Camera Critters 69

Finally, one of the beautiful butterflies visiting Musashi's Garden
decided to be still long enough to get its portrait taken!

I took lots of photos of this Black Swallowtail.
Most of them were blurry.
This little lady was in a big hurry to eat and didn't slow down much.

She really liked the zinnias.

Drink, Drink, Drink

Here she is in all her glory hanging on to our tangerine tree.
By the time I opened the patio door to get closer -
she was gone.

(Click to enlarge the photos.)

Smile - it's catching!

Joy to You!

Unfinished Business

Mr. Dragon finally photographed his art work from this summer. These are my favorites from that photo session and the ones that were too big for me to scan.

This is one that I will frame.

This one his instructor loved.
He wanted him to do more with the "blobs".
(Another one of those technical terms.)

Mr. Dragon likes this one.

Look what I got yesterday! Two awards at one time from the lovely and talented Shelly, the Blue Ridge Lady. Thank you, Shelly. I'll try to continue with the *variety feast*!

You must go and visit Shelly. She has been collaging for a little over a year -- bright, beautiful, fun collages. She also does some beaded jewelry and she is a cat lover. It's always hard to hand the awards off to other blogs. There are just too many blogs that make me smile. So, if you don't already have these awards, would like them, or need to make yourself smile -- please grab an award with my blessing and a big YeeeeeHaaawww!

Last, but not least, the Julie and Julia articles at the New York Times continue today with a marvelous post by Michael Pollan whose latest book is In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto.

Have a wonderful day.

Joy To You!

(I hear rain! I'm going to go sit on the balcony before it stops!)

This and That

I thought this journal page went well with my reading of Happiness is an Inside Job: Practicing for a Joyful Life by Sylvia Boorstein, Ph.D. So you get two for the price of one today!



Sylvia Boorstein is a co-founding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, and a senior teacher at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. She writes a regular column in Shambhala Sun and that is where I first *met* her. For many years now, I've enjoyed her columns and her books. I find her thoughtful, kind, funny and a wonderful teacher.

Happiness is an Inside Job is a small gem of a book. Using examples from her own life, she shows how the mind can fall out of its caring connection. "Opinions embedded in neurons take a long time to erase. Peace of mind derives in its own time." "Restoring caring connection when it is disrupted, and maintaining it when it is present, is happiness".

The book is divided into four parts: Equanimity, wisdom, and kindness; wise effort; wise mindfulness; and wise concentration (the last three being the three meditative steps on the Buddha's Eightfold Path).

I took my time reading this book. I wanted to fully digest each part. I keep finding little scraps of paper with quotes around the house -- nice little presents to myself. From Boorstein's friend Tamara "Worrying is futile! You don't know what to worry about first." "May I meet this moment fully. May I meet it as a friend."

She told a story about her uncle who, when he was talking about someone, if deceased would say "Uncle Clyde - May he rest in peace" or if the person was alive would say "may he live and be well" and then go on with "was sure cranky those last days" or "is sure cranky about his garage". Sort of like the Southern, "my neighbor, god bless him, ...". It reminded me of Mr. Spock on Star Trek and the Vulcan greeting "live long and prosper" !!! But, when her uncle died, no one had a bad thing to say about him because he meant - may he rest in peace or may he live and be well - even if they were cranky!

She also talks briefly about her teacher Sharon Salzberg - someone else I enjoy reading.

I'd like to leave you today with this quote--

"Here are the two formulas that I use for formal metta (friendliness or loving kindness) practice:

May I be free of enmity and danger.

May I have mental happiness.

May I have physical happiness.

May I have ease of well-being.

And,

May I feel contented and safe

May I feel protected and pleased.

May my physical body support me with strength.

May my life unfold smoothly with ease. "

Remember to Breathe!

Joy to You!

Bon Appetit

From the NYTimes

You know that I don't normally post on Wednesday. Wednesday is errand/adventure day. But, I couldn't resist when I found this article on the Julie and Julia movie. Here's the link: Film Food, Ready for Its Bon Appetit. Enjoy!

Try something new today!

My World

Visit My World to see more of our world or to participate yourself!

We can't spend all our time in Hermann Park
or the museum district.
Eventually we have to eat!
I'd like to take you for a midday meal at one of our favorite places.
It's not too far from the museums.

This is Baba Yega located in the Montrose area of Houston.
Two older houses put together to make this restaurant.
Simple fare for vegetarians or carnivores.

We got there early to take a few photos.
It fills up fast.

But the real reason we love Baba Yega's is the garden.
We try to get a table on the enclosed porch so that we can
hear the waterfall.

There are koi in the pond.

There's a waterfall and several fountains.

This looks back to the covered porch.
A very popular place!

There are small sculptures hidden in the garden.
This funny little pig is one of my favorites.

(Click to make the pictures larger.)

I hope you enjoyed your midday tour!

Click here to view all participants of My World Tuesday!

Joy to You!