Hallowe'en Garden, Manhattan

Scary Halloween Garden growing with skulls zombies ghouls La Perla Community Garden 76 W. 105th Street Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York, New York. Scary Halloween Garden growing with skulls zombies ghouls.

Posted by sookietex at 8:18 AM 0 comments || ||

Hallowe'en Humor

And now for the really zany—but, for the most part, marvelously ingenious!—Halloween riddles, puzzles and puns (oh my!):
What do baby ghosts wear on Halloween? White Pillowcases.
Do zombies eat popcorn with their fingers? No, they eat the fingers separately.
Where do fashionable ghosts shop for sheets? [This one is so bad that it's actually quite good!] Bootiques.
What do you call someone who puts poison in a person's corn flakes? A cereal killer.
What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman? Frostbite.
What do you get when you cross a werewolf and a vampire? A fur coat that fangs around your neck.
What does a vampire never order at a restaurant? A stake sandwich.
What do you call a witch in the desert? A sandwitch.
What does a vampire fear the most? Tooth decay.
Where did the vampire open his savings account? At a blood bank.
Who do vampires buy their cookies from?  The Ghoul Scouts
What do you get when you cross Bambi with a ghost? Bamboo.
What do you get when you drop a pumpkin? Squash [!].
What do you call a fat Jack-O-Lantern? A plumpkin.
What do you call a ghost with a broken leg? A hoblin goblin.
Why wasn't there any food left after the monster party? Because everyone was a goblin!
What does a skeleton order at a restaurant? Spare ribs.

Why should a skeleton drink 10 glasses of milk a day? It's good for the bones.Why don't skeletons like parties? They have no body to dance with.
Why did the witches' team lose the baseball game? Their bats flew away.
How does a witch tell time?  She looks at her witch watch.
What was the witch's favorite subject in school? Spelling.
What's the problem with twin witches?  You never know which witch is which.
What do ghosts serve for dessert? Ice Scream.
What did the mommy ghost say to the baby ghost? Don't spook until you're spoken to.
What did the mummy say to the detective? Let's wrap this case up.
What does the papa ghost say to his family when driving? Fasten your sheet belts.
What is a ghoul's favorite flavor? Lemon-slime.
What's a monster's favorite play? Romeo and Ghouliet. [See?--they're much more romantic than you'd guess.]
What's a haunted chicken? A poultry-geist.
What happened to the guy who couldn't keep up payments to his exorcist? He got repossessed.

What is a vampire's favorite holiday? Fangsgiving.What is a vampire's favorite sport? Casketball.
What kind of streets do zombies like the best? Dead ends.
Who did Frankenstein take to the prom? His ghoul friend.
Why did the skeleton cross the road? To go to the body shop.
When does a skeleton laugh? When something tickles his funny bone.
What did the skeleton say to the bartender? I'll have two beers and a mop. [This is one of my very favorites—such a considerate skeleton!]
Where does Count Dracula usually eat his lunch? At the casketeria.
Who does Dracula get letters from? His fang club.
What has webbed feet, feathers, fangs and goes quack-quack? Count Duckula.
What do birds give out on Halloween night? Tweets. [And if you like, you're certainly free to "tweet" this whole collection!]
What do you call two spiders that just got married? Newlywebbed.
What do Italians eat on Halloween? Fettucinni Afraid-o.
What's it like to be kissed by a vampire? It's a pain in the neck.
How does a ghost say goodbye to a vampire? So long, sucker!
What do you call a witch's garage? A broom closet.
What do you give to a pumpkin trying to quit smoking? A pumpkin patch. [A toast to Linus here, please.]
How do monsters tell their future? They read their horrorscope.
How are vampires like false teeth? They both come out at night.
What's a vampire's favorite fruit? A necktarine
What is a vampire's favorite ice cream flavor? Veinilla.
What did the three vampires order at the bar? Two bloods and a blood light. [!!]
Why did the vampire go to the orthodontist? To improve his bite.
Who are some of the werewolves cousins? The whatwolves, the whowolves, and the whenwolves. [This is a no-brainer, right?!]
Why are most monsters covered in wrinkles? Have you ever tried to iron a monster?
Why do mummies have so much trouble keeping friends? They're too wrapped up in themselves.
Why don't mummies take vacations? They're afraid they'll relax and unwind.
[On the other hand] Where do mummies go for a swim? The dead sea.
Why do mummies make excellent spies? They're good at keeping things under wraps.
Why did the ghost go into the bar? For the Boos.
Why do ghosts like to ride elevators? It raises their spirits.
What's the favorite game at ghosts' birthday parties? Hide and Shriek.
Why did the game warden arrest the ghost? He didn't have a haunting license. [I assume the game warden must have been a ghost himself!]
What kind of monster is safe to put in a washing machine? A wash and wear wolf.
What do you get when you cross a black cat with a lemon. A sour-puss.
What do you get when you divide the circumference of a jack-o-lantern by its diameter? Pumpkin Pi.
What do skeletons say before they begin dining? Bone appetit!
What happens when a ghost gets lost in the fog? He is mist.
Why don't angry witches ride their brooms? They're afraid of flying off the handle.
Who won the skeleton beauty contest? No body.

Where do baby ghosts go during the day? Dayscare centers.
And lastly,
What do you do when 50 zombies surround your house? [really, think about this one very carefully] . . . Hope that it's Halloween (!!!).

5 Ways to Being Mindful in Every Day Life

Mindfulness starts to get really interesting when we can start to integrate it into everyday life. Remember, mindfulness means to be present, in the moment. And if you can do it sitting on a chair, then why not while out shopping, drinking a cup of tea, eating your food, holding the baby, working at the computer or having a chat with a friend? All of these are opportunities to apply mindfulness, to be aware.

This means that rather than drifting through the day on auto-pilot, not really being fully conscious of the decisions you make, you move from one moment to the next with a sense of calm and clarity in the mind. Researchers have found that most people are caught up in thought for between 30 percent and 50 percent of the time, even while engaged in activities. They also discovered this mind wandering was a direct cause of unhappiness and confusion.
So why not let this is be one more reason to integrate mindfulness into your life?

The mindfulness experts at Headspace describe five situations to which you could easily apply mindfulness on a daily basis. Typically, these are the kind of events where your mind is wandering -- but it doesn't have to be this way. This isn't about trying to stop thoughts and feelings, but instead learning to step back from them, allowing them to come and go. And if you do find yourself suddenly lost in thought, then no problem at all, simply bring your attention back to the physical senses and whatever it is you’re doing.

1. Mindfulness While Brushing Your Teeth

The Old Way:Vague awareness of picking up your toothbrush and moving it around the mouth on autopilot, as you wander around the house, tripping over the cat, looking for your keys, mentally preparing for your first meeting of the day, while wondering who’ll play James Bond after Daniel Craig.

The New Way: Being mindful of the feet on the floor, the temperature and the texture on the soles of your feet; mindful of the appearance, smell, flavor and texture of the toothpaste; mindful of the arm moving from side to side and the sound of the brush against your teeth; mindful of each and every tooth and the sensation of the brush against the gums.
Bonus: Not only will you feel calm and collected afterward, your dentist will be happy with you, too!

2. Mindfulness While Taking A Shower

The Old Way:Acute awareness of scolding hot water alternating with freezing cold water until you find the sweet spot. From there, the mind wanders off to the eternal question of ‘What would it be like to win The X Factor?’ as you sing your favorite tune into the shower-head.

The New Way: Being mindful of the need to set the temperature before getting into the shower; mindful of the wave of pleasure as the warm water washes over you; mindful of the smell of the shower gel, soap or shampoo; mindful of the mind jumping forward, imagining conversations that have yet to happen; mindful of the amount of water you’re using; and mindful of the sound of the water coming to a stop.
Bonus: Greenpeace will love you for it, and you’ll end up with a much clearer mind for the day ahead.

3. Mindfulness While Commuting To Work

The Old Way: Standing like a sardine squashed into a tin can on a train or bus, resenting anyone who has a seat, feeling nauseous at the potent cocktail of perfumes, aftershaves, deodorants and hairsprays, while trying to keep your cool as a stroller rocks back and forth into your shins. Alternatively, sitting in the relative comfort of a car, but in traffic so slow that you fear you might actually have to put the car into reverse.

The New Way: Being mindful of your environment and the tendency to resist it; being mindful of the emotions as they rise and fall, come and go; mindful of all the different senses, but rather than thinking about them, judging them, or analyzing them, simply acknowledging them; mindful of wanting to be somewhere else, of wishing time away; and mindful of wanting to scream out loud or put your foot down in the car.

Bonus: The other people around you will almost certainly appreciate your lack of road-rage, train-rage or bus-rage and, you never know, you may even find yourself turning up to work with a smile on your face.

4. Mindfulness While Washing The Dishes

The Old Way: Vaguely aware of the need to avoid the sharp knife, hidden beneath the plates in the water, as you stare out of the window and wonder why Mrs. green coat with the brown shoes from number 48 doesn’t get together with Mr. square jaw with the fancy car from number 32. They’re both single, and they look as though they’d be perfect together.

The New Way: Being mindful of the very first moment when your hands meet the water; mindful of the warmth and the transference of heat to the body; mindful of picking up one thing at a time and taking just an extra second or two to clean it thoroughly; mindful of the passing thoughts and of letting them go; mindful of seeing people come and go through the window without getting involved in any storylines; mindful of wanting to get on and do something else; and mindful of feeling satisfied when you’ve finished.

Bonus:OK, so you have a dishwasher, but you get the picture. And if the dishwasher ever breaks down, you’ll know that it is possible to get some headspace while washing the dishes.

5. Mindfulness While Waiting In Line

The Old Way: As you stand there tapping your foot, arms crossed and jaws clenched, you wonder why everyone else has chosen the exact same time as you to come to the bank. As you flick through old texts and emails on your cell, desperately searching for something, anything, to do to escape your own impatience, you consider the possibility of robbing the place one day (hypothetically of course), absentmindedly looking to see where the different cameras are and, thereby, getting your picture saved to yet another database in the sky.

The New Way: Being mindful of the sense of urgency with which you enter the bank; mindful of your reaction when you first see the line; mindful of your posture as you stand there waiting; mindful of your breath as you focus on the physical sensations in the body; mindful of your reaction each time the line creeps forward; mindful of the tendency to keep looking at your watch, checking your phone or looking for some kind of distraction; and mindful of your interaction with another human being when you finally get served.

Bonus: You can see the queue as an irritating inconvenience, or as an opportunity to take a break. Either way, you know you’re not really going to rob the bank, so why are you even looking?

Managing Anxiety with Meditation

Health Benefits of Anxiety

Meditation shows promise as a means of managing anxiety, a common problem marked by excessive worrying, nervousness, and physical symptoms.

While meditation alone cannot treat anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder and social phobia), there's some evidence that meditation may help promote relaxation and reduce some anxiety symptoms.

Considered a type of stress-management technique, meditation typically involves focusing your attention on your breathing or on a repeated word or phrase (known as a "mantra"). When practiced regularly, meditation may help people to calm themselves and gain greater control over anxiety-producing thoughts. Practicing meditation may also enhance the effects of standard therapy for anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

To date, few studies have focused on the use of meditation in the treatment of anxiety. In a research review published in 2006, for instance, investigators were only able to identify two studies that tested meditation's effectiveness in managing anxiety disorders. In analyzing those studies, the investigators found that transcendental meditation (a type of meditation that involves repeating a mantra) is similar to other kinds of relaxation therapies in terms of its anxiety-reducing effects. However, the review's authors note that no conclusion can be drawn on meditation's usefulness as a therapy for anxiety disorders, due to the small number of available studies.

Meditation may help alleviate anxiety among people undergoing treatment for cancer, according to a small study published in 2009. In tests on 28 cancer patients, researchers found that two weeks of practicing mindfulness meditation (a type of meditation that involves focusing your mind on the present) helped reduce anxiety and ease depression.

Using Meditation for Anxiety Disorders

Due to the lack of supporting research data, meditation cannot currently be recommended as a principal treatment for anxiety disorders. Furthermore, it's important to note that many individuals with anxiety disorders require treatment with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. If you're interested in using meditation to help manage an anxiety disorder, talk to a mental-health professional about incorporating a meditation practice into your treatment program.

_{Sources
Ando M, Morita T, Akechi T, Ito S, Tanaka M, Ifuku Y, Nakayama T. "The efficacy of mindfulness-based meditation therapy on anxiety, depression, and spirituality in Japanese patients with cancer." J Palliat Med. 2009 Dec;12(12):1091-4.
Krisanaprakornkit T, Krisanaprakornkit W, Piyavhatkul N, Laopaiboon M. "Meditation therapy for anxiety disorders." Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jan 25;(1):CD004998.
National Institute of Mental Health. "Anxiety Disorders". September 2010.}

Women, Heart Disease and Mindfulness Study

Women veterans at risk for heart disease recruited for mindfulness-based stress reduction study
 

Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing researchers and Edward Hi, Jr. VA Hospital are recruiting women veterans at risk for heart disease for a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) study. MBSR is a form of complementary medicine that combines yoga and meditation.

Women veterans between the ages of 18 and 70, who have at least two risk factors for heart disease, are eligible to enroll in the study. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, smoking and a family history of heart disease or stroke.

"Women veterans are a rapidly growing population with unique health needs," said Karen Saban, PhD, RN, APRN, CNRN, FAHA, associate professor, MNSON and health science researcher at the Hines VA. "Women who enroll in this study will help us study alternative methods to improve the health and quality of life of those who have served."
The eight-week study will determine the extent to which training in MBSR improves psychological well-being, decreases inflammation and reduces heart disease risk. Researchers also will evaluate protective measures and risk factors, such as prior life adversity, social support and health behaviors that may alter the positive effects of MBSR.

"This is the first study that will look at mindfulness-based stress-reduction techniques in women veterans at risk for heart disease," said Fran Weaver, PhD, director, Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA. "Given that heart disease is a major cause of death, this research also may have broader implications for the general population."

Evidence demonstrates that chronic stress doubles the risk of a heart attack and contributes to inflammation linked to artery disease and stroke. Veterans who have experienced combat are at greater risk for stress and heart disease as a result. While previous research has focused on males, statistics reveal that a startling number (81 - 92 percent) of women veterans report experiencing at least one traumatic event, which contributes to stress. Women veterans also have significant rates of prior life adversity such as sexual assault and physical violence.

Using MBSR to reduce stress and develop coping strategies may improve psychological well-being and reduce heart disease risk in women veterans. Mindfulness techniques also have been found to reduce symptoms of depression and improve quality of life in veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. People who use MBSR gain awareness about the relationship among their thoughts, emotions and reactions, which can change conditioned patterns of emotional responses.

SOURCE Loyola University Chicago September 10, 2013 

Mindful Hallowe'en

Spooky Halloween Crafts for Get-Togethers

Halloween is right around the corner. Millions of people will be planning spooky gatherings in their home. Having the right décor, food and costume is only the beginning. You’ll need the right party favors too.
Here are six ideas from craft experts that are perfect for the season:

1. Personalized spooky candles. TLC Family states that spooky candles make fun, simple party favors. Just take a fall scented/colored candle, a Halloween stencil (witch hat, ghost, or bat) and a carving tool to create personalized candles. Etch a design on the side of the candle and paint the crevices for a more dramatic look.
2. Homemade Halloween lanterns. With a little ingenuity and instructions from Better Homes and Gardens’ website, you can turn an empty tin can into a Halloween lantern. You can make a bat or Jack-o-Lantern dot pattern with a hammer and large nail. Then paint the can, add wire for handles and place a candle inside.
3. Trick-or-treat candy jars. Mason jars have become classic decorating elements and it doesn’t take much to give them a Halloween-flair. All you need is a stencil (Jack-o-Lantern, ghost, black cat or spider) and a permanent marker. Draw the figures on the glass and fill the containers with uniform candies. HGTV offers more ideas.
4. Candy corn cone treats. If you don’t have mason jars you can create paper candy containers that resemble candy corn. All you’ll need is sturdy, white paper that you secure in a cone shape. You can paint the candy corn design with yellow and orange paint and fill the cone with candy. You can find further instructions on the Country Living website.
5. Halloween eggs. Have leftover plastic Easter eggs? Martha Stewart suggests painting the eggs as skulls, pumpkins or ghost faces and filling the containers with candy. You can find complete instructions here.
6. Musical pumpkins for the kids. For kiddie party favors, consider mini music makers from the Parenting website. Simply cut the top and bottom off a section of an egg carton. You fill the section with dried beans and glue the cardboard pieces together with a Popsicle stick coming out the middle. Finally, paint the egg carton orange and top it off with green paper leaves.
7. Pumpkin on tap. Hallow out a pumpkin and carefully carve a fitted hole for a tap. Fill the pumpkin with punch or other spooky beverages. Let guests fill their own drinks at the party.

Photo

                                                  

My crooked-eared dog is smarter than me.

Before her second birthday, Cholula’s had the secrets to simple happiness figured out already.

A dog’s life is pretty fabulous, at least in this household.

Cholula’s toy box is overflowing with squeaky, furry things and ragged tennis balls. She prefers to sit shotgun on road trips, or in my lap (she weighs 50 pounds). She freely hogs the best part of the bed. She offers her skills as taste-tester when I’m cooking, under my feet with one ear cocked.

She fully expects to be a part of any adventure we embark upon— and 90% of the time, she is.

Cholula’s part of the family, one of us. We are a pack, and she knows it.

Spoiled? Maybe. Loved? No question.

Half German Shepherd and half Chocolate Lab, Cholula’s the perfect combination of sweet and smart. Sure, she’s just a dog— but I’m convinced that the lessons I’ve learned from her could benefit just about anyone.

1. Every day is a new beginning.

Dogs don’t hold grudges from last year—or even yesterday. Cholula happily forgets when I run out of time for a trip to the dog pond with her. She wakes up ready for adventure, with a wagging tail and boundless energy, even without coffee.

2. Stretching is good for you.

The very first thing Cholula does when she gets out of (our) bed is stretch into a good and deep downward dog move with a little “Wow, that feels good” groan. If she’s been down for a while, she follows that up with a hip flexor thing, sometimes kicking one leg out for the extra stretch. Then, she’s ready for the day and any activity it might hold.

3. Be yourself.

Sure, when she’s done something wrong, Cholula might slink toward us shyly trying to look adorable. But dogs don’t know how to be anything but real. They don’t struggle with self-acceptance. If they are happy, they show it. If they’re annoyed, you know it. Cholula’s many quirks are endearing and make us love her more.

4. Don’t underestimate the power of a nap.

When Cholula is tired, she stops. Instead of trudging through the day groggily, she’ll just lie down and recharge with a power nap. When she wakes up, she’spresent and cheerful.

5. Patience pays off.

Cholula will sit still while watching me scurry around the kitchen, wistfully and intently watching as I transfer bacon from the pan to a plate. She’s willing me to drop a piece for her. Or, she’ll perch herself next to my desk chair as I type away with her squeaky fox in her mouth watching me work but, hoping for attention. She knows that if she just sits there long enough, I’ll cave. I always do. Good things come to those who wait.

6. Exercise should be fun.

No matter how many times I throw that tennis ball into the water, Cholula always musters the energy to dive in after it— and comes back to me, panting, wagging,begging for more. Exercise for her isn’t an obligation, it’s a pleasure.

7. Always sneak in one more snuzzle.

We call them sniper kisses and Cholula is a pro. I’m amazed at how importantphysical attention is to her— she’ll always go in for just one more blissful belly rub, one more sigh-inducing ear massage. She greedily enjoys as much affection as we’ll give and returns the favor.

8. When you love someone, make sure they know it.

She hates when we’re gone and cries with joy when we return. She wags when we enter a room. She follows us around the house, parking herself near us when we land. She lays her ears back sweetly and scoots in for a good morning cuddle the moment we open our eyes. We never question Cholula’s feelings for us.

Love should be obvious and complete.

Not every dog gets the royal treatment like our little princess. But behind those sweet brown eyes there’s a wisdom we can all learn from. Life is about simple joys, healthy activities, occasional treats, and unabashed love.

Wag more. Bark less.

Asst. Ed.: Kathleen O’Hagan/Ed: Bryonie Wise

8 Life Lessons From My Dog. ~ Amber Howe | elephant journal


Link: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/08/8-life-lessons-from-my-dog-amber-howe/

5 best foods to help you sleep and 2 you should avoid

Having trouble falling asleep? Here are some foods that promote the Zs and some you should avoid before hitting the sack.

By Diana Faria

• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter
• Share on email
• Share on print

Slide: 1 of 7

auto-playnextfirst

speed

5 best foods to help you sleep and 2 you should avoid

If you're tossing and turning most nights instead of sleeping soundly, there are some foods that can help you snooze better. We asked Sue Love and Sapna Patel Flower, naturopathic doctors at Restore Integrative Health in Toronto, for their suggestions of foods that help you fall asleep quickly and for longer periods of time.

1. Walnuts
If you're having trouble falling asleep, eat a handful of walnuts. They contain melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain and gastrointestinal tract that "is involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles," says Love.

Mindfulness is......

Mindfulness is the energy that helps us to be truly present.
When you are truly present, you are more in control of situations, you have more
love, patience, understanding, and compassion. That strengthens and improves
your quality of being. It can be very healing to touch your true nature of
no-self. Psychotherapy can learn a lot from this teaching.
Answers from the Heart: Practical Responses to Burning

In Asian languages, the word for ‘mind’ and the word for
‘heart’ are the same word. So when we hear the word ‘mindfulness’, we have to
inwardly also hear ‘heartfulness’ in order to grasp it even as a concept, and
especially as a way of being.
Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness is not just a word or a discourse by the Buddha,
but a meaningful state of mind. It means we have to be here now, in this very
moment, and we have to know what is happening internally and externally. It
means being alert to our motives and learning to change unwholesome thoughts and
emotions into wholesome ones. Mindfulness is a mental activity that in due
course eliminates all suffering.
Ayya Khema, 'Be an Island'

                    

JOKE

Picasso

“It takes a very long time to become young.” ― Pablo Picasso

“There is nothing permanent except change.” —Heraclitus


“To err is human; to forgive, divine.” —Alexander Pope


“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” —Anais Nin


“I never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude.” —Henry David Thoreau


“Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.”—William Wordsworth


“All good things are wild and free.” —Henry David Thoreau

 


“We convince by our presence.” —Walt Whitman


“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” —Albert Einstein





“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller







Link:
http://meghannathanson.com/2012/07/18/it-takes-a-very-long-time-to-become-young-%E2%80%95-pablo-picasso/

Pablo Picasso and Mindfulness

“It takes a very long time to become young.” ― Pablo Picasso

Posted on July 18, 2012 by meghannathanson

4

One of the best ways in which we may lift our children up in this life is to show them that the world is beautiful. We may show them shells and sunflowers, lazy days and wild adventures, delightful foods and sounds and sights to see. We may show them love and respect for self and others too. If we hope for them to go out into the world and do something profound (whether that means living a simple and happy life or making a grand discovery), they must first see the world as a safe place. And the world is a very good and beautiful place. If our children have this opportunity early in life then one day when they witness the things that may not be so good, they will know what is out of place and this will be powerful knowledge in their grasp. This is not an original thought but one that I have come to use as a valuable guide  for deciding how to present the world to my children. And for me, oh what peace I have found in the hours of digging my own fingers into sand and dangling seaweed on sticks, the endless driveway chalk drawing, dough mixing and long bedtime gratitudes. I think I may b

MINDFUL POETRY

Please Call me by My True Names

I am the 12 year old girl, refugee on a boat, who throws herself into the ocean after being raped by a sea pirate.

 And I am the pirate, my heart not yet capable of seeing and loving.

 I am member of the politburo, with plenty of power in my hands, and I am the man who has to pay his ”debt of blood” to my people, dying slowly in a forced labor camp.

My joy is like spring, so warm it makes flowers bloom in all walks of life.

 My pain is like a river of tears, so full it fills up the four oceans.

 Please call me by my true names, so I can hear all my cries and my laughs at once, so I can see that my joy and pain are one.

 Please call me by my true names so I can wake up,

and so the door of my heart can be open the door of compassion.

                                                                            Thich Nhat Hahn

To the mind that is still

the whole universe surrenders

                                                                   Buddha     

Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn

A cool breeze in summer, snow in winter.

If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things,

This is the best season of your life.

                                                                      Wu-men 

"It may be when we no

 longer know what to do,

we have come to our real work,

 and that when we no longer know which way to go,

 we have begun our real journey."

                                                 Wendell Berry

The perfume of sandalwood,

the scent of rosebay and jasmine,

travel only as far as the wind.

But the fragrance of goodness

travels with us

through all the worlds. 

Like garlands woven from a heap of flowers,

fashion your life

as a garland of beautiful deeds.

                                Buddha

“The thought manifests as the word;

The word manifests as the deed;

The deed develops into habit;

And habit hardens into character;

So watch the thought and its ways with care,

And let it spring from love

Born out of concern for all beings.”

                                         Buddha

 Close the language-door and
open the love window.
The moon
won't use the door, only the window.
--Rumi. Translator: Coleman Barks

Source:  http://www.bemindful.org/poemsb.htm

Life Lessons by my Dog

My crooked-eared dog is smarter than me.

Before her second birthday, Cholula’s had the secrets to simple happiness figured out already.

A dog’s life is pretty fabulous, at least in this household.

Cholula’s toy box is overflowing with squeaky, furry things and ragged tennis balls. She prefers to sit shotgun on road trips, or in my lap (she weighs 50 pounds). She freely hogs the best part of the bed. She offers her skills as taste-tester when I’m cooking, under my feet with one ear cocked.

She fully expects to be a part of any adventure we embark upon— and 90% of the time, she is.

Cholula’s part of the family, one of us. We are a pack, and she knows it.

Spoiled? Maybe. Loved? No question.

Half German Shepherd and half Chocolate Lab, Cholula’s the perfect combination of sweet and smart. Sure, she’s just a dog— but I’m convinced that the lessons I’ve learned from her could benefit just about anyone.

1. Every day is a new beginning.

Dogs don’t hold grudges from last year—or even yesterday. Cholula happily forgets when I run out of time for a trip to the dog pond with her. She wakes up ready for adventure, with a wagging tail and boundless energy, even without coffee.

2. Stretching is good for you.

The very first thing Cholula does when she gets out of (our) bed is stretch into a good and deep downward dog move with a little “Wow, that feels good” groan. If she’s been down for a while, she follows that up with a hip flexor thing, sometimes kicking one leg out for the extra stretch. Then, she’s ready for the day and any activity it might hold.

3. Be yourself.

Sure, when she’s done something wrong, Cholula might slink toward us shyly trying to look adorable. But dogs don’t know how to be anything but real. They don’t struggle with self-acceptance. If they are happy, they show it. If they’re annoyed, you know it. Cholula’s many quirks are endearing and make us love her more.

4. Don’t underestimate the power of a nap.

When Cholula is tired, she stops. Instead of trudging through the day groggily, she’ll just lie down and recharge with a power nap. When she wakes up, she’spresent and cheerful.

5. Patience pays off.

Cholula will sit still while watching me scurry around the kitchen, wistfully and intently watching as I transfer bacon from the pan to a plate. She’s willing me to drop a piece for her. Or, she’ll perch herself next to my desk chair as I type away with her squeaky fox in her mouth watching me work but, hoping for attention. She knows that if she just sits there long enough, I’ll cave. I always do. Good things come to those who wait.

6. Exercise should be fun.

No matter how many times I throw that tennis ball into the water, Cholula always musters the energy to dive in after it— and comes back to me, panting, wagging,begging for more. Exercise for her isn’t an obligation, it’s a pleasure.

7. Always sneak in one more snuzzle.

We call them sniper kisses and Cholula is a pro. I’m amazed at how importantphysical attention is to her— she’ll always go in for just one more blissful belly rub, one more sigh-inducing ear massage. She greedily enjoys as much affection as we’ll give and returns the favor.

8. When you love someone, make sure they know it.

She hates when we’re gone and cries with joy when we return. She wags when we enter a room. She follows us around the house, parking herself near us when we land. She lays her ears back sweetly and scoots in for a good morning cuddle the moment we open our eyes. We never question Cholula’s feelings for us.

Love should be obvious and complete.

Not every dog gets the royal treatment like our little princess. But behind those sweet brown eyes there’s a wisdom we can all learn from. Life is about simple joys, healthy activities, occasional treats, and unabashed love.

Wag more. Bark less.

Asst. Ed.: Kathleen O’Hagan/Ed: Bryonie Wise

8 Life Lessons From My Dog. ~ Amber Howe | elephant journal


Link: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/08/8-life-lessons-from-my-dog-amber-howe/

Funmny Pictures

These are cute – the first one is like Zoey – she thinks she runs the house.

------------------------