Monday, December 29, 2014

Time In A Tea Cup

TIME STANDS STILL and tea tastes sweeter when sipping from a ceramic cup (handmade by an unknown artist) that was a Christmas gift from my daughter.

The clock still ticks, however, and the journey continues into 2015 with my shiny mug and clean calendar not yet scribbled with new or unfinished business from 2014. The calendar is also a day planner that reiterates the well-worn phrase, "Life is a journey, not a destination." With that in mind, I plan to grab life by the handle, although what life will actually hand me is a mystery.

I am gladly turning the page on the previous year. The good things, always quietly there despite the challenges, were overshadowed by several tragic newsworthy events on a global scale. It is impossible not to anticipate a brighter year and hope that we are transitioning into a kinder, safer world.

Life can seem less fragmented when relaxing with a steaming hot drink. Conflict fills with calm and sometimes we experience the "oceanic existence" Deepak Chopra spoke about in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind when he said, “Reality is an ocean but we take it away in teacups.”

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Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

Sunday, December 21, 2014

The Song In My HeART

WHO COULD IT BE at this hour, we wondered, as the doorbell frantically rang through the house? Tucked in for the evening, my husband and I cautiously peered out the window to see some ten children of varying ages gathered on our doorstep. When we opened the door, they shyly giggled and asked if we would like to hear a Christmas carol. When we told them we most certainly would, they burst out singing Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas in Spanish) TWICE to our delight.

I cannot recall carolers coming to our door before. It was a sweet and memorable moment that put a song in our hearts. Since I have no picture of the event, I am posting a saved Christmas card of carolers (above) that a family member hand-painted and sent to us decades ago.

Whether through voice or other artistic expression, gifts of time and talent are often the most touching and perhaps why "art" is part of the word "heart".

It took a little courage for the children to visit with a musical calling card when they saw our lights on. If I were not in my housecoat and pajamas, I would love to have joined the brave choir as they faded into the night.

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Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

Monday, December 15, 2014

Hooked On "Ethical Addiction"

WHAT IS an antique meat hook doing in a clothing store? It is just one of the eclectic artifacts mingling with the t-shirts in a new apparel store that has just opened up in the neighborhood.

Curious about the huge stuffed teddy bear sitting on an electric motorcycle and ancient Viking helmet showcased on a shelf, I learned that the local owner is not only a collector of unusual things but also incorporated a significant green theme to the family run business.

You can learn more about the company on their facebook page HERE.

Amid a reminder that electric run vehicles are viable, I found home decor, sports accessories and racks of clothing made from bamboo organic cotton. A film about bamboo The Wise Man's Timber shows its many usages HERE.



I like the idea of getting addicted to things that are positive for the planet and consequently ourselves and hope that this business flourishes.

Local businesses need community support and face great challenges with mammoth chain stores around every corner.

Ethical Addiction, with its passion for the natural, I suspect will be left standing years from now.

I thought of the store later when photographing evergreens at nearby Kwomais Point Park that survived a recent wild windstorm. Somewhere in the midst of the towering trees is smaller growth no less worthy of our attention.


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Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Glimmers Of Kindness Along The Way

A ONE DAY snowfall last week melted slowly thanks to the chilly weather and lack of rain.

The slush we normally get in southwest BC after flakes fall did not appear, giving nature a chance to form glittery gems with its icy palette.

When the sun peeked through the clouds, pinpoints of light sparkled everywhere.

Sadly, I did not capture the effervescent qualities with my camera ... but I think we are all familiar with that special glow.

"Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own," said Charles Dickens who perhaps found crystallized snow as fascinating as the vibrant petals of summer.

When days get bleak and there is no sparkle, we cheer up the environment by bringing traditionally indoor decorations into the outdoors. Pretty baubles give passersby a lift on gray winter days, even though they are hollow.

There is a dim side to the approaching festive season that highlights materialism and focuses on unrealistically perfect conditions. The world can look contrastingly grim to the depressed or lonely who might have a hard time reaching out and could do with some kindness. The Dalai Lama said, “There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”

Kind volunteers from the Hospice Society set up a booth at the local mall. I made a small donation and was given a bird with lovely peacockish patterns. Although it does not glitter, this handpainted gift brought out the sparkle in me.

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Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms