From time to time, to remind ourselves to relax, to be peaceful, we may wish to set aside some time for a retreat, a day of mindfulness, when we can walk slowly, smile, drink tea with a friend, enjoy being together as if we are the happiest people on Earth. This is not a retreat, it is a treat. During walking meditation, during kitchen and garden work, during sitting meditation, all day long, we can practice smiling. At first you may find it difficult to smile, and we have to think about why. Smiling means that we are ourselves, that we are not drowned into forgetfulness. ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Wishing you a lovely night,
Wait for tomorrow for day so bright,
See pleasant dreams for another day,
As on your bed you lay,
Wait for a new dawn,
a new day,
Don’t forget to say your pray,
Good night and sleep tight!

~Source: WishAFriend

Weather Affects Color Intensity

Temperature, light, and water supply have an influence on the degree and the duration of fall color. Low temperatures above freezing will favor anthocyanin formation producing bright reds in maples. However, early frost will weaken the brilliant red color. Rainy and/or overcast days tend to increase the intensity of fall colors. The best time to enjoy the autumn color would be on a clear, dry, and cool (not freezing) day. ~Carl E. Palm, Jr.

Source: Environmental Information Series

Both trees are next to each other, but the colors aren’t the same. ~Jendhamuni

Sometimes it’s better to be Alone…Nobody can hurt you.
A broken relationship would make you feel more lonely
than when you were single. Loneliness breaks if you think
God is there with you. ~Unknown

Love lets you find those hidden places in another person, even the ones they didn’t
know were there, even the ones they wouldn’t have thought to call beautiful themselves.

~Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

You should not do anything you do not want to do just to fit in or to impress others. It is impossible for you to please everyone or to make everyone happy. You must be yourself and sometimes decision has to be made even if you have to face criticism. Remember, no one in this world will praise you all the time and no one in this world will criticize you all the time either.

Happiness comes and goes, so does suffering. You should do what is right for you, what makes you happy because you are the one who have to live your life. Not doing what others tell you to do, does not mean you don't love them. For example: I am a vegetarian. I don't drink or smoke either. My friends always begged me to eat meat and consume a little alcohol whenever I joined them at the cookout. Of course, I would never do what they wanted me to, no matter how much they begged me because I do what I believe is right for me.

You must build a strong roof so there is shelter that can protect you from the rain. Do not let anyone change you to be the person you do not want to be. Always follow your heart, not the voice in your head. ~Jendhamuni

http://leelavadeeflower.blogspot.com/2014/10/always-follow-your-heart-and-just-be.html

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Well, it's in my native language, Khmer. So you will not understand the lyrics. Sung by Khmer legendary singers Huy Meas & Sinn Sisamuth.

Love lets you find those hidden places in another person, even the ones they didn’t know were there, even the ones they wouldn’t have thought to call beautiful themselves. ~Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

http://leelavadeeflower.blogspot.com/2014/09/love-song-in-khmer.html

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We shall never have a garden without sunflowers…

“Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men and animals. Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the hollyhock.” ~Henry Ward Beecher

A NASA satellite spotted this O-shaped cloud over the Pacific in early September.

An image released by NASA’s Earth Observatory on Sept. 27, 2014