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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

Bom dia, happy Saturday everyone!

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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

 

Goedendag! good day everyone!

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Good Morning Everyone!  Ahhhh what a day, what a day… kicked out of bed very early this morning by a whippet…a surprise wake up call! What can one do, standing over me with great concern on her face was the Porti (Portuguese Water Dog).. what else to do but smile.. No matter what rude awakening starts your day, S M I L E.

smile and hug

A nice big hug to go along with the smile is bonus!  It isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but a smile that reaches the eyes can melt a heart, change a mood and just be gall darn enchanting.  Not only does it make you feel better, it helps those around you have a better day themselves.  Happiness is contagious.  Now pucker up!

smile - pucker up

Hope I got a smile out of you today……     thank you for sharing this moment with me….. love, today and always……  Oyashikiri

 

photography >Pinterest/Flickr

sim,entendo. I understand

Good Morning everyone... how are you doing on this wonderful Thursday in April, here we are April the 10th. Just the other day we were celebrating the 1st of the month, the Day of peace, and tomorrow  is  Ancestor’s Day the 11th.  It is said, when time goes by quickly, we are enjoying life.  Oui,yes, life is good.  there is a lot going on and everyday brings new challenges, new beginnings.   Soon, very soon, outside I will see the first buds begin to sprout on the cherry tree.

cherry blossoms found on FB

We understand that we will have to wait for the sun to work its magic and for the tree to find its own time and cycle for it to blossom and bring forth the beauty of its spring foliage.  Why is it that we show such impatience in how other areas of our lives develop?  How often have I heard someone say,”  I understand”  when I’ve tried to explain something I’m feeling.  And, I can tell, from their actions, that really, my explanation  was not understood at all.  Vice verso, when I have said, “I understand” and I think I did, but did I really.  Emotions are hard to pin down, they are often very abstract.  We can’t predict, we can’t say at 6 pm this evening it will rain on Montcalm Street in Hull down through the village of Cantley ending  at the bridge.   We have forecasts that give us predictions, we listen, take it in, and then move on.  Not so easy to do with our every day comings and goings!  We try…. some succeed better than others .Often it has to be wondered if we even apply the same reasoning.(thought process)

cherry blossoms, kenji2006 on flickrToday I ask blessings of everyone in times of trouble.  Comfort for those who are facing a loss.   Calm for those passing their days without work during times of financial stress, Healing for those who are suffering pain and illness.  Encouragement for those who are finding it difficult to believe in the future.  Uphold those who are being tempted in any way today to turn their backs on life.  In all these ways and more, I ask  your Blessings, for we are ONE with Nature and the Universe, now forever and always…………………   Oyashikiri

 

Ancestor’s Day service is at 10 a.m. (PL Church)

btw. Just in reading the above prayer, you have added and given strength to the Blessing… thank you. =^_^=

pictures >Pinterest, bottom one is by Kenji2006 and was originally on Flickr

 

 

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

 

sens unique – bonjour mes amis – good morning my friends

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Good morning dear reader, I can be wordy, I know =^_^= however, this morning I found myself stuck on the two quotes I’ve posted here.  My prayer this morning was from an International publications book, called Prayers for good times and bad. It goes like this.

“Please, Comforting Spirit, show me what it means to let go the hope that others will be my cure.

You Great physician, are my healer in this quiet hour”.

 

 

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Sometimes I think I lead a very sheltered life.  I had not seen or heard this quote before. the movie it comes from I’ve heard about, know about, yet this quote has eluded me … now it jumps out at me.  My progress in life, comes in many forms the joys I have discovered in the transformation process have been many. Think about where you are today, are you happy, does everyday bring a new  experience for you to delight in?  Can you say you are genuinely happy……  I’ve come to realize that even in the moments where I’m grumbling and complaining..  yes… wonders on wonders.. I do find myself having such moments.  I’m doing so, because at that given moment, it is what I need to do, vent or moan, groan, it is my way of dealing with inner distress/conflict…. it 99% of the time has nothing to do with anyone else, but my SELF.  I am the only one who can make changes in my life, or who has control on how I feel or think.  Some “true” friend once said to  me .”own it” at the time I don’t know that I appreciated these words being hurled at me.. But I’ve never forgotten them, and he will always be a part of me for having had the inner strength to speak out honestly to me. It was my behavior he was addressing.  Mine.

floral heart

Strive each and every day to improve yourself – it is never too late to change the road you are on, or to simply stop and enjoy where you are.

Don’t reserve your best behavior for special occasions.    Walk in sunshine, today and always    …blessings…. Oyashikiri

pictures from Pinterest

Goedendag =^_^= good day everyone!

3012c01dcc3059b4172570c9577826a8In church yesterday, Rev. Tiago spoke of a story he’d heard when he was back in Brazil, studying to be a minister for the Church of PL  (Perfect Liberty) It was about Oshieoya-sama .  (This is the honorific title of the spiritual leader of PL, Rev. Takahito Miki).  He was telling  us that when Oshieoya-sama was younger, (still in high school) he felt that it was important to know about computers, and that the new technology would one day play an important role in the church and society. He focused and studied hard,what he learned he taught to others in his church group. The subject matter was advanced for his age group and academic level, but he applied himself, and eventually  he wanted to take the required exams for certification on this IT technology.   The exams were attended and taken  by students in senior levels he was the only one who was still at the high school level.  When the results were finally posted, of all the students who had taken the tests, only 5  made the grade. 1 of which was Oshieoya-sama.  On being told of his accomplishment, his first reaction was one of concern, on how the others had done.

Because of his achievement at such an early age, he was signaled out to be interviewed.  Always he included his fellow students, always when asked a question, on how he had managed to get such grades and pass the exams, he referred the question to one of the other graduates, by saying ,” thank you, yes WE worked hard,” and then he would turn and ask the other student to explain the complexities of the subject.  He did not accept the attention on himself and his hard work, but on the hard work of the others who had also achieved their goals.  Yes he was the youngest, but he knew that in allowing the others to have their time being interviewed it would help them along their career paths.

I so appreciated hearing Rev. Tiago talk about Oshieoya-sama.  His little story was a reminder for me  to put into practice more, the  21 Principles in PL,  in particular   #4 to live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion) working for the happiness of others.

It is so easy to get caught up in our own little worlds. In PL we are encouraged to pray for the happiness of others and society.   to strive to do things for the sake of other, and pray for their happiness as well.  Many of us will often review the PL 21 Precepts.  How often do we review the 21 Principles?    the PL 21 Principles, are the practical guidelines  for our daily lives as PL members.  They assist us in practicing the PL 21 Precepts, they are specific  guidelines how how to live the PL WAY. (an artistic life) and teach us how to reach a positive state of mind.  Anyone wanting to know more about what Rev. Tiago had to say yesterday, or to consult with him, Rev Tiago de Medeiros Chagas  –   tiago@perfectliberty.ca  or by phone 613-225-1850

flower,pink Chilean bell flower

 Pink Chilean bell flower

Even when we think we have put our best effort into what we are doing, we may have overlooked something. with a humble mind, take a second look, check for that there isn’t something you’ve missed.  Mistakes and oversights happen.  They are just part of life… little hiccups along the way.

Smile…  have a great day….. do your best to spread sunshine and happiness to others.    Blessings be……………..    Oyashikiri

photographs ->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

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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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