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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

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

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

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

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

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

Stir Fry Friday

we never know just where a road will lead, even when there is a sign
who we will meet and what they will have to say
some mind their own business and really don’t care to interact at all

Free yourself from being overly attached. Overthinking hinders ideas and actions.

Perfect Liberty 2021.22

Do your best today, have a great day, smile a lot.. and always.. have caring kind thoughts for those around you.

Oyashikiri

imperfections are part of life – Q

crows, snow and a door

I started the day with the thought that I would go on a door expedition. However that thought was swept away by the constant shifting of the winds and drifting snow/rain. We see a lot of door exteriors, this is the interior view of a lonely door. It doesn’t get used much except to hold left over “this and that” from my creative moments.

This morning the crows dined on freshly baked, chicken hearts, giblets and liver. My babies (whippets) got to have the nutritious gravy with their kibble. During these times of restraints and “forced” isolation, I find that being in and with nature is very calming.

Express your appreciation with enthusiasm. Appreciation is the driving force for progress and development.

Perfect Liberty 2021.21

PL Principle # 2 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 # 3 I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

PL 21 Principles.

I am reminded every day of how blessed I am to have the wonderful friends that I have around me, and how when I meet strangers while in nature, they smile, and always have a sunny greeting to call out. Not only do the birds sing, and call out to each other, but there is children’s laughter, and the joy of people who have come to commune with nature. Everyone stays respectfully distant, and except for the odd person, all wear masks if they are going to be coming by or past you. It’s a new year. and a new way of BEING.


Everything exists in relativity

PL Precept #7

Oyashikiri

For more doors visit…https://nofacilities.com/2021/01/21/cedar-hill-cemetery-thursday-doors/

church on the 21st.!

but really? we are on lock down!

We all got the same e-mail last night.. I did late last night.. Read and re read the message, yes, there will be a service this Thursday on the 21st. We know it is last minute, and that most of us are simply unable to attend. Here is where we put into practice what we did the other night, when I held an evening service. If you are unable to attend, please join us at 7 pm EST. while Rev. E. performs the special service. It is called service of Appreciation.

Cast your mind to the church, find your seat, and sit quietly while others gather in their homes to join us. Service will start at 7, begin with your salutation, move on to reading your PL prayer, then sit in quiet reflection while Rev E performs the Appreciation ceremony. spending time with us, in quiet prayer is all we can ask for at this time.. The positive and healing energy of the group will surround you even if you are miles away from the physical church. God is with us everywhere, God is in the air we breathe and in all that we see, feel and do. Be mindful.

But we are here together, and we will support one an other. THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY!

Use any results, good or bad, as a stepping stone. All outcomes, whether positive or negative are important experiences. Let’s use them wisely for our our future progress.

Perfect Liberty 2012.10

PLEASE, we ask that you call the church prior to any action, should you consider coming physically to the church, we are on Covid-19 stay at home orders. Physical attendance at this time is very restricted.

photo by Chris O’Keefe

Stay safe, be well, share a smile and a virtual hug with someone special today!

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