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broken

What happens when something happens that is out of your control. One minute there is a familiar and welcoming environment, and suddenly with a roar of a raging, angry, demented winds and torrential downpour, years of happy memories are wiped out. boom, crash, what was, is gone. Like a ripple in the calm waters. one casualty causes a domino effect.

The forest floor is littered with fallen trees, some have been standing for years, their arms had reached high into the sky, now… they lie broken, no longer able to stand, so damaged there is no way to heal. Because these trees are in areas that are frequented by humans, not all, but some will not be left as they have fallen, but will need to be removed, in most cases, relocated or repositioned so that they are not a safety hazard.

The damages have been so extensive (we are blessed in this Province with a lot of green space.) it will be not weeks, but months , maybe even years before there is a sense of “normal” again. People with special training from the Forestry dept. have been called in.. It is a huge project.

blocked path by a tree that finally fell – yes there is still danger of falling trees!

Some areas might look safe, but if the NCC has danger /caution tapes up, and the sign says THIS SITE IS CLOSED … there is a valid reason for this. I am amazed at just how many times these tapes need replacing because “some people” feel the need to rip them down, and enter when there are clear signs that the area has not been cleared yet and is still a potential danger/risk.

There are ways around the tapes, one can go under or walk to an area that is not barred, people determined to go in, do so at their own risk.. When you take down the caution tapes and rip away the signs saying the site is closed, that puts other people at risk.

It is not fun to be stuck in one place. Instead of being captured by what’s in front of you strive to broaden your horizons.

Perfect Liberty 2022.28

Please be aware that what you do, could have consequences for others.

Think /pause before acting out. or doing something that can impact a decision someone else may make.

PL Precept # 20 Live maintaining equilibrium between mind and matter.

Oyashikiri

where does time go?

Quebec 2008

Make today a memorable day. Let’s try to put out whole heart into whatever we say or do, as our unique signature.

Perfect Liberty 2022.26

When I see the picture …I remember the many times we drove there to let the dogs enjoy the water We had Canaille (Portuguese Water Dog).. she absolutely loved water.. On hot days like the heat/humid and sultry weather we’ve been having, we felt it was an obligation to find her water to swim in. At that time our other dog was a Labrador mix, the two could wade and swim while the human parents sat on the big rocks along the water’s edge and enjoyed their antics.

Fast forward to 2022.. could I find it today, I don’t think so… I seldom drive out to that part of the Province anymore, in fact, I think if I get over to the Quebec side a couple of times a year, that is a lot. I have become a creature of habit, and I stay pretty much “local”. My eldest dog now is Velcro who just turned 15 (whippet) he, nor Keeper (10) (whippet) have no interest in swimming and I of course am now a widow…. “THE ONLY CONSTANT IN LIFE IS CHANGE”

Someone asked me the title of a book the other day, it was Atlas of the Heart (Brene Brown) the book takes us on a journey through 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. “We cultivated love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known”

Love is not something we give or get; it is something we nurture and grow, a connection that can be cultivated between two people only when it exists within each one of them – we can love others only as much as we love ourselves”

oyashikiri

06-23-22

Hey wait up… you are going to fast..

Have you ever found that for some reason you are just not able to keep up with the others on the trail or path.?? Do you need to keep up?? What is the purpose of your outing? Is it to go a great distance or to enjoy the moment? Is it, time out in nature, or exploring new parts of the city/town you live in or near. For whatever reason you find yourself “out of step”.. when you notice it.. it is at that moment you need to explore the thought…

PL Precept # 18 Each moment is a turning point.

PL Precept # 19. Begin once you perceive.

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
Always and forever

Happy Father’s Day

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Put your heart into your words. Do you tend to speak in just a matter of fact tone? It is important to put your heart into your words

Perfect Liberty 2022.19

And I wish you joy and happiness. But above all of this, I wish you love.

Dolly Parton ( I will always love you)
Always and forever

Pine Grove Trail

I was so sad this morning when I visited P18 otherwise known as PIne Grove Trail. You can see the destruction of this beautiful location .. it is completely torn up. My husband and I walked the dogs there years ago.. it was such a beautiful serene area. The story I wrote about the woodland creatures was set in this location. Seeing the devastation was heart wrenching.

Times like this brings home.. nothing is forever. Forever is now.. in that moment. The trees were like cathedral walls, their canopy was magical. Now as you can see, what was, is no longer. When the crews finally do get in to start clearing away the fallen trees, the landscape will be forever changed.

Much like my world without someone I thought would be in my life “forever”.. was called away into his own “forever” – life IS. only we (me, myself and I) can make changes within our “selves”

Start today with a fresh outlook. Even though people and situations may look the same, they are constantly changing. Start each day with a fresh mind.

Perfect Liberty 2022.17
always and forever

after a storm

There is a reason the conservation staff have put up “park closed” and danger/caution tape up blocking the entrances to the trails. They are dangerous. You can see the size of the downed trees, you have to be able to climb over or walk around them. AND there are still trees leaning very precariously at an angle, so much so, a tremor or wind could topple them.

See how this tree is leaning, half of the roots have been pulled out of the ground. I am very familiar with this trail, I was very careful making my way around. I did not venture away from the areas where I knew I could easily manouver out of the way of a falling branch/limb.

All was VERY quiet. I did get to have a visit with the duck .. he was alone.. the water was devoid of other birds/ducks, On my way out I met a fellow “wanderer…’ Bev and I had met some time ago, it was nice to catch up. she had been in the parking lot talking with the conservation officer that had come by to replace the “stay out” tape that someone had removed. I had to limbo under it to get out =^_^=.

a quote from the past

We are all here for a purpose. Please reach out and share your beautiful smile today. enjoy the pictures of a paradise dealing with “change’… the birds have begun to sing again, the chipmunks, and squirrels used to visitors are searching for the handouts that are no longer there.. but… time will rebuild.. workers will get to the different trails and the tidy up will happen.. Send positive energy to all the workers who are having to work long hours to repair/clean up and the many hydro /internet problems that still need resolving.

PL Precept # 20 Live maintaining equilibrium between mind and matter.

Always and Forever

Friday morning greetings

fresh green of new growth

It’s easier to adapt to something when we find it interesting. No matter how enjoyable a situation is, a slight change in our attitude can make it boring. Let’s face any situation with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Perfect Liberty 2022.10

Welcome to new readers, I would be remiss in not biding you a good day! It is such a warm rush of pleasure when I see that we have new members in our “community”.. When I read today’s calendar I asked myself the question.. “how am I adapting with the many changes that have happened in my life over the month of May.”

May was painful in many ways.. the anniversaries of my Mother’s passing, my husbands passing the major storm that left me without power for a week plus. I felt at times like a rubber ball being bounced over large sharp edged boulders.

if I was one of my warriors – this would be a selfie

Nature will continue to flourish and grow around the warrior … soon he won’t be seen the vegetation will become so dense. Time will work on the fresh wounds and soften the jagged edges. Reality – there is o going back.

Many of you have experienced simliar aches, even if the causes are comletely different – you know what it is to feel sadness that overwhelms. It is important to not overlook or try to diminsh that “fact”… The rebuilding is slow, and I now know can take not days and weeks, but months and maybe even years … to move comfortably into “now”.

Research has shown that there is a reason we love a sad movie. (sad film paradox) They talked and asked questions of hundreds and thousands plus people…. we like to be moved, to feel connected to what it is to be human, to be reminded of our inextricable connection to one another. Their study revealed a highly significant positibve correlation between sadness and enjoyment. This association is sequential. Sadness leads to feeling moved, which in turn leads to enjoyment.

Grief does not obey your plans, or our wishes. Grief will do whatever it wants to you, whenever it wants to. In that regard, Grief.. had a lot in common with love.

Elizabeth Gilbert

Tomorrow the 11th. is Ancestors Day, service will be at 10: a.m. if you are able to attend we will see you there, if you cannot attend, please take time to share a silent moment with us from wherever you are.

Oyashikiri

rain come again another day

this is Chapman Mills on a sunny day (conservation area west end Ottawa)

Think “now is the time” instead of “It’s no use now” don’t give up by thinking it’s too late. Tell yourself that there is more that can be done.

Perfect Liberty 2022. 7

After the rain the sun will shine again.. it will it always does…

No matter how hard a situation is, face it head on… there is always a way..

yes it is raining, but still we are going out to play.

Oyashikiri

a quiet corner

silent and still*

Be a messenger of Peace. Always think “for the sake of others and society” and express yourself for the happiness of all people

Perfect Liberty 2022.1

In PL, this the 1st of every month is the ceremony “Day of Peace” we pray for world peace and dedicate ourselves to live as peaceful human beings in our own worlds which includes our home,school,work and community.

I call these new expressions. storm art … my mind is having a hard time settling down.. the small slivers of wood I’ve gathered from fallen trees I’m combining with acrylic paint to produce dimensional Storm Art expressions.. It is helping me to chill. There are three pieces in the one on the left.. … you can see the others in the second one betterI included shavings in the second one.. I’ll explore and try different methods. you can see the wood chips I’m playing with lying against the base of the small canvas’s. 5×7

Thank you all for your kind words, and the thoughtful messages.. I appreciate you .. each and everyone of you… It may take me awhile to regroup and find my footing.. but I will.

Oyashikiri

*Silent and Still

This little nook is a special place for me, I had the log moved from a creek that runs through the woodland. A friend helped me get it to where I wanted it.. ( a fellow photographer who reached out when I first started to go into this particular spot.. you meet the nicest people when you wander and “live” in the woods.)

It was for me to sit on when I was with the birds during the late fall and winter season…. it ended up being used by visitors to put seed on for the birds as well as a place to park to get pictures of the birds and animals feeding.

Simple it has a purpose.. I found the other day that in the silent stillness of the forest (it is still closed off due to possible dangers of more falling branches/ trees) it was welcoming. It drew me over .. I sat a spell and listend to the gentle sound of a light rain on the world around me…. the buzzing of the skeetos that were checking me out were part of the moment. In the distance I heard a bird or two, but it was otherwise quiet.

There is an anticipation, but of/for what?

new beginnings yes/no

Have a prayerful mind to love yourself and others. Open up your heart fully when praying to God. It will help you sort out our feelings.

Perfect Liberty 2022.31

The power came back on for me after being off for 7 full days plus. That was the beginning. Yes it was a great relief to have power back in my house. But something had changed, not only in the structure of the house, but in my “head”… my body had only aged 7 days… but the stress and anxiety of the many hours spent in a “kind of limbo” had yet to reveal itself.

Yesterday I did what I routinely do, I headed for the woodlands. I met an entomologist who is working on a research project on biting insects.. in particular yesterday he was going to tend his tents of horse and deer flies at the research station some two miles + down one of the gated areas at one of the conservation areas that I frequent.

He graciously allowed me to drive with him to the research station (he was concerned and wanted to make sure I knew I would have a long walk back) I assured him I knew the distance and had done it before. For me it meant I only had to walk back,. not the distance to get there and then back. I knew it was going to be a hot muggy day…. this area is an old road, some of it is old pavement, the rest of it is overgrown dirt road Actually all of it is overgrown, the area has a gate that is kept locked with only authorized vehicle and personnel having keys.

What I have found intersting is that a fallen tree is no longer just a damanged tree, I have walked the area for a long time now, I know the trees, when I see them hurt and injured, I “feel” it. As I walked back after being shown his project, and had a brief intro into the research he is doing, I headed back, taking my time … I don’t often walk down this far during the heavy mosquito season. He did show me what he uses to ward off the little critters, he lathered the product liberally all over his neck face and head. They were in great abundance out in that field… My “Off” worked for me, but I was covered from head to toe, long sleeves, long pants, hood/ hat, gloves… as I walked the sun smiled down on me… letting the full force of the heat/humidity add to my ambiance.

No skeetos bothered me, even when the discomfort of the heat finally got to me and I took off the gloves, then the hood, then the hat.. thankfully a playful breeze dropped by to give me a bit of a break. It was draining. there were birds cheering me along, I even saw a hawk, he swooped by across my path, startled me.. he appeared out of nowhere and then vanished just as quickly.

I have a lot of angst to sort through. My thoughts/feelings are jumbled and I am bordering* on being exhausted. My wonderful long time friend who helped keep the generator going during the power .. outage.. when we talked last night.. said he too was feeling the “imbalance” in his life. He didn’t loose power … but spent his time driving back and forth to my place trying to keep my fridge cold to save my insulin. The generator we had was old and sounded loud, it was loud… how he sat working it for days on end it beyond me.. he was a real trouper.

He had to manouver past the fallen trees, accidents, (traffic lights were out in so many places) plus he had his family to worry about, (they had come in contact with covid) No one really got to sail through this disaster without being affected.

Another friend send me this picture.. I do not know what the words say… does anyone out there know?

Enough for now. I have another delivery to make for the food bank. If you are in an area that is dealing with the aftermath of this last storm… please… if you can help….. it would be greatly appreciated.

I heard the song of the cowbird this morning.

*I probably am exhausted

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