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Change of plans

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Thanks to my sister, I had a great walk on the Quebec side of the river today, Yes it rained off and on, but it didn’t deter us from our mission.  For her it was “must” stop at Tim Horton’s for toast and coffee.  When you drive everywhere, it was a nice change to do this little “hike” from my Mother’s to the Timmy’s down the way. Walking I found  that there was a little creek  that runs along the sidewalk. AND,  that we were actually walking uphill and that by car, it is much easier =^_^=.

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The first part of our walk had us in a big box store shopping center.  However the walk home was through one of the trails in the Gatineau Parkway.  The Gatineau Park lands extend for miles and miles, it was nice to see so many runners, walkers, and bikers out enjoying the day. For me I was thrilled at being in the woodlands, hearing last year’s fallen leaves crunch under foot when I trekked off trail to inspect a tree that caught my fancy.  Seeing my first butterfly of the season!

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In the summer once the leaves are full, and the ground cover has risen to its full height, many of the treasures being discovered today will be hidden from view.  The skies were mostly overcast, so the pictures are showing you the day as it was.  It was beautiful, quiet,the earth had just enough moisture in it to give us that earthy smell that can be so intoxicating.

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I could spend hours marveling at the way the decay in this tree is unfolding into a work of natural beauty.  The insects, bugs,birds,worms, and of course the elements all have had a go at putting their imprint on the tree.

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These ducks were swimming about in the pond till we came along.  I stopped to take pictures and the casually swam towards us and walked up to the walk where we were standing.

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How cool was that.  The whole day was perfect…. I  got to spent time with my sister who is here for a visit.. walking, talking and just enjoying the day.  Something we have not done in years.  It didn’t matter the forecast was for cloudy skies and rain,  being together was sunshine and the rainbow in my day.  I hope you all had a great day too.

smilePencil

 

 

photographs -Q

Hull,Quebec (Gatineau)

Fitness

minteral, fractal, nature's art  found on flickr

Fitness, what does the word conjure up in your mind when you think of fitness, is it your weight, your overall body’s ability to work out, run, walk, do?  What exactly does it mean to you.  I went to the gym first thing this morning after the feeding of the dogs.  Somehow my body seems to prefer waking up to the familiar routine of walking and spinning.  To those of you who have traveled along with me for some time, you remember years ago when I first started at TAC (www.theottawaathleticclubs.ca ) how fired up I was, enthusiastic was an understatement. I was going 7 days a week, you couldn’t keep me away.  Thankfully that was back then, now I am much more realistic. ah ha ah. am I hearing some snickers out there.

fish,salmon

After my workout, I come home and have fresh fish for breakfast.  When I looked for fish recipes I was surprised to find that there were so few plain fish, steamed, or baked recipes, with NO batter, or not drenched in butter or sauces.  Anyway, I beg pardon I am digressing.  Being back at the gym I find myself more “intune” with a part of me that somehow got very lazy over winter, and truth be told, rather boring.

motivation

Ok so I won’t be doing that anytime soon, but I am working out, and I have signed up with a personal trainer. Michelle from Epic Fitness, a smaller gym that’s focus is on personal training. epicfitnessottawa.com  Why 2 different gyms, because they are so totally different. Yes they basically are both gyms but their approach and their styles are different.  I tried a PT at TAC earlier on my “fitness” journey, but it just didn’t work out, I obviously was not ready for the guidance or really open to allowing someone else help me.

friendship

Fitness is not only the physical part  of your life, it involves a total commitment from ALL of you.  If our Makoto (sincere effort) isn’t 100% then no matter who you are working with, they will encounter a resistance.  You may not even know you are doing it, but for you to succeed  at achieving your goal, you must partner with the trainer in a relationship much like a friendship so you can accomplish what you set out to do.

C.S. Lewis said >Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival. <

Good Morning everyone! Friday is well on its way.  Enjoy the day!  Be yourself it is the only way!

 Love and Blessings… Oyashikiri

 

pictures >Pinterest (top picture -fractal mineral.jpg)

Big Five lakes - Gavin Emmons -Flickr

Good Morning everyone  =^_^=

Please join us today, as we gather today all over the world in PL churches for the ceremony we call Day of Peace.  Through this ceremony we pray for world Peace and rededicate ourselves to live as peaceful  human beings in our own worlds. this includes our home, school,work and community.

flower,via mahesh motiani

Take in the beauty of this moment, drink in the awesome power of  “Nature”    Feel the  “Divine” energy of the “Universe”,  drink it in.  Close your eyes and let it infuse into all that you are. Then slowly open your eyes and smile out at the world, knowing that you are blessed with a love that knows no boundaries.  Let us pray together for the happiness and peace of the entire world around us.

flower-black orchid via paturi laxmi

Put into practice the PL “Way” – Devotion = Misasage  (literally means “to dedicate your self for the sake of others and society. The uniqueness of PL is to embody the teachings rather than to just understand them in your head.  Misasage is the essence of living a PL life.  Where ever you are, whatever you are doing, we are all striving for peace and harmony, share this moment with us.     Blessings be….   O Y A S H I K I R I

Sunflower - spswestsunshine

Pictures -Pinterest

(1) Big Five lakes – gavin-emmons,flickr.jpg

(2) via mahesh-motiani.jpg

(3) black orchid, patuie.laxini.jpg

(4) Sunflower,via spswestsunshine.jpg

 

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Buen dia. bonjour, once the greetings are said, how carefully do you listen.  Do you sometimes feel that you are talking into a void, even though you have someone there, talking with you, do you sometimes feel their thoughts are elsewhere? When it happens to you, how do you react, do you pretend you don’t notice, or do you  end the conversation and move along.  I guess it can depend on the situation.  I was on the receiving end of such a conversation last night, someone initiated a conversation with me, then suddenly it was as if, the person was in another room, then he said he had another incoming call, would I mind waiting. Sound familiar, happen to you?   My reply is to say, hey no problem call me back when you have time, and I hang up.  I personally would not do that to someone I had called, nor do I appreciate someone doing it to me.  Call me old-fashioned, but if you call to speak with me, then whoever else is calling can wait.

More and more with the new technology the niceties  are slowly fading in our interaction with others.  Communication is peppered with icons, acronyms and broken down sentences so that maybe your message is understood, maybe it  isn’t.  Our cell phones, iPads, note books even make spelling  corrections for us, that can and often completely change the direction or context of the message being sent. The question should be, not only can you hear me, but do you understand what I am saying to you.

I have one friend who can drive me crazy when he texts … I can see he is writing, and so I wait, the little pen stops, and nothing comes across to my screen, he does this several times, so I can see that he has something to say, but what I also see is he changes his mind 3, 4, sometimes 5 times and then says nothing.  It is a catch 22, I’m thrilled at being able to text to friends all over the world, have real-time conversations, but on the other hand,I miss a good old-fashioned letter, where thoughts are carefully put on papers, maybe even a few doodles, then signed with care/ love, and sent.  The recipient always knew that the person who wrote, spent time composing and thinking about what to share, then took the time do do an envelope and post the visit  for you to receive and enjoy.  Snail mail, miss it!

The empty corridor reminds me of  communication today, we are in such a hurry to get on to the next task or conversation, we miss out on the nuances and often the intent of the conversation we are currently having.  Listening will soon be a lost art.  The ability to have a real meaningful conversation will it fade into history too?  We all want to have, and be good friends.  And,  Lit we desire  relationships that are long lasting and enduring.  To achieve this, after we say our Guten Tag, we really do have to listen and be present in the conversation we are entering into. Yes!  Listen to others carefully and with a clear mind.

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pictures -Pinterest

 

On the Road again…..

camper, diana przytakoski-Cook

Good Morning, Bon Jour!

How are you? Dull and overcast here, so what, now that the eyes are open and my thoughts have turned to you, I remember this camper I found the other day when I was researching for an earlier blog.  Can you just feel the positive vibes from this cheerful little nest on wheels.  With the nicer weather, spring in the air, the tulips will soon be in full bloom along the canal. Food vendors will be out in the main tourist areas, the smell of fries and burgers wafting through the air, tempting the runners and the walkers.  I see the ice cream shops are open again along the main street, sure sign that spring is here.

california coast

This is the California Coast, what a journey this is.  I had the pleasure of doing this highway with my sister back a few years.  There was just so much to take in that I know that even if I do it another several times, I still will marvel and make new discoveries each time I travel through the area.  For sure, when you are on the highway, driving along, this is not the view you have.  Each wind in the road is another vista, another “oh Wow”, you live it and move on.  Have you noticed that what we learn easily or master effortlessly tends to be enjoyed, assimilated and then we move on.  Its forgotten.  However, lessons in life that come back to haunt us, or replay for us that test our inner resolve, or determination to acquire or “have”, not always a “party/good time”.  We struggle, we cry, we agonize, we can even have bouts of despair.  Some well meaning friend says, “you’ll be fine, tomorrow is another day”, intellectually you may hear the words, but your just not “feeling it”

Back to the cheerful little camper at the top of the page.  Since writing this blog, I’ve met several people who have told me they want to own a little home on wheels and they want to pack up and travel.  Surprisingly not only couples, but a lot of single retired women.  Families raised, empty nesters who want to just pick up and go.  Do what they have wanted to do for years,  Another blogger who just joined us recently, has her little camper all picked out. smiles and waves, you know who you are, bravo!  We travel our journeys step by step,  it is due to the many hardships we’ve gone through that we have the inner strength to take the  actions we need to follow our dreams.

I thank each and everyone of you reading along with me, for being part of my world, I so appreciate you all,  I enjoy hearing from you, my “door” is always open.  You are the sunshine in my life  =^_^+. These flowers are for you… enjoy your day.. Sending big hugs, packed with multiple blessings  and love.                Oyashikiri

France, Monet Garden

Monet Garden, France

pictures -Pinterest

music- YouTube

Estrella (Sp.) Star

star. vixyblu.blogspot.ca

Good Morning Everyone =^_^=

Do stars mean anything to you?  I remember back (way back) when we were given a star for good behaviour, etc. in school.  Report cards would  have stars on t hem to show how well you had done in different assignments, or topics.  In school plays we got to wear a star on our  head (on a headband) and a pretty dress to show “good”.   Stars being nocturnal are associated with night.  Stars, the 17th enigma of the Tarot, the representation of the soul uniting spirit with matter (Intercommunication of the different worlds)  As a light shining in the darkness, the star is a symbol of the spirit.  In reference books it is pointed out that the star rarely carries a single meaning, it nearly always alludes to multiplicity.

star, quote

In today’s world, we don’t go around putting stars on our colleagues foreheads, or post it note it to their shoulders, but we can show appreciation by saying thank you, or job well done.  All people have good qualities, focus on the good in others. After years of marriage, my husband still says “thank you” for his dinner/supper or whatever, and tells  me when he enjoys/ likes something that I’ve done.  When we first married, he had to remind me more than once to be more verbal in my appreciation, he was right, I took for granted at time that  he would know how much I appreciated things he did around the house, I saw  them, but I didn’t say anything.  We need to say thank you, and/or recognize the good in others. We sure appreciate the kind words when they come our way.

stars, from Incredible photos bt-images.net

Let’s Find the Good in Others and Praise Them (PL Calendar for day 28)

Oyashikiri

Top picture – how to make  vixyblu-blogspot.ca.jpg

quote – Pinterest

bottom picture  – http://www.bt-images.net/incredible-universe/

crystal ball, bare branches in the ball, by april-mo flickr

Good morning dear reader, how is your day progressing?  Ever wonder just where yesterday went, never mind last week.  Do you have a crystal ball?  I’ve had many over the years, I’ve enjoyed their beauty, and the wonderful energy I’ve been able to associate with them, however, they have never shown me life in the future.  I believe in living in the present.  Yesterday happened, today is the present and today I will do my best to live each moment “being present”.  Allow me to share another French expression,  “vivre ce n’est pas respirer, c’est agir”  living is not breathing but doing” (Rousseau)

Last night, late, I thought I would prepare ahead for this morning’s visit.  I spent over an hour carefully reviewing and researching  photographs for today, I saved and filed them away.  I know I did this. I remember the pictures vividly and the thoughts that I lined up to go with them.  I went to bed happy with my research.  Content with the knowledge that this morning I would wake and my thoughts would be in order to sit down and share with you my musings,  Well so much for planning and being in the moment, today is another day, and this morning, when I started to write, my files simply couldn’t be found. Et voila, the best laid plans, gone into the void. In living a life of Perfect Liberty we learn that each moment is a turning point. (PL precept 18).  PL Precept #4 is Being annoyed limits our expression. –So.. instead I am sharing my moment with you, because I know, that each and everyone of you, have all had such moments, C’est la vie!  It’s life. =^_^=  no help from the crystal ball!

fd34d48efd4a3f79cfdc6a39e88eb93eDoesn’t this tree show its past with dignity and grace.  the photographer who is not known, had a wonderful “eye” for the beauty before him/her.  To the unknown artist  of this photograph, I say thank you.  I enjoy your work very much..  Your presentation of that moment in time, is breathtaking!

Let’s do our best to interact pro-actively with everything and anyone who comes into our sphere today, have a grand day my friends, I send my love and prayers to each and everyone of you.

Oyashikiri

cabin, by old chum on flickr

someone built a perfect little hideaway

smilePencil

 

 

photographs >Pinterest

 

iceland, silfra, snorkel spot

The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.

The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore 

Dale Carnegie

Iceland,Siffr,snorkel spot.jpg  Pinterest

Second chances

life is a mirror - pix found on flickr

No matter how hard life can seem at times, face it head on.  Live in the present, deal with today, every moment is a chance to approach the challenge in an artistic way.  If you have already tried to deal with it one way, and that way didn’t satisfy your requirements, then re-evaluate the situation.  If it involves someone else, or others, then you have to really understand your motivation for the change(s).  The only person you can change is yourself.  You can present options, and suggest when it comes to others, but you yourself cannot change them.  They might try to change for you, but it will be short lived, if it is not something that they themselves really want to do..

second chances

Second chances, when you ask about how others feel about second chances, you get mixed responses. Some feel that there is no such thing as a second chance, you either work out a situation or you move on, the world is full of new beginnings.  Others will say, if you are given a second chance it is because the first time, was the wrong time.  Tao, belief is that there is always Yin/Yang in life.  Two sides to a coin if you will.  I have found that in life, we flow from one side to the other, that is our “Divine” gift.  The Universe balances our lives with rain, sunshine, clouds and clear skies. When we make time to reflect/pray/meditate, we find the beauty in our lives, and appreciate them for what they are, “moments in time”….    Good Day Everyone… may your day be blessed with love and activities that make for happy memories.               Oyashikiri

via Zuly L - Pinterest

 

The skills and patience, the eye of the photographer, never cease to amaze and delight.  Often the photographer is not listed, I hope that they eventually get to see just how much their “art” is appreciated and enjoyed.

 

 

* flickr

** Pinterest

*** Zuly  on Pinterest

Simplicity

camper quote

There was a time before cars got bigger, faster, when the world moved at a more leisurely pace.  A Sunday drive was something you looked forward to after a busy week. Of course, that is if you had a car, if you were determined, we could ride the bus, then transfer to a streetcar that would take us out to a beach just outside the city limits, where along with other families we could enjoy fresh air and sunshine by the water  Today this beach is still there, but it is no longer outside the city limits, it is in the heart of the city and surrounded by homes,shops and restaurants.  Life has changed, and with it, the natural wonders that were so available before are now, way way out and require travel by motor vehicle to get there, and even then, it is protected land, or parks that are managed and looked after.  To find a really wilderness like retreat,  you have to get out the maps and plan accordingly.  And  unfortunately many of us, like certain conveniences of home to be with us while we enjoy a quiet retreat.

camper, pic 1

We have friends with a wonderful good size camper that they take off in every year for camping retreats they’ve found over the years.  They found a place by the water they can rent, park their camper, and then tour in their luxury truck that they purchased to visit the areas around the park.  Both are excellent cooks and bring their skills with them, dining out with them  has to be a feast of delights. They didn’t always camp, they took it up only a couple of years back, but once the decision was made, they applied themselves, researched and took action.  Now when I hear my friend say, that soon they will take off on t heir first trip of this year I’m green with envy. I’ve talked about doing what they have done, since they first got the idea and acted on it.  Years later, they have developed a roaming lifestyle that is very enticing.  Thanks to social media we get to enjoy many of their journeys and discoveries, but we (hubby and I) meanwhile, still have it on our “bucket list”

camper,vintage

 

Vintage campers are making a comeback, people are finding them and refurbishing them, fixing them up and putting them somewhere where they can have their home away from home at certain times of the year. In researching for this blog, I saw darling little caravans, little tin rolling cans as they are affectionately called.  So caught in my search, I started a folder of small homes/campers on my Pinterest page.  To acquire the simplicity that I would so like, requires work!  Unlike in a virtual world, I can’t just click on a button and be transported to another time and different location.  In the real world, I have to downsize and plan so that I can pick up and go. AND… unlike years gone by……. I have to travel further to find undeveloped spaces.  Hmmmm simplicity  I hear that to get to some lakes now, one has to be flown in, and guess what, at the other end is a camping resort, that may or may not allow pets.  Just saying.

silence by Rimantas Bikulcius on fivehundredpx

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