Sometimes life is like that… we can enjoy the activity, we just can’t participate the way we would like to.
We can learn about mindfulness from our feline friends.
Live in the now. Appreciate the moment.
..
photo -Murphy cats
Thanks to a goof on my part, tonight we got to enjoy a yummy carrot meat loaf. It looked so good in the roasting pan, I didn’t want to cut into it till I took a photo. =^_^=
Yes it was good, it was delicious. I didn’t set out to make a carrot meat loaf, my intent when I started in the kitchen was to make carrot juice. Yup I bunged up the carrot juice.. I used a blender, duh, so of course, I ended up with a lot of carrot fiber, and water that had a carrot taste. I’d added a good dose of shredded ginger to the concoction What to do. I grew up hearing “waste not, want not” I decided to use the 3/4 pound of lean ground beef we had and fresh veggies and roast the lot. Creative thinking is my specialty =^_^=
Drained the “carrot juice” put the liquid aside and the fiber in a second bowl. (drank the liquid on its own, and used some in the loaf for added moisture.
In a big mixing bowl, I cut and sliced, 3 zucchini, more carrot, 1 good size stalk of leek, finely sliced… & 1 medium potato….smashed up 4 good buds of garlic and tossed everything together. I found left over rice in the fridge, tossed that in too. Soy (low sodium) and a dash of fish sauce (anchovies)
Added 1 cup of Panko bread crumbs and 1 egg, kneaded the mix till it was light and fluffy then poured it into a big roasting pan. Patted it down nice and firm, the added slices of another zucchini arranged across the mixture. cubed and diced a large tomato and tossed it over the zucchini. Then to sweeten the taste I added handfuls of 3 types of cheese that were already shredded to form a light layer over the veggies. I noticed I had a handful of sliced celery in the fridge so I sprinkled that on too. I like food to be visually appealing too.
Into the oven it went for an hour at 325- 350 degrees F. WE had some very cold weather last night, so when it was done, I simply turned off the little oven and left the loaf there to cool and refrigerate till we were ready to eat today.. Supper time I brought the pan in, sliced a piece of loaf and served it with mixed green veggies, a red baked potato, and some Farm Boy slaw. (Farm Boy is a specialty fresh vegetable, meat and fruit shop we have here in Ottawa) mixture of fresh greens were steamed, no salt, condiments or butter. The potato did get a dollop of butter.
This was a very high fiber rich meal. =^_^=, we have enough left over (freezer) for a couple of meals.
Bon appetit! nb* the spices you want to use are up to you, these ingredients will harmonize with practically anything. Had I had mushrooms on hand, you can be assured I’d have used them.
Lost and Found
November 23, 2013
Lost to us is the simplicity of yesterday
Lost is the innocence of your younger years
Lost is the time when we were happy to simply explore and enjoy the world around us, where everything was new, being friends meant secrets shared and fun and laughter was just being together, free to play out our dreams and fantasies.
Where are those moments now? Do you still cherish your dreams, do you make time for that young boy/girl you once were..
Today I found a quiet place, far away where nature was at play, and the day was playing out like a long forgotten song. I watched while a bear patiently waited for the fish to come her way, I heard the sea gulls call out as they flew across the skies. In the distance, I spied a small cottage waiting to be discovered.
To my surprise, as I got closer, I saw two chipmunks sharing nuts on the porch. I’d found a bit of paradise and it was all mine to enjoy.
For a time anyway – after all, happiness and beauty should be shared. Today I found a quiet corner, a place where imagination and dreams can be relived. Link will follow at the end of this blog. It isn’t enough to do things just to make yourself happy =^_^= I did meet a fellow traveler while I explored. He too was taking in the beauty of the build.
Like two ships that pass in the night, we exchanged greetings and moved on, each respectful of the other’s space. No matter we were in the same place, our photographs I’m sure were very different. Just like in life, even when we stand shoulder to shoulder and look out at the world, each person will draw their own impressions. That is what makes life so interesting.
link to SL location – there are many directions you can go, and something different at the end of each path. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lucky%20Paradise/110/73/24
virtual photographs – Xsa
Caverns of Aleval – you’ve seen pictures now taken from this location in the last few blogs. This is a build by Asa Vordun in Second Life this is the taxi to click on to explore the place for yourself. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caverns%20of%20Aleval/243/90/21
This morning I took an online survey for a University in South Carolina on the experience of teaching,or being a student in SL, until about 2009 may of the major Universities and Learning Institutions had a presence in Second Life. Now it seems less so if I am to believe the document I read this morning.
As an artist and teacher, I have found Second Life to be invaluable for my own development and those who have ventured in with me. Some stay only a little while, others have stayed longer, some couldn’t handle it at all. It is a learning curve in one way or another for all who give it a try.
Fear of the unknown, insecure with technology, lack of time, for whatever reason, there is a time and a season. =^_^= Being in Second Life, requires a desire to be there, if you decide to visit and explore, you world will open up .. especially if you are creative person, the options are endless.
Caverns of Aleval is going through a change today, snow is falling and the land is taking on the charms of winter. Our lives also go through changing seasons, sometimes we feel the gradual change, and other times, plop, it is in our face.
PL lesson for today says. Once you Make up your mind things will begin to happen.. Once you decide, “I’m going to do it” your enthusiasm and courage will begin to rise, if you give it your best effort, God will give you aid when you need it most.. 
The attention to detail in this build is amazing. (I caught Asa doing some add ons this morning, she closed the door to this darling little home, if you peak inside, you will find it warm and cosy, simply touch the door for it to open)
Attention to detail is what we need in our lives … We need to practice mindfulness, if we want something to happen or desire a change, then we need do more than think and want it, we have to work towards that goal, being present and mindful of our journey is key. I’ve taken a close up of her work, this is virtual art at its best. Her place is welcoming and heartwarming.
I love that little tree. Share your world, share your dreams, step outside the box, make your dreams a reality. Blessings.
Hmmm ginger or garlic, what has that to do with Inspiration. It is about choices, Garlic is such a wonderful little plant. Not only does it add flavour to food it is healthy for us. The same can be said about ginger, Each one has its own taste, and its own uses (as health benefits) and depending on how it is used, will determine our acceptance of use of it.
Interestingly, both are roots (bulbs) the most known remedies and uses are of the part of the plant that is underground.
When out in the woods, unless you know what you are looking for the wild garlic goes unseen.
If my husband comes into the kitchen while I’m preparing a meal, he reacts to the smell of garlic (in the negative) and it in turn affects his pleasure in the meal when it is served.
IF he does not see me cooking, he enjoys the meal with much more gusto and appreciation.
On the surface, life can be tranquil and peaceful, but when we look, really look, often what we see changes our initial perspective.
All this to say, there are so many layers in life, and often we are only dealing with the top layers.
When Inspiration comes to us, it is because the Universe has cut through the layers and has given us a quick glimpse at the heart or core of that moment and blessed us with an option. I’ve used the word option, because. we are guided, it is up to us to make the choice of listening or doing something different.
Listen, accept the thought and if action is involved, do it. Go for it. Believe in your inner voice for it belongs to YOU, Have faith in yourSELF. me, myself and I, we are all ONE connected to the Universe, The Divine connection is always there, sometimes we simply are not listening. GOD/TAO is ever present. A L W A Y S
PL Precept #18 Each Moment Is A Turning Point.
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 
Thanksgiving is every 21st of the month for those of us who follow the Perfect Liberty calendar/philosophy. A day we come together in prayer and community to formally give thanks for the people around us and the things provided to us by Mother Nature. It is a time to renew our intention of beginning each new day with appreciation, and to step forward with a feeling of World Peace in our heart.
To begin my day today, I used up the left over mashed potatoes and designer carrots by making a veggie ball with them, this gave me the protein since a scrambled egg was used to hold the ball together. =^_^= I accompanied the ball with diced fresh tomato and red pepper, and for added colour a few flowers of broccoli. No additional condiments were used.
YUM YUM YUM… love my veggies.
Service is at 7 pm this evening. See you then. 
Have you been overdoing things lately, convinced that you have to get everything done now.
Relax and take a moment to breathe….
Actually take more than a moment….
Enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the day that was presented to you.
Express gratitude in your prayers.
Strive to do things for the sake of others, pray for their happiness as well.
God = love
Frozen in Time – sculpted out of wire,apoxie sculpt and fabric this garden fairy likes her crystals, she carries them with her so that the sun and day light will catch and reflect prisms of colour all around her. The stump she stands on was part of a tree she used to love for the shade it provided on the hot summer days. She came inside one year, to grace the mantel, to this day she is still there. There is a window there, and during the bright winter days, when the sun comes shining through … her garland dances sending a rainbow of colour through the room.
Do we stand still in life, or do we constantly want to be on the move? Lately I’ve been forced to spend more time.. standing still… LOL or should I say, having a lie down =^_^=
Like the garden fairy with her crystals, when the dust gathers on her beads, the rainbow of colours is less dazzling. When she was outside, Mother Nature, bathed her in spring, summer and fall with showers, pelting rains and blew soft whispers of breeze through her strand of crystals.
When we stop and allow the world around us to “really be seen” It is surprising what we “see” and realize about where we are in life, and how we are coping with the realities.
Have the courage to really look at where you are, have you been standing still? Is dust gathering on “your crystals”
Prayer is our garland of light, the Universe speaks to us everyday, and in many ways. It is in mindfulness that we
hear and see the Divine connection.
Blessings everyone, may the light of life shine brightly on you today.and always.
This is a soup you can count on to warm you on a cold day/night. It is easy, and worth the time you spend pulling it together. I’ll list the base items first.. the final items you can change up and fix to suit your taste buds.
1 package of beef neck bones, I look for a package with good chunks of meat still on the bone.
1 good size fresh ginger that you peel, crush and dice. I like ginger so I use a good size (big thumb) to begin with.
4, 5 pieces of garlic, how much you use will depend on how fresh your garlic is and how much of a bite you want.
1 onion, again I use a medium size onion because I’ve been known to add a packet of dried onion mix if I want to enhance the stock with a more “Canadian” onion flavour.
the liquids added, Soba Tsuyu (a dipping sauce for soba noodles) Anchovy sauce (one that isn’t too watered down)
Soy sauce ( one with less sodium)
a pinch of sale
a good shake of black pepper
I dump all of the above into a pot full of cold water, and let it come to a boil, once it starts to bubble, I turn it down to medium heat and let it cook along for about 15 minutes, then I add
Carrots, sliced/shredded banana leaf, and any other veggies that I’d like to have in the soup.
Then after about 5 min. I turn it down to a simmer and let it enjoy itself for awhile.
20 minutes down the line I add either rice, potato, or a pasta. Today I’ve added elbow pasta.
Before serving, I will ad 2 scrambled eggs, 1 teaspoon of butter, and fresh baby spinach. I allow that to sit for about 10 minutes before dishing it up.
From another era, she walks through the garden, silently adjusting her steps to better manouver the changing landscapes from season to season. This maiden was built using chicken wire for the frame (I built out the skirt so that it would give her better balance. Her outfit is made out of material that has been soaked in Paverpol, I was not using Powertex at the time.of her “birthday” both of these products have websites that will give you the full description of their properties. Her face and under body is from Apoxie Sculpt, this is a product from a company called Aves. It is permanent, self hardening and waterproof.
Paverpol and Powertex are liquid hardeners, environmentally friendly, water based alternatives to polyester. The Silent Maiden has been outside in the garden for many years now and she still looks good. Some of her “friends” have not weathered as well. Same is true in life. Some of us weather better than others. =^_^=
May I? this is from the book The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery 1900 – 1944
“Speaking to the Little Prince about love and life, the Fox says: And now here is my secret, a very simple secret, it is only with the heart that one can see rightly: What is essential is invisible to the eye. “
From the teachings of Buddha..
What is the meaning of the saying ” A cupful of water is more than the water of an ocean?” This is the answer “A cupful of water given in a pure and compassionate spirit to one’s parents or to a sick person has an eternal merit, but the water of an ocean will some day come to an end.
The Universe LOVES YOU…..
Note the ongoing problems with the web provider means that I am looking for alternatives, please stay tuned.
dymoonblog 
Written
on November 25, 2013