DISCOVERING THE SACRED

Happy Birthday Carol!

Sunshine is like a healing touch from above.  I love the patterns it makes.

I find that I have to take time to focus more on the spiritual, which really is the sacred reality all around us, and for me to become just Me.

Everything was created by a Master Craftsman how I do not know or really care.  He created each one of us to be unique and precious.

I do a little meditating and a little praying and reading scripture and spiritual books and this is what helps me.  But everyone has their own way and also like the Buddhist I believe that seeking wisdom, doing good and having compassion and taking time to see the wonder and mystery is very good t

A sense of humour and taking delight in our friends is very important too.
Laughter is very healing that is why I go to Bible study and check out the latest fashions
 Neat T Shirt Lee.





Dad puts up new lights while I am out having fun!

Trying to improve my balance can be a little difficult when the side walk is like this but people think I am walking normal so that is good  This snow should be melted by now and most people have been very good about shoveling off the side walk.

I thing that facing the truth must be a very spiritual thing to do

Dad was right making me go back to the doctor and Dr. Nolte was pleased that we had come I.  He will try to get the cat scan date moved up meanwhile is sending me for more blood tests, x-rays etc.

We waited hours in the clinic and in the blood clinic.  Both feeling tired. We had to stop and eat because I was both tired and hungry.

Learning to be patient is another one I need to cultivate.

The thank-you celebration at the Senior's home was very memorable and everyone was so glad I came.  It took an effort but so was I!  \lovely gift of a bird with a rose in it.  They made me a special salad which was good.  Lots of young Korean young people who volunteer to help with their families so nice to see.

Honor your mom and dad!

It is not easy to say "you were right"  which I had to admit to dad.  It is humbling and a part of wisdom, compassion and serenity, which are sacred values.

RETRAINING THE BRAIN

“A friendship may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.   -Ralph Waldo Emerson.


Lots of snow in our yard,

Sunshine makes it so much better.

Our front yard ion the afternoon sun

I feel like what I am doing is retraining my brain., which is what you do when you have a slight stroke,   By walking very carefully I am teaching my feet to walk with a good step.  Still having trouble with balance but it is coming. 

I am trying to speak more clearly.

I was trying to read  reading but finding it confusing but it too is getting better.  I am drinking Lots!

Progress is low, especially for dad, who is worried.  I think my brain may b e a bit stubborn like the rest of me.

Went to my church Bible study group and was warmly welcomed by my good friends. I found I was getting exhausted before it ended.   I was still resting when Panteli dropped by to visit and gave dad his birthday card.  The celebrations carry on!

Today I will try to go visiting and attend a thank you dinner.  Dad will go too.  Dad wants to go to the clinic again but . . . . .   Anyway the sun is lovely and the snow is melting.

The human body has a great ability to heal itself. 

ICY

''''''''dad and  I have never eaten such amazing healthy meals.  Thanks to you all.

These are pictures one morning I do not know when., where I managed to sneak out for a little walk.  It was beautiful.

I have passion for walking and especially in the snow!  One little flake and I want to be out there,

Wed. morning I was up a little later.  I had had a bad headache so had been up in the night.

So  decided to make dad happy and not rush out walking in case it was slippery; .(actually God said go ahead walk in the snow because even God knows women like to get their own way)
but dad worries so I was good.  Yes, I did have a brightly shining halo!  I started to make cookies instead  of going out, but then the power went off again.  And dad said "don't even think about going for a walk."

Well dad took off for Costco  and my halo slipped, they get heavy you know.  And without a thought my shoes were on and my jacket and I was out the door.  Such a perfect day  Sunny and so beautiful with all the snow.

Thanks for all the suggestion for my mystery.

I have decided the person wakes up and is alive after all!

But now she is afraid that someone is trying to kill her and she feels like they are stalking her just waiting for the right moment.

                                     Then she discovers something on her blog!  A clue!

 

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BODIES

The snow brightens us my spirits as I walk in it and as I see children playing,
especially making snow men or ladies.  What fun that used to be especially finding the right hat and accessorries.

I had to laugh as I woke up from my dream where I was walking around all in one piece but looking for a new body to put my head on.  I guess it feels like it is time to trade this one in.  But in the end I stayed with the one I had it seemed safer!

Eyes wide with horror, hearts beating with fear, dizzy and faint as one by one they came into the room to see the dead body lying so still and lifeless.  She was a nasty mean and cruel person who had touched each of their lives with her heartlessness.  Did she deserve this?  They look around at each other and wonder which one had ended her life?

If I was writing a mystery story I would always begin with the body first, but I am nor, not yet!

WE had a lovely visit from Leah supper and goodies.  The best medicine.  She is looking and feeling so much better.

Just after she left we had a power failure and just went to bed.

COMPLEX

“Never let anything simple and efficient when a way can be found to make it complex and simple.”   -unknown 


Yes, it was snowing and dark when Rick and I took our early morning walk.  I have always loved a walk in the snow.

We stop to look in the new restaurant as we rounded the corner.

Rick thought I looked tired and he thought I did so we turned the corner again and returned home.  Our plan had been to go to church but I was not feel too great and decided to stay home and watch the hockey game with dad.  He had recorded it as no one felt like getting up at 4.  It was a good game and we are all proud of these young people.

I was warming up Kim's dinner but Rick decided he had better start his long drive home.  Excellent and very healthy too.  Soon I will be too healthy to go back to the doctor!

Our visit with Rick was good even if short with all the others he had to visit too.

Dad and I live a pretty simple life but it does get complex and interesting at times!  Monday morning now and he is off to see the doctor about several issues.

We had talked about relationship weather at home or at work that can sometimes be difficult.  A lesson I have learned is that I cannot change others so I can start on my own problems first.  I ask myself if I am the same on the inside as I am on the outside.  The goal we struggle for is integrity and honest.  I have been a little too out-spoken lately so again need to think before I talk; but the important thing is not to stifle your soul or the person you really are.

Actually it is not me it is my hormones!

Life giving energy comes from the soul which can carry us on "Winged energy of delight,"--Rumi

WINTER ART LAST

“Out of the blossom of the air.
Out of the cloud-folds of her garment shaken
Over the woodlands brown and bare
Silent and soft and slow descends the snow.”  H. W. Longfellow
It start snowing a few light snow flakes on my walk.  It always seems magical at first.  I sneaked out early while I thought Rick was sleeping but evidently he would have gone with me so we will give it a go to-morrow morning.
I do love walking in the snow but am thankful that it will not end up a huge pile.  We would not have deers looking in our windows but maybe a squirrel or cat or even a small bird.
Rick arrived safely home last just as we were settling into bed.  We had had an exhausting day dad and  we were sure he had too.
Sandra and Randy invited us out to lunch at the White Spot.
Randy laughing at me.  Ha ha I cut me out!  Snow drop on the camera,
Over lunch we told stories and found out some of what Rick has been up to.  He had some success at his business visits in Chilliwack. 
He is out to supper again tonight.  Very mysterious.

He tries to explain it is not what you think.  How does he know what we are thinking?


Are children have all found happiness in different ways as so have our grandchildren.  All different like the snow flakes and all beautiful!
My prayer is that they will never lose their sense of wonder at all of life and also their love and care for each other.

Still snowing!  Hockey time.  Everyone is sleeping.

A GLIMPSE

I catch a glimpse of the early morning sun rise as I step out the front door;   so it is back in and run upstarts to get my camera. The sky changes so quickly it really is just a glimpse.  I had a shorter walk but will do tomorrow.

We will not even catch a glimpse of Rick Friday as he is having dinner in town.  I know I for one will be in bed.

!
I catch glimpses of early signs of spring.



Dad takes a short walk the day before at the old City Hall.  Such a calming place to walk around in and also lots of benches for us to stop and rest.  So sad to see this place now being deserted for no reason. reason for it.

Maybe it is for a fancier area.

Dad and I had an exhausting day visiting Dad certainly did his part while my eyes keep closing.

I believe that spiritual practice enhances our souls along with our emotions, family background and current relationships. We absorb pieces of people we encounter and are shaped by happy or disappointing events.

Felt a little let down last night,  Do not have any plans for today so phone if you want to know what plans may be happening.

THE DREAMER

               Sometimes the camera captures things I did not see.

Dad and I walked around the Old City Hall on Wed.  A sunny but cold day.  Someone I think must have a dream about these  gardens and the little water fall and created such a peaceful place.

Our dreams are important and a very big part of our spiritual self.  Our births did not include tales of White Elephants (Buddha’s birth) or a white dove like (Jesus’s birth.) but each one was special.
In both cases it is about the conception of a thinking, feeling, visionary, sensitive, sensual and moral  person.  Maybe our spiritual selves are being developed in the womb and wants to continue to be a part of our lives after we are born.  Maybe.

The battle of good and evil lives within us all and having a source for good alive within us is a great blessing.  I am a bit of a day dreamer.  I like to think that even as we dream the soul is speaking.

A nightmare can be the shadow self that will always be around to tempt us or fill us full of fear and despair.  So it is important to listen to your dreams and now the voice of the spirit

Yesterday dad and I decided to go to the clinic to see Dr. Nolte. at the clinic.  There were already people sitting in cars and then lining up even though we were there by 8:30.  Fortunately the girls hockey was on the T.V.   I was a little short tempered after our appointment  because I was not feeling the best and of course neither was  Dad.  I do not like answering questions!

The  doctor will be ordering a cat scan which may take awhile but he hopes it will be next week.

In the afternoon we went to the Senior’s home together.  I really appreciate dad driving me and he had a visit with Jim who likes to see him.   

Safe driving Rick!

Kim I used to go through a lot of vacuum cleaners it is one of those things that seem to break easily and you always need.  I am having Kim's lunch delight today should give me lots of energy,.


Dad and I will be visiting Howard as Vera has several appointments.  We will be home about 4:30 but if Rick gets here first I am sure he knows where the key is.  Be good to have a visit.

"Dreams reveal the odyssey of the soul and the path of the spirit."   -Thomas Moore.

Sweet dreams to you all!

IDENTITY.

Rick is coming for a visit on Friday. Seems like a long time since we have seen him.
Dad and I are enjoying our entrees and just adding a few vegetables sure makes it easier.

Dad's old doctor has retired and his partner has moved into the Hilltop Clinic with Dr. Nolte.  He will be seeing him on Monday which I am very thankful about

We identify flowers and plants and animals by their names.  Our neighborhoods identify us too.


When we are young we are identified by our looks, our dress, our educational skills,
our athletic ability,  our successes and our ability  our ability to communicate skillfully and be popular.  I may have forgotten a lot of things but I look back on 'what an adventure life has been.

One thing I have learned nothing ever seems certain that one day, one advent can change us forever.
Thankful we have not lost the tough and critical mind that needs to keep asking questions.

As we age our minds are not as sharp and our looks not so good but it is what is in our hearts that counts.  Looking back we realize what an adventure life has been!

I identified with my parents religion when I was young and for many years after.  I am continuing to be faithful to these beliefs and respect those who have their own beliefs.

The more modern way of teaching the Bible can be confusing but also enlightening.  The soul that feels at home at church or in nature or curled up quietly in a big chair listening will hear the message of all of creation.

It is important whom  and what we identify with..  Also what time people are coming to town.

HUMOR

It has been said that a sense of humour is a gift that can be a gift to all those who are a part of our lives.  Dad has laughed often and loved much and has enjoyed the trust and love of all our family and friends.

Yes he can be a little annoying too at times!  !  But neither one of us has earned sainthood yet!  Our minister has hope for us.

It was delightful  for dad to receive birthday greetings by phone and by e-mail and on my blog.  . . all day long. 

Even from Australia.

CATCH A FALLING STAR AND PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET. . . .

Happy Birthday Gramps 

Dad may be getting older but he still tells outrageous stories! 
It is hard to plan what we can do to celebrate his real birthday.  A  movie and fish and chips after!  Or if we are too tired lots to choose from  home!

Inspiration always comes to me when I look up the sky especially at night and sometimes think Isee a falling star!  It is under that  great sky, that is always changing our daily lives are being lived out.

There is creative energy all around us and if you go deep within yourself, you will discover new mysterious creative forces.

Sometimes on my early morning walks I just stop and gaze upward.

Dad and I now realize that there really is not much we need in life to make us happy.  Good health would be a blessing but learning to accept who we are and what we can do gives us courage and strength.  And hugs are still the best gift of all!  !   !

ALMOST LIGHT

Almost light as I go for my Monday walk.  I go a little farther so that is very encouraging.  It starts raining after I arrive home so that was good timing.  I meet some old friends which is always fun.

Gazing at all the little packages in the freezer for dad and I.  Another very busy time for Sandra and Randy and all their little helpers.

 They certainly have the gift of   hospitality.

 

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Long ago in a land before time creation blossomed just as surely as spring will come with all its color.  I know that my health will recover just as surely and maybe slowly too.  Leah wants to go in and see the doctor with me.  All the grand daughters would like to go in with me.  That would be funny!

 

In each of our lives there is a daily rhythm, times when we experience mystical wonder whether it is in the garden, in music, in art, in family times.  Our hearts are touched and within us grows a deeper empathy with the world and the people around you.  A strong sense of the divine that some call religion.

 

But many  things in life cannot be forced like healing or nature or even  religion.  A lot of things are better done slowly as I am doing on my walk now.  I do not need a service with the words of others  I do not need  an ordained minister,  with or without flowing robes, or even visions or special revelations  The ordinariness of life and it's very simplicity can speak to our hearts.

 

I  had a visit with Gundy and dad had a visit with Jane and Geoff.  They had some airplane books to pass onto him.  Sad to find Shirley back in hospital but not unexpected.

 

We had two short periods of no power and headed up to bed when the power came on again.  I was wondering how do you floss your teeth by candle light?  We were very fortunate.

 

"Truly we are surrounded by a rich and fertile mystery"  -Thomas Moore

 

"See simplicity in the complicated.

          Achieve greatness in little things,"      -Tao Te  Ching.

SURPRISE

What a nice surprise to have a visit from Oliver
and a even bigger surprise to see a frig. full of little dinners all ready for us just to be heated up!

A whole freezer full of dinners for dad and I.  Everyday will be a surprise.  What a family!  And they are all such great cooks.

I started to take pictures but was too excited.  Sorry I missed
Dad and Chris, Susan and Keith.  I meant to take one big group picture. 
What a day the rain pouring down, the lights flickering as if to go out with the wind howling around the house.  So great to have the fire blazing and be warm and happy and hilarious inside.
Also caught up on some new activities people are doing and good things but also some sad experiences too.  All part of life.







Craig and Leah   and Many and her dad Randy.  James was away in Edmonton.  We were able to see little Lincoln on Skype looking at us with his big blue eyes and smiling and making little noises.  Also fun to have a visit with Shadell and Cameron by Skype!  Looking very happy!


Mandy with her dad Randy

Oliver, Sandra and Mandy

Theresa and Ben and Morgan with Oliver.

Theresa and Kim being serious.  We are so blessed.  Ben was hiding for some reason maybe from Randy who likes to get him with some trick or other.

Morgan helped me make cookies and Kim helped too.  Dad thoroughly enjoyed his favorite meal Stew!  There was vegetarian stew for the veggie guys.

Sandra made my favorite cookies with nuts and raisins and Mandy cooked a special coffee cake. made

Ben hiding.

Came home thankful that I had had a big nap in the afternoon.  I would have liked a better picture of Oliver.  Oliver's friend John came to pick him up and then later Oliver wants to go surfing on the biggest waves he can find on the Island.

A big thank you to all  it was wonderful!  Especially dad  because I won't have to ask him what should we make for supper tonight.

Too bad Pentali did not get home in time.

All  I can say is that  was speechless and also enthralled with life once again!

WHAT IF?

What if spring does not come?  I am so thankful for the changing seasons.  I am so thankful that I  am starting to feel better.
Before this happened I was in a place of “What If?  What if I have this sickness or that one.  I read some articles and I can identify with some of the symptoms.  It seems you have to go through the tunnel of "what if" before the light starts to shine again.



I hear the train blowing his horn as I am writing this morning, and it reminds me of the many trips I took by train with my mom and dad and brother.  I like the sound that brings back a sense of adventure with new things to see and experience.  Some of the tunnels we went through seemed very long and very dark. 

Dad discovered that sitting on the top of the train is delightful until you go through these tunnels and the black smoke and girt envelops you.  This was on his first trip to the coast with his boyfriend.  It was then he decided he wanted to live out here.  What if he had not come here?

Anyway,I am walking better (not breaking any speed records yet) and thinking more positive.  Maybe I had a small  mini stroke dad and his partner in crime, Sandra,  think I have had one but I am getting better so that is what is important.  Dad and the family can stop worrying. I will not be reading the scripture in church to-morrow as my speech is a bit slurry.

I feel much more peaceful.

Oliver is coming over by ferry for a visit and for dad's birthday so that is good news. 

Happy Birthday Dear and lets us both not worry about the "what ifs"  We will handle whatever comes our way!  Have a great day!

SURROUNDED

Yes I am very happy when I am surrounded by books.  I spent a good bit of time yesterday trying to finish my mystery story,  but still have a ways to go.  I could spend a lot of time browsing through books.

The monks have great libraries which they study and continue to learn.  Spirituality and intelligence can go hand and hand together.  Sometimes a little skepticism is good too
I do get weary of vague philosophical debates where people say the same thing over and over.  I do think we can strengthen our own faith by learning more about the good in the others.

I am reading scripture in church on Sunday and it is from Deuteronomy 30:15-20.  The people are told they must choose which God and which way they will follow.  Obedience will bring blessing but disobedience will mean they will perish.  Choose life or death, blessings or curses.

I think we do curse ourselves when we lose a sense of our own self worth and what we value in life.




This what it looked like yesterday morning.

The sun came out by the afternoon.

 This morning looks very grim, heavy raining beating on the window pane, I like this cute picture.
Umbrella's have lots of uses!

 Dad still has some pain but ? ? 

Are you enjoying your morning coffee Nancy-Lou?

 

 

CAN WE?

Can two old cranky fools still have fun celebrating Valentines.  Sure we can especially when at least one is romantic!

Dad keeps his word and buys me heart-shaped chocolates.  I will need   some help eating them so will take them to Sandra and Randy’s home.
We enjoyed a visit from our friend Pat today.  We are having left overs for supper today.  I have had a lazy day but will be back walking to-morrow!