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Appreciation

Appreciation

One day follows the next. With the cooler weather, now when you are walking around downtown, the outdoor patios are taken down, the street huskers have gone inside, and the market vendors are dwindling down to the the last of the ” die-hards”. People are hurrying rather than lazily taking in the day, and some are already bundled up warding off the cold.
We can look out at the world or we can participate.

Mishirase > Divine warning, in the form of an illness, a misfortune, an accident, pain or suffering

PL teaches about “Mishirase”, which appears in our lives in the form of illnesses, injuries, hardships and natural disasters.  These Mishirase that could be considered unlucky, are in actuality, warnings given by the “Universe” to show us that we are  having a poor understanding of the “material/info” that we are being given, thus, we have difficulty expressions our “true” selves.  God may be showing us that we are overly attached to our own thoughts and are expressing ourselves “unnaturally”

Human beings are born with the ability to experience pain so they can avoid pushing their bodies beyond natural limits.  If you bend your finger too far back, you will experience pain,  a warning that to continue to push your finger past the point of pain would result in a broken finger.  In the same way, the “pains” we experience in life are “reminders from “God” that you are pushing something beyond what is natural.

Who belongs to the face that is looking out, or back at you?  In Canaille’s picture, you see her, you can tell she is a dog, if you look really hard, you can see Velcro in the background.  But the picture is of Canaille, its a face, who is she, and what does the face tell you/us.  I ask only because I have been faced with seeing the face that looks back at me every day.  Does the face you see, really tell you about who a person is, or was.  Yes I say was, because in life, whether we want to or not, we are constantly changing, some changes we orchestrate ourselves,  others are made for us.

For instance, can you tell when you look at me now that I was one of the first “Eurasians” (not even a term heard today in 2013) in television back in “my day”… I was a model, it was live TV, we had to run off stage and change behind a (barely private) screen.  My hands opened and closed a weekly show, each slice of bread was a credit.  I was Miss Jade East, somewhere there is a photo to attest to that.  Media was different back then. I’ve written for magazines and journals that are simply non existent now.  Too short for the high fashion runway, I was also considered too short for the assignments in the fashion houses, however my “look/beauty” was exotic for that time/period.  I was too young to know that I was part of a ground breaking era, television was new and exciting business to be in.  I simply lived it.

Living in the moment has been a super huge blessing in my life.  When one lives in the moment there are a lot of advantages in life, we live the moment and we move on.  Because we appreciate each and every moment, often the past is really “history” for us, and when we look back at what was, or what “personality/character” was playing the leading role, it is often with interest and curiosity, much like watching a rerun on television.

While out with a friend, she took a picture of me and later sent it to me.  That was weeks ago now, I’ve actually looked at it a few times now, each time I look at it, I wonder who I was on that day.  I look familiar, but I can’t say for certain it is me.  Yet physically it is, I’m sure Christianne didn’t snap a picture of a stranger that happened to be in her space at the time..

When I read the Pl teachingLet’s first Accept and Appreciate Things as They Are.  Even when dealing with someone you don’t like or when you are facing an uncomfortable situation, take a moment to first accept whatever comes your way.  There is always something that you can learn from these situations.  I take a look at Canaille’s picture, and of the one Christianne sent me, and muse out loud to you, hmmm is this woman really me,  Can I accept and appreciate all the “things” she is to me?  A good meditation for me today.

Thank YOU for sharing this moment with me… sigh, OK, I’ll post the picture of me.  why not… I have to stop hiding from the face that other’s see.

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Drat haven’t found or learned how to make the picture smaller when I load it.  (see the part of me that wants to control is being over ridden by the Power that IS..)

UNBOUNDED BLESSINGS – now and always

photo of Canaille – Q

photo of Q -Christianne M  (Kemptville)

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Japan, aspects of

Japan, aspects of

Now back home in Canada, in the middle of Nature’s awesome exhibit of her Fall colour palette, I find myself drifting off to memories of my all too brief time in Japan.
Japan had never been one of my travel destinations, so when I decided to go, it was pack up and go, no research or prior reading was done on the country, their customs, attitudes and behaviors.

For instance, I had no idea that in Japan public toilets did not supply paper towels, or hand dryers. I would have known to bring with me my own handkerchief.

Western tradition, we say “Ladies first”… Japanese tradition is “you first” the other person is placed on a higher social level than oneself… BUT… interestingly, going through a doorway, the senior male is expected to lead the way, and on a crowded train or bus, there is not need for a man to give up his seat, no matter how many packages or children a woman may be carrying. (social expectation)

When invited for lunch, a visitor usually leaves by 3 pm. while for an evening meal, visitors do not stay any later than 8 pm, even if encouraged to stay, the polite response is to leave. Host and family will often even go as far as the transit station with their guests. At the least, they will all stand at the door wishing the parting guests, safe journey etc.

The Japanese language is rich with special ways to express gratitude  ie..
O-machido-sama deshita, -Thank you for waiting.
Go-chiso-sama deshita – Thank you for the meal.
Go-kuro-sama deshita – Thank you for going out of your way
O-tsukara-sama deshita -Thank you for your hard work.

Think how often we hear or say Thank you in our daily lives.

What I did experience and loved was the underground streets (Chikado) (areas of shopping) that are built in conjunction with major subway stations (train stations) in the larger cities, ie. Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya in particular)

Every eating place (shokudo) and resutoran (restaurant) has an outdoor display cabinet that contains shokuhin sanpuru, (life size plastic replicas of dishes being served in that location). I understand that in most cases, what you see outside is a very close duplicate to what you will actually get in the shop, down to the number of slices and size of portions.

I came back home with a yen for more of the fabulous food offerings I had while in Japan.No, this taste delight has not been satisfied. I will have to continue in my searching. chances are I’ll do better in a larger city, i.e. Toronto. If you have any suggestions, please send them along to me.

In PL we say…. Saying Thank You creates a heart to heart connection.  If you don’t put your thoughts into words and actions, you will not be able to express how you truly feel.  By expressing your gratitude in words, you can really get your feelings across.

Blessings to you all, now and forever

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October memory

October 13

I had such a happy excursion yesterday.  My husband with the two dogs, did some touring around the countryside near home.  It was a simply fantastic day!  What can I say, not much, I’d rather some the pictures with you…

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Even in the last days of its bloom, this flower is an expression of nature’s glory.

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Nature’s colour palette is filled with the richness of the shades that so brilliantly say “autumn”

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Old markers in a newly discovered (to me) historic cemetery beckoned to me from the road, I had to explore.  The older the cemetery, the more serene. With the dazzling sunshine, and dappled shade this one was lovely.

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A tribute of another time, still sits proudly on a marker, its beauty may be faded, but it still exudes pulchritude and charm

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The riot of colour that filled my day had me exhilarated and filled with a joy that was near to bursting.  I love Canada and the four season it offers.

God resides in a prayerful Mind….. Evidence of the “Master’s” creativity was on full display yesterday.  From pictures I saw being posted yesterday on FB
(Facebook) we were not alone in our rediscovery  of the knockout day available to us yesterday.  Every day is filled with new discoveries.

Let me leave you a thanksgiving greeting I got this morning, I’m sorry the graphics did not  copy paste, but the verse is cute. click on pumpkin pie)

“the pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!”


TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN’T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED –
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP
TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
‘TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES….
HAPPY EATING TO ALL – PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.
MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR
TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES ‘N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!

HAPPY   THANKSGIVING   TO  ALL

Blessings – Matthew 5:1 and 6
photos -iPhone -Q  Kemptivlle, Mountain and surrounding areas.
 
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World Peace

World Peace

This picture was on Pinterest, it is a visual that says a lot.
To achieve World Peace we have to start with ourselves. We must live and act with World Peace as our daily focus and act accordingly.

Greet everyone with a smile.

Begin your Day with appreciation for others.

Today, the 11th. in PL we celebrate our Ancestors, we pay our respects and give sincere thanks to those who came before us. Service at the church is at 10 a.m. =^_^=

Accumulate Virtue and Pass It on!

Thanksgiving- Praise the “Divine” for the many aspects of your life that bring you joy- family, your friends, physical provisions,etc.  If you read the Bible, skim through some of the psalms, find one that you can identify with, let the words of that psalm usher you in to the presence of God, then spend extra time with God in prayer.

Blessings to each and every one of you.   always and forever.

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Smiles

Smiles

What gives you an instant smile?
What when you see it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy?
Could be lots of things..
One of my “smiles” are sheep/goats..
I’m not alone, I see sheep pictures, curios, soft toys in all the shops.
Sheep, in person, when you visit them on a farm, may look soft and cuddly, but if their coats are full
and they are out in the pasture, its ah… not so inviting to throw your arms around them for a snuggle.. LOL nor will they necessarily let you.

A Felter, I have tried to clean raw fleece.. what a chore that was.  I loved the activity though, the thought that I was doing what pioneer women did, clean, dry, and the  prepare the fleece through the different stages to either felt or knit/crochet with.  I only made it so far, I stumbled and stalled when i got to the spinning wheel phase.  My wheel sits waiting for me to gather the patience to sit and try again.  Still when i look over and see my spinning wheel, I smile.. it reminds me of happy moments when I was knee-deep in organic fibers .. the other project that I will leave to others is the dying of the fleece.  In the living room I have a showcase full to brimming of all the different colours I could find.  My stash is another “smile” in my life.

Smiles come in all shapes and sizes and they originate from a happiness inside.  a person who is always pleasant and cheerful, can spread their joy wherever they go.

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Just imagine the thrill and happiness this athlete is experiencing.  A “smile” he /she will remember for an eternity.

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Always remember to smile.  Seeing a resident of Raglan Shire (Zoolie), makes me smile.   photo taken by Q    avatar is a Loco Poco kangaroo … You smiling?

Did you know – Sheep people (Chinese Astrology) are thought to be sensitive, talented and extremely creative, elegant and charming.  They get along with almost everyone, they are peace loving, ardent and easygoing.

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Intuition & Appreciation

Intuition & Appreciation

Over the many years of my existence I’ve learned to follow my intuition, if a thought pops up into my head, I do my best to act on it. Usually I discover, that there was a reason for my actions.
I had planned today to be out with a friend, however, it didn’t happen, so I found myself with “free” time. We have been away for several days, days that were busy, fun and full of activity. Ah HA! time to regroup and just chill.
Having decided that was what I was going to do and feeling very content with that decision, I was rather surprised to hear myself suggest to hubby that I go along with him to the extreme west end of the city.
Believe me when I offered to tag along, I had not idea why I wanted to get back in the car to drive and shop some more, There are two shops in that end of town that I have gift certificates for, but I was not pumped to shop.  My attitude was one of “I’ll just explore”
At the first shop, I found the perfect gift for friends that I will be seeing in a couple of weeks. Wow, I thought, this is great, must be why I wanted to be here.  The next shop just blew me out of the water. The bookshelves were full of books on one of my favourite topics. Philosophy and Theology. My head was spinning as I tried to select only a few of the books and not gather them all and dump them in my basket.  I found two wonderful dictionaries, Pocket Oxford Chinese dictionary, so new I could still smell the pages, it will go with my Oxford Advanced Learner’s English-Chinese dictionary, and the Oxford School French Dictionary, both mint.
ahhh heaven!
Oh, and a brand new copy of The Tao of Willie (A guide to Happiness in your heart, by Willie Nelson). There are many more, but I will share them with you over time, this is a blog after all and not a novel.
Since I’m recently back from Japan, I may start with Religion and Social Crisis in Japan (Understanding Japanese Society through the Aum Affair).. hmmm not light reading.  BUT, I allowed my intuition to guide me in my choices. When I look at the variety in my choices I’m happy happy happy..

When you pray on a regular basis,you become more and more comfortable with you “intuition”, in prayer we learn to realize that as humans we do not live solely by our own power, We “are” thanks to the “grace of God”

For this I give thanks, and have a true appreciation for things as they are. I accept what comes my way, with ‘age” I am learning that accepting isn’t always a walk in the park.. and if I don’t know at the time, I will eventually know, what the Universe has intended for me.

When you let go and listen to  your intuition -you will be blessed, treasure the fleeting “connection with a higher power”,  your inner smile deepens to and fills you with Joy.  multiple BLESSINGS are being sent your way filled with love and appreciation, 

photo-a virtual scene from SL -by Q

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I’m late, I’m late

I'm late, I'm late

For a very important date! Today is my birthday! I was greeted with so many well wishes, I wanted to say thank you to each and everyone of you who remembered. I so appreciated hearing from you.
One of the most precious gifts is friendship, the personal time one takes to share a moment with someone else. Means a lot to me. Even with the electronic age,the fact that someone remembers, fills me with happiness.
That little girl raking leaves with her Dad, is a memory of a time shared with a man I’ll never ever forget. He passed away when I was 10, but his influence, love and nurturing live on in me today.

In PL we celebrate Ancestor’s Day on the 11th of each month. My father taught me that everyday is a celebration of “life”…to challenge myself, and always look at life as an experience to be lived. Not to fear failure, but to proactively challenge each new situation.

Believe there is always a reason, for what is. Know that tomorrow is another day. Have faith in the Divine love of God that is always with you.

You may be late, but you will always be on time for where you need to be in that one given moment.

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Begin your day with Appreciation

Begin your day with Appreciation

Welcome each new day,
start today with a renewed appreciation for the world
around you… and the people in your lives.
With the world rapidly changing, we need to continue
to evolve, that sometimes means changing how we see things.
At one times their was a family structure that very different from what we see in a lot of families today. Especially here in North America.
In Canada and I believe in the U.S.A. we have something called Mother’s Day, which is one day set aside to celebrate our Mother’s, or the women in our lives who are Mothers, GrandMothers Great Grandmothers, which is nice. It really is.

However when I look around, I see that many women today are not just stay at home moms. They more often then not are wearing multiple hats, mother,sometimes they even have to be the father too (single parent family). They hold down one and sometimes 2 jobs not including the role of being a Mother which is full time. It is hard work being independent and self sufficient,

PL Principle #11 – Realizing that children are God’s children, I will raise my child to become a useful citizen for others and society. Realizing also that children are mirrors of their parents, I will not raise my child indulging in my own emotions and just wanting to satisfy my feelings of love.

The quote I’ve used today by Dorothy C. Fisher is a statement to be applauded.

Let’s be in Tune With the Times.   -Begin your Day with  Appreciation

Blessings and love to each and everyone of you, Now and Always.    YOU are my Sunshine!!!!

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Monday morning sunshine

Sometimes I need to  listen to something different. Why? because I want to enjoy and appreciate the vocal styling, the emotions of the singer(s) and the music that haunts and weaves a musical thread through my dreams.

We all have our own preferences when it comes to music, when I need to refresh my “tuner” I use music that soothes and takes me out of my day to day..  -photo- needle felted bear sits in your hand – made by Q

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Like music, we all have different ways of thinking and seeing the world. People have different thoughts and opinions,what ever differences you encounter today, I hope you will listen and take advantage of seeing /hearing a different perspective.

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

ditch the commercial, the clip is good, did you see the movie?  It puts a smile on your face.  Happy Day everyone!

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Quiet beauty

Quiet beauty

Floral beauty against the wall of an apartment building in Japan.

Begin your day with appreciation..
Welcome each new day with a renewed appreciation and step forward with a feeling of World Peace in your heart.

Make love a staple in your life.  

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