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Posts tagged ‘happiness’

The great escape

Tired of all that snow, ice and weather roulette that Mother Nature has been throwing our way. In many places in North America, she has been having her fun doling out a droll mixture of nasty and nice.  While cities and towns around NY city were being bombarded with a nasty snow and ice storm, NY city itself was a balmy 70 degrees.   Totally unexpected for the unlucky tourists who arrived in their winter togs for Christmas in New York.  That is what life is, isn’t it. One adventure after another. No matter how well we think we have prepared for the day, something usually crops up that is totally not in the plans.

Instead of snow, I went in search of some tropical holiday ambiance.  Since it wasn’t practical for me to try to actually travel at this time of year,  like you I’ve seen the television coverage of the over crowded airports and all the delayed and cancelled flights, I went into the virtual world of Second Life.  In SL I can listen and watch the world go by in the comfort of my home.  Today I visited Eliza Wierwight’s Art of Christmas at PATRON,  it was my first time to visit her build , it won’t be the last.   She is a gifted artist.  Her art works are available for sale, with some items shown as 100% profit to one of her causes.

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She not only creates an amazing world for you to visit, she has an interest in saving the elephants of Asia.  There are places one can donate all through her build. Save the elephant Foundation.  http://www.saveelephant.org/index.html   (a Thai non profit organization)

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I went in to escape from the snow and the constant talk about the weather.  In doing so, I spent a pleasant half hour exploring the creativity of an artist till today that was unknown to me, and discovering  a cause that was also new to me.  In Canada, elephants are not top of mind.

December is a month of STRESS in capital letters.  Whether it is happy stress or anxious, sad, worrisome stress, no matter how you cut the cake, it is stress.  It seems everyone around me is being “stressed” about something,  There are warnings galore about making sure you don’t over exert when shoveling, that seniors dress properly for the cold weather, children and adults are being warned about the dangers of catching a virus/flu,  Of course a biggie is “don’t drink and drive”.  My two cents.  Remember to take time to pray/ meditate.    Make time for YOU.   Stay mindful and present.  No one else can do these things for you. You are the master/mistress of your life.

It isn’t enough to just do things that make us happy, we need to find outcomes that include those around us.  Like that little pebble that drops into pond.  It creates a little plop, and slowly one ripple begins, then two, three and soon the pond has many expanding ripples that reach out and merge  till all the water has felt the impact of the little pebble.   Be the catalyst of a  happy day.  Share your smile, keep your internal batteries charged, stay tuned to GOD/TAO and bring your mega watt smile along with you in all you do.   LIFE IS ART

smilePencilThe challenges we deal with in life make us stronger!

PL Precept # 11  Always be with God   (PL Church of Perfect Liberty)

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Feeling good

Feeling good

An evening out, no an evening in listening to a DJ(Zzephyr Windgate) play “oldies” bringing back memories of another time. After weeks of feeling blah, the Universe broke through the gloom with sunshine and promise.
Have you read “Live with Passion” it is a Church of PL book, and can be had from the church. It was written by Rev. Yumiko Tsuyama with the forward by Rev. Margaret Stapleton (PL in CA.) Starting in 1994 until 2007 Rev. Yumiko Tsuyama made over 50 one or two page teachings in English. By using her own testimonies she did her best to share PL in a very simple and practical way. The book was published to share these teachings with English speaking PL members around the world.
I chanced on the book while standing in the lobby of the church. (everything happens for a reason) It was a spur of the moment purchase, it was written by a woman, it was in English, it was on a topic I love, I had the $10. I bought it.
When I got home, it was put on my desk and more or less forgotten with other “things” taking up my time and attention.
This is one example, but I don’t have to stretch far to find others of “impulse actions”.. you do something, and find out down the road, that there was a reason, you were “nudged” to do something.
God speaks to us in many ways.
God is everywhere, and all seeing.
The Universe/TAO is beyond definition
The Divine transcends all understanding

I found the book earlier today, it is wonderful, Testimonies are a wonderful way to absorb the teachings of PL

Believe in PL, PL Precepts are the truth. Never forget this. No matter what happens, trust and believe. Have faith. God is ONE and we are ONE with God.

my thanks to Gunnar Wetherby a gifted SL photographer who took the candid pictures of me

1 Lady Jan (janmargret)_002a copyjewelry is from Chop Zuey   >  shape and hair – Amacci        >skin/makeup  Style by Kira

gown is Purple Moon – taken at Frank’s Elite Jazz club

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Life

Life

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

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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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Winter scene

Winter scene

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

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Good morning everyone!

Good morning everyone!

We all see things so differently. When I stepped outside after dinner to my delight I found snow on the deck. The first snow is always so pretty, everything looks like its been sugar coated. =^_^=

“my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” – 11 Corinthians 12:9

Appreciate the gifts you have in life,…
I could see and enjoy the first flakes of snow, and the pretty picture they made for me to enjoy. My Mother who is legally blind, can no longer appreciate seeing the snow, but when told that it has happened, she can relive the memory from her earlier days.
Remember to share your gifts – Try not to squander what can be life’s greatest treasures, don’t take for granted your God given talents.

Reach out. Step outside the box. Tell someone you care. You are beautiful,, smile and bring sunshine into your world today. It all begins with YOU.

God Bless and keep you safe…..

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Faith

Faith

Faith is something that is very personal. Believe and your faith will stand the test of time.

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Let Go

Embrace the changing seasons

Go with the flow, Allow the light of God/TAO to be your guide

With every season, comes new life, new challenges and adventure

Embrace it all,   Freedom comes in Letting Go.

Blessings everyone, have a wonderful day.       

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Altruism

Altruism

Compassion, generosity,neighbourliness –
Kindness, charity,benevolence
Public spiritedness

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Quiet, continuity, steadfast, centered

78 degrees under bright blue skies, thoughts of fat scallops, abalone, and king size shrimps, sitting on a bed of fresh Udon noodles, ready to be tossed with a ginger garlic and soy dressing.

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School house needs to be cleaned out and ready for the winter feedings.

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Reminder to myself. > need to pick up a drill bit for my dremel so that I can drill holes when making little people.  Little people and  “happy cards” are ambassadors for the ‘share a smile ” campaign I’m doing.

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Which seasoning to use in my morning bowl of veggies, mushroom and egg?  Then now that the car is back, I guess I run errands, Yup, if I can time it right, Costco will be on the list.  Oh hum….its Friday…  let me share one more moment with you.  I met this man back in the late 70’s, backstage after a show at the then Montreal Forum, I enjoyed his energy then, and today, he still has me wanting to dance.  Funky Friday everyone, Shake it.

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Share the LOVE, share a SMILE,  Make each and every moment count.  Love you all.  Blessings, big and small =^_^=

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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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Happy Monday everyone

Enjoy the happy sounds of Ernie Haase and singers, rocking your day. song is Happy Rhythm.
Be Happy! Make this a day you’ll remember from now till forever.
Blessings….

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