Finding this display of Chinese eggplants
Finding this dogwood in its brilliant display of colour
Finding this bouquet of flowers just for you
I am but one person,
yet today my heart overflows with an abundance of love and joy
and I owe it all to YOU
namaste – Oyashikiri
This is what ice and cold can do to a perfectly good wharf over a winter season. In my journey west of the city yesterday, the ice and snow was gone. Today my travels were taking me towards Montreal, on the old hwy. After a stop for some supplies in the town of Alfred (famous for its fries, and small bakery) we decided to return home via Hawksbury. Already as we had been making our way east, we saw how there was still snow in the fields.
It had been such a mild day yesterday, with the sun so bright today, I was ill prepared for how cold it was by the water. Like duh… look at the ice, it is still in chunks and plenty of it. Never-the-less I had a great day, the dogs got to walk in new territory, I got to browse and peruse two floors of supplies for my card making. I decided to try the Motorola cell phone to take some of the pictures, I usually use my all-purpose iPhone when wandering.
Thought I’d do a colour and clarity test. I had been very happy with the Motorola till I went back to using my iPhone for my one and only means of communication (phone/cell) we did away with our land line.
Sometimes, the mind just wants to try something different, and needs to experiment and be creative. One of my “lessons” in life is to try to be less lazy. Yes I said lazy. I was going to bring my “wellies” but didn’t because it would have meant going back in the house and carrying them out to the car. that meant, when I wanted to get a good picture of the above tractor, I had to stay in the truck because the ground around was simply too muddy and wet for my “expensive dress shoes” You might as well get the tissue box out, there is more.
There was some wonderful old wall paper (cornflowers) in the old house. The door was wide open, I could see inside. Because I didn’t have the proper footwear, I had to stay on the road, for this picture. So I can only tell you how pretty it was, even stained and aged. It sent my mind into story telling mode, I wanted to write about what it must have been like living in the old house when it was young and vibrant. We drove on with the passing miles so did the mood. I was looking forward to seeing the pictures that I did get.
There are repercussions to actions we take or don’t make time for. Here is how it goes, I took great pictures with the Motorola, when we got home I was keen to see them, they looked great. BUT when I came to send them to the computer (desktop) they wouldn’t load. I tried to hook the cell phone up to the hard drive, so that I could copy the files from the phone to my PC, that wouldn’t work either, I kept getting an empty message.
Grrrr I had in mind what I wanted to write about and the pictures I wanted to use. This is where PL Precept # 4 Being Annoyed limits your Expression.. comes in mighty handy. I spent a long time, trying everything I could think of, I realized that to move the pictures I might have to figure out how to resize the pictures, one by one. Then I thought to send them to my Flickr page, but that didn’t work because for some reason, I couldn’t log in.
I got out the Pl Principles and looked for positive support, PL Principle #1 is I will live paying careful attention, putting Makoto (sincerity) into all I say and do. Right away, I knew that I had not been applying that to my actions during the day. I was enjoying myself yes, but I did things without thinking through or considering the consequences. PL Principle #8. I will not have a mind to be greedy. and yes, I was wanting to do this, this and this.. I was not taking time to appreciate what I was doing I was just reacting to my “wants”.
PL Principle # 3 I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.
Like the frozen ice, and the effects it had on the material objects around it, when it froze, thawed, and froze up again, nothing stayed the same, with each change the water/ice/snow went through, there was a change to the inanimate objects around and on it.
I did get some of the pictures, but others are lost to me at the moment, this last picture was taken in Siberia (photographer unknown) I think my mind spent some time astral traveling today, it was a good day, a lot of exciting moments, and for sure some good lessons for me to consider and work on.
One of the reasons I love life so much, is that everyday is a new beginning. Having wonderful friends, and an ongoing communication with God, means that the blessings are always there, we need only recognize them, appreciate them and grow in LOVE.
Namaste – Oyashikiri
PL Precept #11 Always be with God
first sentence in PL Principle # 14
I will not have a mind to be lazy
last picture is from Pinterest
others are my own
PL Principle # 3 I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things
We started the day with no clear destination in mind, simply one of our adventures in learning. The minister I’m working with is from Japan, although he has lived the last six years in Argentina. Now he is in Canada. Seeing Canada through someone else’s eyes is very interesting, we are together, so he can learn English, but the reality is that I am learning so much just from sharing his experience with him.
The miles of neat farmhouses, swept past as we made our way down a secondary highway back to the city, “what is that” he exclaimed as we drove by a property that was full to brimming with objects, most who had seen better days.
Having been to Japan, I could well understand his consternation. ” Look” he said “there is the entrance, but no one can enter” Looking down the lane I could see what he meant. I was still trying to figure out what to answer him. The sign said antiques, but…. there was very little space to move between what rows there were. Every available space was taken and from where we were, it looked like the rooms inside were much like the outside. we mutually without verbalizing it, simply moved on. There was no draw, or interest for us. yet to someone else, this would be a treasure hunter’s paradise. In French there is an expression, translated says, to each his/her own.
We did find a treasure of our own, in an eating place that claimed home-made meals, and baking, it was very nice. Nothing fancy, just good, home cooking and healthy portions. The whole idea of out outings is for the minister to experience our culture, and what better way then to drive out to the country. See life in the small towns, cross over bridges that span one of our many rivers and abundance of lakes. The snow is not all gone, but spring is on its way,
Never judge a book by its cover, the inside is warm and welcoming, and the food, delicious. Lots to pick from, This little gem is outside of Perth. Perth, can you say Perth… it was a lot of fun, hearing it said by the minister, he has a great sense of humour. No matter how hard he tried, the sounds would not work for him.. It will come in time, but for me… it brought home an awareness of just how spunky he is, In less than a year, he is already able to read and carry one a conversation, it may be short sentences, and one word at a time, but he is doing it. I’m so proud of his achievement. His sincere efforts to learn and his application to learning, inspires me, to do better with my projects in life.
When we approach each day like an open page, a vista waiting for the seasons to change, and new beginnings to come into our lives, we are growing, we are taking in new sights even if we have seen them hundreds of times before, each time is different. No two days are alike, every second is different.. that makes every day an adventure, and a thrill to live,
Look the crocus are in full bloom today … they are happy and singing, with their pretty faces lifted towards the sun, life is good, it is all in a day, to laugh and play, come what may, we are here today, and loving it…..
namaste – oyashikiri
PL Precept # 1 Life is Art
he discovered Tim Bits today!!
Carleton Place,Perth. Smith Falls, Ontario
Many of you will remember the story of Cinderella and the glass shoes. It has been interesting over the years watching as the storylines that are shown, in the “romantic” interest themes are so different. Today’s young do not wait for their prince charming to come and rescue them from their life of toil and grime.
I felt the hurt, a couldn’t stop the single tear from falling
you saw my pain, and gently wiped it dry
We played with dolls, we dressed them, told them stories, cared for them, till the time came, when they were put on a shelf, and left there to amuse themselves, they were part of our past.
we fell in love, every day was sun filled
I walked on air and saw every petal of the single rose
you brought to me each day
I dried the petals and safely tucked them away
I knew I would keep and cherish them all my days
Time changes us, sometimes we stay on the same path that our love is on, and often times, as the world opens up to us, we find ourselves in different parts of the city, coming home only to eat, sleep and then we return to the life we have in another part of the “world’…. yes world, because the world we shared with someone at a different time and space, is now no longer where our daily focus is.. Our world has gotten bigger and with it, our thoughts and wants are no longer the same.
One day I asked myself, what was in that pretty vase
for I had long gone past the time
when it was part of what I did that mattered in my every day.
Some of us, can smile, remember the memory and move on. We clean out the vase, and either give it away, or put it to another use … something more in step with how we are … today…
Once upon a time
this was an acreage of vibrant life
that rang with the call of birds,
who had their homes in the trees that stood there
now the land has been cleared
the wild life that had called this area their home
have had to move on
change is the only constant in life
fairy tales, are a part of growing up
the reality we live
through our journey in life
the character we build
the lessons we learn along the way
these are what takes us into beyond
Love is everywhere
love IS forever
material possessions are temporary
the only love that last forever
is one that is free to BE
True love transcends all earthly boundaries
and it all begins
within
landscape photo Mexico.NY,USA
Hello.. imagine walking along and coming across this scene. This picture was taken in an abandoned amusement park. The dinosaurs in the park are made from fiberglass. the prehistoric park reportedly opened in the early 1960’s and closed in 1999. The sculptor was a James Q.Sidwell, when I came across the article, I thought. I wonder how he feels now that the park has just been abandoned, yes there are motion sensors to keep out vandals, but the creativity of the crew that put the park together .. has been left to return to nature.
I came across this bit of information because I followed the trail of this picture posted by Cyriaque Lamar (4.27.10 filed to Modern Ruins) for more reading on this piece you can read the original post here. When we come across these “wonders” we can only guess at the reason they closed their doors.
As an artist I’ve learned that every day is a new canvas. In PL. PL Precept # 1 is LIFE IS ART Every day is a new beginning,to be able to accept and delve into the challenges of the day, makes us stronger, and better people. Learning to let go, is not easy. The above picture (nuevomundotours.com) is of the Inca trail in Peru. I remember a time when I searched through books, and checked travel guides for how I could get to Peru. I never got there, and my life has not been any poorer because that desire didn’t come to pass. It was a passion, it passed, replaced by something else … that took me in another direction, and filled my life at the time.
Just because we want something today, doesn’t mean that if it is not meant to be, we should be lost and devastated. Rather, appreciate the desire, the passion, enjoy the moment, capture it if you must, but be ready and willing to let it go’
Freedom is a state of mind.
When you can allow yourself total immersion
in the moment
the JOY of life will be with you always
Love is life
Love is being ONE
with the Universe/GOD
This is a picture of the artist Frida Kahlo, who at the age of 18 had her life completely changed, due to an accident. She had been intending to attend University and become a doctor. The accident changed all that, she was hospitalized for some time, over her short life, she possibly underwent some 30 surgeries. Her life and her art can easily be found by sourcing google.
In this picture with the use of a mirror she is painting on her body cast. She had a life full of drama and adventures her name was linked with many public figures. Always she painted for herself, she is quoted as saying “I paint self portraits because I am so often alone… because I am the subject I know best”
Another of her statements ” I am not sick, I am broken, but I am happy to be alive, as long as I can paint”
When I read about her, and saw her work, I could see the pain in her work, she was known to work slowly, patiently and she expressed her pain, emotional and physical, through her works. Born in Mexico, it was where she wanted to be, and that is where she died. She created some 200 paintings,drawings and sketches all related to her personal experiences in life. When reading about her life, we see adjectives/words, like turbulent, painful, colourful. I saw determination and need to express….
This is by another artist that has made history with his work. Rodin. This is the marvelous piece called “L’Eternelle Idole” I implore you if you want to read more about this piece to visit, The Alchemist’s Pillow The words written to describe this sculpture brought it to life even more, then by just looking at it and taking in it’s every nuance.
Everyone is an artist, only our way of expressing what we see, feel and think, is different. Unique to each one of us.
In PL we say, everyday is a new beginning. PL Precept #18 Each Moment is a Turning Point.
Bronze, Musee Rodin Paris –
have a happy meaningful day, express yourself in a positive way. Love is everywhere especially in and around YOU!
Namaste – Oyashikiri
This week I received a lovely thoughtful Valentine card from a dear friend in Australia. She said, she knew Valentine’s day was usually for lovers, but she really wanted me to know how special I was to her, and that she carried a love for our friendship in her heart, always. I was very touched, we met years ago in a virtual world, but soon found many interests that we had in common. Our friendship has stayed true of the years, we not longer talk as often, or write as often, our paths went in different directions. But, the feeling of love and friendship remained. At anytime, we can pick up and visit, like yesterday, time has not been a factor.
Love is a precious gift. True friendships will weather any storm. Cliches you say, they are words of wisdom proven to have endured through the years. Tomorrow, the 14th was set aside not just for lovers, but for letting those around you know, that they were appreciated and a fun caring way of saying, hey you are special, be my Valentine. Whether that was a teacher, a co-worker, fellow student, it was fun preparing the Valentines, and sending or passing them out.
Somewhere along the way, the words I love you, seem to have taken on a very different meaning. AND often the love it espouses doesn’t last very long. Love is beautiful, and when we truly love, we care 100% for those we love, and their happiness. Should paths go in different ways, shouldn’t diminish that love, however…. I do see around me…. that when love no longer shines, here is another cliche for you.. when the bloom is off the rose…..it seems that all that is left are the thorns.
With love from me to you… young, old, short, tall, I love you all.
HAPPY HEART AND FLOWERS DAY
Namaste – Oyashikiri
PL Precept # 10 Love Yourself and Others
PL Precept #15 All is a Mirror
Wonderful vintage valentines found on Pinterest
to live each day, moment by moment
taking in everything, we see, feel and experience
some days, are good, some are great
and then, we have an extraordinary day
with a beyond awesome awareness
that leaves you grasping for the words
to express what you are living
in that instant and moment in time
fascinating that no matter where or when
these moments happen
a new world opens up before you
‘and nothing can be ordinary again
time stands still,
the total surrender to the moment
it is like seeing the world for the first time
the wonder, the vast expanse of Universe
and our unique ONENESS
brings body, soul and spirit
in that second of realization
to a state
of beyond awesome.
Namaste – Oyashikiri
PL Precept # 1 Lie is Art
photo-Pinterest
text- Q
i sat and stared
my eyes saw
my mind withdrew
such beauty, so structured
did anyone live there
was this in my past
did my ancestors really
live in this enchanted world
I am drawn to the calmness of the water
and the mirror image of the sky
in my garden,
I find the water feature soothing
the sound of the clear water
as it falls in a gentle cascade
to ripple and gurgle
on a hazy summer day
yes, I do believe
this day is ending
and I am already heading
towards a gentle unwinding
gradual closing of today
all things are possible
every moment of our lives is a treasure
we are part of a fantasy and dream
life is a continuation
of now
Till soon
Namaste – Oyashikiri
verse/text Q
pictures -Pinterest
Start of a new year for those of us who follow the lunar calendar. Lots of celebrating, dancing, fireworks, colour and excitement. Do we carry the colour and enthusiasm into our new year?
I’d like to think that I do. Every day I try to bring colour of some kind into my days. Whether it is creatively crafting, writing, problem solving, I enjoy the challenge of working something through from beginning to finish. That said, what I want to do, and what actually happens, hmmm let’s say, the stars don’t always align.
Do I get angry, annoyed, no… Why? Because getting angry, stewing and simmering about something that has happened, will not remedy the situation. PL Precept #4 – Being Annoyed Limits your Expression. PL Precept # 5, One’s Self is lost by being Emotional. Let’s be clear, that doesn’t mean I never snap, or get annoyed with something or someone, I do, but I also have learned to let it go. Once I vent, spew off the negativity, express my reaction, puff, it is like a breath of fresh air washes over me, and it’s gone. What, may take all of a few seconds, or a minute or two at most, and its gone.
PL Precept # 17 Grasp what is Most Essential. Believe me, I am much happier, when I am at peace with myself. Reread that last bit if you need to, I work at being at peace with myself. It is only when I can be at peace with myself, that I can reach out and be useful and loving to someone else. If we live our lives being angry, then we are not going to achieve love and peace for others, because it hasn’t begun within ourselves.
PL Precept #15 All is a Mirror.
Be content, be happy, share that love and happiness with others.
We are all blessed with the gift of life, love and the tools to maintain and express this love.
Life (Living) is an art form
May sunshine bless each and every day of the year
for each and every one of you.
Dear readers, you are all so appreciated in my life,
Thank YOU
pictures,illustrations found on social media
dymoonblog 