A fine WordPress.com site

Posts tagged ‘photography’

Hey it snowed last night!

165bf6c0797355975539f954c5d08faf

 

Ahhhh don’t we wish it could be so, idyllic fresh fallen snow, the crisp country air and evergreens looking like sugar-coated fantasy trees in a Disney movie.

14053387bb979564eb45bfb0210f4db7

This was a picture found on social media after the big storm in the Buffalo area. (Yahoo  news)  Somewhere between the two lies the different realities of a winter day in the part of the world that enjoy the wonders of nature’s four seasons.

 

 

Sadly even those who know that winter comes every year, and have been how to drive in snow, forget or choose to  do it “their own way”  Often drivers have not even prepared their cars for winter driving.

2836458b3876427099b929abff818d94

This picture was taken of a snow-covered street in Tokyo  during a heavy snowfall.   Remember the stalled vehicles in Kansas City in 2013.

6d10f8174835715954c75e97447935c5

We are not all in positions where we can avoid being out when Mother Nature gives full expression to her capabilities, however, as in all situations in life, if we are prepared, and focused on what we are doing, challenges are always easier to deal with.  When we deal with situations out of our control in creative ways, ingenuity lights the way,

8aa02024b124fd2e9a96f97e2e1f6a49

Believe you can do it.  And know without a doubt, that God/Tao  will see you through. (picture of a commuter during a bad storm in London in January 1988) – below is a picture taken Dec.13.2013  of snow in Egypt, the first time in 112 years.

37433ba23a69ad365df6a1d9dbd1a25bSnow is part of Nature’s natural wonders,  we cannot escape the negatives that happen in our lives , but we can choose the way we deal with them. Take a page from Snoopy’s philosophy in life.  relax and enjoy!

3a4ecc779a3dfd261716a8ab616ff69d

 

Simplicity

7ca03292a517eabb4ab236661f6ba45c

If you are fortunate to be walking  or driving slowly by, the rhythmic sound of the horse’s hooves and the turning wheels is very pleasant.

3ff439863813bbb2cdc794965d5b61df

Soft muted shades of the Amish clothes, to some is very soothing.  Laundry that hands outside to dry always has such a fresh smell to it.  Winters, laundry is hung under cover or outdoors, just as in other seasons.

e54deae8cb9836ed40b3ed6c83cc96c6

 

When a large piece of a barn has to be moved, Amish men come together to carry it along the highway to its destination.  this was in the Kalona area of Iowa.

3bbb5c5d7f86369179ccb83da7bc4082

Simple, plain, no mirrors, the basics.

809aeb59cbb14da2b01a80489b3c69c8

 

Now this is an Amish quilt I’d like to get a closer look at.  Wouldn’t you?

560fa165e68494eaeeff838140531084

This brings back memories of days when we would see sights like this on country roads if we were driving through farm country.  The smell of freshly cut hay wafted through the car windows as we followed slowly along behind.  It gave us a wonderful opportunity to just sit back and coast along while taking in the sights around us.  When the farmer could, they would usually pull over and give us the OK to pass.397a1d0674177698d6c0725ed83cc7f2Noooooooooooooo, not what you think.    It is common in some Amish communities to allow the use of a telephone, but not in a home.  Several families will share a telephone, that is conveniently place in a small wooden shanty between the farms.  If there is a need to use the internet, there are usually libraries in nearby towns.

3f4266cbdfbcdfab70e0122a7041105c

 

Sewing is done by hand or with a treadle sewing machine.  I was very humbled when invited into an Amish home.  I saw her machine and her home-made  quilting frame.  She worked at night by kerosene lamp and what ever light came in through the windows.  She told me she did most of her sewing and quilting in the winter months when there was less to do in the fields.

0f398a121325853888f63d0026cb2a10

Simplicity – when was the last time you walked along a stream in your bare feet,  turned off all the lights at night and just enjoyed the evening stars.  There is a saying ” If you want something you’ve never had, then you have got to do something you’ve never done.”

Live your life!

Forget your age, and what others have to say..

Only you can make the changes in your life

To live life your way.

Namaste   – Oyashikiri

pictures -social media

Happy Thanksgiving

f7b702e84622d90b41dda34477cfd230

When I keyed in the word Thanksgiving, my screen was instantly filled with pictures of food,  Very delicious tempting foods, from salads, veggie dishes to main dishes.  But I was looking for more. Even the crock pot BBQ Beer pulled chicken with cheddar corn popovers, tho’ yummy, was passed on.

crockpot BBQ Beer pulled chicken Thanksgiving I know is about gathering with friends and family to enjoy the bounty of a good fall harvest.  Often it is the last big feast before the holidays in December.

For members of PL (Perfect Liberty)  we celebrate Thanksgiving  every 21st of the month. 12 months of the year.   Why .. because it is an important reminder that we should always be thankful and grateful for the life we are living.  I came across a prayer the other day I would like to share part of it with you.

Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers,

But to be fearless in facing them.

Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, 

But for the heart to conquer it.

Let me not look for allies in life’s battlefield

But to my own strength.

cf4271bdcb5385416d2456f17aa844a0

I am grateful every day for my friends, I count each and everyone of you as a friend.  I am truly blessed.  May the Universe grant you your prayers, this day and always.  Blessings …

“A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your heart”

Namaste   – Oyashikiri

 

 

 

 

* found on halfbakedharvest.com ( salted caramel apple snickers cake)

** halfbakedharvest.com – you’ll find recipe there

*** prayer found in 2013 Friendship Book

 

moving forward

path, by ojaipatrick on flickr

I hold my breath, close my eyes and count to ten

Will this anxiety ever end..

Somewhere out there, I know someone cares

Why, why is it when I look, no one is there

I read the other day that God is everywhere

In my prayers, I cry for help,  

over and over I do my best to express my self

I think I am doing my best, and yet

there is the tiny tug inside my chest 

that maybe, just maybe, I’m out of touch with my quest

that along the way I turned right when I should have gone  left

Pray with faith, is what  I’m hearing

listen with your heart, not your head

only then will you see the road ahead….

Yes of course, in you I’ll trust

only then will my life change, and you will lead me

to where I am meant to be, and I will be anxiety free.

b9ebf60e23be04ad6fac95d8aa7c1a7c

In still waters I will be

when the Universe dwells in me

Namaste – Oyashikiri

Perfect Liberty

IMG_7266

This is the PL Peace Tower at headquarters in Japan.  In 1970 the Second Founder oversaw the completion of the PL Peace Tower.   The Second Founder established the Federation of New Religious Organizations of Japan, he was appointed to the Commission for Religious Cooperation.  During his tenure he visited the Vatican three times, meeting both Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II to talk of World Peace.

The Peace Tower is a non-sectarian monument built at the PL Holy Land in Japan, it is dedicated to ALL from the beginning of time, who have lost their lives a s a result of war.

da8a0c9629d56e8ba5a5aea024c2b3f8

 

May 2015 marked 100 years since the popular poem was written.

7e863f05afe07089b39e636b50380ea2

Peace begins at home, in our hearts.  When we can sincerely live (with Makoto) for the sake of others and society. Peace begins when we live with love in our hearts.   PL Precept #14 – world Peace is Everything!

PL Precept #21 – Live in Perfect Liberty

Namaste     –     Oyashikiri

Thanksgiving service is this Friday, 21st. 7 pm.

upside down

0b52b76dac82e3897f404805b96ff6c2

Oops feeling upside down these days, maybe life has given you one or two challenges you were not prepared for.  Isn’t it always the way, if you lie there long enough, maybe, just maybe and germ of an idea will unfold….. or maybe

0bb2b1adce2bf09a4d3150815c39478e

 

You’ve been getting that closed in feeling.  You seem to be looking out and not getting out.  That happens too.  What to do, what to do???

Hey by Jove, I got it…. you with me?  I have an idea…  we could make time to go out and play.  What do you say, huh? Huh….?  boy will we have fun, we’d both get some fresh air, and…. well…. the best of it, for me that is, is we will share some quality time together.  Boy would I love that! Boy ob boy, oh boy…..   I really really wanna, what you say HuH?

 

 

1380e7837af098ff43107517fd2fa4b9

 

Are you listening to the world around you?  Do you hear your name being called, the want in your partner’s voice, the sadness in a friend’s eyes, when our world is upside down, we often think that God is not paying attention.  That is not so, Always the “Presence” is there, we are simply not listening with our full attention.  Value your intuition, when you have a thought or an idea pop into your head, pay it heed. Upside down might just be the position to be in at the moment in time.  =^_^=

debd8dc20d15e4182b2b76fd48f9889c

Ok, I’m ready now….  are you?

Namaste   –   Oyashikiri

top 3 pictures,turningpoint2.tumblr.com

thank you SO much

b64591a3d5881871611cec2fdbdf80e9

“Thank you so very much” said the voice, it was soft and cultured, without turning I knew that it would be someone older, of an “age” when courtesy and etiquette mattered.  I heard rather than saw the smile in the young woman’s voice that was serving the client.  The store was busy, crowded with shoppers looking for that special gift at the advertised discounted prices.”You are so welcome, it has been my pleasure” was the reply. The interchange between customer and sales associate  made me smile, I felt a nice feeling and thought what a wonderful way to start a day.  When I turned to the area where the voices had come from I was surprised to see not an elderly woman, but a young girl with faded jeans, and a torn T-shirt, her hair was dyed a fluorescent pink, her lips and nails were an ebony black, studded with blinking gems. When she smiled at me I saw that she had a tattoo of a rose on her  cheek and a gold ring in her nose. I must have stared, because she gave me a knowing smile, while   flashing me the sweetest of looks from the  bluest of eyes under the longest lashes I’ve ever seen.  With a mischievous nod of her head, she winked at me and said “A very good day to you Mam” and gracefully turned and walked away.

The sales associate who had witnessed this exchange gave a little giggle, and said, “isn’t she just the greatest”  I recovered my surprise and agreed with her that yes,  “she” certainly was.  That was …… and she named the actress who was playing at the theatre up the way.  Ah…. a light bulb went on in my gray matter….yes there was a play happening in the city, and they could have been having a dress rehearsal … yet … I knew I had just been given a “lesson”  a reminder, that I should not be judging a book by its cover, and I for sure, should not have made assumptions…. PL Precept # 18 – each moment is a turning point.

PL Principle #2 … … …. I will look for and be aware of shortcomings in my own thinking and actions  **the exact wording to this Principle is  “I will not have complaints about others, matters, nor the weather.  Rather I will always be creative and will look for shortcomings in my own thinking and actions.

02e1528600a592817fbfa1c67158c13f

Take a moment to say Thank You for the lessons you have learned today.  I like to begin and end each day with a sense of appreciation for the gifts I have been blessed with, and the lessons I have yet to learn. To know true meaning in our lives, we have to sincerely believe and appreciate the blessings we receive.

Namaste  – Oyashikiri

e90031fba300ed47db3f5204118a9000

* found on topinspired.com (Great Britain)

** mmostbeautifulpages.com

a new season will soon be here…

c3397e2f0974d09ec2bdbbd542d62f28

The warm fuzzy glow of a warm house, frost on the windows, air that is crisp and clear. Hmm not everyone smiles dreamily at the thought of the coming of winter, but I do.  There is something to be said about “nesting”.  Like a squirrel gathering nuts before the snow comes, I get in supplies like I think that it is the late 1800’s or early 1900’s and we need to be prepared.

e45459c4b5357b2ae6310b595376d578

Winter weather has been rather erratic of late, wow, places that seldom saw snow  have been hit with blizzards, crops in the southern states have had some brutal storms come their way.  All over the world, winter comes and changes where we live, and we have to adjust.

29436470cce87b34d6fa0cf33e8981e9

 

Before the days of instant news, and social media, we simply dealt with what came along. It might not have always been fun, or easy, but we took measures to  do our best to cope with the power outages, furnace malfunctions, delayed  transportation etc.  Now with “instant fixes, and gratification” it seems that there is more of a “panic” mode that sets in. OMG the cell phone is not working, or the TV  signal is all askew.

729b6c656f2fdec54b10ebd4ffe61938

Arggghhh my PC is down.  Honeeeeee the internet is not working,  anguish at its best.  LOL been there done that.  Remember the days of trying to read by candle till the lights came back on.  How about the wind up radio, so you can hear the news should there be an announcement of when the power lines will be up again.

9aebeae8d62f02d358e754ad26ac9e18

Winter is a special time, a time for spiritual rebirth, for reconnecting with the inner YOU.  A time where we can enjoy seeing the world new and fresh,  We are all unique and different in our own way, personalities and lifestyles vary.  One thing we all share is the gift of life and LOVE.

Let us do our best to see the positive in our lives, and to appreciate and show appreciation to those who share in our world. Whether close or far, reach out and say  hello, show you care.

Namaste   –   Oyashikiri

*** Scotland

other pictures gathered from Pinterest

October eve

10.30.14_002

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.

ce3cf84478ebf003d131392399e09ee0

True friendships last forever 

3c23005c6bbbf5aca91de340d410c9ac

a witch is good  for you.. =^_^=

and lastly, have

c340ba30ff7f621606292d6a9910de66

Namaste – Oyashikiri

* found on funguerilla.com

** found retrogasm.tumblr.com

** found on squidoo.com

Feelings -Thanksgiving

What comes to  mind when you think of Thanksgiving……….

a2e8df934310944cdc7190484d7c6f6b

A meal shared with friends and family………..

f4e2b3eaedfd7c141aaa1a0acb1502d2

Is it the joy you take in gathering supplies to make colorful decorations that will please the the eye and delight the senses?  Small gifts for friends, or just to brighten your home.

c49ecb02f4c1373c61fb3483ec9130d9

 As the color titillates our awakening senses, we are open to new adventures   Where ever we are when the leaves start to change, we feel it in the air.  Our appreciation of life is aroused and we find ourselves more open to changes, in fact, our creative juices start to bubble with ideas that want expression.

9b9b0114d2427debd0a21c9909c29652

This picture evokes the desire to explore, to walk down this sun filled path, to smell the autumn leaves as they progress through their cycle of change.  You know that the photographer who took this picture, felt the sun and heard the birds and wildlife that surround her/him. They managed to capture the moment beautifully.  If you listen closely you’ll hear the rustle of the leaves as a gentle breeze makes its way through the spectrum of fall colored foliage.

Life is to be enjoyed,  Thanksgiving is a time to express and give thanks for the bounty we receive in life, In Perfect Liberty, (PL) we give thanks each month for the many blessings in our lives.  We do so on the 21 st . of each month.  

Faith grows not only through intellectual understanding but also through actively participating in life, the PL WAY.

148c61c1f5d8c686d94cbae60a095dba

PL Precept 20.

Live Maintaining Equilibrium Between Mind and matter

PL Precept 21

Live in Perfect Liberty

Namaste            –            Oyashikiri

photos -Pinterest

Tag Cloud