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Let your day be a smorgasbord of challenges that excite and provoke you in a positive way. Sometimes we allow our days to be routine, we choose to do the same thing over and over again, in the very same way.  Try something different, whatever you do, put your whole heart into everything you  do, even it is as simple taking the stairs instead of the elevator.=^_^=

Just as the Earth goes through a never ending cycle of rebirth and renewal, so do we.  You are a spiritual being, a divine life in expression.  Life is Art.

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Come the end of day, know you have done your  best,  to live each moment of your day, the best  way you could.  That is all that is asked of you.        Blessings…..       Oyashikiri

pictures>Pinterest

Nature’s natural beauty

prehnite, a stone that heals the healer, indues deep meditation,useful in visualization, and is powerful in contracting the higher selfHave you ever been enraptured by a crystal.  Mesmerized by the dancing light that is caught and redirected by the facets natural or man made.  This is a picture of Prehnite.  It is said that this mineral, heals the healer enhances precognition and inner knowing while aiding in accessing higher spiritual beings.  It has also been said that it induces deep meditation and is useful in visualization.  This mineral is on my “to see”  list next time we are visiting the museum not far from here. (note to self… mark calendar now for the Rock and Mineral show in Bancroft this summer!)

crystal tip

Somewhere in your home, jewelry box, desk drawer, do you have a stone or personal amulet.  We all have different ways of thinking and feeling, some of us will readily admit to having a slight leaning towards the magic of crystals and symbols, while others will deny any interest, yet they carry around a special coin or button a souvenir or memory from another time.  For awhile I had so many boxes, drawers and displays of the many minerals I’d collected either for display or wearing it was silly.  I really had too many, yes too many, how can I say that, or why do I say that? Simple, once you have so much of something that you no longer see all the wonderful treasures you collected, and barely remember then till you actually lay eyes on them again, then in my book, you’ve passed into the realm of a collector or hoarder.  If that mineral, gemstone or object that you once desired is now just sitting gathering dust, or in  a box packed away from the light and air that it grew in, why are you still holding on to it.

Labradorite, powerful protector in the mineral kingdom, protects against negativity

Did you know that Labradorite is the most powerful protector of the mineral kingdom, creating a shielding force throughout the aura.  It strengthens natural energies from within and protects against   negativity.  If you are going to explore alternate levels of consciousness, this is the mineral to have at hand.  Have you noticed, that I am tying in the natural wonder of the earths gifts to states of mind that we seek in our daily lives or patterns that we replay over the many “cycles” we live here on earth.  I stand guilty before you of such behaviour.  It was another of my personal lessons on letting go. LOL it wasn’t easy, it started years ago, and I am still in the process today… my “collections” were so many and varied.  Each time I did “let go” and either give away to friends/family or simply pass along, I felt an amazing sense of release, and believe it or not, if I was there to see the “objects” being admired and enjoyed, I’d swear that I saw the object glow in the light of being appreciated again.  There I’ve said it.  I may have owned it, but I no longer appreciated it.  I’m talking of objects here, but dear reader, stop and think…… this is behaviour, we often without thinking,  comes out when we are dealing with family and friends.  It is not intentional, it just happens.

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Long Time friendships are a two way mirror, a gift … a blessing in our lives.  In the maturing process, I’ve realized just how precious a good friendship is.   Friends come in many shapes and sizes, at the core of a lasting friendship, is a bond of trust and love that endures the test of time.  Let’s enjoy and appreciate the personalities and differences we all have.

Life is Art   –    Oyashikiri

photographs >Pinterest

remember the Mad Hatter

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When your days start to resemble a page from the Mad Hatter’s Daytimer ( calendar/agenda) it is time to stop, take a breather and regroup.  If you are content with your status quo, progress in your life will come to a standstill, and you will be running in place. Meditation/prayer on a daily basis is not just for “other people” it is for everyone.  However, or in whatever way, you find your “inner peace” make time each day to touch base with the quiet in you. Life is simple, we (humans) make it complicated.

once upon a time

Come along with me, step inside, just for a moment, see and feel the moss how soft it is, how green the new ferns are.  Wander slowly down the tracks, taking time to take a deep breath, hold it then slowly let it go.  Listen to the calling of the birds in the trees, and feel the soft gentle breeze as it plays in your hair. Carefully step closer to the fog, let it  wrap you in its gentle mist, feel the tension lessen in your shoulders, it is so nice and peaceful here…. please come again to share another moment of letting go.

I love and bless you all.  May you find your way today still wrapped in the embrace of  Nature’s caring “Way”    Peace be yours always….    Oyashikiri

 

photos >Pinterest

4.10 cute fox Status_001A smile can brighten someone’s day, it can change a mood, it can say what words can’t say, especially when it come from the heart.  In life , there are days when it isn’t always easy to find someone who is smiling.  Oh yes, there is the smile of recognition when you first greet, but it soon turns to talk that removes the smile that had started when you first greeted. Often the smile is automatic, not one that is really felt from the heart up on through the to the eyes. The eyes broadcast a lot if you care to look.

Yesterday I was visiting with a friend who is a DJ.  She works in a virtual world, the world of Second Life, her shows can be an hour sometimes two.  In a virtual world, you are looking and and interacting with an avatar.  Each avatar is worked by an actual person sitting at a keyboard, just like you are.  In my friend Sugaree’s room/studio, she is not just enjoying the sound of the music, she is greeting newcomers, and playing tunes, much like a radio DJ used to in the “good ole days”.  She is working, for an hour or two, however long she is contracted for, she entertains the audience who has come to enjoy her “craft”.  Music being played to entertain and please.  Most of the audience is dancing and listening to her venue.  The feedback she gets is that we speak, either in voice or text.  So smiles are not somethings she can see, we have to let her know that we are enjoying what she is doing.

In the real world, we pass people every day, that we don’t speak to, we stand beside people in close spaces (elevators) and we don’t speak, we could smile.. seldom do we do that either.  So.. really we could be in a virtual world, we ignore those around us in general unless we have reason to speak to them, or they are known to us.  In the virtual world, we actually speak to one another so that we can interact and find out where (what country) the person is from, and to determine common interests, if any.  Interesting isn’t it.  Liken it to the “olde days) when we were all encouraged in school to find and write to friends overseas, in other countries or in a different part of the country you lived in.  It was fun and educational to find a pen pal.  I still maintain contact with people I’ve met only via the post, true now, if we can we do e-mails.  Still.. we shared smiles and giggles with letters long before the internet.  Now …. we go virtual.

A smile is golden. Satus knows that the little critter makes people smile.  He was busy but he brought the little fellow out to work his magic, Smile I did, it was automatic, but it felt real good, I sat with a silly grin on my face and watched while the little fellow went through different programmed animations.  That was considerate of Satus. a young man I barely know except through business, he owns a company in SL.  Sugaree who I  have never met in person, shared her time and her music to bring a smile into the lives of others.. Knowing her makes me smile.  She is a special person, I hope our friendship grows, we share conversation, and laughs when we get together and she is not working.  Friendships are important,and smiling is also just as important.  Where-ever you are, what ever you are doing, use the smile muscle often, It is good for your health!

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SL is a virtual world http://www.secondlife.com

photograph >Q

quote > Pinterest

 

sim,entendo. I understand

Good Morning everyone... how are you doing on this wonderful Thursday in April, here we are April the 10th. Just the other day we were celebrating the 1st of the month, the Day of peace, and tomorrow  is  Ancestor’s Day the 11th.  It is said, when time goes by quickly, we are enjoying life.  Oui,yes, life is good.  there is a lot going on and everyday brings new challenges, new beginnings.   Soon, very soon, outside I will see the first buds begin to sprout on the cherry tree.

cherry blossoms found on FB

We understand that we will have to wait for the sun to work its magic and for the tree to find its own time and cycle for it to blossom and bring forth the beauty of its spring foliage.  Why is it that we show such impatience in how other areas of our lives develop?  How often have I heard someone say,”  I understand”  when I’ve tried to explain something I’m feeling.  And, I can tell, from their actions, that really, my explanation  was not understood at all.  Vice verso, when I have said, “I understand” and I think I did, but did I really.  Emotions are hard to pin down, they are often very abstract.  We can’t predict, we can’t say at 6 pm this evening it will rain on Montcalm Street in Hull down through the village of Cantley ending  at the bridge.   We have forecasts that give us predictions, we listen, take it in, and then move on.  Not so easy to do with our every day comings and goings!  We try…. some succeed better than others .Often it has to be wondered if we even apply the same reasoning.(thought process)

cherry blossoms, kenji2006 on flickrToday I ask blessings of everyone in times of trouble.  Comfort for those who are facing a loss.   Calm for those passing their days without work during times of financial stress, Healing for those who are suffering pain and illness.  Encouragement for those who are finding it difficult to believe in the future.  Uphold those who are being tempted in any way today to turn their backs on life.  In all these ways and more, I ask  your Blessings, for we are ONE with Nature and the Universe, now forever and always…………………   Oyashikiri

 

Ancestor’s Day service is at 10 a.m. (PL Church)

btw. Just in reading the above prayer, you have added and given strength to the Blessing… thank you. =^_^=

pictures >Pinterest, bottom one is by Kenji2006 and was originally on Flickr

 

 

India’s living bridge

The living bridge by http://www.amoschapple.com  The description given was by Jessica Peavy   

Deep in the rainforests of the Indian state of Meghalaya, bridges are not built, they’re grown. For more than 500 years locals have guided roots and vines from the native Ficus Elastica (rubber tree) across rivers, using hollowed out trees to create root guidance systems.

bridge, livingIngenuity. man and Nature.

How ingenious the idea boggles my mind.  Who was the first to begin this chain of action that created this marvel. There is not only this bridge, there are others, you will find them if you do  a search on Google or…… In life we grow by overcoming obstacles and challenges that land in our everyday lives.  They can appear like weeds in the cracks of sidewalks, or a stubborn stain on a favourite shirt. LOL we know what to do with these, and if we don’t, usually there is someone we can ask or a place to go to find a solution. What about the problems that come along that aren’t so easily solved.  Do you view your problems as opportunities for growth?  do you make the best of the situation you find yourself in, or dealing with?   I wonder how long it takes for the roots of the rubber tree to grow, does anyone know?

I am reminded how everlasting Nature is, and how even with the slings and arrows we (humans) bombard her with, the sun comes up each morning, and the moon comes out at  night.  Soon I will be able to look out my back door and see the new growth in the trees and shrubs.  When the sun is higher in the sky, I’ll feel the warmth on my skin, and smell the earth soaking in the energy of life, to feed the winter weary roots that are waking after a long cold winter.  The sun and moon bridge our days and nights.

Italy, Pompei, oriignal road, by p'titesmith 12 on flickr

History captured by ptitesmith 12 and posted on Flickr.   Here is a road that most have been build rock by rock (Pompei, Italy)  See how smooth the years have made them.  Each one of us, like these rocks, or the roots above, are being guided, we are only a piece/particle in a very large cosmos.  Will there be a reminder  of our  having been here, when we are gone, returned to dust/ashes.  I would be like a gentle autumn breeze rustling the multi coloured leaves till they fall, creating a patchwork of different shapes and shades against fields of yellow, gold and green.  Sometimes felt, remembered but not seen.

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Today,tomorrow & always  …Oyashikiri

Portugal,forest path,Madeira >Pinterest

 

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Good morning dear reader, I can be wordy, I know =^_^= however, this morning I found myself stuck on the two quotes I’ve posted here.  My prayer this morning was from an International publications book, called Prayers for good times and bad. It goes like this.

“Please, Comforting Spirit, show me what it means to let go the hope that others will be my cure.

You Great physician, are my healer in this quiet hour”.

 

 

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Sometimes I think I lead a very sheltered life.  I had not seen or heard this quote before. the movie it comes from I’ve heard about, know about, yet this quote has eluded me … now it jumps out at me.  My progress in life, comes in many forms the joys I have discovered in the transformation process have been many. Think about where you are today, are you happy, does everyday bring a new  experience for you to delight in?  Can you say you are genuinely happy……  I’ve come to realize that even in the moments where I’m grumbling and complaining..  yes… wonders on wonders.. I do find myself having such moments.  I’m doing so, because at that given moment, it is what I need to do, vent or moan, groan, it is my way of dealing with inner distress/conflict…. it 99% of the time has nothing to do with anyone else, but my SELF.  I am the only one who can make changes in my life, or who has control on how I feel or think.  Some “true” friend once said to  me .”own it” at the time I don’t know that I appreciated these words being hurled at me.. But I’ve never forgotten them, and he will always be a part of me for having had the inner strength to speak out honestly to me. It was my behavior he was addressing.  Mine.

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Strive each and every day to improve yourself – it is never too late to change the road you are on, or to simply stop and enjoy where you are.

Don’t reserve your best behavior for special occasions.    Walk in sunshine, today and always    …blessings…. Oyashikiri

pictures from Pinterest

3012c01dcc3059b4172570c9577826a8In church yesterday, Rev. Tiago spoke of a story he’d heard when he was back in Brazil, studying to be a minister for the Church of PL  (Perfect Liberty) It was about Oshieoya-sama .  (This is the honorific title of the spiritual leader of PL, Rev. Takahito Miki).  He was telling  us that when Oshieoya-sama was younger, (still in high school) he felt that it was important to know about computers, and that the new technology would one day play an important role in the church and society. He focused and studied hard,what he learned he taught to others in his church group. The subject matter was advanced for his age group and academic level, but he applied himself, and eventually  he wanted to take the required exams for certification on this IT technology.   The exams were attended and taken  by students in senior levels he was the only one who was still at the high school level.  When the results were finally posted, of all the students who had taken the tests, only 5  made the grade. 1 of which was Oshieoya-sama.  On being told of his accomplishment, his first reaction was one of concern, on how the others had done.

Because of his achievement at such an early age, he was signaled out to be interviewed.  Always he included his fellow students, always when asked a question, on how he had managed to get such grades and pass the exams, he referred the question to one of the other graduates, by saying ,” thank you, yes WE worked hard,” and then he would turn and ask the other student to explain the complexities of the subject.  He did not accept the attention on himself and his hard work, but on the hard work of the others who had also achieved their goals.  Yes he was the youngest, but he knew that in allowing the others to have their time being interviewed it would help them along their career paths.

I so appreciated hearing Rev. Tiago talk about Oshieoya-sama.  His little story was a reminder for me  to put into practice more, the  21 Principles in PL,  in particular   #4 to live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion) working for the happiness of others.

It is so easy to get caught up in our own little worlds. In PL we are encouraged to pray for the happiness of others and society.   to strive to do things for the sake of other, and pray for their happiness as well.  Many of us will often review the PL 21 Precepts.  How often do we review the 21 Principles?    the PL 21 Principles, are the practical guidelines  for our daily lives as PL members.  They assist us in practicing the PL 21 Precepts, they are specific  guidelines how how to live the PL WAY. (an artistic life) and teach us how to reach a positive state of mind.  Anyone wanting to know more about what Rev. Tiago had to say yesterday, or to consult with him, Rev Tiago de Medeiros Chagas  –   tiago@perfectliberty.ca  or by phone 613-225-1850

flower,pink Chilean bell flower

 Pink Chilean bell flower

Even when we think we have put our best effort into what we are doing, we may have overlooked something. with a humble mind, take a second look, check for that there isn’t something you’ve missed.  Mistakes and oversights happen.  They are just part of life… little hiccups along the way.

Smile…  have a great day….. do your best to spread sunshine and happiness to others.    Blessings be……………..    Oyashikiri

photographs ->Pinterest

 

What is for breakfast ?   Good morning everyone!  I’m going to try once more to show you the first salad that tempted me. For some reason, WP (Word Press) and I were not in sync when I wanted to post this. So here goes..

Heirloom Tomatoe Salad with Anchovy Vinaigrette

It worked! good.  This recipe was found on foodandwine.com   I am going to add hard boiled eggs, after all it will be breakfast.  =^_^=  I meant to only use this one picture of food, but when I saw all the wonderful ideas using anchovies, I wanted to share them.  I do recognize that there are a lot of people who do not enjoy anchovies but then, vive la difference!

Today the meditation was about beginning each new day with a renewed sense of appreciation.  I looked at my desk and found a package from the anchovies I brought back from my trip to the States the other day.  Hmm yum, anchovies with capers in pure olive oil, usually I get the little fillets and use them to season my cooking and for a special treat I will do them with cloves of fresh garlic and toss that over pasta with hot chilies …(see recipe below)  That got my morning thoughts interested in satisfying my taste bud.  I did my best to ignore Canaille’s big brown eyes looking up at me expectantly, (Canaille is our Porti, Portuguese Water Dog) it didn’t work, mindful of her empty tummy I couldn’t very well keep teasing mine with the sight and possibility of food, and not respond to my ‘baby”. so rest easy, I took time to feed the dogs.

Such is life isn’t it, we start out with good intentions, but often our thoughts are diverted, or our attention, and we need to pause and do something else. But with a purpose, if we are dedicated to the task at hand, we finish what we started, we return to our project and we  pick up where we left off.  The key to achieving something is to stick to it.   Don’t give up! Keep at it until you’ve accomplished what you started.

Now, I’ve posted some goodies for you to enjoy, maybe you’ll be tempted too.  For now, I bid you a good day, I’m off to start my day, and decide just what I will delight my taste buds with on this beautiful sunny Sunday!      Blessings all..                       Oyashikiri

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Tomatoes with Anchovy Dressing    Found on Martha Stewart.com   -Martha is one of my favourite people – she is a survivor!

Gluten free • Paleo • Serves 4
Martha Stewart         Tomatoes with Anchovy Dressing – Martha Stewart Recipes This looks dangerously good–I could eat this entire recipe easily.


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Grilled Potato Salad for lunch or dinner hmmmm…  Grill Yukon gold potato halves and combine with a mixture of tomatoes, capers, oregano, olives, and anchovies for a Mediterranean-style potato side dish. (taken from Pinterest this morning)

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This dear readers is one of my all time favourite comfort dishes. Garlic Anchovy pasta. I’ve been making it for years.  I found a recipe this morning while browsing the photo credit was to Helen Rosner.  I copied the receipt since if you want to try and do it, it will be helpful, I myself just wing it according to my wants and taste buds at that moment.  I do use the hot chillies…yum       Yup this will be a for sure later today!!!  I know I know, it will be a serving for one, you’ll get something else. (Hubby does not like anchovies) =^_^=

Iireland x

Good morning everyone!

Some places stay with us for a very, very long time.  They stand tall, their structure and history a reminder of yesterdays long before our time.  Others age, and well, they too remind us of another time, yet they don’t show their age as well.  Just maybe, they should be put to rest.  Both tell a story.

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It took all of one second yesterday for me to “know” that I had to get away from the sounds of demolition. I changed, grabbed my purse, said goodbye and left.  My husband understood, he had the car out of the garage and ready to go by the time I was at the back door.  I’m very blessed in many ways, a loving husband who cares and has a way of understanding when he needs to just “let me go”  he does.   One’s personal space is so very important in a relationship, I confess to (in my younger days)  not being as good at recognizing the signs as I am today.

We all need a “time out” a space in time where we can clear our heads, and sort out or organize our thoughts and emotions. , Yesterday I was on auto pilot.  I trusted, I believed and I acted.  As the miles sped by i could feel the tension in my shoulders release, I hadn’t even realized they were tight till I felt the easing of the shoulder blades, and actually heard my involuntary sigh.   Ah …yes…. in that one moment, I felt the shift in my internal gears.  The car was going by all the fast food places, smile. the city would soon be well behind me.  I took a left and headed  down the highway past the farms, and the  towards the House of Lazarus in very small country village. It is a food bank and thrift shop for the villages and towns in the area.  There is always a good selection of books to peruse, and if I was lucky a good CD to keep me company on my “adventure”  I found 3 good books and shouting, and  jumping out at me was a CD that I had worn out when I had it.. Shelby Lynne’s Sunrise.

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Like these door knobs, my taste in music is varied and eclectic, changing over the years, and with my “moods”. I could tell from the cover, it would likely be on the country side, but I didn’t really remember the songs.  I couldn’t say to you, wow on this CD she sang  X Y Z.  I didn’t remember, I just knew the CD cover, I couldn’t even have told you what this Shelby Lynne sounded like.  Again I listened to my inner voice, and happily carried it to the car.  Believing in your choices, living your moments, I can’t tell you enough, just how powerful and wonderful the experiences are/ become.  Once that CD started to play, I sky rocketed not into sounds of rocking country that cooked, but into a time and place that took over every inch of my living breathing self.

Shelby Lynne’s voice, her music, her songs had me back in time where my heart was broken, lost, wanting and/or grieving, oh it was so so  heartfelt.  Instantly I felt the tears wanting to fall, they gathered and nudged at the back of my eyes, seeking escape.  One lonely tear did fall, but come on guys.. really… I wasn’t sad, why this need to feel this emotion. The Universe works in strange ways.  I’ve always accepted that, (not always graciously)  Once again, once I accepted that  hey, Shelby was going to be my friend and companion on this journey I was making, I felt good and joined her in song.  I knew almost every words.  Why not, there was no one to hear me, well ok, no one that hasn’t heard me bellow before.  I did turn the volume down when I got to the border crossing (into the States).

Echeveria feeling so sad by Alan shapiro photography on flickr

I’ve been waiting a long time to use this pictures, the photographer called or tagged this photo,  echeveria-feeling-so-sad-by-alan-shapiro-photography…..   I myself see happiness and joy when I see his photograph, so there you go… different strokes for different folks. =^_^=      Anyway, I’m using it now because my listening to the CD yesterday, made me very happy, it reminded me of loves I’ve lost, but also brought home how lucky I am now in the new loves I’ve found.  I’ve noticed over the years, that people shy away from saying I love you , I care… in country songs, often they may sing of love lost, or yearned for, but they sing of LOVE..   love is such a powerful and positive emotion   Love is life.     I can’t imagine a life without love.

Life will always have its up and down moments.  Remember that  moment you are living is just that.  A moment in time.  

Thank you for being part of my day and my world.  I do love you all.  Each and everyone of you bring something special into my life.  May the Universe grant that you will find happiness in any transition you may be facing.  if you are letting go,  may you have the help you need to embrace the new.  If you are faced with a challenge you are given undiminished zeal.  In all these ways, may the blessings of the Divine/Tao be upon you.             Oyashikiri

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photographs – top one, Ireland somewhere, all were found on Pinterest

 

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