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New day

Sometimes when the world just gets too busy – when there is no spaces in the day/night we find ourselves in “overdrive”. It is hard to think clearly when we are bombarded almost 24/7 with chores/tasks/responsibilities. The “Universe” takes over. We get sick, we fall, we have unexpected situations, we have no choice, we have to take a time out.

When was the last time, now think before you answer…. you gave yourself permission to enjoy quality time for YOU.

No, you don’t have to have that cell phone with you 24/7. No, you don’t have to reply or do something “right away” because that is always what was done. When life gets so busy, you feel overwhelmed… it is OK.. to stop, step back.. and take time for YOU. YOU matter, YOU are important, YOU count. Yes the dishes have to be done, but they can wait, they will not disappear, believe me I know.. No one sneaks into your home to do them for you.

Its cold out, its raining… the mosquitos are bad… blah blah blah. yesterday, I toured a new nursery (to me) a huge indoor greenhouse, tons of happy vegetation, lush green leaves, interesting cacti, in the outdoors area, I got to enjoy Japanese maples, Honey locust trees, evergreens in all shapes and sizes. The herb section was a paradise of delightful scented air. When there is a will there is a way.

Today it is a long sleeve sweater day. We had steamy hot … take it all off .. weather not long ago… This is what life is all about. From one day to the next, it is a new beginning.

In PL, #1 Precept is. Life is Art…. # 2 To live is to express One’s Self. # 7 Everything exists in relativity. # 16 All things progress and develop. # 18 EACH MOMENT IS A TURNING POINT

Please make time for YOU.

know someone who needs this message.. pass it on.

Saturday

“The PL 21 Precepts are the basis of the PL Teachings. the 1st precept is

Life Art

Each Precept is written in simple and clear language, but the truth revealed in their words applies universally to all humankind”

The last few weeks have been very busy for me.. my body reacted by sending a cluster headache to keep me company. I’ve had to deal with this type of headache in the past… not fun. The doctor put me through all kinds of test, eventually life returned to normal and the clusters went away.

Patience is a virtue. Yesterday I was driving from point a to point b and thought, … this is soooo nice… I was driving along a known route, the trees were budding, skies were blue.. I looked over at the screen on the dashboard, something seemed to look amiss … and it was sooooooooooooooooo quiet.

You guessed right. I had left the house without my cell. That is why it was so quiet. no music, no pinging, I was alone in the car headed into the woodlands, and no cell. I thought about, but no ,, I didn’t turn around to drive back to retrieve the cell. I decided to trust the Universe.

The quiet was actually comforting… I realized that I have become used to the distractions, and altho’ blocked out at times… that annoyance is still there. The radio plays, music is on, the news happens, but … not when you don’t have your cell with you… it was blissfully quiet.

An adopted name I have, I used it for years… in Second Life, is Qyhat Harbour. I had tried for Quiet, but the game didn’t allow it.. so I fudged the letters and spelled it Qyhat and of course being Canadian I spelled Harbour, with a .u.. so it was allowed. That was back in 2007… to this day many know me as Q…. for some reason, seeing the spelling, the name was simply too difficult for others to grasp… I began to be addressed as Q…. Qyhat is still around although, these days very much retired.

What is in a name?

Anyone have a copy of the song Com Quem Contar?

abandoned

This is a house I found the other day when out for a drive with Eartha. She is very patient with my hollering.. STOP… this time I got out and toured the grounds. I showed you a few pictures the other day. I’ll repost them in a second. see the side window, there was another set just a room over (kitchen) .. the owners had placed a bird feeder there, it was still hanging there in need of repair. The view would have been perfect.

I wondered if they had tilled the land, there was a big unused and now falling apart barn on the lot beside the house. The mess around the property .. the debris, broken plates, pots and pans strewn in the garage (now falling down and only half standing).. someone had tried to tidy up, but whatever happened in life… plans were abandoned, only the pretty spring flowers were showing up.

The house my parents purchased back… way back… when I was a child was white with the same green trim this house had. MAYBE that is why I hollered “stop” …. could be I was chasing a dream…. memories have a way of creeping in on us. At the time Dad purchased the house it was on a lonely country road, such as the one we were on… a few other houses, but they were few and usually in groups. At the end of our street was a convenience store with a butcher shop. little else.

Now that whole area has been swallowed up with the city… the field I could play in, is now so built up… there are medical buildings and a huge hospital just walking distance from the old house.

I think one of the reasons I enjoy this Thursday Door feature so much is that it takes me back in time. Dan’s posts usually feature doors in the areas he travels.. often they represent a different era. The neighbourhoods that are still “comfortable” with inviting homes, shades of “families” that once were. You can almost hear the sounds of children playing, dogs barking, cats wandering and sunning along the quiet lanes.

Gardening was a hobby, you could see small garden patches in backyards, depending on where you lived, there could also be a chicken or a bunny hutch.. people sat on the front porch and greeted neighbours who often would stop and visit. We ( the children*) would roam the streets looking for our friends, hang out in restaurants with a floor for dancing, boys would be riding their bikes and/or playing some sort of sport in the playgrounds and school yards.

There was not a television in every house… and maybe… there was a phone in the house, maybe it was a private line, but often it was a party line. Times have changed, but what hasn’t changed, is LIFE. It keeps happening.

Discover the joy of transforming yourself

When you realize how much YOU have changed for the better, it fills you with true happiness. Strive each day to improve yourself. (PL2014.8)

LIFE does keep happening, and it behoves us to not squander it.

Love is a blessing, a gift.

Oyashikiri

For more Thursday Doors, please visit Dan’s No Facilities site https://nofacilities.com/2025/05/08/strip-district-part-ii/

Reality

Last night minding my own business, the bitmoji ap popped up and surprised me with a new look. Hmm did I do this in my sleep, the bottom one you’ve seen before that is the one I saw some time ago when I played with the ap. The new me, well.. that was a bit of a shocker. Got me thinking.

I try to be my “authentic” self, not a filtered version of myself. The “me” I’ve become over a life time of this and that moments that have left their mark/scars… on my psyche. None of the above look like me at all, at least I don’t think so… hair short yes, Asian eyes, yes, button nose, yes, In today’s world appearance seems to be important.

Yet… somehow … when I look around what I see, I don’t think is what the world around me is really like. I saw someone going for an interview the other day for an “office” position, and the person was wearing a pair of grubby jeans and a T shirt with graphics on it. Unheard of in my day, and then this morning I read where people book appointments and don’t show up, or call last minute with an excuse .. and want to rebook because “they forgot”..!!!

Sorry I am from a generation where such disrespectful behaviour just wasn’t seen or tolerated. OH.. yes the gray/white hair, that is me. I fortunately am in a position where I can shake my head and return to my quiet life. I even thrill when I find a good detective or police story where the there is actually a believable story line and the actors are in suits and ties (men) and the ladies in actually work clothes, skirts, suit jackets, slacks maybe, sometimes. Even the bad characters wear suits, casual slacks and shirts.

But then, clothes don’t make the man/woman … do they… but life experiences do. There are videos, tapes, podcasts, etc. on everything these days, all words.

Words, words, and more words. You don’t even know if a candidate /person wrote their own introduction/resume or it was generated by AI.. I was shocked to actually hear someone looking for work, just out of school, no work experience, complain that they were expected to work for less $ than a friend who also worked for the same company but had 5 years of service and experience in that field. and, it was added indignantly they would have to commute.

Sorry a bit of a rant… but if you can shed some light on some of the comments, feel free. For myself, I will not be using AI in my sharing with you, nor do I want it in my games and interaction with friends, I am old fashioned, I believe in sincerity/ respect for one another…. as a basic requirement in communicating.

Let’s listen to others until the end

When you interrupt or interject your idea when someone else is talking you will miss out on hearing the person’s true intentions. Clear your mind and listen carefully until the end. PL2014.30

Dentelle

Meet Dentelle, first three pictures from left to right, the end picture is BeeJu, both of these gals are being groomed for a project I’m wanting to expand on. Dentelle was brave enough to try the new Cardboard Avatar that started as an April Fool’s idea for a Designer in SL (Salt & Pepper).. who was joined by other designers, and we now have a growing number of “people” in SL who have adapted the idea.. It has taken on a life of its own.

There is now a group for all of us who have fallen in love with this idea, and these are some of the items in the hunt that popped up. I have the LM for you here if you are in SL http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Astralia%20DEAD%20DOLL/161/118/1177

I use the avatars in my projects for the church as well as my other blogs. The girls are great to work with, always on time, and open to most of my ideas. Salary wise, it’s a breeze, they like being kept in smart clothes (to their taste of course) latest hairstyles and a place to hang.

Someone asked me the other day how old I was.. I was at the cash having a friendly chat about the mushrooms I had bought… on sale the huge big cafe mushrooms… I told the gal I ate them like a radish or orange, just straight out of the package.. no .. no condiments, no sauce, and yes raw.. That had the whole line at this cash smiling and wondering why raw.. I jokingly said, that is what keeps me young.. (of course I’m not “young”)

Then began the… “Oh” “ahs” they were all guessing of course at my age, since looking at me in my “outdoor” gear as my friends laughingly call my “out door” clothes. can really only leave people “wondering”… I avoided the how old are you question, with “in life, my goal is to be happy, and live each day doing my best to keep myself positive and spending time smiling and sharing “happy”.

Today’s PL quote – If you are going to do it, do it joyfully

If you have to do something, choose to do it with joy and enthusiasm. By doing so, you will experience a deeper sense of beauty.

PL2014.23

I was told a lot of people went back and bought cafe mushrooms.

Thursday

Whether coming or going, at home or 1000s miles away, There is no escaping, who you are, or what is happening in your “head”. We cannot always be where we want to be, or be with someone we want to be with. But.. always you are stuck dealing with the ramblings and thoughts that wander in and out of your “active” mind. Someone once said to me ” I wish I was on a holiday somewhere” I asked “why?” The reply I got was “so I don’t have to deal with all this “crap” “..”won’t it be here when you come back” I asked. “Yes! but I will have had time away from it all”

Sound familiar? ever have such thoughts? Ever try that? go away… take a break … when you come back is it easier to deal with?

For myself, if something is bothering me, I deal with it. I face it, deal with it, and then “let it go!” One blogger friend, I read took a solo trip … exploring this wonderful part of State that had amazing landscapes… I very much enjoyed her pictures, her adventure… that was a breath of fresh air … I didn’t have to deal with packing, unpacking, crossing state/provincial borders, dust, heat, strange sleeping arrangements. Guess I’m getting set in my ways… hmmm you think!

Willingly take on tasks that are behind the scenes

Be the one who is able to proactively take on the troublesome tasks that no one likes and for which they are not recognized. By doing so, you will be filled with a genuine feeling of accomplishment.

Life is full of surprises, some are happier experiences than others, but part of the journey is discovering new possibilities when we least expect it… I am winding down from the “need” to get a new car when it was not in my plans, or something I wanted to do.. I took my 2019 for her last drive to our haunts in the country, I loved that car,, she was my companion ..my comfortable place to be when the road got bumpy, I hope she will be happy where-ever she lands.

Everything in life happens for a reason, no matter the season… your life is what it is…. Sh#t happens, when we have been around long enough, we know… the only way out, is to focus on the road ahead and keep moving. It is all about the journey.

PL Precept # 17 Grasp what is most Essential

PL Precept #18 Each moment is a turning point.

Love a four letter word that defies any one definition

**no matter where you are, if you have a problem that won’t go away, distancing yourself physically, will not erase that “problem” from your gray cells. You will carry it with you…it will shadow you where-ever you are.

decisions

My two handsome brutes are back… they are out for a morning stroll, looking to see who else is around. I was overjoyed when we met up. They remembered me and came to say hello.. ask me if I was “over the moon”.

My other wonderful find this week was a surprise I got when I went into the ladies at the church. Yoshiko was in Japan recently to bring Zak, Ashley and Alex to Canada ( their school break) so they could see first hand where their parents are living .. not much of winter left, but they did get to see snow.. you can see it is still around here.

Ta Da!!!! a toilet seat cover.. ingenious… seems they use them in Japan, not because of the cold, but the heat!!!!! Who knew!

Life is full of wonderful moments. Isn’t it.

A friend took me around to show me his creative endeavours, he is a huge Prince fan, he has built a museum, nightclub and picture gallery in Second Life to showcase the artists work. This has been done over the years, and introduced me to a singer I knew little of. Artists who work with the software and technology of the gaming world add a whole new dimension to the every day world ..

A thankful heart leads to happiness

When we really pay attention, we are surrounded by many things we can be thankful for; the society we live in, the kindness shown to us by others. You will be able to find true happiness when you can see and appreciate these things.

PL 2015.21

Oyashikiri

I would like to say Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart to all who have written me over the years telling me how much you enjoy this blog and the philosophy shared. The other day I found a section in the format that had stored many many wonderful comments and feedback that for whatever reason, I did not see, or even know were there. I responded . finally.. some were over a year plus old. I apologize.

today

What is it about today’s world. How come we are always taking selfies?

Why would one need a selfie when getting out of the tub? In fact what is the fascination with taking pictures of what we are doing, should we not be out living our lives.. interacting with other people, catching up with friends, making new friends?

I got a message the other day about storage, I realized that I had zillions of pictures… like really.. how many times do I need to see a picture of a tree, and is that the same squirrel I captured with my camera the other day… was I really going to pay to store more pictures that I may or may not ever look at again.???

Really world, time to focus on living what is left of my life. I realize that out of thousands of pictures .. only a few are really important to me.. the rest are an accumulation of moments, that I lived.. and today, this actual moment is the moment I have to deal with NOW. I am going to make a serious attempt to clear out the non essential “stuff”…

How about you? How are you doing today? Have you done something new? Are you planning something or working on something that is exciting for you? Quincy (elder cat) is wanting me to get on with this so I can finish feeding he and Quinn … She has settled in and is now letting us all know.. she is here to stay… by far, she has the loudest purr I’ve ever heard.

Yesterday I put my chair out in the middle of a clump of snow cuz that is where the sun was shining the strongest… and just sat with my eyes closed enjoying the rays… I put on my sound identifier (birds) in ten minutes it had recorded over a dozen birds who serenaded my stolen moments. It was so peaceful, I didn’t want the radio on in the car when I started my drive home.

Please slow down .. make time for YOU … get out and enjoy the world as it unfolds a new season for us to experience ..

If you are going to do it, put your whole heart into it. Your degree of seriousness will affect the outcome. Your daily accumulation of effort towards your goals shows just how serious you are.

Oyashikiri

fyi. some of the conservation areas are now barred (closed) overnight. Unfortunately the grounds are being used late evenings by people with no respect for property and the wildlife.

viernes

How did you ring in the new year? Was it a big event for you? What does it mean to you? Has it or does it make a big impact on your life? I ask out of curiosity, in my world the moving into a new year, is a very personal and exciting time, not so much because it is a reason to celebrate and party, but because it is a milestone, one I can reflect on, and review all the goodness and positives that have enriched my life. I get to share the solar calendar with friends, and then later, the welcoming of the new lunar year.

When my Dad was alive, he would take me to big events, where there was always a dragon dance, with firecrackers, and the smell of incense filled the air along with the smoke from the fire crackers. We would go down to Chinatown, and he’d hoist me up so I could see the Dragon dancers make their way along the street .. merchants would stand in front of their shops… welcoming the dragon… there would be fresh oranges and rice on the small shop alters.. welcoming the new year spirits …. encouraging the dragon to bestow good fortune on their businesses, and good health and happiness to their families.

When my Dad passed the old traditions died with him… In my maturity, I have kept many of the old ways, the cleaning out of the “old” to make way for the “new”. I begin in late fall, meditating and reviewing what “life” is like for me.. Thinking of how I feel, what is happening with me, physically and intellectually. The biggie is…. is my life filled with contentment, am I happy. I am pleased that for the most part, yes … I am a happy person.. and.. I know contentment. Sure I get upset, and yes I have moments, but they are short lived, because, I like and prefer to be happy. We are all blessed with opportunities in life, I strive for and enjoy, quiet, serene, and tranquility. Simplicity.

Always express your true self with honesty and integrity

We feel a deep sense of joy when we are able to express our true selves. Always focus on your true feelings and express yourself honestly.

PL2014.3

for those of you who enjoy entertainment in SL (Second Life)http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/xFire/211/174/1201 this is the link to the Warehouse Speakeasy, owned and run by DJ. Henri and Robby Lock.

Thursday

Always be cheerful, happy and good humored.

When you make an effort to be cheerful and happy you will naturally begin to feel that way.

The gateway to happiness lies within your reach. It is always open to you, you simply have to know that happiness begins within, Always be yourself, don’t try to be someone you aren’t.


Have you used a stapler lately, mine ran out out of staples, and for a few minutes.. I actually wondered what was wrong with it.. then I had to scramble to remember where the replacements were.!!! finally found, I had a bit of a chuckle as I looked at the stapler to determine how to put the replacements in. Like duh, this was such an easy fix … thankfully I have a “junk” drawer in my office for items seldom used, BUT could be useful one day… Have you used a stapler lately?

PL2019.2020.12

photo – Mariko,Japan

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