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Posts tagged ‘friendships’

after midnight

Turkey, Mardin

This is a picture of Mardin, Turkey.  What struck me was how different it was from anything I have seen in the part of the world I live in,  I just wasn’t sure when I saw it, if I was drawn in, or even if it was real. There is not a tree in sight, a park, a piece of land, nothing.  Someone had commented that it looked like a picture from a fairy tale book.

Austria,Tyrol

This is Austria,lots of green, yet it is still a world I have yet to discover. No matter where we are, whether or not we travel to these far away places or we stay at home, we are blessed with living in an era where we can meet people from all over the world, right on our doorstep.

We need only be open to the experience.

How often have I walked past a stranger, who looked interesting, and not said a word, even though, he/she looked interesting and we had exchanged a nod or smile. We all do it. We let the moment pass.

It is in opening the window, or door to new opportunities that we discover new vistas, new ways of seeing life, Sharing good conversation with a friend is a genuine moment worth remembering.

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A good friend is not one that comes and goes with the blink of an eye.  Nor can we go out and search for a friend, they come into our lives like blessings, treasures, gifts from the Universe.  Like anything else, they will grow with time,  if the connection is real, you will have a friend for a lifetime.  It all begins with a hello.  Life is…. lived… one moment at a time. Once a seed is planted, how well it grows, depends on us.

no more… no less.

namaste     –     oyashikiri

warm fuzzy moment

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A warm embrace, another warm body lying close beside you, their warmth and gentle breathing so calming.  Oh.. so very nice.

I’ve noticed in the last many years, that a common farewell greeting ending a conversation, text especially will be to sign off with a hug.  or xxoo  I do it myself, sometimes without thinking

What does a hug imply.  To me it  implies affectionate, so a hug at the end of a text would (for me) be a way of saying “affectionately yours”

I realized this morning when ending a conversation with someone, that when that person used it when terminating our conversation, I was actually taken aback.  Me who is a user of this expression.!! Wow…

Food for thought.. This person  is rather new to my work world, and I know a much younger person.  So now I am reviewing my use of the term, and will consider carefully how and when I use it.  I think I do, but this morning’s experience has made me aware of something in my behaviour that could be easily “misconstrued”  if I am cavalier in my use of the word.  I believe that we should all do things with a prayerful mind, speak with sincerity.  Live life with makoto (sincerity), and strive to build strong friendships and good vibes with all we encounter.

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We are all unique in our personalities and character, some love to cuddle up close and personal, others may not feel that comfortable being so close.  I like air climate control and the crispness of a fall day while someone else wants the warmth of the mid day sun on the hottest day before their purr engine starts.

3f440064-a9d7-4d93-bdf6-e08af052bfaa‘Friends that get to know one another, really learn to care, in that caring, they find trust, and share common bonds The the hug is really and truly a warm and fuzzy moment.   Not just a hug of passing strangers, like the European kiss on the cheek that was a custom, thing to do, and had nothing to do with warm and fuzzy.

mmmmmm I like  hugs, not that I’m a hugger, but I do like the word because it does imply a deep affection.  And so… after all of this… I say to you… I want to HUG YOU ALL.

so saying I pounce………………

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Namaste     –     Oyashikiri

photos http://www.ba-bamail.com

Valentines and Winnie the Pooh

wedding shoeLOL, got you there, what have a pair of shoes got to do with Winnie the Pooh and Valentines…. smiles… I really don’t know but this is where I am this morning.  Have more coffee, it might help.  I was going through my mail when I came across this picture.  I am so blessed to have friends that share…  These shoes which I love btw, except I’d wear different laces, are featured in weddingonmania.com in an article on gorgeous …. wait for it…. vintage wedding shoes.

wedding decorations

That set me drifting off on weddings, tulle, flowers, balloons, fanciful stuff, then I remembered Saturday is Valentines day and my mind went to thinking if I’d done all my valentines… ( you can see why I needed a day of quiet yesterday!)

winnie the pooh

 

I recalled a book put out by Scholastic, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and Valentines, Too, by Liza Alexander illustrated by Carol C. Haantz.  It is a wonderful little story that reminds us to not jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts, and that knowing only a little bit about something, worrying and fretting can cause a lot of anxiety and stress, that could be avoided, if we believe and trust in our own strengths and knowledge about ourselves.

 

Winnie quote

 

In the Pooh story, Winnie couldn’t find  his friend Christopher Robin, then he saw him sitting on his own busy writing something, looking over, he saw the letters W – I – N and felt rather pleased, but then his friend kept writing, and in the end it wasn’t his name at all.  I won’t spoil the story for you, but it was near Valentines day, and Winnie felt sad thinking his friend had a new friend now, and….. well you know…. how thoughts  run through different scenarios.   Of course it all ends well, Valentines day came and Winnie got a card from Christopher addressed to him and he was very happy.  He told Christopher, “But, we thought you found a new friend”… to which the reply was “oh, Pooh Bear, just because I care about someone else, it doesn’t mean I care any less for you.” =^_^=

winnie colouring page

Here is a Valentine for you dear reader.. get out your crayons and have some fun, or print it out for someone who will enjoy a few minutes of R & R with Pooh.  Remember. I LOVE YOU….

Winnie quote 2

Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

 

A valentine

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I passed a display of valentine cards today

“you make my heart sing and dance”

said a happy dog with a big smile on his face

“a valentine hug just for you”

a pretty blue bird chirped as it sang from a tree

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The sentiments I saw today, were not like the ones of yesterday

when we wrote out a poem,

or picked carefully so that the card spoke what we couldn’t say

and of course, always we hoped there would be mail when we got home

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Some for sure, were really corny

and some were just so darn mushy

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but  honey, you and I know,

that even though you said you didn’t care

if a valentine came your way or not

it meant a lot, when someone said they cared.

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So guys and gals, you have plenty of time

to find a special card

that says, be my Valentine

Find one that is ” Eggzactly” right for that special friend or friends

and share a smile that will run for miles

saying simply, a heart/hug from me to you….

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Love you, each and every one of you.

Namaste   –   Oyashikiri

vintage valentines – Pinterest

Beary interesting…

lion,tiger and bear,sanctuary in Georgia

These animals became best buds.  A lion a bear and a tiger, they live in harmony and share a special friendship.  Found on today.com, they are in a sanctuary in Georgia.  If they can do it, why do we  humans have such a hard time of accepting differences (appearances) in others??

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Hmm is he/she having a bad day?  We all have them, each and every one of us. No exceptions. Just remember, the moment passes, it always does!

fbbe0f2d1be6f99e2889eb805e0ea86bWhen  push comes to shove,  there is usually always someone to help out.  We might not always be around to see it, but acts of kindness happen every day.  They simply are not what we hear about, except during the holiday season.  Why is that?

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This fellow seems to be as one viewer commented, hailing a cab, I think he’s giving us the high 5!  Although I don’t think I want to  tickle his tummy, I do appreciate his beauty.  He looks well groomed don’t you think?  He’d give a mean bear hug.

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These black bear cubs were wrestling in the cottonwood tree when they got sleepy and fell asleep in the middle of their play.  Did you go ” awwww’ and want to join in on the hug…?  Life is beautiful,  Life is full of caring and wonderful moments of simply ” BE”ing. Try it you may like it =^_^=

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This is the end of my beary interesting visit, I hope you have a fun and delightful day from beginning to end,.  If you’ve managed a smile through any of this, pass it on.

Namaste   –   Oyashikiri

bears found on Pinterest

October eve

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The month of October had so many themed events.  The stores were costumes were being sold were crowded almost every day of the week. It is amazing how many people get into the “spirit” of Halloween. We see on the telly streets where people have invested time and money decorating and producing gigantic themed sets around their homes.  It is a competition on whether Halloween or the Xmas season brings out the creativity in the “set designers” in the communities.

Who do you want to be?  How will you dress up for the party?  Do you deviate from your regular look, or do stick pretty much to outfits that compliment your everyday persona?  October is a month for adults/grown ups to really “play” at being someone else.  I personally find it difficult to be anything other than the person I am.  That said, I have many “sides” to my personality, certainly over the years, I’ve had opportunity to live out a number of my “passions”  As a Taoist, I do not believe in labels, or limiting myself.  I believe that in life we can be and do anything we set our minds to do.  If we can’t do something it is because we have not motivated ourselves into wanting to do it.  i.e. if you are a smoker, no one can make you stop smoking, it has to be something you yourself want to do, and act accordingly.

I recall in an early part of my life, being with someone who held me responsible for his bad moods or failure to enjoy himself.  LOL you are right if you guessed that this person did not remain in my life for very long.  It didn’t happen overnight, some times we are deaf, dumb and blind to our own circumstances. It is in living through the challenges we are given that we become  more in tune with our own needs and wants.

Beauty is not about visual appearances, but rather in the kindness we show others, the sincerity of our actions, and the gift of appreciation we have for life itself.

Fall is a time of year when the world is full of colour.  Let your light shine… be the “star” you are.

PL Precept #1  Life is Art

PL Principle #1   I will live paying careful attention, putting Makoto (sincerity) into all I say and do.

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True friendships last forever 

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a witch is good  for you.. =^_^=

and lastly, have

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Namaste – Oyashikiri

* found on funguerilla.com

** found retrogasm.tumblr.com

** found on squidoo.com

Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Obrigado,Grazie xxxooo

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Thank you all for your wonderful messages of love and friendship… I was overwhelmed when I got back at the birthday greetings and kind words. The road weariness evaporated  under a blanket of amazing heartfelt gratitude.  Many of you I have only met and interacted via social media and the virtual world, I really truly love and appreciate each and every one of you.

It was a wonderful birthday journey, filled with sunshine and balmy weather.  We got to explore, visit and rest, my husband once again shone with his thoughtfulness at ensuring that everything went well and that we were safe at all times.  To my fellow vintage buffs, this was the find of all finds, 100% silk, pure vintage, with beads that appear to be all hand sewn   ..=^_^=

photo (15) - Copy

 

Friendships are God’s gift to treasure for all time

Thank you again for taking time to share this special time with me.

Namaste -Oyashikiri

The gift of sharing

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Downtown is a busy place.  At this time of year the boaters arrive to tour the capital.  From my vantage point on the bridge I’m spending a few lazy moments watching the world drift by.  Behind me is a huge shopping mecca for tourists and locals alike. And across the street from the shopping center is a quaint marketplace where the trendy come to shop and sit in outdoor cafes.  Tourists enjoy the Designer shops, and the Farmers Market all blended in one big “Happening” environment.

Ottawa is laid out like a patchwork quilt, with different sections of the city offering it’s own style and colour. Chinatown, Little Italy, Westboro, The Glebe, each has it’s very own flavour to tempt and delight the visitors eager for an authentic adventure.

Friendships are like our own version of a quilt.  I’ve learned to appreciate each and every friend in my life for the gifts they bring to my “world”.  In a recent conversation, a friend I’ve not seen in some time, was asking me about another friend who I probably have not seen in a couple of years.  I was talking about the special qualities and the love I have for the person when my friend interrupted and exclaimed,”but you aren’t currently in touch!  And that was years ago?”

Hmmm I found that an interesting reaction,  if I love someone today, I will love them tomorrow, love is an opening of one’s heart to another, and involves genuine caring.  If that person, leaves or moves along a different path, or for whatever reason, there is a parting.  Love does not cease and become past tense.  Friendships that are genuine and true, last a life time.  Sharing love, caring, & affection is not a commodity, it is a gift and should always be freely given.  Not for what you want in return, but because you truly care, unconditionally.

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Good Morning Everyone – May your have a sunshine day.   Be Happy.    I love & appreciate you all.

Namaste   – Oyashikiri

nb* the bridge is behind the Rideau Centre the waterway is the Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Ontario,Canada

Flowers taken at the Experimental Farm, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

text and photographs – Q

The Green Door

door,green by Jim Gove on Flickr

Does a green door mean anything to you?  Do you know how many green doors you have passed through in your day?  Probably not. We go through a lot of doors, some more colorful than others.  Some we close behind us and others are left open.  A friend recently closed a door on me, the friend decided they no longer wanted to be friends.  Actually if I think back, I’ve probably had a few doors closed on me -smiles – what is the saying, you can please some people some time but not all people, all the time.  Something like that.

What happens when a door closes.  Nothing really, of course I guess it depends on what side of the door you are on, what view you will have, but the reality is, the door is closed.  You didn’t close it, but it is closed non-the-less.  In my earlier years I guess I would have tried to reopen the door, I no longer feel the need to do that. I’ve come to respect that if someone decides to close a door, it is their decision, and I respect that.  It doesn’t change my feelings, or my caring, because when I give or love, I do so willingly and from my heart.  There are no regrets when love is pure and true.

In PL(Perfect Liberty) we learn practical guidelines for living our daily lives.  These principles assist us in practicing the PL 21 Precepts.   The 1st Precept is …..Life is Art….       The 1st Principle …. I will live paying careful attention,putting Makoto (sincerity) into all I say and do.

Living harmoniously with the Universe is really about being in the moment and being mindful in all we say and do.  Doors whether open or closed are a beautiful reminder of movement from then to now.  I  like green because it is the color of growth and new beginnings.

Principle #4I will live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion) working for the happiness of others.

I wish you all a very good day, whatever it is your decide to do, keep at it, don’t give up until you have accomplished what you started.

Life is here for us to enjoy and to be lived.  All things come to fruition once the heart (content) and the object (form) are in accord with one another, you will be blessed with wonderful results.

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The past stands proud –   the present brings new life.

Namaste     – Oyashikiri

* Green Door by Jim Gove on Flickr

**abandoned building under blue skies – found on Pinterest

Happy Wednesday -Carsamba

landscape arch, longest natural arch in world Trevor Warren

Good morning everyone!

How we respond to others, how we greet our friends and acquaintances along the way, speak volumes about how we respect and feel towards fellow travelers in this world of ours.  Make it a point to be the first to say hello, smile, or greet someone you meet. A smile goes a long way in making the difference in someone else’s day.  Good relationships begin with the first hello. Sincerity (Makoto) plays a huge factor in the development of a friendship.  Be a friend, be someone who cares.

I have written to the person who shared this photo on Pinterest, I would love to know where this is.  If anyone out there recognizes the location, please.. drop me a line. It is alledged that it is the longest natural arch known.

*allaha1smarlad1k (goodbye)                               Till next time..    be kind, be aware, smile and take care.          Oyashikiri

kindness

 

 

* my attempt at Turkish without a proper keyboard  =^_^=

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