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Changing Seasons

Changing Seasons

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..    X nov 23a_004The 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.

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I love that little tree.   Share your world, share your dreams, step outside the box, make your dreams a reality.   Blessings.

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Standing Still

Standing Still

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.

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Temple in Japan

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Could I travel back in time… I can close my eyes and imagine standing outside this temple gate when it was still new on the earth.  How big was the original foot print, would the daily activities of the monks have been so public to tourists and strangers.  Japan is a land of history and that history contains many temples.  There was an activity in the part of the temple that I would really have loved to explore, alas, it was not to be.  To get to this temple, my friends took me through a restored and maintained part of “old Japan”

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Yes, I’m back in Canada, but a part of me is still in Japan.

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The doorway beckons, there is more for me to explore and discover.  If you missed it last time, this is one of the things that I am really missing, the great abundance of good food.

I’m sure there are great Japanese restaurants here in Canada, but they are few where I live.  My version of what I’d like is no where close to what is available in the many many restaurants in Japan.

I was so busy living the moment and taking in all the sights and sounds, that my camera was dormant in my purse.  Eat, take a picture, the eating won out. =^_^=   Choices, we all have to make them, they are a constant in our lives.  We are still preparing for winter here, Husband has scheduled the car for the changing over to winter tires, and the car tune up, we are thinking of getting our flu shots, and on it goes,

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Like fireworks dazzling across the night time sky, I send out loving blessings to each and everyone of you.

Have a great Tuesday!

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sunlight thru the shade

sunlight thru the shade

The other day I talked of how light and shadows can draw us in, create a picture that catches our imagination. The first snowfall will also change the landscape. We are so fortunate to have the 4 seasons to delight us with their differences.

Does this picture tell a story?

The camera allows for one point of interest to have many looks.

“Care enough for a result, and you will almost certainly attain it. “   William James

It is the experience of living that is important, not searching for meaning.  We bring meaning by how we love the world”  Bernie Siegel, M.D.

Life is Art… every day gives us new opportunities.

TAO > Put forth your effort with no thought of gain……………….. non anticipation

Photo buffs share your links…

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Some days are better then others.

Some days are better then others.

Some days require more attention to one’s personal needs..
We find ourselves dealing with emotions that are not always wanting expression.  Suddenly they are in your face so there is no escape.
Life is full of accumulations of small moments.  Each moment has full impact, if you are living in the moment.

Does it seem that everyone you meet or interact with just adds to your gloom.  Meet your day, head to head.  Make it your own.  You are the author, the writer,the artist, YOU decide how you want to “play”

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Could it be that events and people in your life don’t seem to be “real”  Are you “out of step” or are they in a different “play”

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Your life is your own, your very own work of art……. Life is Art. you get to decide if you cut corners, if you do, it is your life you will affect,  you decide  whether you live in shades of gray, or whether your world will be full of colour.  We can’t always control events that happen in our lives, but it is our decision, how we react, and assimilate the energy around us.

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It may take some doing, but with determination, quiet meditation, you can find balance in your day.  One must know unhappiness/sadness to appreciate and treasure the happy moments.

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I found my creativity in SL yesterday, the virtual world this month is full of haunted places to visit.  By end of day the colour was back … I was relaxed.

Blessings -Today and Always                           MAKE TODAY                                   YOUR DAY!

photos- SL -by Q

avatar makeups – Style by Kira,           hair, Vanity Hair, Pixivor black >                       sarouel pants by [Bubble} >                       top by Ruxy >shoes,Dakota

url for   DarkDhama Haunted Manor     http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Benten/80/216/29

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If only

If only

How often do we think there are not enough hours in a a day…
How often do we think, if only I had done . xyz….. the outcome would have been different….
If only, this had happened,then blah blah blah.. life is not wrapped up in a neat little bow

The wrapping paper is not always pretty, and the ribbon can be frayed, but, when we pray, when prayer is a daily activity in our lives Our lives take on a very different “flavour”, our wrapping takes on a pleasing and uniquely personal “style”

Prayer, faith and devotion are at the core of living in harmony with “Nature

FYI – Willie Nelson wrote a book with Turk Pipkin.   The Tao of Willie – a guide to the happiness in your heart..   On the back cover  “Some would call it happiness, but I like to think that what I found is me.  that sounds simple enough, but the truth i, it took quite a while to do it….

If only, belongs in the past, it is past tense,  live each moment like it is your first (cuz it is)…. and   SMILE,      S M I L E,     S  M  I  L  E

Love and Blessings…  today, and always

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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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Smiles -Autism – Buddhism- churches

Smile and the world smiles with you

A friend sent me this picture and I returned the smile from ear to ear. Smiling is contagious.
First i would like to give you some information re. Autism that I have for those of you who venture into SL.
If you key in the world autism in the search window, you will be given a number of choices.
Autism Society of American and GBFA Commumity Center and Mall is a favourite.
Autism Support
Autism Society
Second Life Autism Network
The list goes on. I apologize that sometimes I take for granted the wealth of information and places to visit in SL.
Where I personally do not deal with autism in my life, I have friends that do. I’ve learned that where a child/individual who has difficulties in daily interactions in RL, shines and demonstrates amazing creativity with the tools SL offers.

To the other question about the various churches in SL, there are far too many to list. Again, once in SL, use the search window, type in the church, philosophy, teachings you are looking for and you will be directed to the various destinations.

For example, you can attend Buddhist Dharma teachings at the Buddha Center. This can be a busy place, they have traffic in the 1000s from all over the world at any given time.
Please dress accordingly.

Today I was visiting the Buddhist Temple in Aosagi,  Japan. This sim is themed as a region of Japan in the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). It is designed to support a number of cultural, educational and roleplay groups for the benefit of all. The owning group is Kurogawa Cho. a wonderful way to revisit history and learn about how life was in the late 17th century.
This region is set in sengoku period of the late 17th century of feudal Japan.
Please remember that SL is International, often you will encounter people who are from a different country and culture, some do not speak English, on this sim (community) the main language is Japanese.

Wherever you go, who ever you visit with, remember today’s teaching (PL teaching) People Grow by Being Praised and Applauded by Others.
When people recognize your accomplishments and celebrate with you. What happens?, we become more enthusiastic ourselves and want to do better.

Success is achieved by working in Harmony with others.

Applaud someone in your circle today, SMILE, the world is ours when we SMILE and live the PL Way.

Blessings all…. arms open wide to embrace you, my heart is singing ” I   L O V E    Y O U”     love is in the air, reach out and grab your share.

Ari thank you for the wonderful picture!

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Live each day with Excitement

Live each day with Excitement

PL. teaching. Live Each Day With Excitement > Challenge everything with enthusiasm. You will be rewarded with joy and encounter happy occurrences.

PL is a non denominational church, Did you know that? To embody the PL teachings, you do not have to go up into the mountains for hours of meditation, nor fast for many days. Oshieoyasama gives us simple practical and useful ways to learn to live the PL Way.. (You can learn more by contacting one of our ministers today, or myself for contact information in the country you are in) Our website is in the right sidebar.

Life is Art, is the foundation of our faith. Your life is your very own unique work of art. If you cut corners or miss important details, you will not be able to live up to our fullest potential.

Everyone wishes to be happy and lead happy lives. Your environment and the things that happen in front of you are all materials for your self expression. In PL we are taught that with God’s blessings we will be able to freely express ourselves using these materials.

There is only one you.an individual, so unique and special, YOU are the artist. Together, let us live this day with excitement and enthusiasm.

B L E S S I N G S  for a God filled day..

Love and Light

photo-landscape SL,Second Life, >Q

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Letting Go of Ego

Letting Go of our Ego

PL teaches > if we are always caught up with power,status and appearances, we will find it hard to accomplish anything of worth. We are encouraged to “Let Go” and express ourselves fully.
Gosh, “ego” can be so abstract. Often it isn’t till I am well into the fray that I discover my “ego” has helped land me there.

For fun I looked up “EGO” in the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, why not… it is very early in the a.m.  and i want to know what the academic definition is of EGO is, since i seem to have one of my very own.  Here we go. 1> a person’s  sense self esteem or self importance   (2 )psychoanalysis  the part of the mind that mediates between the conscious mind and the unconscious and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity. Compare with ID and Superego 3. philosophy (in metaphysics) a conscious thinking subject.

I just know you feel so much brighter and care free with this little tidbit of information tucked into your gray matter =^_^=….

Personally I think that    an “ego” is a very personal part of our “personality and character.  Certainly there are days when it can be very fragile, and other days when it is simply mulish.  Ego might be something to discuss with Rev. Eugene next time we are sitting down for a “visit”.  Consultations and visits with the ministers is very encouraged in the PL church.  When James H. Rutz (free lance writer) talks about the formality in churches and how the personal sharing and one on one has disappeared from many of the “today” churches, I’m happy to say that this is not the case with the PL Churches,   PL has a unique way of offering “Personal Guidance”

We believe strongly that happiness is built by establishing wishes and goals.  through consultations with a PL minister, you receive personal guidance tailored to your individual character and situation.  You can receive consultations from a PL minister for any kind of problem or situation.  Not only do PL Consultations help you solve problems, but through consultations, you can learn how to express your true self for the sake of society and for the sake of others,  

Our mission in PL is to create  World Peace, we believe we can do this by passing on from one person to another the teachings of PL

Letting Go of Your Ego Will Make You a Stronger Person.  Tall request… nah… put your mind to it and YOU CAN DO IT.

H A P P Y    F R I D A Y     everyone!  Enjoy your day whatever you are doing?  Make every second count !!

Love and blessings…… now and always

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photo- Loco Poco Monkey avatar,SL virtual world – taken by Q

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