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raw nature

Australian wilderness.a wandering memory

When we (a good majority of us) think of spending some time in the wilderness, we envision lush, rugged, environments, the pictures I use of sunsets and magical evenings under the stars, or calm waters on colourful fall days with the sun or moon reflecting of the crystal clear waters.  Ahhhhh yes… such themes make us feel warm, fuzzy maybe, for sure they are a for of eye candy…   The photographers have captured a still moment of beauty.

How about living near this location in Australia, where temperatures can be + 40 – 50 degrees centigrade (hot) and there is a lack of water.  Extreme weather can happen here, it is  wild country where  civilisation where it does exist, has to contend with the challenges every day.

Sitting in the comfort of an air climate controlled office with my morning super tall glass of ice coffee, I can admire the artist view that the photographer, took (awanderingmemory.com).  David and his wife travel all over the world visiting places they feel will enrich their lives with new experiences.  Through  his travels and his photography, we get to see place such as this that we wouldn’t otherwise see.

Australia the-endless-road

This is the endless highway that takes tourists and visitors through the Australian desert. David talks about some of what he felt was being missed by those who just drive through and not stop to explore. ”  It offers silence, true silence,” +”.. endless roads, dramatic sunsets, huge salt-pans, aboriginal heritage sites, hidden wildlife and clarity… ”

Have any of the above been on one of your “want” lists.  No of course we don’t have to travel over seas.. or for thousands of miles to find “true silence”… but we do have to make time to find what we want. AND to be in the moment, to always be aware of just what it  is we are “seeing” hearing” and “taking in”

silly smile

What can I say, there is silly in all of us… I’ve been living with a whippet far too long.. This pictures simply make me giggle and smile..  So… dearest readers.. who share these pages with me…. endure this moment with me…  S M I L E

Forget everything but the warmth of a smile  and enjoy a “silly”

much love to each and every one of  you..

I treasure you all.

namaste      –       oyashikiri

LOL… how many of you will see what I see in the above picture…. gosh you guys are so special…. xxxoo

 

Exotic Bali + meditation

Bali,ayana resort and spa

Tropical beach, look at that water, this is the Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali.  Hmmm I have a friend who is on holiday in Bali, she has been sending back the most incredible pictures.  Her face beams in every picture where she is in them. Got me thinking, admittedly some of the pictures had me thinking ahhhh yes, a massage by the pool, then a lazy afternoon enjoying the tropical sunshine and breezes.

Chile

This is Huilo, Huilo in Neltume,  lodges built on a biological reserve, they are environmental wonders.  they are uniquely in touch with their surroundings… perfect for nature lovers, lots of hiking, exploring, totally different kind of holiday.

Bali

This is a picture found on 500px.com,  of Dawn in Bali by Ko Zaw………………….. does this calm the mind or what.. Ok, today I’ll go with the calm, quiet atmosphere of the gentle waters and soothing sounds provided by the beaches and coastline of the areas shown in these pictures to colour my day.
We can’t always be where we might like to be at any given moment in time, but we can thanks to the technology today, be where our hearts take us.  The destination is usually coordinated by our  often busy chattering minds.  In taking the time for a quiet moment, the mind will sigh with relief…. share with me a quiet moment… allow your thoughts to travel with mine in to the depth of the blues and greens, see the little white pebble like shapes, the tiny bird,… then allow you eyes to drift beyond towards the horizon, …. feel your breathing , enjoy the soft swell of your chest as you silently allow the moment to wash over you.

Take this shared moment, the soft, sweet tenderness of now… and carry it into your day…

bali, lagoon villa

Seriously, luxury lagoon villa, for those of you who needed a different visual.. now did that get a smile……

Carry the smile all through the day.. you’ll see it is catching.

Short meditations work, whether you want them to or not.

Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

last picture,roadtrippers.com

down the road

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how many times have I driven down a country road

windows down, taking in the fresh clean air on a fall day

some years past, I even road a Honda Gold Wing

and experienced the countryside in a brand new way

Tennessee Mountains

no matter the method of travel

the experience was always the same

I longed to explore down the unpaved roads

towards the  farms and small hamlets

we discovered along the way.

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sometimes I did, but often, the lure of what was around the bend

kept us on the secondary highways…, and soon that  barely visible lane,

was but a memory.

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Before it’s too late, and the snow has covered up the trails

I’d like to go and explore, to rediscover

the smell of freshly turned earth, hay being harvested

even the spreading of manure.

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Not all the leaves are on the ground yet,

there is still a myriad of colour

for the artist to discover

best of all, the trees will be showing their form

their bark, their broken torn or twisted limbs

sculptures like no other. no longer

will their dramatic shapes be hidden or concealed

by their cover of showy summer foliage.

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when we cross the bridge, should we turn left or right

let’s take the road, that has no end in sight

this is our moment, our time

let us make it sublime

namaste     –     oyashikiri

photos-Pinterest

simplify

Belize

living on the beach man

oh that’s where I wanna be

hmmm the sun, the surf

and fishing, that is something else

I could have fresh fish everyday

prawns and simple fare

 Belize 2oh man but does that sound so fab

sunny days with clear blue skies

even scuba diving and water adventures

I’ve never done before…

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that said, my reality is simple

while I would like ro explore for a week or so

a place totally different from my own

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I’m a proud Canadian who loves being  home

We have four glorious seasons

each one giving us different reasons

to go out and explore the great Canadian experience

I do love to travel

but more and more, I want to be home

where life is simple, and its my own’

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The holiday season is fast approaching

the lights, the cool invigorating frosty air

wood fire crackling in the fireplace,  home baking

and evergreens everywhere

AND AND AND

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now it is pumpkin season,

there are so many different squashes

and fall vegetables everywhere

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LOL and it can be spooky and fun

you never know what you will see  while being out and about

there are just too many creative people out there

so, yes, I love love reading about David’s* travels

and his photography showing us all

where he has been, delights and teases me

David I watch for your reads

now lets eat..

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Smile everyone,

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It’s Friday!

Namaste     –     Oyashikiri

*David photographer,blogger -A wandering memory- WordPress

*pinterest

*DIY Heidi Rew (Parties for Pennies)

road blocked, road closed

road blocked

road blocked lava,hawaii

Stop… the road is closed

hmmm yes so it appears to be…

Wow, what a sight, nature’s work of art

the results of a volcanic eruption

the passion of the Universe unleashed

in a river of hot molten lava, the spectacular

spewing forth of the internal heat and combustion

that could no longer be contained

the fire’s lust for expression

and the results of its ardour

is this also what our pent-up emotions

would look like if we were to see

them expressed in physical form

lava flowing

heartburn, heart-break,  ulcers and indigestion

oh the pain, the discomfort when we block our true feelings

when we ignore or try to push away what is really happening

in our minds, our hearts and our reality

Hawaii, Kona

we can’t relive the past, nor can we live tomorrow, today

yes, we can come across a detour, an impasse

but, if we stop to take it all in   ..     there is always a way

Hawaii, mountain, valleys

another mountain to climb, another valley to explore

roads are man-made, when one is closed

take yourself in another direction, enjoy every new discovery

the paths we cut/make are our own

hawaii a wandering memory

Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

pictures from blog A wandering memory on WordPress

check out
http://awanderingmemory.com/2015/06/09/the-wandering-betts/

Gananoque gateway to 1000 Islands

That was our destination, we headed for majestic shores of the St. Lawrence and the 1000 Islands in the Township of Leeds. When we take to the road it is about relaxation, meeting new people and  making friends and memories. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a country where we can enjoy nature, big cities and small communities in practically any direction we decide to travel.

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Whether you are into Arts and Culture, taking in a theatre production, and free outdoor concert in the park Gananoque has it all.  We spent time in the town park, where its serene ambiance, the light summer breeze and the good company made for a most enjoyable way to spend the time.

IMG_20150902_171416416Often we are finding ourselves, on the move.we are setting off in one direction or another, and time passes us by, and is gone before we know it.  In the truck when the miles speed by, the world around us is like a movie of our own  making. Being the passenger, my world is certainly different  then my husbands.  He is focused on the road, and the vistas and thoughts that crowd his awareness.. Sometimes we see the same things, sometimes we don’t. We are in the same vehicle, going the same direction, both in front seats…But we are not seeing the same things.

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And that dear friends is true in all we experience say and do….=^_^=   On the way back, we were driving into a real whopper of an electrical storm.. Spoiled wife, was nodding on her side of the car, while hubby got to experience the real highlights of the spectacular event.

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We had gotten me a warm fleece throw to wrap around myself on the way home… and i was snuggled in for the night-time drive..  =^_^=   oh, I heard his exclamations of wonder and awe…. he was enjoying his movie, and I mine. We shared every moment of our  journey, together in our own way.

Life is good when we appreciate each others differences. When we learn to live in harmony with the uniqueness of the world around us…..  the everything exists in relativity.

namaste     –      oyashikiri

yesterday?

We actually saw  people enjoying the water on a lake that we have passed many many times.  That was different, and so nice to see.  So often ball parks, manicured lawns, playgrounds are void of human laughter and activity.

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We were headed to visit a friend we hadn’t seen in a number of years,  She lives on a lake that is basically on private land, to get there one must travel a private road for miles.  The kind of road where you see signs, telling you that it is private, and you travel it at your own risk.  In other words it is maintained only by the people who own the land surrounding this lake.

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It is isolated in a way, from inside her log and wood constructed home, when one looks out, one sees only the natural vegetation of the area.  The trees on one side of the house are  just an arms length away from the outside screened in porch .. where safely inside if you are very quiet, you can hear and see some of the daily activities of the creatures who call the wild area, their home.  If you berry pick you do so knowing that a bear can be not that far away picking just like you.

The sun had been out, but on our arrival, thunder rolled across the sky, it seemed we were under a bowling alley, it was that close. From the shelter of the roof that covers the wide porch where we had parked, one can sit and just enjoy the storm as it passes by. Her son built her home, it is not a “cottage’ in the woods, it is a lovely big home, that can fit her extended family when they cone to visit  It has a quiet charm, There is a television and with her two grandchildren spending summer with her, I was surprised ro learn there is now a computer in the house.  There never had been before. I smiled when she thought for a moment, and said, “but I don’t think its working, besides the children are so busy being outdoors, i don’t see them on it”  We are speaking of  teenagers!

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I have not used pictures from our trip, but very close examples of the ambiance we got to enjoy .. and appreciate for the time we were there.  Unfortunately, we city folks were on a schedule of sorts, and had to move along.  What I wanted to share was that.. so often I think that I am in a quiet place. AND…. in my reality I am, BUT yes (winks) there is always a but,  what I found yesterday was that to really and truly enjoy the laid back environment I was in, I would need time to unwind.

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When visiting I usually sit with my back to the kitchen, facing out at the lake,  On nights where we have lingered after a meal, I have always been lulled by the quiet and total darkness that envelopes the home.

When staying with my friend, its an early night and an early day to a start to a day of fresh air and leisurely walks to scout out the new growth in the woods, or to admire her gardens that she loves to sprinkle in the cultivated areas on her property.

The last couple of years, she  tells us that it is difficult to go into the wooded areas without being protected from head to toe because of ticks.

We were sorry to take our leave, but we did have a long journey back to the city.    On the way we were going to stop in Kingston, interesting for me, that I was looking forward to some signs of a city, I wanted an iced coffee!  Shame on me I know, but there you have it… as much as I enjoyed the hours of bliss in small towns, and the wonderful vistas of farm lands cottages, and lakes………………………..I wanted a Tim Horton*!

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Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

*for non Canadians, Tim Horton’s is a coffee/donut chain

pics – Pinterest

Happiness is… … discovering

Scotland,southof isle of Skye- fairy pools

Every day, I look for inspiration for my meditation/prayer and this blog.  Today I travelled to Scotland, I’ve not been personally but my sister and nephew have, both have come back with stories and pictures of a magical place.

Scotland, Braveheart's legacy by KilianI also found this text, by Peekytoe Crow, the picture that will follow the text is what inspired this person to write what they did.  His/her words are worth sharing with you today.

People universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you are fortunate enough. But that’s not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it…

tree trunk

 

This was my next find.

Being at Peace

and being who you are …  that is

Being yourself …   are one.

Your only opportunity to be at peace

is Now.

Make peace with the present moment…

The secret in life, of success and happiness

is to be ONE with life…

Life is the dancer, and you are the dance.  

Scottish fairy pools in Skye

 

I love being open to what the day will bring my way.  Sometimes I’m ready for it, other times I may not be, but how wonderful it is that from day-to-day a new canvas, new opportunities appear.  In everything we strive to do, maintain makoto (sincerity) in your heart, the Universe/God will see you through today and beyond.    Always and Forever.

Namaste     –     Oyashikiri

laat lets van je horen! Keep in touch!

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What a wonderful holiday, what views, what excitement with each new place we “discovered”, it was one “wow”! after another, the fresh air, the under travelled roads, hidden treasures. wow, wow,wow!

Italy,Capri,Campania by claudiodelfuoco  flickrWhether we are driving the coast of Italy, or rounding a bend on the island of Cape Breton, Canada,Mother Nature never fails to amaze us with her awesome natural  sculptures that have been long in the making.

nova scotia, cape bretonHolidays, happen, they come and go, but the memories live on, the intoxications of the moment, the moments when words fail you, where  you simply have no   choice but to look out in wonder at what your eyes, mind,body, and soul are feeling. These moments are real, and will always be a part of you.

Italy,Monte Cristallo,Dolomites of Trentino

PL quote” Everything that happens to you is Material for Growth ”  Keep in touch with yourSelf, your desires, your memories that resonate within you.  They will keep you balanced, connected to God, grounded in nature….Keep in touch!

Namaste     –     Oyashikiri

2nd & last photo Italy

last photo,Cristallo,Dolomites of Trentino

title,Dutch & English

de Efteling, Nederlands

De Efteling,Nederlands

We are in de Efteling, Nederlands, following the whimsical adventure of the little elf in me who wants simply to stroll and play under the mushrooms on this snowy day.

de  Efteling in Nederlands

Oh Mr Dragon, how are you?

what is that you say

Oh, you want a sunny day,

your roar I know, will make it so

if only I could roar like you

de Efteling amusement park

may I come in to play

I’m looking for a valentine

would you be mine?

de efteling magic

I’ll close my eyes and make a wish

I wish, I wish, with all my might

that I’ll find my valentine

de Efteling St; George and the Dragon

oh my , Mr. dragon has come to call

maybe you are  my valentine

after all.

de efteling - love

To all my wonderful friends who share this space with me

enjoy this hearts and flowers day

I am truly blessed in every way

When I see you’ve come to visit and stay

you give me joy and bring synchronicity

you really are MY valentine

namaste    –     Oyashikiri

De Efteling Theme park … http://www.efteling.com

The Anton Pieck Museum, the Achterstraat, Hattem,Nederlands http://www.antonpieckmus

Sprookjes van de Effteling/Fairy Tales of the Efteling 2008 PB ed.

 

 

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