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Posts tagged ‘Tao’

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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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Inspiration – ginger or garlic

Inspiration - ginger or garlic

Hmmm ginger or garlic, what has that to do with Inspiration. It is about choices, Garlic is such a wonderful little plant. Not only does it add flavour to food it is healthy for us. The same can be said about ginger, Each one has its own taste, and its own uses (as health benefits) and depending on how it is used, will determine our acceptance of use of it.
Interestingly, both are roots (bulbs) the most known remedies and uses are of the part of the plant that is underground.
When out in the woods, unless you know what you are looking for the wild garlic goes unseen.
If my husband comes into the kitchen while I’m preparing a meal, he reacts to the smell of garlic (in the negative) and it in turn affects his pleasure in the meal when it is served.
IF he does not see me cooking, he enjoys the meal with much more gusto and appreciation.

On the surface, life can be tranquil and peaceful, but when we look, really look, often what we see changes our initial perspective.
All this to say, there are so many layers in life, and often we are only dealing with the top layers.
When Inspiration comes to us, it is because the Universe has cut through the layers and has given us a quick glimpse at the heart or core of that moment and blessed us with an option.  I’ve used the word option, because. we are guided, it is up to us to make the choice of listening or doing something different.
Listen, accept the thought and if action is involved, do it. Go for it. Believe in your inner voice for it belongs to YOU, Have faith in yourSELF. me, myself and I, we are all ONE connected to the Universe, The Divine connection is always there, sometimes we simply are not listening. GOD/TAO is ever present.       A L W A Y S

PL Precept #18   Each Moment Is A Turning Point.

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  Isaiah   40:31     2013-03-22 9.9.2013 fall is coming 017

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Standing Still

Standing Still

Frozen in Time – sculpted out of wire,apoxie sculpt and fabric this garden fairy likes her crystals, she carries them with her so that the sun and day light will catch and reflect prisms of colour all around her. The stump she stands on was part of a tree she used to love for the shade it provided on the hot summer days. She came inside one year, to grace the mantel, to this day she is still there. There is a window there, and during the bright winter days, when the sun comes shining through … her garland dances sending a rainbow of colour through the room.

Do we stand still in life, or do we constantly want to be on the move? Lately I’ve been forced to spend more time.. standing still… LOL or should I say, having a lie down =^_^=

Like the garden fairy with her crystals, when the dust gathers on her beads, the rainbow of colours is less dazzling. When she was outside, Mother Nature, bathed her in spring, summer and fall with showers, pelting rains and blew soft whispers of breeze through her strand of crystals.

When we stop and allow the world around us to “really be seen” It is surprising what we “see” and realize about where we are in life, and how we are coping with the realities.

Have the courage to really look at where you are, have you been standing still? Is dust gathering on “your crystals”

Prayer is our garland of light, the Universe speaks to us everyday, and in many ways. It is in mindfulness that we
hear and see the Divine connection.

Blessings everyone, may the light of life shine brightly on you today.and always.

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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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Happy Saturday!

Happy Saturday!

Good Morning every one.. Had to share this quote. I love it.

“All things proclaim the existence of God”. Napoleon

“for since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities, eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen….” Romans 1:20 n/v

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Who am I

Who am I

Do you ever wonder who that person is looking back at you in the mirror. For years you have looked at that face, yet how often do you really see the face,and the eyes that are looking so intently back at you.
When we journey into the virtual world, we get to pick an avatar to represent us, it is the avatar that moves around and interacts for us with the other avatars in the virtual world.. Each avatar represents another person, who is sitting at a keyboard and looking at a screen. You can be talking to anyone, anywhere in the world connects to the Internet.
Each and everyone of us is in the game for a reason, to play, to build,design,educate, learn, the reasons are endless. So are the possibilities when it comes to what kind of an avatar you will use to represent “you”.
It is not until you are faced with the task of creating an outward appearance for yourself that you begin to realize that it is not as simple as it seems.
First we have to determine are we male or female. In the real world, we know the cards dealt to us, however in this virtual world, we can be whatever we chose to be.
We get to pick the colour of our skin, the shape of our bodies,, the colour of our eyes, and then when we do all of that, we have to dress ourselves, pick out the hair, finally we can have curly hair, and lots of it.
AND, because we get to pick our size and shape, we can then wear the shoes and outfits that we can’t wear in RL

The challenge can be so daunting, that many people give up before they even really start. I learned early on in the “game” that the choices we are asked to make, can be very helpful to us in learning to understand ourselves.

I’m only touching the surface here, we are only getting started. In this recent adventure, I have had to think long and hard about which avatar I would use. I already have established personalities and characters in SL. I realized that I did not want to use these characters because I liked who they are and the lives they have built for themselves over the years.
So, I dusted off the file on an avatar that I have till now only used when I needed a model. He/she had no defined personality and was simply an avatar. A dormant file/avatar in the game. Even the name of the avatar was non gender, Asia was especially used when I needed a male model for the ads/blogs.
Now Asia is a woman, and a Furry, (an avatar that is an animal with human characteristics) I started out thinking I would be a Neko (cat/feline) a Neko is a human with animal characteristics. But after several hours spent with the Neko I wasn’t connected to it. I felt no affinity.
Also what came into the equation is the other members you meet, who are also Neko,Furries, humans, Tinies,Dinkies, etc. Like in the RL the groups have their own culture, way of dressing, interests etc.
I have been absent from SL for some time, not playing as much as I used to, so I found that with the ever changing technology the products and items being offered, mesh, sculpts,animations etc.were different. Previous sources were no longer in business.
I thought I’d be a possat, I got the avatar put her on, but within minutes I didn’t feel right.

Nov2_001When I looked at myself as this avatar, I wondered to myself, what had I been thinking.  Where was I  “in my head” when I thought this is what I wanted to be?  this is what life is like, we do things, we purchase something because at the time, it was such a great buy or it really took our fancy, yet days later, it has lost its allure, and the search begins again.

Much like when I look in the mirror, I wonder who that is, and how she got to be where she is, what is she really thinking?  The person I have to ask is myself really, and the question again comes down to just who am I.  What am I doing here?  This could be a long meditation, a long on going chat with my inner self.  Meanwhile, life does go on, and I have another avatar in the making.  Does this mean that I have multiple personalities. Hmm stay tuned.

In PL we learn to continue and persevere to make our wishes and goals come true.  I’ve started this journey, I’m having fun working through my creative “wants” and the realities of my “self: images. I’ve been a lifetime getting to where I am today, guess I’m not about to stop the momentum now.  My friends call me a “shape shifter” (in SL)  I believe that is because, like in real life, I live the moment, and change is the only constant in life. =^_^=

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comments anyone? Have fun in life, take time to play, we are only here “now”   I am guilty of taking life far too seriously, even when playing… I’m working on it.. one step at a time.     http://www.secondlife.com                                                           photos -Q

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A change of heart

A change of heart

Always live with a kind and generous heart.. show love and embrace others’ good points, be willing to overlook their faults.

Put your heart into whatever you do..=^_^=

In faith and love we ask for guidance from above, May the blessings for the poor in spirit lead us to the pleasures of living in Perfect Liberty, ONE with TAO/God

photos -SL-Q

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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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Food for the spirit

Food for the spirit

We make sure we feed our stomachs are we as focused and dedicated to maintaining the nourishment of our “spirits”. How often do we make time for a good sit down visit with God/Universe. we would not think of leaving the house or starting our day without a shower and brushing our teeth. Yet we are quick to rush out of the house to go about our daily activities without making sure our mental and spiritual needs are met and in good health.
Prayer and meditation are very important in mental and spiritual well being.
Times should be set aside every day for a personal tune up. Whether it is 5, 10 , or 15/20 minutes a day.  We take care of our bodies, we have our heart rates checked, blood pressure, and teeth tended to on a regular basis yet procrastinate or simply neglect  the  most important connection in living a balanced life, our mental health & spiritual wellness.

PL offers us a unique way to stay tuned to our spiritual wellness requirements. through personal one on one consultations with a PL minister you can work together with the minister, to help you  maneuver  through your life’s journey and all its intricacies,

WE each and every one of us is “special”, and live a “unique to us” lifestyle, therefore, we all have to find the right way and schedule to  find the way that works for us.  If you are not sure, or want to consult with  someone, please contact us.  Perfect Liberty is International, contact me if you need specific information/referral.  Use the comment part of this blog, I will respond to you (usually within 48 hours, if not much sooner)

The vegetable you see above, is a cross between a cauliflower and broccoli in taste.  I steamed mine, then seasoned it with garlic butter and pepper.  don;t overdo the butter, you need only a little drizzle it over the flowers, let it sit for about 3 minutes and delight in the taste.  I steam the veggie just enough to soften it a wee bit.  Remember I love my crunch.  Last night I served it with a shrimp and leek dumplings that were dipped in  Sriracha hot chili sauce (dr Oz approved sauce!)  I’ll be honest with you, I can’t remember why he was advising it as a good condiment to have and use, I use it because I really LIKE it.  I will use it with almost anything when I want that “punch” or “zing” to whatever it is I’m eating.  5 calories per serving (1 tsp)

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Take care of all of you.  Eat your veggies and keep your meats lean.  Seeing this temping hot chili sauce. might cook up a batch of dry garlic giblets for snacking on at lunch time.  Can eat them with a bowl of steamed bok choy and slices of raw white radish.  Oh slow down girl, you’ve just had your breakfast…

Sending love and hugs your way.. with lots of Blessings!

photos -Q

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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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