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stained glass

retreat 10.7.17a

Imagine the sun streaming in on a cool fall day.  Isn’t there something wonderful about the way, light is transformed when it penetrates and shines through  a stained glass panel.

retreat-10-7-17f.jpg

even the high ceiling is mirroring the colourful hues, giving the  room an aura of light.  When the organist plays, what divine inspiration must flow from his hands to the organ itself.  A true delight for all who are embraced by the sound,

PL Precept # 15 All is a Mirror

PL Principle # 3  I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

God is everywhere – PL Precept # 11 Always be with God

Oyashikiri

 

Pictures taken by Valerie (sister) while at her retreat

Chop Suey Monday

retreat snowberries 2

On a retreat this past week-end, my sister thought to share some pictures with me.  In one of them, I was very taken by these big white berries.  They are so plump and lush. She is in California, so her countryside where she was visiting was very different from what I have now here in the Ottawa area,

retreat snowberries 3

I thought at first to crop out the shadows, but then I realized that it lent a very human element to the picture.  the retreat took place on a large acreage owned by the diocese of the church she belongs to.  Her church and another one were holding their annual fall retreat. Before the heat of the day set  in, her group, were walking some of the pathways, exploring.

The picture isn’t perfect the wildflowers look a tad blurred, but I think the reason I liked it s much was that it was being shared with me, and it had been part of her journey that day. So often in life, we want everything to be perfect, I am guilty of cropping, removing, using photo shop at times to get what I call an artist visual of whatever it is I want to express.  My sister, was taking a picture simply to share her happy moment, the joy we all feel when we are outdoors on a sunny day, being warmed by the sun, perhaps a gentle breeze and fellowship.

Realizing that the  sharing of a special moment was more important and let’s face it precious, than a perfect picture.  Appreciation of all that comes our way, is a gift.  I like many others have to practice every day, giving thanks, and being grateful for all life has to offer. ALL, not just what I pick and choose . When we learn appreciation, only then can we truly be of service to others.

retreat snowberries 4

Look at the view ,for as far as they eye can see .  No highrise to block our view,, no constant roar of traffic.  Just open land.  I wasn’t there at the time she was, but I am sure enjoying it now.

It is Canadian Thanksgiving today, but appreciation and knowing how blessed we are, is something to give thanks for every day.

Oyashikiri

There is no such thing as true perfection, but happiness, and Love/GOD are very real…

PL Precept #11   Always be with God

Zen Friday

be thankful

This little flag was brought back a year ago, it was to fly happily at the church reminding one and all, that we should be thankful at all times.  Somehow, it just never got put up, and it was  only discovered recently again, when I picked up several boxes of goodies I had to be recycled to the House of Lazarus, Community Outreach Mission, in Mountain, Ontario. *

Seeing it again, was uplifting and reminded me that I do have so much to be thankful for.  I kept it, and it hangs where I can see it everyday.  Actually it sits where both my husband and I can see it and rejoice at the blessing we have been given.  An illness is an opportunity to revisit  the purpose of life, and why we are here.

A reminder not to squander your days and nights doing things you don’t enjoy, or with people who are possibly toxic in your world.  Rather than peace, love and caring, they can only offer, negatives.  They project hate, greed and selfishness.

This is the Canadian Thanksgiving week-end.  Families will gather, with friends and family to share the bounty in their lives.

Be sincere, be honest love with an open heart.

PL Precept # 11 ASLWAYS BE WITH GOD

NO, no turkey or ham this year..

veggie pattie     image1 sending kisses

NB*  all the jewelry, name brand purses, bags etc. plus the fleece for spinning, felting and craft work,  is all up at the House of Lazarus now.  Please check their Facebook Page for their hours.  Or check their website  http://www.houseoflazarus.com  

Blessings Be.

Oyashikiri

howling time

fright nite b

LOL the howling month approaches.  Love end of September, and all of October.  Witches, goblins, spiders and bright vivid shades of oranges, blood reds and black. It is time to dig out the dies, stencils and paints. Yahoooo where is the glue.

OK so not everyone is enthusiastic and carries on like I do.  But a roll of big bright ribbon with pumpkins and black cats… wow what a blast. here they are ready to be part of my stash

ribbon xy

I had so much fun, just finding the right shadows to go with the ribbons.

ribbon x

Having fun is what life is all about.  Happiness is… living each moment to the fullest.  At one time I would have cropped out or photo shopped out shadows etc.  Now I find that they are part of the moment, so I leave them in.

canvas torn

I found a picture of some torn canvas that I had happily ripped into shreds for a project.  I think I still have some, so will go in search of what is left.  I feel a new project coming on.. inspiration is rounding the corner.  Time to rock and roll!!!!

Have a good day my friends.

PL Precept # 2  To live is to express One’s Self.

gelli art 2.20.17

text, photos and artwork, Q

ribbon- MultiCraft Clearance Centre -Ottawa,On,Canada

roof tops

hwy 43 9.16.17f near Mountain

I sit high when driving, we have a truck.  I as struck by the vegetation and rooftops as I travelled how 43, going east.

hwy 43 9.16.17c

It was a beautiful day as you can see.  The miles slipped silently by as I rode along taking in the views.  It was a “me” day.  A day to allow my thoughts to come and go, my only objective to watch the road, and take in the beauty around me.

hwy 43 9.16.17a

Farmland as far as the eye could see.  Small villages, and towns, expanse of fields waiting for harvest.  Rural Ontario. (250km)  Lots of time to entertain my thoughts.

PL Precept # 15  All is a Mirror    –  I sought tranquility and peaceful surrounding.  The Universe granted my wish.  I enjoyed conversation and friendship along the way, then back in the truck  as I continued on my way………….. the steady hum of the tires and visual delights as Nature provided the beginning colours of her  fall palette.

Just before the final stretch, I stopped for fresh produce and discovered a new fruit.  Ground cherries.  physalis longifolia

Enjoy each new day, give thanks for the opportunities that come your way.  Life is good.

ground cherries

A day spent with and in Nature, alone, in meditation and quiet

is a special day indeed!

Oyashikiri

Friday smile

lemur from 1994 magazine

Whenever you need a smile, you can always count on someone to pop up and say – Hey!

Hi!  I’m thinking of you…  Makes me smile every time.

Everyone gets busy in their own day-to-day living.  When someone takes the time to drop in and say hello…  appreciate the moment…  this is one way the electronic world has changed over the years..  Where before we waited by the mailbox for word from a friend, now… with the internet, a few clicks and the smile is on its way.

This little guy I’ve been dragging around with me for years, I mean YEARS.  He was on some magazine cover that someone had thrown out.   I rescued him, every so often he pops up,  I find him amongst papers, or stacks of magazines.. we share the familiar (by now) hello… and…. puff…. he’s gone till next time.

We need to tidy up and clean house  in the fall, I prepare for nesting come the days when it is so cold outside.. we know we will be enjoying it from inside.  For all the crafters and collectors out there, check your stash.  Time to stock up.

image1 sending kisses

Blessings to you all.  Share a smile today.  Love with all your heart, what goes out, comes back… Always.

Oyashikiri

 

 

appreciation =^_^=

curios at VV b

Cuteness I left in the store.  One happy sister, knowing she won’t be going to the mailbox  to find she has  new “dust catchers”

Friday.. a day so many just can’t wait for.    =^_^=    Have a happy day everyone! Be creative, resourceful, make a dream come true.

Oyashikiri

PL Precept # 11   Always be with God

 

 

Family

homemade Gazpacho 9.2017

Good evening everyone…

With a busy day, a stressful afternoon, and a stomach that was being quirky, I just wanted to zone out… crash in my recliner and daydream.  It wasn’t happening, my mind just wouldn’t settle.  So, I called my sister.  She had just made herself a yummy lunch (different time zone) of freshly made Gazpacho with fresh produce and some tasty pasta.

In her part of California, they were experiencing record highs (heat) so she came up with a zesty dish she could enjoy  chilled.  Talking about her recipe and the thought of something similar I was inspired to get up and check out what was in my kitchen.

deck flower 3To my delight when I looked out on the deck I saw that a plant we had been nurturing for the last couple of years had bloomed.  Wow… I had no idea, I found the plant next to a dumpster in the West End, looking very pathetic, didn’t know what it was, but I saw it, and another plant that looked like a vine,  Liked the look of them so brought them home.

They have been watered, and simply tended.  In the spring they go out on the deck and in the fall they come in.  Nothing was expected of them.  The vine grows nice big green leaves, they fall off during the winter, and return in the spring, no more no less.  The one you see above, looked like it was just surviving,  When I saw the bloom it was a real treat.  I put out a “what is this” on Instagram, my cousin in Halifax replied “hibiscus”

Isn’t family wonderful!

deck flower

PL Principle # 3  I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

We always have choices, we can dwell on negatives, or we can enjoy the positives, show appreciation  and be rewarded, with more happiness and contentment in our daily lives.

PL Precept # 7   Everything exists in relativity

Oyashikiri

Chop Suey, 9.1.17

Movati 8.31.17Magical

Futuristic, a playground for my “Me” time.  I’ve gone back to the gym.  My favourite  place, my get away Movati Athletic … It was time, I’ve been back a couple of days now, and it is wonderful.  Staff have changed, the older carpet has been replaced, still the magic of the place is intact.

Having started with them back in the late 90’s when they opened, it was where I wanted to be.  I went up to the co-ed floor today, a must for me, it means walking up the flight of stairs, there is an elevator, but the whole idea is for me to start rebuilding my whole over-all “body”.

My fit bit was very happy, I finally met and exceeded my goal that I had set for myself.  =^_^=  sparkles went off when I looked at my figures.. Yay!!!!

On my way home from errands, I went into on of my “haunts” and woweeeee   I found a Madame Alexander Doll (2014)  She was not in the best shape, her hair was a total mess, and all frizzy.  Her body was scuffed and marked, but…. never having had one to check out up close and personal, I brought her home.  She has been bathed and washed, and her hair cleaned, but it will be awhile before I get all the knots and frizz under control, IF it can be done.

Took items to the church for the upcoming garage sale, remember everyone, mark your calendars, September 16, Saturday  from 8 am – 2 pm.  1010 Hunt Club, Ottawa,On. Church of Perfect Liberty

Icing on the cake… I got home to find a big happy balloon tied to a floral dish garden.  Thoughtful friends in Australia, reached across the globe, with their love and healing prayers.  Muah darlings, I will write soon.

My husband and I have been overwhelmed with the love and friendship that has been coming our way.  This is a journey that is truly blessed in many many ways.  We our humbled by the love that has transcended the distance of geography and time.  Thank you for letting us know, we are not alone.

Oyashikiri

PL Precept #15   All is a Mirror

 

Movati Athletic   http://www.movatiathletic.com

 

Wordless Wednesday 8.23.17

yellow flowers 3

yellow flowers 1

Hello ….. Yellow …..yellow flowers 8.20.17Your glow

is so nouveau

bravo

yellow

smilePencil

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