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today’s lessons

hawksbury ice

This is what ice and cold can do to a perfectly good wharf over a winter season.  In my journey west of the city yesterday, the ice and snow was gone.  Today my travels were taking me towards Montreal, on the old hwy.  After a stop for some supplies in the town of Alfred (famous for its fries, and small bakery) we decided to return home via Hawksbury.  Already as we had been making our way east, we saw how there was still snow in the fields.

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It had been such a mild day yesterday, with the sun so bright today, I was ill prepared for how cold it was by the water. Like duh… look at the ice, it is still in chunks and plenty of it. Never-the-less I had a great day, the dogs got to walk in new territory, I got to browse and peruse two floors of supplies for my card making.  I decided to try the Motorola cell phone to take some of the pictures, I usually use my all-purpose iPhone when wandering.

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Thought I’d do a colour and clarity test.  I had been very happy with the Motorola till I went back to using my iPhone for my one and only means of communication (phone/cell) we did away with our land line.

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Sometimes, the mind just wants to try something different, and needs to experiment and be creative.  One of my “lessons” in life is to try to be less lazy.  Yes I said lazy.  I was going to bring my “wellies” but didn’t because it would have meant going back in the house and carrying them out to the car.  that meant, when I wanted to get a good picture of the above tractor, I had to stay in the truck because the ground around was simply too muddy and wet for my “expensive dress shoes”  You might as well get the tissue box out, there is more.

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There was some wonderful old wall paper (cornflowers) in the old house.  The door was wide open, I could see inside.  Because I didn’t have the proper footwear, I had to stay on the road, for this picture.  So I can only tell you how pretty it was, even stained and aged.  It sent my mind into story telling mode, I wanted to write about what it must have been like living in the old house when it was young and vibrant.  We drove on with the passing miles so did the mood.  I was looking forward to seeing the pictures that I did get.

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There are repercussions to actions we take or don’t make time for.  Here is how it goes, I took great pictures with the Motorola, when we got home I was keen to see them, they looked great. BUT when I came to send them to the computer (desktop) they wouldn’t load.  I tried to hook the cell phone up to the hard drive, so that I could copy the files from the phone to my PC, that wouldn’t work either, I kept getting an empty message.

Grrrr I had in mind what I wanted to write about and the pictures I wanted to use.  This is where PL Precept # 4 Being Annoyed limits your Expression..  comes in mighty handy.  I spent a long time, trying everything I could think of, I realized that to move the pictures I might have to figure out how to resize the pictures, one by one.  Then I thought to send them to my Flickr page, but that didn’t work because for some reason, I couldn’t log in.

I got out the Pl Principles and looked for positive support, PL Principle #1 is I will live paying careful attention, putting Makoto (sincerity) into all I say and do.  Right away, I knew that I had not been applying that to my actions during the day.  I was enjoying myself yes, but I did things without thinking through or considering the consequences. PL Principle #8. I will not have a mind to be greedy.  and yes, I was wanting to do this, this and this.. I was not taking time to appreciate what I was doing I was just reacting to my “wants”.

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

Like the frozen ice, and the effects it had on the material objects around it, when it froze, thawed, and froze up again, nothing stayed the same, with each change the water/ice/snow went through, there was a change to the inanimate objects around and on it.

Siberia, Russia

I did get some of the pictures, but others are lost to me at the moment, this last picture was taken in Siberia (photographer unknown) I think my mind spent some time astral traveling today, it was a good day, a lot of exciting moments, and for sure some good lessons for me to consider and work on.

One of the reasons I love life so much, is that everyday is a new beginning.  Having wonderful friends, and an ongoing communication with God, means that the blessings are always there, we need only recognize them, appreciate them and grow in LOVE.

Namaste        –       Oyashikiri

PL Precept #11  Always be with God

first sentence in PL Principle # 14

I will not have a mind to be lazy

last picture is from Pinterest

others are my own

it is Friday

it was s toss-up, between this sweet little pup

and the penguin

penguin

Enjoy your day everyone, may your creativity overflow in great abundance!!

Remember a smile can bring sunshine

to those we meet and greet today!

Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

pictures>Pinterest

all in a day

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

We started the day with no clear destination in mind, simply one of our adventures in learning.  The minister I’m working with is from Japan, although he has lived the last six years in Argentina.  Now he is in Canada.  Seeing Canada through someone else’s eyes is very interesting, we are together, so he can learn English, but the reality is that I am learning so much just from sharing his experience with him.

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The miles of neat farmhouses, swept past as we made our way down a secondary highway back to the city, “what is that” he exclaimed as we drove by a property that was full to brimming with objects, most who had seen better days.

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Having been to Japan, I could well understand his consternation. ” Look” he said “there is the entrance, but no one can enter”  Looking down the lane I could see what he meant.  I was still trying to figure out what to answer him.  The sign said antiques, but….  there was very little space to move between what rows there were. Every available space was taken and from where we were, it looked like the rooms inside were much like the outside. we mutually without verbalizing it, simply moved on. There was no draw, or interest for us.  yet to someone else, this would be a treasure hunter’s paradise.  In French there is an expression, translated says, to each his/her  own.

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We did find a treasure of our own, in an eating place that claimed home-made meals, and baking, it was very nice.  Nothing fancy, just good, home cooking and healthy portions.   The whole idea of out outings is for the minister to experience our culture, and what better way then to drive out to the country. See life in the small towns, cross over bridges that span one of our many rivers and abundance of lakes. The snow is not all gone, but spring is on its way,

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Never judge a book by its cover, the inside is warm and welcoming, and the food, delicious.  Lots to pick from,  This little gem is outside of Perth. Perth, can you say Perth… it was a lot of fun, hearing it said by the minister, he has a great sense of humour.  No matter how hard he tried, the sounds would not work for him.. It will come in time, but for me… it brought home an awareness of just how spunky he is,  In less than a year, he is already able to read and carry one a conversation, it may be short sentences, and one word at a time, but he is doing it.  I’m so proud of his achievement. His sincere efforts to learn and his application to learning, inspires me, to do better with my projects in life.

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When we approach each day like an open page, a vista waiting for the seasons to change, and new beginnings to come into our lives, we are growing, we are taking in new sights even if we have seen them hundreds of times before, each time is different.  No two days are alike, every second is different..  that makes every day an adventure, and a thrill to live,

crocus in full bloom

Look the crocus are in full bloom today … they are happy and singing, with their pretty faces lifted towards the sun,  life is good, it is all in a day, to laugh and play, come what may, we are here today, and loving it…..

namaste      –      oyashikiri

PL Precept # 1     Life is Art

he discovered Tim Bits today!!

Carleton Place,Perth. Smith Falls, Ontario

Sometimes

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there are times

when inside all I feel is a void

no this is not a negative

it simply is what is

there is no colour

there is no theme

the space between my ears

is simply a blank

time clocks

the hands on the clocks

keep track of the time

but my mind is impervious  to its call

I am not unaware

I simply do not wish

to be disturbed

writers note… I hit publish before I thought I was done..

but since it posted, I am going to leave it..

for obviously I was done,

whether I thought so or not.

crocus -Jettis

Oyahsikiri

so be it.. today is just such a day!

smiles and send you lots of love

from my place in time

xx0

fairy tales and beyond

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Many of you will remember the story of Cinderella and the glass shoes.  It has been interesting over the years watching as  the storylines that are shown, in the “romantic” interest themes are so different.  Today’s young do not wait for their prince charming to come and rescue them from their life of toil and grime.

I felt the hurt, a couldn’t stop the single tear from falling

you saw my pain, and gently wiped it dry

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We played with dolls, we dressed them, told them stories, cared for them, till the time came, when they were put on a shelf, and left there to amuse themselves, they were part of our past.

we fell in love, every day was sun filled

I walked on air and saw every petal of the single rose

you brought to me each day

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I dried the petals and safely tucked them away

I knew I would keep and cherish them all my days

Time changes us, sometimes we stay on the same path that our love is on, and often times, as the world opens up to us, we find ourselves in different parts of the city, coming home only to eat, sleep and then we return to the life we have in another part of the “world’…. yes world, because the world we shared with someone at a different time and space,  is now no longer where our daily focus is.. Our world has gotten bigger and with it, our thoughts and wants are no longer the same.

One day I asked myself, what was in that pretty vase

for I had long gone past the time

when it was part of what I did that mattered  in my every day.

Some of us, can smile, remember the memory and move on.  We clean out the vase, and either give it away, or put it to another use … something more in step with how we are … today…

Once upon a time

this was an acreage of vibrant life

that rang with the call of birds,

who had their homes in the trees that stood there

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now the land has been cleared

the wild life that had called this area their home

have had to move on

change is the only constant in life

fairy tales, are a part of growing up

the reality we live

through our journey in life

the character we build

the lessons we learn along the way

these are what takes us into beyond

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Love is everywhere

love IS forever

material possessions are temporary

the only love that last forever

is one that is free to BE

True love transcends all earthly boundaries

and it all begins

within

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landscape photo Mexico.NY,USA

if the shoe fits

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Like what is that!  That is a picture of my fossil purse, (texture)  I bought this one a couple of years ago while wandering downtown in a high-end shopping outlet that draws  tourists.  It was a purchase that I made in one of my “gotta have” moments.  No real reason or rhyme, I just really  took to the bag.  It wasn’t even a style that went with “my lifestyle” or manner of dress.  I just liked it.. it was one of the moments where you see something and .. you don’t think of the price, or what you’ll do with, how you’ll incorporate into your wardrobe.. you just buy it and bring it home.

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These are pictures of clocks I found but resisted.  I stood there and considered them, appreciated them, but didn’t get to the stage where I REALLY wanted them.. so I took their pictures instead.

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Now what does that tell you, have I changed my shopping M.O.  noooo, just found an easier way to enjoy some of the treasures I find, and not end up with a lot of clutter, “just because”

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I also discovered Jo-Annes, I knew the one store, but had not experienced the store in a bigger city centre… had a great time.. here I did come out with a rather full bag of goodies. The fact that I was unable to use my  lap top for most of my time away, contributed a lot to the items I was gathering since they are tools of the trade, that fuel my creativity in a manner that will bring in extra pennies. =^_^=

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I found these interesting, who and how can anyone wear such high heels.  Gone are those days for me, I did find the decoration down the back of the heel fun, so they made the photo capture, and so did this little doll.   cute as a button, but certainly not something i was going to come home with.

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Now this cheerful little fellow, he was cute too.  Since I have a friend who delights in rooting for the Flyers, I only thought it fitting to perhaps, send some Penguin cheer his way, for those of you reading this, Flyers and Penguins are hockey teams.  I think the Penguins are doing well???  obiously they are a happy lot. IMG_1255

I can see all my friends out there, chuckling over my time away with that knowing.. there she goes again, shopping… Ha.. on you.  I wasn’t shopping I was on a photo excursion.  Let me look, I’ll show you a picture that had nothing to do with being in a treasure shop.


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This was a charming church we found on our way from Syracuse to Watertown, It appealed to me enough that we circled around and parked so I could catch it for you.  You were on my mind all the time.. always, I was looking for subjects that could or might interest you. (really)  nooo you did not see the sign on the ground, besides the shop was closed.

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Really we had a great time and weather, except for when we tried to see the falls, in Niagara Falls, both Canadian side and American,  There we encountered rain mist,fog,clouds,etc. so thick that we saw absolutely nothing of the falls themselves.

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.. I missed reading your posts, following along on your adventures, discovering new far away places, that those of you who are travelling keep us  waiting for the next chapter and verse with delightful captures. I obviously have more pictures, but there is lots of time ahead.  For now just wanted to say I’m back.  Oh and quickly, I discovered on the Canadian side, another one of those designer outlet malls, and… err… I now own another purse like the one I started this blog with.. only in blue.  I was over the moon.. really.. Canadian funds even!!!!

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Can a Puffin count for a penguin?

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The only vintage cars I found this time, were models, good ones, but not good enough to bring back with me.

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I have totally left the building, when I find myself again, I’ll be back..

Meanwhile..  Happy Monday everyone!

Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

PS I am unable at this time to find another file of pictures.. you have been spared.

Smile and be happy !

j’aime ca, I like it

bears, down time

Hanging out, chilling, doing whatever comes along… it took me awhile to achieve this.. I grew up when being idle meant you had nothing to do, therefore, a parent seemed to feel it was necessary to find you something to do.  And/or, during the academic years, one was supposed to be studying and applying what time we had to achievements, goals, etc.

bear, scratching his back

I am grown up now, and I can scratch my own back. (should I need to).  We leave tomorrow for a road trip, therefore, I will not be sharing time with you till my return.  I could I guess take the electronic gear I require to stay in touch, however, I’ll be busy collecting and shuffling my thoughts and ideas, so that when I come back, I’ll hit the ground running.  Besides I’ve learned in life, that friends who are true, will be there for you when you need them, Since I have learned to like myself, I now appreciate and value my friends even more.  You understand, how important it is to “let go” and live, love..  Love is being alive.

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You’ve seen this guy before I like to keep him handy, cuz he reminds me that taking time to chill, is alright, and the more you allow time to nurture your inner Self, the stronger, and happier you become.  I like being happy.  Sharing with you makes me very happy, Have fun, enjoy the coming days, let your creative energy soar, I look forward to catching up when I return.

 

Namaste       –       Oyashikiri

Sleeping-bear-funny-looks-image

Pinterest and Google

Cars no longer seen on the roads here, not in the hustle and bustle of every day life. Long retired, or set to pasture,

we see then only at car shows or on special occasions when their owners bring them out for show.   cuba retro rides

Yet in Cuba, cars no longer deemed fit for North American living, are seen all over the place.

In all honesty would I myself want to drive one every day all over the city when I’m running errands.

My first cars were standard shifts.  I loved them, they got me anywhere I wanted to go.

Now.. like many others, I drive an automatic, and, it seems that where in the past, one had to order a car with automatic drive, now it iw the other way around.

The morning was spent going through forgotten files, we are heading on a trip soon, and I wanted to clear up space, and make room for the new pictures that will come home with me.

Chevy Colorado 2015

I found this picture of a Chevy Colorado that I had searched out and saved.

Was this before we got the Honda, or after?

It is a beauty, my previous love was the Chevy. Avalanche but they stopped producing them in 2013.

I still turn my head when one drives by.

It seems to be a day of questions, what should I do does this need to be done before we leave?  Maybe I should make lunch?  hmmm what sounds tempting?  We all have such days, my remedy, or  solution to such days, is to take it moment by moment.

Sometimes I get a lot done that way, and other days, well… let’s just say,  Time passed, and before I knew it, tomorrow had arrived.

From little miss muffet sitting on her “tuffet” – as she waves her little paw, have a good day!

 

Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

 

dance

just a little farther

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There are times when you travel down a back road,  that the country side beckons to travel just a little further, and even lures you down a long forgotten,overgrown dirt road.  Just enough width for you to slowly inch your way, so that the brush doesn’t leave a trail on the side of the vehicle, and your muffler if you are lucky, will make it intact, till you find a place to turn around.

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You see signs of previous activities, but little else, the farther you go, the land opens up, and you see nature the way it is intended to be enjoyed. No parking lots, and fast food shacks, just the outdoors.

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We were able to find a place to park off the single road we’d been on, and made the time to climb the embankment and sit a spell..  The dogs loved it, even though they had to dive, they swam and played, enjoying the freedom of being in that space and time, just as we did.  What is it about the human race that we all want to travel to foreign lands, and only feel that we’ve been on a holiday, if we fight the traffic to the airport, wait in airport lobbies, and sit like sardines in metal contraptions that fly us through congested skies.  To arrive in an exotic place that isn’t home, (to us) rush around to try to see everything there is to see, then tired and over spent, we head home.  Back into the crowded airports, stand in line to go through customs, maybe even be detained.  Then on arrival back home, we still have to get to our homes.. only to be faced with a pile of mail we have to deal with, maybe a good night’s sleep, and then we are back at work, dealing with the backlog of “stuff” that was what we wanted to escape with our well-earned holiday.

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When really, not very far from where you live now, just by driving off the main roads. you will find a wonderland, that is pure, unpopulated by commerce and just a little farther, down the road waiting to be discovered.

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Every time we venture off the tedious road of routine, we allow our “selves” to really holiday.  A holiday is when we re-energize, re-group, reconnect with the person we are.  Nature is the only true balm for the “soul”

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Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

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Pictures were taken in the Province of Quebec, near Rubert and Lac Peche

 

 

a silly nilly

dogs blog.photoshelter.com William WEgman  paw  1993

Let’s start with last night I had a headache, sometimes, we just get them, and, well, we deal with them right….

home,in tree

we do live in the city, it can ge noisy with all the activity that happens in the neighbourhood

pure cuteness

my furry friends did come to snuggle and did their best to chill me out

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finally after a lot of this and that I was comfortable enough to sleep

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When, yep… the boys next door start to play

cat,kitten

we all have our own way of seeing ourselves, but really, I’m so tired right now, I’m going to show you my latest selfie

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Yup, here I am, ready for the Dinkyville celebrations, wearing my special all time pendant, got my hair done, made myself a new outfit so when I’m on stage with my bass guitar, I’ll be the cutest kitty ever.  errrr …. who is dreaming now.

The end, silly nilly moment gone.

namaste      –      oyashikiri

cuteness pictures from social media

selfie is my own =^_^=

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