nothing erases worry/anxiety, like a walk in the woods
I found out when I stopped at a pharmacy before arriving at Dewberry that i did not have my wallet.! Worry or walk in the woods, I walked!
At every turn, every bridge, or detour over a swampy patch, there was something new, some wonder to exclaim at, to stop and capture to revisit later on my screen.
today would have been my husband’s 73rd birthday, I was a tad sad when I realized this, then I thought of how much he and I loved to walk and loose ourselves in the woods and back roads. He would have enjoyed today’s walk and the dogs would have had a fun outing, as it was, I was on my own dogs are not allowed in this part of the woodlands. They were with me in spirit. I found it fitting that I came across two young men and the youngsters they had with them.. they were teaching the children about the new growth and the excitement of discovery in the woods. I couldn’t help but hear as I passed them, that they were talking of their church and how the teachings they were learning there, harmonized with their visit today in the woods. Amen!
“I’ll do it later. No, I’ll do it now.” To make progress do anything while it is still fresh.
If only the music had been playing, these two gave me a wonderful performance, they showed off their graceful maneuvers with their synchronized ballet, it was such fun to watch them enjoying themselves. I wished there had been more of an audience.. alas it was me, myself and I…
See how clear the water is in this last picture, then scroll back up to the one above, the murky water is due to the geese dive bombing the bottom and stirring up the mud when they are searching for food. They stick their little faces right down into the mucky bottom. They focus, and are very intent on getting sustenance. I’m sure these are the same two that had a chin wag with me the other day.
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
Be easy going and live your life cheerfully and flexibly. Strong emotions can be the cause of various troubles. Always strive to have a cheerful and calm state of mind.
a lone loon drifts aimlessly along, enjoying the morning quiet.
I went in search of wood that I can try carving. I first went back to Petrie Island to see if I could find a small block of bass wood on the ground in the mulch, under the dead vegetation. I was on a mission. Found lots of water logged, wet, or burnt pieces of wood, a lot of it was decaying, some in worst stages than others. Wanted something the size of a brick. Found lots of twigs, dead branches, often with huge splits or splinters. As a form of exercise I did pick up a log about 3, 5 pounds, that I carried while I walked. Kept changing from my right to the left arm. Had to find something that wasn’t too round, my hands are on the small side.
Again the bird that I kept coming across was the robin. I did have two chickadees that came around looking for food, but I had none with me. Saw several little chippies too, they are small, takes awhile to recognize them as they silently slip in and around the underbrush going about their business. I saw some kind of water “rat” it was plumb maybe the size of a football, not pretty or cute at all. It dove into the water when I approached and didn’t resurface. (that I saw)
I also found a new trail to explore, Flood Line Kiln Trail in the west end. Not far from Jack Pine Trail. I walked to the end to see the ruins of the old buildings. (the trails did continue, leading out to another part of the west end) I returned the way I came, back to my car.
It is amazing that I have driven by this location many many times, just never knew it was a green space open for the public to enjoy, The parking sign is there and once you know where to look, it is obvious, but it has gone unnoticed by me for years, I knew of the other three sites further down the road, but not the Flood Line Kiln. The ground was still wet and muddy in places, there were even patches of snow on the ground, will go back in a month or so.. should be very interesting.
The pathways are there, it is up to us to be present and aware, when the time is right, the opportunity will present itself. Only in extending ourselves, do we grow.
Multitasking reduces your joy by half. When doing something, give it your all. There is joy in everything.
Perfect Liberty 2021.23
Don’t rush or allow yourself to get flustered. When you rush, it limits your ability to pay attention to detail, and often leads to careless mistakes. With a prayerful mind, take a deep breath and act calmly.
with no sun just the cold gray skies, the world took on a very different look.
The walk wasn’t that long to reach the water’s edge, but it was cold, and my fingers were not happy. The old arthritis just broke out in song, loud and clear … it wasn’t pretty. Still I soldiered on, I could hear the geese honking I knew there would be activity on the water.
They heard me coming and loudly protested the intrusion, flying up to where they could see who was coming, the actually up and flew away.
The graffiti artist(s) had been, the signage looked freshly done
Here we are, mid week, it was cold, but I was not to be deterred, I still am getting used to walking the landscapes, it will take me more walks to build my stamina. I walked beyond where I usually walk today, really worth the effort to see what I will have to explore at another visit. Coming back though, I hoofed it right proper, my hands were so cold by now, the arthritis was not being kind … and I had not one pair of gloves with me. The good weather the last couple of weeks, lulled me into a false sense of security.
PL Precept #18 Each moment is a turning point. Postamo-nos sempre na bifurcacao entre o bem e o mal.
the fella has seen a lot and shows his history proud
there is something about a bird in flight – that sense of freedom it represents.
there are black birds everywhere these days. ( 2 bird photos Num Ottawa)
Today in PL we celebrate (21st of each month) A day of Appreciation – It is an important service, we give thanks and express our appreciation for the many blessings in our lives. We members humbly express our appreciation to God for all the blessings of the past month and sincerely ask to be guided and protected in the coming months, We renew our determination to follow and practice the PL teachings.
Due to Covid restrictions, tonight’s ceremony will be performed by Rev. Eugene at 7 pm. but the church itself will not be open. Instead we ask you to pray with us from home. If you wish to visit the church personally during the day, you may do so, please call ahead first.
Sunday service will take place like it did last week, please check in with us, we will have limited capacity. Sunday service will be at 10 a.m.
A thankful heart leads to happiness. When we really pay attention, we are surrounded by many things we can be thankful for; society we live in, the kindness shown to us by others. You will be able to find true happiness when you can see and appreciate these things.
Perfect Liberty 2015.21
Express your appreciation with enthusiasm. Appreciation is the driving force for progress and development/
Sometimes, my mind is not always present. This was my first visit to Petrie Island in a long time. I parked and walked across to the inlet, and was startled by a black bird who few right up to me and landed just a heart beat away. He puffed up his chest opened his wings and I was delighted at his welcome, managed to grab a picture, and then took a few more of the water behind him and the activity in the bay. Guess who had not put her memory card back in her camera.
I grabbed for my cell phone but of course, by the time I did all that the bird and his partner were long gone. I continued on the trail chastising myself.. mutter mutter… I did get some pictures with the cell, but the cell is not my Nikon or the Canon .. The two ducks I came across were no interested in me, they basically ignored my presence. I am not standing all that far a way from them when I was taking their pictures.
I will go back. I went out today because the forecast calls for a nice temperature today, and sun, the rest of the week till Friday, is overcast with rain, and in the low 40’s. This was the first time I’ve ever not returned my memory card to the camera when done with the transfer of pictures from the card to my PC. Hopefully it will be my last.
In the summer, this location is full of people enjoying the island and the waters around it. Today it was quiet, there were people but not too many. It was ideal for a relaxing wander … I could hear all kinds of birds over head, but I lack the zoom lenses that my wildlife photographer friends have, so .. I just took my time walking the trail and listened.
It is truly a blessing to be able to enjoy such beauty minutes away from my home.
meet the robin that walked along with me for part of my journey.
Weak tired and weary, I took to my bed early. The activities of yesterday had drained me physically, and left me wanting to do nothing but take myself to bed. I was almost settled in, when I heard my phone ping. Usually I have it turned off, or down but I hadn’t done it yet. I checked my Instagram since that was the last app I’d used. Walloping kadoodle.. Num had posted these pictures of an ermine he’s spotted in the woods. I was so excited I got up and came into my office to see them on the big screen. I had to write him and congratulate him on his captures. I’ve seen them now a couple of times, they are fast, they move with the speed of light and are so agile and graceful… that he was able to capture this little one with three good pictures .. I was delighted, couldn’t wait to send him a message. Thank you Num you are amazing.
Isn’t she/he just the most darling of creatures. The one I’ve seen has been at Dewberry in the east end, if I recall he found this darling in the west end. I had been heading for Sarsaparilla trail on my way to church but had gotten sidetracked, and ended up at Beaver Trail. Ottawa is a delight for nature & wildlife photographers, we have dozens of woodlands, forests and green spaces within and all around the city.
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
you can see more of Num’s captures on Instagram – NumOttawa
TAOIST Life is Art (Perfect Liberty precept #1)
contact info.- via blogs
--- there are two energies, Yin and Yang = ONE
---to have balance we must live each moment
of our lives.. with Makoto (sincerity)
The only constant in life is change. I am grounded in the reality of Living.
This is true, in all worlds. RL or virtual. I am me and only me.