appreciation | dymoonblog

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Now is always a new beginning.

This mouse hitched a ride with a frog during a monsoon flooding in India (National Geographic). Opportunity knocks, you don’t waste time thinking about it, you “do it”.

This mother bear takes her young cub up the hillside, I doubt she contemplated too much before beginning her trip. She needed to reach her destination, so she simply took the path as it opened up for her.

Me,I contemplate, cogitate, explore, and dwell on things far too much. I know that is one of my lessons in life, I still do it. Intellectually I know that, now is what counts, now is what matters. I also know the choices I make I’m responsible for, and I have to take ownership for whatever choices I make.

Out today, the 24th of December, the day was gray, dull, overcast, with a light rain as our constant companion while outdoors. Inside the shops, last-minute shoppers were busy scurrying around trying to beat the clock. Stores were closing early so employees could get home to start their own holiday activities.

I was waiting for the phone call that would tell me my husband would be on the way to pick me up. I had time on my hands, so I began to pick up the stuffed animals left on the floor by previous shoppers. I picked each animal up and put him/her on display on the empty racks that were at the end of the aisles. Many at least over half of the toys were barely played with, if at all.

Their soft cuteness made it a temptation to bring them all home. So many children do without at this time of year.

Ok there are no easy answers to the philosophical questions that come up at this time of year. But I know that I want to make a difference. Can I, will I, only time will tell.. I do know that NOW, is the time for me to make a new start, to really apply myself with makoto (sincerity) at being more aware of how choices I make impact others and society.

Life is a gift, and how much we appreciate this gift, comes back to the choices we make. Life presents the opportunities it is up to us to make the best of the challenges that come our way.

Hang in there

Today is Now

You are doing just fine

In time

It will be tomorrow

and tomorrow will be NOW.

Mama bear made it to the top!

There is nothing you can’t do!

I believe in you.

Namaste – Oyashikiri

pictures -Pinterest

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silver

There is something very mystical about silver, you can polish it to a brilliant shine, yet as it lives with you, it takes on a patina of its own. lately I’ve been cleaning a lot of jewelry for the church’s Funky Monkey Boutique. a tired old piece of jewelry can come alive with a cleaning and some TLC. (Tender Loving Care). In fact what appeared to be old metal when cleaned was seen to be a lovely piece of silver that had tarnished so much over the years, it had taken on a totally different look.

The moon itself is a wonder of beauty that is always giving us a new face to see and rediscover, Nature is forever in the state of change, and so are we. Each change brings a new dimension to our lives. We can waste time and energy trying to redo or stop the change, but the reality is we can’t go back. When we appreciate our lives for what it is at the very moment we are living it, We are well on our way to finding a peaceful way of existence.

Silver is associated with the moon, it symbolizes the night, the ‘Yin” side of life. It is a beautiful precious metal,to maintain its glow it needs to be worn, and tended to. So do our spirits, our minds, our bodies……… like the moon, we shine bright, we wax, we wane. Attending church/temple/shrine, is one way of polishing and working on our “shine”. Finding ways to stay in “tune” “touch” with our spiritual needs is important…. Today being Thanksgiving in PL, we gave thanks for the blessings of the month as well as for the past year.

May the silver moonbeams of the night

light your way to where it is bright,

so that your entry into the new year will be filled with light.

A celebration that is sure to delight…

I wish with all my heart and might…

That your dreams come true for you this night.

Namaste – Oyashikiri

* found on vmburkhardt.tumblr.com

** plasmatics-life.tumblr.com

*** pinterest

**** beautymothernature.tumblr.com

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Share the Joy

I looked outside my kitchen window today and thought, wow there is a rabbit in the backyard. When I looked again, I saw that it was the way the leaves were showing against the snow and not a rabbit at all. Interesting how the mind can take an image and rearrange it in your brain.

Seeing a rabbit, even though it really wasn’t there, brought a smile, and a happy feeling. I thought of all the furry little wonders that friends have posted, that led me to think of the friends themselves and my sister who loves rabbits and that in turn made me feel even happier. Joy can come from anywhere at anytime, recognize it, and appreciate the moment.

A rabbit sees a treat and checks it out. Someone captured the moment, they managed a picture..and.. their sharing in turn brought a smile to others. that is what sharing joy is all about. When we are happy/ and smile it is contagious, pass it on.

Namaste – Oyashikiri

Sorry my sense of humour at times has flaws.. but I thought that the person in the Nederlands had a moment of creativity here. This picture got a chuckle from me.. and a kudos to the artist for doing something other than a snowman.

* found on comfortspringstation.tumblr.com

** etsy.com -The snow winter scene 8×10

*** Telegraph.co.uk

**** lushome.com

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The X season

Good Day to you all... I hope that wherever you are the season is cheery and warm, happy and breezy. It is the X season! Xmas is everywhere. Xmas trees are being sold in parking lots, malls and business are decked out in garlands of bright shining lights and the music from present and past seasons that are played at this time of the year, are filling the air in most public areas. You can’t miss that this is the month of December, last month of the year, and where the shops are geared up to sell, sell, sell.

Certain agencies take advantage of the season, and spend dollars putting ads on that ask for your money for strangers in way off countries. And not to leave the animals out, some post e and share awful and terrible pictures of cruelty to domestic animals, looking for money for their needs.

Any and all material/cosmetic/organic etc. you could dream of, or want are being presented on a platter for you to drool or dream over. The pressure is applied from all quarters, credit cards are getting a work out everyone gets caught up. Its hard not to enjoy the gaiety and colourful temptations in some way or another.

Commercials tug at the heart-strings, the movies shown are often tear jerkers, almost all with happy endings. There was a time when all the princesses lived happily ever after, and fathers and mothers knew best. (well OK, on the telly) Xmas shows were musical and variety specials featuring talent that was there to entertain. We went to bed with dreams of candy canes and lingering sounds of laughter from the evening of shared fun watching the one television in the house.

When we had news to share with walked over to our friends place, no matter the weather, to share our news. Or took up pen/pencil and wrote a letter with all our news. If we took pictures we had to wait for the all the film to be used up and then taken in for developing. It could take weeks.. Think about it, could we do that today?

Would this be sufficient today?

Love is a precious gift, it one that we can give personally, from the heart, true love is unconditional, When we say I love you, we are saying we care, and will always care, no matter if that person is with us or not. We care for the other person’s happiness. Love with all your heart (sincerity)

And for you who love a traditional song….. =^_^=

I appreciate each and every one of you

young/old, you are the treasures in my world

God Bless you each and all

For you are what makes this world a better place

We are all ONE

Namaste – Oyashikiri

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conceit

Is conceit one of the traits that you have gift wrapped under your tree? The Second Founder of PL, (Perfect Liberty) in one of his lessons taught that gold is gold and iron is iron. I’m simplifying it, in essence, if you have a piece of iron and try to disguise it as gold, no matter what you do, it will always be, iron, and vice versa.

When I was younger, I was very drawn to the “best” of what I could afford, Designer labels filled my wardrobe, my credit cards were worn thin. One day I realized that only I knew what I was wearing, and really, only I cared. I meditated on that, I learned early in life I had a very big component of conceit in my makeup. It has been a consistent bit of homework to tame the conceit and “tad” of arrogance in my character.

We are blessed with gifts from “above“, they are not “ours” they are given to us to share with the world to help and improve the lives of others. A sincere thank you, and smile go a long way in showing our appreciation when something is done for us. AND, if we have the means and ability to do something for someone else, that we do so with makoto (sincerity).

The simplicity of years gone by has been replaced with a lot of hype and a must have society. However, each person we meet is dealing with a myriad of issues, try to listen not only to what is said, but to the spaces between the words.

Try calling instead of sending a text message. We are losing the personal contact that was so present in past years. Love and a peaceful heart, begin by accepting ourselves, in accepting ourselves, and loving ourselves, we are then able to reach out and accept/respect the differences in others. Peace on earth, is possible only if and when we genuinely love one another.

Namaste – Oyashikiri

vintage cards found on Pinterest

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sounds of snow

There is something to be said about the sounds on waking during or after a fresh snow fall. It is a muffled silence that wraps the house in a cozy ambiance.. .I lay for almost an hour today visiting the many postings of friends on Facebook. Never would I do such a thing on another day. Somehow the quiet of the morning allowed the lazy side of me to enjoy the moment. I got to see videos that I otherwise would probably not have seen because I would have been up out of bed and right into my morning routine.

When I did get up, it was to grab the iPhone and head for the back door to take some pictures to share with you on the wonders of the new fresh fallen snow. Suet and bird feed are put in the feeders in the front where active dogs can’t get at the dropped seeds. First line of attack for birds is the feeders themselves, only when they can’t get at the feeder or the feeder is bare waiting for a refill do they pick up after themselves. OK ok that is not quite true, the smarter ones are happy to get the fresh seed slopped by the type A birds that are busy trying to outdo themselves by being first on the small ledge of the feeders.

While we think of decorating trees and our homes, Mother Nature has been busy putting her own signature on the look of the holiday season. “Life is Art” (PL Precept 1) Yesterday this same scene would have been drab and weary from the cold winters day. Today with the artistic touches of nature, it is vibrant and alive, giving us a totally different side of its many “faces”..

In every little nook and cranny of our “inner selves” is a story to be told, a “golden moment” we have lived and will relive in another season. Some lessons come back too many times to count, others come along, and we never see them again, why, because we captured and retained the essence of the first visit.

My lazy mind appreciated the morning lie in, so did the dogs who never stirred from my side, we were swaddled under warm blankets and the quilt I made a couple of years ago. We were content. Enjoy such moments when they come to you. The many “sounds of snow”… just one of the pleasures of winter.

Hope you enjoyed the tour of my winter garden. Love you all, each and every one of you. =^_^=

Namaste – Oyashikiri

PS .. contrary to popular belief, Canadian winters are spectacular and brilliant like a well cut diamond!

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Colosso dell’Appennino

There are times in life when I can only sit, and look in wonder at what is before me. This is a photograph found on pictify.com of a sculpture. Colosso dell’Appennino in the Parco Mediceo di Pratolin near Florance Italy. Sculptor Giamologna (1580) credit given for photo is Dave Ellis.

Please allow me to share a poem with you by Margaret Ingall.

**Stillness is a doorway,

A space within the mind,

A place we may abide in

And leave the world behind

A realm of tender silence

Of nurturing and calm

Where hopefulness and healing

Enfold us in their balm

It waits for you to find it

Just let life’s hustle cease

And enter through that doorway

To wisdom and to peace.**

Day by day, find time to embrace the beauty that is in the world for us to see and enjoy. We are on a journey of discovery, how we view our world will greatly impact on our perception of the life we are living.

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

Namaste – Oyashikiri

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Days gone by

The other day I drove past a small Baptist Church. I couldn’t help but wonder, what it had been like several decades ago. The town it is in is not all that big, and it has several churches. This is one of them. Back in its day, the town was active, and bustling with activity. There are still many working farms in the communities. Do the small churches still fill up and bubble over with the voices of growing families and animated children?

This is one I found on the back road as I wound my way down the quiet highway towards another small town in the townships. I stopped the car in both instances, and walked up to and around the buildings. You can see that there is a cemetery next to the Presbyterian church. Reading tombstones is a wonderful way to pass the time and take in the history of a place. There is something very valuable in remembering and giving thanks to ancestors and their contributions to what “is” today.

My journey that day took me past miles of tended farmer’s fields, plowed and ready for the next growing season. It was a relaxing drive, I found that my mind emptied as the landscapes changed. The beauty of being on an open road with a clear blue sky above, and the zillion shapes and colors of autumn formed a gallery of unique artwork just for me. I was on a natural high.

Monotone you say! no way, it is a master piece I say..…Never take for granted the food on your plate. Think back to days gone by, when farmers came from all around to pray in the small churches in the towns and villages. Working hard all week, then Sundays gathering with friends for shared community and song. Traditions are being lost and forgotten. Remember when you drive along a country road, to look at the vistas you are passing. When you look and see a barn that has lost part of its roof, and the walls are falling in on themselves, remember that at one time it had a purpose, it is a testament of another time. One that got us to where we are today.

I left home with no expectations, and was treated to a day filled with wonders, and amazing moments. I felt deep gratitude, the Universe blessed me with a precious gift. A glimpse of life in another time,, an appreciation of days gone by.

Namaste – Oyashikiri

Pictures by Q (driving from Winchester to Embrum)

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unrequited love

From the very first moment that I caught sight of you

I knew you meant something to me

There was something about the way you stood

So proud, so regal, so totally beautiful

I really wanted to see more of you.

For days I saw you in my dreams,

I spoke of you, I asked about you, I wanted to know all about you.

No one could tell me anything, you were a mystery

I persisted, I called around, a friend went out to try and find you

She wrote her excursion had not been successful

Finally I drove down the highway where I’d first seen you

Be still my heart, there you were, in daylight you even looked more appealing

I got out and walked near you, as I got closer I saw you were older than I thought

It didn’t matter, you had captivated and captured my heart

knowing nothing about you, and not being able to get access to information about you

All I could do was to admire what i saw

Yes I saw you had really lived your life at one time with someone who had really

spent a lot of time with you

Now it appeared you had been cast aside,

probably for a younger model.

Had I the space I’d take you home and let you graze in the pasture

With gentle breezes and flowers in the meadow

Somehow I know the neighbours will just not want you on our front lawn

I’ve taken pictures, and I want you to know

That although I can’t have you with me, you will always have a place in my heart

For now your seats are empty and you aren’t going to go far

but.. you’ve earned your rest the mileage you’ve put on, the challenges you’ve lived

have given you the right to call it a day… I hope someone else will find you some day

and enjoy your as I have.. I cannot bring you home, I can’t own you,

but by golly I sure can appreciate you, yes, just the way you are.

If I could wrap my arms around the Jeep to hug it, I would.

Sharing her with you is all I can do for now

Blessings everyone!!

Namaste -Oyashikiri

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thank you SO much

“Thank you so very much” said the voice, it was soft and cultured, without turning I knew that it would be someone older, of an “age” when courtesy and etiquette mattered. I heard rather than saw the smile in the young woman’s voice that was serving the client. The store was busy, crowded with shoppers looking for that special gift at the advertised discounted prices.”You are so welcome, it has been my pleasure” was the reply. The interchange between customer and sales associate made me smile, I felt a nice feeling and thought what a wonderful way to start a day. When I turned to the area where the voices had come from I was surprised to see not an elderly woman, but a young girl with faded jeans, and a torn T-shirt, her hair was dyed a fluorescent pink, her lips and nails were an ebony black, studded with blinking gems. When she smiled at me I saw that she had a tattoo of a rose on her cheek and a gold ring in her nose. I must have stared, because she gave me a knowing smile, while flashing me the sweetest of looks from the bluest of eyes under the longest lashes I’ve ever seen. With a mischievous nod of her head, she winked at me and said “A very good day to you Mam” and gracefully turned and walked away.

The sales associate who had witnessed this exchange gave a little giggle, and said, “isn’t she just the greatest” I recovered my surprise and agreed with her that yes, “she” certainly was. That was …… and she named the actress who was playing at the theatre up the way. Ah…. a light bulb went on in my gray matter….yes there was a play happening in the city, and they could have been having a dress rehearsal … yet … I knew I had just been given a “lesson” a reminder, that I should not be judging a book by its cover, and I for sure, should not have made assumptions…. PL Precept # 18 – each moment is a turning point.

PL Principle #2 … … …. I will look for and be aware of shortcomings in my own thinking and actions **the exact wording to this Principle is “I will not have complaints about others, matters, nor the weather. Rather I will always be creative and will look for shortcomings in my own thinking and actions.

Take a moment to say Thank You for the lessons you have learned today. I like to begin and end each day with a sense of appreciation for the gifts I have been blessed with, and the lessons I have yet to learn. To know true meaning in our lives, we have to sincerely believe and appreciate the blessings we receive.

Namaste – Oyashikiri