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Posts tagged ‘musing’

Vivre au jour le jour – to live from day to day; enjoy the present

crystal ball, bare branches in the ball, by april-mo flickr

Good morning dear reader, how is your day progressing?  Ever wonder just where yesterday went, never mind last week.  Do you have a crystal ball?  I’ve had many over the years, I’ve enjoyed their beauty, and the wonderful energy I’ve been able to associate with them, however, they have never shown me life in the future.  I believe in living in the present.  Yesterday happened, today is the present and today I will do my best to live each moment “being present”.  Allow me to share another French expression,  “vivre ce n’est pas respirer, c’est agir”  living is not breathing but doing” (Rousseau)

Last night, late, I thought I would prepare ahead for this morning’s visit.  I spent over an hour carefully reviewing and researching  photographs for today, I saved and filed them away.  I know I did this. I remember the pictures vividly and the thoughts that I lined up to go with them.  I went to bed happy with my research.  Content with the knowledge that this morning I would wake and my thoughts would be in order to sit down and share with you my musings,  Well so much for planning and being in the moment, today is another day, and this morning, when I started to write, my files simply couldn’t be found. Et voila, the best laid plans, gone into the void. In living a life of Perfect Liberty we learn that each moment is a turning point. (PL precept 18).  PL Precept #4 is Being annoyed limits our expression. –So.. instead I am sharing my moment with you, because I know, that each and everyone of you, have all had such moments, C’est la vie!  It’s life. =^_^=  no help from the crystal ball!

fd34d48efd4a3f79cfdc6a39e88eb93eDoesn’t this tree show its past with dignity and grace.  the photographer who is not known, had a wonderful “eye” for the beauty before him/her.  To the unknown artist  of this photograph, I say thank you.  I enjoy your work very much..  Your presentation of that moment in time, is breathtaking!

Let’s do our best to interact pro-actively with everything and anyone who comes into our sphere today, have a grand day my friends, I send my love and prayers to each and everyone of you.

Oyashikiri

cabin, by old chum on flickr

someone built a perfect little hideaway

smilePencil

 

 

photographs >Pinterest

 

Second chances

life is a mirror - pix found on flickr

No matter how hard life can seem at times, face it head on.  Live in the present, deal with today, every moment is a chance to approach the challenge in an artistic way.  If you have already tried to deal with it one way, and that way didn’t satisfy your requirements, then re-evaluate the situation.  If it involves someone else, or others, then you have to really understand your motivation for the change(s).  The only person you can change is yourself.  You can present options, and suggest when it comes to others, but you yourself cannot change them.  They might try to change for you, but it will be short lived, if it is not something that they themselves really want to do..

second chances

Second chances, when you ask about how others feel about second chances, you get mixed responses. Some feel that there is no such thing as a second chance, you either work out a situation or you move on, the world is full of new beginnings.  Others will say, if you are given a second chance it is because the first time, was the wrong time.  Tao, belief is that there is always Yin/Yang in life.  Two sides to a coin if you will.  I have found that in life, we flow from one side to the other, that is our “Divine” gift.  The Universe balances our lives with rain, sunshine, clouds and clear skies. When we make time to reflect/pray/meditate, we find the beauty in our lives, and appreciate them for what they are, “moments in time”….    Good Day Everyone… may your day be blessed with love and activities that make for happy memories.               Oyashikiri

via Zuly L - Pinterest

 

The skills and patience, the eye of the photographer, never cease to amaze and delight.  Often the photographer is not listed, I hope that they eventually get to see just how much their “art” is appreciated and enjoyed.

 

 

* flickr

** Pinterest

*** Zuly  on Pinterest

Simplicity

camper quote

There was a time before cars got bigger, faster, when the world moved at a more leisurely pace.  A Sunday drive was something you looked forward to after a busy week. Of course, that is if you had a car, if you were determined, we could ride the bus, then transfer to a streetcar that would take us out to a beach just outside the city limits, where along with other families we could enjoy fresh air and sunshine by the water  Today this beach is still there, but it is no longer outside the city limits, it is in the heart of the city and surrounded by homes,shops and restaurants.  Life has changed, and with it, the natural wonders that were so available before are now, way way out and require travel by motor vehicle to get there, and even then, it is protected land, or parks that are managed and looked after.  To find a really wilderness like retreat,  you have to get out the maps and plan accordingly.  And  unfortunately many of us, like certain conveniences of home to be with us while we enjoy a quiet retreat.

camper, pic 1

We have friends with a wonderful good size camper that they take off in every year for camping retreats they’ve found over the years.  They found a place by the water they can rent, park their camper, and then tour in their luxury truck that they purchased to visit the areas around the park.  Both are excellent cooks and bring their skills with them, dining out with them  has to be a feast of delights. They didn’t always camp, they took it up only a couple of years back, but once the decision was made, they applied themselves, researched and took action.  Now when I hear my friend say, that soon they will take off on t heir first trip of this year I’m green with envy. I’ve talked about doing what they have done, since they first got the idea and acted on it.  Years later, they have developed a roaming lifestyle that is very enticing.  Thanks to social media we get to enjoy many of their journeys and discoveries, but we (hubby and I) meanwhile, still have it on our “bucket list”

camper,vintage

 

Vintage campers are making a comeback, people are finding them and refurbishing them, fixing them up and putting them somewhere where they can have their home away from home at certain times of the year. In researching for this blog, I saw darling little caravans, little tin rolling cans as they are affectionately called.  So caught in my search, I started a folder of small homes/campers on my Pinterest page.  To acquire the simplicity that I would so like, requires work!  Unlike in a virtual world, I can’t just click on a button and be transported to another time and different location.  In the real world, I have to downsize and plan so that I can pick up and go. AND… unlike years gone by……. I have to travel further to find undeveloped spaces.  Hmmmm simplicity  I hear that to get to some lakes now, one has to be flown in, and guess what, at the other end is a camping resort, that may or may not allow pets.  Just saying.

silence by Rimantas Bikulcius on fivehundredpx

Bom dia, happy Saturday everyone!

bcf23d06156dba21e102b6c1b8ebbfd8

 

A lazy start to another wonderful day, closes my eyes, smiles and remembers yesterday. Would you look at this tree, how old must it be, how extraordinary its experiences in life must have been.  It is hard to tell from a picture just how  high that opening is, right away, I want to climb up to explore inside.  In some ways it reminds me of a big bird with its mouth open, and other times when I look at it, I imagine its the entrance to a hobbit condo.  Imagination is wonderful isn’t, so is intuition.  Both are gifts we were born with, some of us use these gifts more than others.

 

 

 

cherry blossoms -peaceful by Glenn Waters

It is still too cool in this part of the world, to lay in the shade basking  under the warm healing sunshine, but in other parts of the country this could be one of your options today.  Yes I am a bit of a day dreamer, but what is wrong with taking a bit of “laid back” time for yourself.  Value your intuition, often we “know” a little voice tells us, we “need” to slow down, engage in some “me time”. Instead we look at our lists, or to the voices of friends who want to go here, there and everywhere, and you become “busy, busy busy”.  We are not machines, and we all know that machines break down, require ongoing maintenance.  Unlike the tree in the first picture, we might not show our scars and our age in the same way, but instinctively we do know when its time to rest, when we have pushed ourselves to a limit. The “Universe” looks out for us, Believe and have Faith, listen to your “intuition”, stop planning every minute of your day.  Allow time in your day to  P L A Y.  Don’t wait for a better time, that time will never just materialize.  Be good to your SELF today.  PRAY=recharge,  rain or shine, make this a day you’ll remember.            PL Precept #18.   Each moment is a Turning Point.

LIFE IS ART……    LIVE IN PERFECT LIBERTY (PL #1 and 21)

                       May your day be full of blessings you will enjoy and cherish forever …….    Oyashikiri

pictures> Pinterest

 

Good Gozaimasu everyone!

rain, rainbow Teresa NYC discount diva Pinterest

Everybody wants happiness, no one wants pain, but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain *

Another bright sunny day, can’t wait to get outside into the fresh air and sunshine.  Having errands to run yesterday, I was out for half the day driving from one place to another, car window down, the air still a bit of chill to it, but I wanted the wind in my hair and that feeling of being on the move.  Not convertible time yet, but the motorcycle enthusiast are  out.  Just the day before everyone was moaning about the rain.  Certainly for those having to deal with the challenges that come with a lot of rain and melting from the heavy snows we’ve had over the winter, it wasn’t all hearts and flowers.  But to many of us, the rain meant a day without sunshine, it was wet and sometimes inconvenient.  Ever noticed that when it rains, the greetings aren’t so friendly, and some are even grumpy.

rain, micalea smeltzer

Have you ever danced in the rain?  Have you ever been caught in a summer shower? When I was younger, walking to work with my hair all done, my clothes all fresh and ready for a work day, caught without an umbrella didn’t make me cheerful. LOL.. I don’t think, I know I grumbled and mumbled words that would have earned me a proper scolding by my parents.  Older and wiser now, I am more accepting of the rain, I know it is going to rain, and there is nothing I can do about it, I can either stay inside, or go out and enjoy the world and what the day has to offer.  I no longer concern myself about my  hair, and if I know it is raining I dress accordingly, if I didn’t expect the rain, so what, I’ll dry.  Rain has been a part of this world long before I arrived, and it will continue to fall long after I’ve moved on.

rain, 911 by Rob Shanghai on flickr

I know that I have many of you who share these moments with me ,write,  doesn’t this picture evoke some kind of response from you.  Wow!   The photographer (*** below)  really captured a moment here.  That dear reader is what life is, we live our lives in segments, it may not seem so at the time, but I can assure you, that each and everyone of you, will come up with a different story line, or thought on what the picture says to them, or the emotion it evokes.  Let us all try to live life a day at a time and make the best of each moment whatever the task or challenge, don’t give up, look for the positives in the situation,  Life is art ….. and  someone, somewhere is living their day in a similar way …..   remember with the rain comes new growth and if you are lucky you will see your own rainbow.

smile,girl with goat Yunna by Elly Prestegaard -flickr

A smile and a huge hug to start your day!  Smile.

Oyashikiri

* posted on Pinterest by Teresa NYC Discount Diva

** picture by Micalea Smeltzer >Pintrest

*** photo 911 by Rob Shanghai.flickr.jpg

last photo >Pinterest

Feliz dezesseis – Happy 16th. mid week,mid month!

cherry blossom train, via Bethanane - flickr

Good Morning everyone!

For those of you old enough to remember there used to be a commercial on the radio, it was a catchy little tune, “double your pleasure, double your fun,… blah blah blah gum, ”  That is you coming down the track, and soon, you’ll have a choice to make, which track will you be on today. Surprise! no matter which one you take, you will have other choices to make.   Whether you go right or left, the vista will be different, and the journey a bit shorter or longer, but guess what… you.. the engine or caboose, will be the same.  Passengers (thoughts) may get off and on, on and off, but the train is there for the purpose of riding the rails.  So ride the tracks you will, and with each journey your passengers will change in number, size and shape. (relate them to your thoughts, experiences,challenges)

abandoned, found on fb

You can choose to see the journey you are on as something  that continuously  brings you through repeated miseries, or you enjoy the ride for what it is.  An opportunity to enjoy the different stages of life that surround you.  The challenges you are given in life, help yo grow stronger/wiser.  When you come across an area that seems bleak and sad, take a closer look, step back, look at the character of the build, see the vines that in summer will grow lush and green and possibly bloom with flowers. Elevate your optimism, become a better friend to your self.  The train will keep moving, in a few minutes, miles, your whole world will take on a different look, feel and ambiance.  There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.  Know!  Believe! Have faith!

train,tunnelBoost “happy” brain waves –  S M I L E .… over and over I encourage you to  S M I L E   why?  because it works.  A Swiss research study*  showed that when you spend 5 minutes a day, thinking of something that pleases you, and smiling so your eyes crinkle, your brain is tricked into being more upbeat..   There are times when we just don’t want to smile, we need to feel the sadness, or pain we are feeling, just know that by the next train station, that need will have passed.   Double your pleasure, double your fun, keep a smile on your  face, and stick to your guns.  Happiness is hard won, but win you will when you reach for the sun! =^_^=

snile,found on buzzfeed

Gatcha!  You gotta smile!

Blessings be… Oyashikiri

*Woman’s World,4.14.

pictures>Pinterest

 

Wishing you a happy start to your day!

buffet,day

Let your day be a smorgasbord of challenges that excite and provoke you in a positive way. Sometimes we allow our days to be routine, we choose to do the same thing over and over again, in the very same way.  Try something different, whatever you do, put your whole heart into everything you  do, even it is as simple taking the stairs instead of the elevator.=^_^=

Just as the Earth goes through a never ending cycle of rebirth and renewal, so do we.  You are a spiritual being, a divine life in expression.  Life is Art.

buffet,night

Come the end of day, know you have done your  best,  to live each moment of your day, the best  way you could.  That is all that is asked of you.        Blessings…..       Oyashikiri

pictures>Pinterest

remember the Mad Hatter

f3d0c4549d63f14beb165143c7dc4dba

When your days start to resemble a page from the Mad Hatter’s Daytimer ( calendar/agenda) it is time to stop, take a breather and regroup.  If you are content with your status quo, progress in your life will come to a standstill, and you will be running in place. Meditation/prayer on a daily basis is not just for “other people” it is for everyone.  However, or in whatever way, you find your “inner peace” make time each day to touch base with the quiet in you. Life is simple, we (humans) make it complicated.

once upon a time

Come along with me, step inside, just for a moment, see and feel the moss how soft it is, how green the new ferns are.  Wander slowly down the tracks, taking time to take a deep breath, hold it then slowly let it go.  Listen to the calling of the birds in the trees, and feel the soft gentle breeze as it plays in your hair. Carefully step closer to the fog, let it  wrap you in its gentle mist, feel the tension lessen in your shoulders, it is so nice and peaceful here…. please come again to share another moment of letting go.

I love and bless you all.  May you find your way today still wrapped in the embrace of  Nature’s caring “Way”    Peace be yours always….    Oyashikiri

 

photos >Pinterest

India’s living bridge

The living bridge by http://www.amoschapple.com  The description given was by Jessica Peavy   

Deep in the rainforests of the Indian state of Meghalaya, bridges are not built, they’re grown. For more than 500 years locals have guided roots and vines from the native Ficus Elastica (rubber tree) across rivers, using hollowed out trees to create root guidance systems.

bridge, livingIngenuity. man and Nature.

How ingenious the idea boggles my mind.  Who was the first to begin this chain of action that created this marvel. There is not only this bridge, there are others, you will find them if you do  a search on Google or…… In life we grow by overcoming obstacles and challenges that land in our everyday lives.  They can appear like weeds in the cracks of sidewalks, or a stubborn stain on a favourite shirt. LOL we know what to do with these, and if we don’t, usually there is someone we can ask or a place to go to find a solution. What about the problems that come along that aren’t so easily solved.  Do you view your problems as opportunities for growth?  do you make the best of the situation you find yourself in, or dealing with?   I wonder how long it takes for the roots of the rubber tree to grow, does anyone know?

I am reminded how everlasting Nature is, and how even with the slings and arrows we (humans) bombard her with, the sun comes up each morning, and the moon comes out at  night.  Soon I will be able to look out my back door and see the new growth in the trees and shrubs.  When the sun is higher in the sky, I’ll feel the warmth on my skin, and smell the earth soaking in the energy of life, to feed the winter weary roots that are waking after a long cold winter.  The sun and moon bridge our days and nights.

Italy, Pompei, oriignal road, by p'titesmith 12 on flickr

History captured by ptitesmith 12 and posted on Flickr.   Here is a road that most have been build rock by rock (Pompei, Italy)  See how smooth the years have made them.  Each one of us, like these rocks, or the roots above, are being guided, we are only a piece/particle in a very large cosmos.  Will there be a reminder  of our  having been here, when we are gone, returned to dust/ashes.  I would be like a gentle autumn breeze rustling the multi coloured leaves till they fall, creating a patchwork of different shapes and shades against fields of yellow, gold and green.  Sometimes felt, remembered but not seen.

Portugal,forest path,madeira

Today,tomorrow & always  …Oyashikiri

Portugal,forest path,Madeira >Pinterest

 

Garlic Anchovy Salad Dressing

What is for breakfast ?   Good morning everyone!  I’m going to try once more to show you the first salad that tempted me. For some reason, WP (Word Press) and I were not in sync when I wanted to post this. So here goes..

Heirloom Tomatoe Salad with Anchovy Vinaigrette

It worked! good.  This recipe was found on foodandwine.com   I am going to add hard boiled eggs, after all it will be breakfast.  =^_^=  I meant to only use this one picture of food, but when I saw all the wonderful ideas using anchovies, I wanted to share them.  I do recognize that there are a lot of people who do not enjoy anchovies but then, vive la difference!

Today the meditation was about beginning each new day with a renewed sense of appreciation.  I looked at my desk and found a package from the anchovies I brought back from my trip to the States the other day.  Hmm yum, anchovies with capers in pure olive oil, usually I get the little fillets and use them to season my cooking and for a special treat I will do them with cloves of fresh garlic and toss that over pasta with hot chilies …(see recipe below)  That got my morning thoughts interested in satisfying my taste bud.  I did my best to ignore Canaille’s big brown eyes looking up at me expectantly, (Canaille is our Porti, Portuguese Water Dog) it didn’t work, mindful of her empty tummy I couldn’t very well keep teasing mine with the sight and possibility of food, and not respond to my ‘baby”. so rest easy, I took time to feed the dogs.

Such is life isn’t it, we start out with good intentions, but often our thoughts are diverted, or our attention, and we need to pause and do something else. But with a purpose, if we are dedicated to the task at hand, we finish what we started, we return to our project and we  pick up where we left off.  The key to achieving something is to stick to it.   Don’t give up! Keep at it until you’ve accomplished what you started.

Now, I’ve posted some goodies for you to enjoy, maybe you’ll be tempted too.  For now, I bid you a good day, I’m off to start my day, and decide just what I will delight my taste buds with on this beautiful sunny Sunday!      Blessings all..                       Oyashikiri

92f7cc97b9f3177acb37ec5943eb639e

Tomatoes with Anchovy Dressing    Found on Martha Stewart.com   -Martha is one of my favourite people – she is a survivor!

Gluten free • Paleo • Serves 4
Martha Stewart         Tomatoes with Anchovy Dressing – Martha Stewart Recipes This looks dangerously good–I could eat this entire recipe easily.


grilled-potato-salad-su-x

Grilled Potato Salad for lunch or dinner hmmmm…  Grill Yukon gold potato halves and combine with a mixture of tomatoes, capers, oregano, olives, and anchovies for a Mediterranean-style potato side dish. (taken from Pinterest this morning)

recipe_spaghetti-with-anchovy-garlic_500x750

 

This dear readers is one of my all time favourite comfort dishes. Garlic Anchovy pasta. I’ve been making it for years.  I found a recipe this morning while browsing the photo credit was to Helen Rosner.  I copied the receipt since if you want to try and do it, it will be helpful, I myself just wing it according to my wants and taste buds at that moment.  I do use the hot chillies…yum       Yup this will be a for sure later today!!!  I know I know, it will be a serving for one, you’ll get something else. (Hubby does not like anchovies) =^_^=

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