Hello! 🙂 Enjoying the view. Have a wonderful day!
Category: Nature
Santa’s Chat with Buddha
SANTA: Ho, ho, ho! Why, hello Gautama Buddha! What a pleasant surprise! I see you have a stocking here!
BUDDHA: Yes, well… there’s a first time for everything. 🙂 Health is the greatest gift, contentment is the greatest wealth, faithfulness is the best relationship. However… I have a special request this year!
SANTA: Normally you request nothing for the holidays but kindness! You’re a tough cookie for the elves to figure out what to create for you. You’ve been a good man, Gautama! What is your wish?
BUDDHA: As you well know, there have been many forest fires plaguing the world this year.
SANTA: Yes, yes – it’s rather unfortunate. Mother Earth is truly hurting right now.
BUDDHA: Well, I would love to plant extra Bodhi trees this year with the hope that it may provide an enlightening experience for those that are within its presence as it has done for me. Some Bodhi seeds or saplings would be wonderful. My monastic order will be helping me taking care of them. When the trees are ready, we will partner with local businesses and people in the community and start a mission to plant them.
SANTA: What a fantastic wish! Mother Earth will be shedding tears of joy to nourish them once their planted. We’ll see what I can do.
BUDDHA: Thank you kindly, Santa!
SANTA: No problem! Magical seeds are easy peasy and totally within my scope. 😉
In response to:
- The Daily Spur: Wish
A Ballad to Night Land Creatures
The eye is always caught by light, but shadows have more to say.
Gregory MacGuire
Everyone knew no one lived in the night lands
But that wasn’t quite true
Despite the fumes which have propagated far and wide
Within the intoxicating depths of the forest, lies the birth of a new guide
Bursting free from her protective chrysalis
Such an immaculate soul
From the throne of her exotic bloom, she reigned
Like her predecessor, she was wild and unwilling to be contained
Everyone knew no one lived in the night lands
But that wasn’t quite true…
Shadowy woodland creatures once lost and lingering
Within the saturated blue shadows
Troubling tensions have long stirred about insecurities
In spite of their self-doubt, their guide brought them out of their obscurities
Everyone knew no one lived in the night lands
But that wasn’t quite true…
Glow worms once hibernating underground
curiously peeked above the surface
Glistening dewdrops sparkle amidst the foggy twilight
Grass glitters with gold as the guide protects the land mid-flight
Everyone knew no one lived in the night lands
But that wasn’t quite true…
Frozen frogs once encased in layers of ice
Bellowing croaks in the distance
Their eyes darting about as they look for their flies
As they thaw at an excruciating pace impatiently waiting for their prize
Everyone knew no one lived in the night lands
But that wasn’t quite true…
In reference to:
- Featured Photo: Image by Yuri_B from Pixabay
- FOWC with Fandango – Fumes
- Putting my feet in the dirt – November prompts
- Promtuarium – Deep Water Prompts
- 10 Animal Adaptations to Hostile Environments
- Kevin Parish – Abstract Painting Story/Poetry Contest
- Daily Word Prompt – glitter
#SoCs- Ornamental Tales
Hello!
It’s been such a busy season for me. I have an ever growing list of all sorts of to-do lists. School, career, relationships, books, movies, recipes, some crafty creations. When I face some stress during the school season, Aristotle’s quotes remind me of a reason why I put myself through it all:
Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.
Aristotle
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
A friend shared with me that last one a long while ago. It stood with me ever since!
One day, you think I would have more sense, and cut back. Give myself more breathing room. Maybe I can burn some of those lists and send those ashes flying away on a windy day. 🙂 Experts say that people can optimally focus on 4 or 5 things at a time.
The present is such a gift. Right now, heart-warming stories of ornaments are on my mind.
When we were kids, my parents decorated our Christmas tree with greeting cards friends gave us, bookmarks, ornaments we made as kids. Glittery paper rings, popsicle stick frames, ornaments made out of yarn or dried noodles. I was always touched by my parents’ sentimentality and wondered why they never bought any ornaments or threw any of our creations away.
For them, the ornaments are more than just a pretty fashion accessory for the tree. There’s a story behind each of the ornaments. How happy we were to make these ornaments for our parents. How happy my parents were to receive a card from our neighbors and friends. How it brought us all together. A tree brimming with true joy and happiness.
When I was a student officer for the Guild of Geeks, I loved painting ornaments on the windows of the school with my fellow club members for a holiday contest for Christmas. We also painted Beamo, Dr. Who’s time machine, among other well known pop culture references. We won 2nd place which scored our club to have lunch with the university president on her balcony! We actually had some folks trained in light saber fights. What an amazing, albeit nerdy memory!
I remembered when one of my friends who was running for office extended an olive branch to his opposition by creating a Christmas ornaments with his opposition’s son. Despite things getting ugly during election time, I wonder what memories his son will choose to take with him. Hopefully, remember the spirit of the season in spite of politics.
I want to create a new memory. My mom and dad collected some pine cones on their nature walks. I took some back with me during Thanksgiving. I’ve been wanting to create a pine cone wreath. Give some out as Christmas gifts. I found so many inspirational ideas!
I was also curious about some other random stuff like The History of Ornaments and What kind of Christmas ornament are you? Quiz.
Journey of Moxie
“The heart has its reasons which reason knows not.”
― Blaise Pascal
Traversing in the fading light of the tunnel
Courageous heart leads down an alluring path
Unaware what lies on the other side
Sprawling trees anchored in place
Within its soaring, mighty arches
Gateway initiates life’s new phases
A dance of duality, perspectives a flutter
Flickering shadows accompany glowing sunbeams
Reasons for renewal are but a possibility
Transition however imminent
In response to:
- Sunshine Artist – The magic of the autumn season
- Tuesday Writing Prompt Challenge – In the fading light
- VJ Weekly Challenge – Reason
- Lost in Transition – Pick a word (soaring)
- Ragtag Daily Prompt – Mighty
#1LinerWed – Gwangju Pagoda
Culture is a basic need. A community thrives through its cultural heritage, it dies without it.
International Federation of Library Associations website
#FOTD – Passion Flower
Image Credit: Passion Fruit by Elena Belokrinitski watercolor pattern on Behance
There has fallen a splendid tear from the passion-flower at the gate. She is coming, my dove, my dear; She is coming, my life, my fate; The red rose cries, “She is near, she is near;” And the white rose weeps, “She is late;” The larkspur listens, “I hear, I hear;” And the lily whispers, “I wait.
Alfred Tennyson
I was walking in the park one beautiful morning and came across these passion flowers!
Spreading Peace with the GREAT ACHIEVER “महासिद्धी” BLOGGER AWARD I (GAMBA I)
Hello everyone!
A few weeks ago, I met a new blogger named Kamal who has introduced a new initiative with her new Great Achiever Blogger Award to spread peace among the blogging community. She is an ambitious visionary, and the award itself has such a beautiful origin story!
“It has given me an extreme happiness and immense pleasure that I am here to introduce a ‘GREAT ACHIEVER “महासिद्धी” BLOGGER AWARD‘ to expand peace in our global village- WordPress. This award goes to a real achiever and successor who has been giving their creative feelings and thoughts exquisitely presenting a good perfection of work of art in WordPress Writing.
I am from a birthplace of Gautam Buddha who enlightened many parts of the world in his lifetime by his wisdom and knowledge of equanimity, or peace of mind which is achieved by detaching oneself from the cycle of craving that produces trouble. And, from a lap of Mount Everest, giving an adventurous taste of mountain climbing to the people around the world. The most important thing is purity from the Himalayas, everyone get tastes of pure water flowing from mountain to the hills and then Terai region spreading tranquility in spring.
“महासिद्धी” is a term for someone who embodies and cultivates the “Siddhi of perfection”. A Siddha is an individual who, through the practice of sādhanā, attains the realization of siddhis, psychic and spiritual abilities and powers.
We are a member of a global village “WordPress” to help shape the world peacefully through our continuous effort to dedicate and invest our valuable time for writing giving a perfection, i.e. “महासिद्धी”.
What an introduction! Thank you, Kamal. ❤ I’m truly honored and humbled by such serendipity. Throughout my journey in blogging, earning a badge for reaching particular criteria is a fascinating concept. I apologize for replying sooner as I have many other obligations outside of my blog.
However, spreading peace is a wonderful cause I can easily rally behind during these times. Unlike a peacekeeper, a peacemaker is neither passive nor fearful. Throughout history, society has a myriad of approaches for maintaining peace. The complexities of human nature, being what it is, has demonstrated conflicting ideas of how peace will transpire.
It takes diligence to remain calm within your heart in the midst of chaos. I have known many bloggers who have done this well but are award-free. Thus, I will open this nomination to any of my readers who would like to contemplate and explore these ideas.
Rules & Regulations
- Thank the person who nominated you, with a link to their blog.
- Make a Post of the Award with a Statement of PEACE & SAVE ENVIRONMENT as above. Tag your post with the #greatachiever.
- Mention the rules and regulations.
- Ask 7 questions of your choice. One of the questions must include “PEACE” and one for “SAVE Environment”.
- Nominate at least 7 fellow bloggers or more to 21 bloggers and notify them.
- Follow @kamalsbloggingcafe (https://kamalsbloggingcafe.wordpress.com) to secure certification as a badge to get a chance of collecting badge of GAMBA WORDPRESS SHINING STAR AWARD for PEACE & SAVE ENVIRONMENT. For more details, visit https://kamalsbloggingcafe.wordpress.com/award/.
Musings
I like to imagine climbing Mount Everest one day, but I think I’m content watching the incredible views in a documentary while I condition myself. 😉 If you are not familiar with the Terai region, these flatlands stretch along the border between Nepal and India. They can be quite beautiful in the spring time.
With such sweeping, natural beauty, it’s unfortunate to know that the country is struggling with many challenges such as natural disasters, cycles of extreme poverty, and political instability, to name a few.
http://sceenius.com/2015/07/27/flatlands-of-nepal-the-terai/
Some of my readers are aware that I was raised with mixed religious traditions. Sometimes, my hybrid, eclectic upbringing has led to some friendly tension with my “pure” friends, but c’est la vie! (That’s life!) 🙂
Years ago, one of my classmates once called me a “Bodhisattva“. I had no clue what that was, so I looked it up.
A person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion in order to save suffering beings.
Oxford Dictionary
Kuan Yin (also known as Avalokitesvara), Bodhisattva of compassion
My father’s brother was a Buddhist monk. When I was a young girl, I attended various beautiful temples with some lovely gardens and fountains. My dad said Buddha’s birthday was near my own which I thought was a fun piece of trivia. There I spent time with and learned from other monks and more devout Buddhists.
This photo contains an example of some of the colorful, architectural elements that I remember most
Kamal’s Questions
- How can you be a good blogger as a member of WordPress Global Village?
If by “good”, you mean integrity: I pay it forward and recognize other bloggers whenever I can or when time permits. I help others enjoy the blogging process and encourage them to keep growing in their craft if they’re new. If they’re veterans, I participate in their challenges. I enjoy interacting with other bloggers, and I learn new things everyday.
- Could you please define a word “PEACE” from your point of view?
I’ve experienced many peaceful moments singing with groups of people in harmony. I also enjoy digging my toes in the sand and feel the ocean wash over my feet as I see the sun rise.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
American adage coined by Henrik Ibsen
For the past few years I’ve been following photography entries for the Global Peace Photo Award inspired by Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, Alfred Hermann Fried and Tobias Michael Carel Asser. The photos are quite compelling. Here’s one I absolutely love!
The World as a Manifestation of Love
- How can we save a tree?
Sadly, I’m trying to save a weak crepe myrtle tree that has developed some lichens. It’s been fighting to stay alive for a very long time. I need to apply some herbicidal soaps and add more mulch. I feel like I have to accept the inevitability of the cycle of life on this one, but I will keep trying so long that it’s showing signs of life and sprouting new leaves.
- Do you think human trafficking is still a crosscutting issue?
Yes, human trafficking is one of the largest crimes in the world and intersects with a variety of studies. “This Power and Control wheel outlines the different types of abuse that can occur in labor and sex trafficking situations.” -Polaris Project
Domestic Abuse Intervention Project’s Duluth Model
It’s even in my own backyard! A few years ago, the store where I worked at made national headline news. A trucker was smuggling illegal immigrants across the border in a large 18-wheeler truck. One of my coworkers reported suspicious activity in the parking lot and heard yelling inside the truck. The individuals in the truck bed were suffocating in summer weather, had no water, and no restrooms. Some died due to asphyxiation, and many were treated at the hospital.
- What thing do you sacrifice to make a happy family environment?
One thing we sacrifice is our pride and need to be right. We apologize when situations warrant it.
Pride is the longest distance between two people.
Kushandwizoom
- Which animal do you like most? Why?
The panda is one of my favorite animals. The symbolism behind the panda as a spirit animal really resonates with me.
- What do you think about the journalist or Youtubers?
Youtubers and journalists have a platform to share news, photographs, and information that they have gathered and researched with the public. They share their opinions, their truths, and sometimes deliver a new angle on an existing topic. Journalists expose themselves to potentially dangerous situations everyday. Youtubers also deal with their particular trolls. I feel that those who move forward in such situations are courageous and resolute.
Freedom of the press is a pillar of our democracy.
MSNBC
- Is a movie-star play a vital role to aware most of the people around the world or just they present their performance to earn money?
There is a wide spectrum of the type of movie stars out there. Some movie stars try to raise awareness about many pressing issues. They play a role in the movie to enact change or shift the public’s mindset about a topic. Sometimes, they raise money to donate to a charitable cause. Audrey Hepburn danced in underground concerts to raise money for the Dutch resistance during World War II for instance.
There are also movie stars who have done a movie purely for the money. I feel that there is no shame in this sort of honesty as money is a necessity. Acting is a profession, and they don’t call it “show business” for nothing. Do I feel that some are overly paid exorbitant amounts of money? Sometimes, but it’s peanuts in relation to an underground network of elite individuals who the public doesn’t see or know about.
Sometimes, actors would just like the cash and openly admitted it like Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Sean Connery, Paul Bettany, Richard Dreyfess, Eddie Murphy, Jackie Chan, Bruce Willis, Harrison Ford, Alec Guinness, Michael Caine, Marlo Brando, Betsy Palmer.
Ben Affleck in the movie, “Paycheck”:
My Questions
- What does peace mean to you?
- How do you resolve conflict?
- What is one thing you do to help the environment?
- How does security play a role in maintaining peace?
- What kind of food makes you feel at peace with the world?
- If you won the Nobel Peace Prize, what would you want the award recognize you for?
- If you were sign up for the Peace Corps, what kind of work would you consider?
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next time! 🙂
Featured Nighttime Image by David Mark from Pixabay
#1LinerWed – Desert Cactus Flower
“A flower blooming in the desert proves to the world that adversity, no matter how great, can be overcome.”
– Matshona Dhliwayo
#Paint-Chip Poem: Think of Me Fondly
Far from the rolling hills of Denmark,
lies Aalborg’s famous House of Music.
Beyond the brushed aluminum exterior,
audience members gaze upon the stage
Opera enthusiasts wait for the singer
With shut eyes, she whispers “open sesame”
as the invisible curtains part ways in her mind
Starry backdrop of lapis lazuli skies
gives way to her glowing presence
A brilliant spotlight shines upon her
Thousands of sparkles glitter across the stage
Her melodious voice flowed with honey
with no signs of rusty inflections
Think of me, think of me fondly
“Think of Me”, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Phantom of the Opera
When we’ve said goodbye
Remember me, once in a while
Please promise me you’ll try
When you find that once again you long
To take your heart back and be free
If you ever find a moment
Spare a thought for me
Image Credit: Musikkens Hus, Aalborg House of Music, Aalborg, Denmark
