drawer. I’m working at creating an alluring medley of empty spaces. Can it be done?
Tomorrow the 21st of the month, we will have the Thanksgiving service (day of Appreciation) at the church at 7 pm …
Yesterday i had to stand in line for almost an hour … due to covid, we are limited in how many people can enter the government office (to renew drivers licenses and health cards etc.) the seating that once was in the office area, is gone, now people have to line up outside the office and enter only when a “teller” is free. The line was already snaking past the bank and almost at the entrance to the mall when I arrived. I arrived before the 9 a.m. opening time. The government office was half way down the mall .. between the two entrances of said mall. It wasn’t nine yet and already the temperature outside was climbing. Inside with people standing in line for the office I was wanting and then further down there was another lineup for I don’t know what.. but there we were, all lined up.. waiting to complete whatever transaction was being required of us. I did what I had to do, and was out of there in just over an hour. It was a “to do” checked off my list. soooooooooooo that is a tick mark under accomplished today. It is a positive, my health card has been renewed, I couldn’t do it online because they wanted an updated picture.
The other positive, was I was able to renew my driver’s license online. and.. wait.. another positive, the car shop called, my car was repaired and ready to be picked up (remember taxi backed into me almost two months ago now). Wow so many positives in one day. No, you’re right it didn’t end there, I had more positives before the day ended.. life was a bouquet of positives yesterday. Now sprinkled in amongst all those positives, were the moments of waiting, standing, the heat, etc. but at the end of the day.. it might have been “busy” but I felt good, In PL, we look for the positives and show appreciation for those moments. When we do so, it seems that we are able to “see’ life in a more positive light, I am guilty of moaning at times of “having to” do this/that/ or something else.. but in the end when its done, it is a “feel good” moment.
Put your heart into your words. do you tend to speak in just a matter of fact tone? It s important to put your heart into your words.
Perfect Liberty 2022.19
“to do” or “not to do” There is only one way. Although we may have many choices in f ront of us, in the end we must all make a single decision. Once you have made up your mind, move forward without hesitation.
Perfect Liberty 2012.20
Bonus… they gave me my car back all washed, cleaned inside and out!!! yippeeee kiYAY!
Help the people around you smile more. Always strive to make those around you smile. that will bring you joy too.
Perfect Liberty 2022.18
Be 100% committed to the cause… S M I L E
Face the speaker , make eye contact and listen carefully. Listening to people is also a form of expression, listen with Makoto (sincerity)
Perfect Liberty 2022.15
Good morning! Bom dia amigos, desejo a todos uma semana maravilhosa…. what a week! Where is the month of July going.. the other day I saw a hint of colour in the palette of greens. That tell tale sign of a rosy blush that will soon turn to red.. Our wandering photographer Ian Mitchell was on one of his “expeditions” when he took the above pictures while in the Gatineau Park. (on the Quebec side of the river) Twice I tried to find my way there only to be turned back by road closers. My known routes have been shut down due to a number of reasons, (last few years these changes have crept in un-noticed by moi) now to get there I’m told I have to travel a different route, using highways and going through towns that are out of the way (for me).
Why has this proved to be such a “chore” for me.. I have no idea. I guess because it was more or less in my backyard before, and now to get there I have to travel east, cross a different bridge, and make my way north via a super highway, it has lost its flavour… Nature was minutes away, aaahhhh says my inner voice, “you forget” that was before expansions, populations growth, new subdivisions, blah, blah.. blah. Ian ‘s hobby (one of them) is craft beers…maybe I need a new hobby to encourage more travel outside of my comfort zone.
Another friend actually got me out of the house to go for dinner last night. Whooo hoooo catchoooo, no cooking, no clearing up after, no dishes… all I had to do was walk to the buffet islands and fill my plate. Servers brought warm/hot towels prior to the meal, and after..(for wiping of sticky fingers and patting lips of excess sauces etc.) The meringue on the lemon pie was almost 2 inches high. yum….
Think of the timing before you say.. ” but…” When stating your opinion, make sure you are being respectful of others’ opinions. Be mindful of this when you speak
Perfect Liberty 2022.14
I was browsing the internet and found this picture on Cameron Shankland’s page, it is so amazing I’m sharing it with you.. there is a door down the way on the building, but it is the artwork I want you to see. (yes I did write to him !)
For more pictures of doors and interesting architecture .. please visit Dan’s (Dan Antion) – No Facilities site, https://nofacilities.com/2022/07/14/return-to-old-wethersfield/ where other like minded creative minds share our passion for doors and the buildings they grace.
Mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes. At this time of year, I and others who wander the forest, would be seeing a huge variety of fungi.. alas with the closure of so many of the woodlands right now (due to storm damage and pending dangers) our “hunting” will have to begin later.. Meanwhile, Shirley who is in New Zealand has been posting some of her finds. Thank you Shirley!!
You can only change yourself. Before you start telling people how they should do things, think of how you can be more flexible.
Perfect Liberty 2022.13
Small changes can bring about a fresh outlook. Are you just living each day and getting into a rut? By making small changes in the things you do your day to day life can become fresh and exciting.
Perfect Liberty 2012.24
Today my car is finally going in to the body shop to have the repairs done (door replaced) from when the taxi backed into me over a month ago now. another adventure awaits!
dymoonblog 