Birds of peace for International Peace Day

My birds of peace will be hung in the peace tree at the front of our block over the next couple of days leading up to and continuing to fly after the 21 September.

©2016 Barry Smith - A few birds of peace for International Peace Day 2016

May these birds of peace just send a few more peace ripples out into the world.

wednesday september 21st

here we are again, looking at the imminent arrival of the international day of peace. 

one week from now. 

i am guilty of not having been active here - and yet the world has shown us over the past year that the need for the honoring of peace is just as important as it ever was. and probably ever shall be. for it needs to be tended to - as anything else. we need to stay mindful and active, our young ones need to be guided and given solid role models. 

it is, in effect, a life's practice. 

my work this year has gotten bigger - but with the same goal in mind. for it to be used in ways that promote peace. offering bowls and wall plaques and hangings- using techniques and skills i've honed in the making of adornment - are coming off of the anvil. set with words that resound deeply within me. 

morning mantra offering bowl 2016

as there is never a bad time to share your thoughts or work - please feel free to share. i know it's going on steadily. 

----

as the moon sets

and the sun rises

may i begin my day

awake.

may i move through each moment

mindfully

lightly

and 

with clarity.

a heart bursting with love,

a mind propped open, 

may i shine to lessen 

the darkness

of another being's 

suffering. 

----

in peace - 

mary jane

The Lotus

May I live like the lotus, 

at ease in muddy water

The lotus has been my source of inspiration.

To allow me to be at ease,

  in the moment,

      just being.

international day of peace 2015

mjd 2015

everything living is impermanent. 

every thing, every one that is alive will not always be so. 

a sense of urgency is necessary -
for each moment matters. 

what do you want to leave behind? 

will it be a message of beauty and peace,

understanding and compassion?

will you do the work it takes,

and be a warrior for the purpose of living in 

and perpetuating peace? 

yes, work - being attentive, 

practicing right speech, mind and action.

but is anything more worth it? 

what will your legacy be? 

as thich nhat hanh reminds us:

our own life has to be our message. 

in a way, not knowing how long we have,

not knowing what will happen in a minute, a day, a year,

is a gift. 

it forces us to bring our 'a' game.

and if we aren't bringing it,

we can become aware and start. 

be peace

be love

be compassion

now.

----------

thank you as always to those who read and participate. to the dear friends who help me along when i falter. i wonder if blogging is going to the wayside (though i am fond of the format) - perhaps next year will be a bit different. if you have any suggestions, please feel free to share them. 

The peace birds fly for international Peace Day

The peace birds were finished and hung in preparation for the 21 September. Lovely to have them in the tree at sundown. They will stay there until they fall or get taken.

Fiona and I will gong the peace bell on the 21 September - a few more vines and ripples of peace.

Finally started...

Just wanted to share the fact that I have finally started my pieces to put up for International Day of Peace on 21 September. This year I have decided to make 21 birds of peace out of patinated copper.

As you can see from the few photos below I have cut out the first 7 birds.

All the birds will have peace stamped on them and hung in a tree at the from of our block. Go well. Peace

petition google for a peace doodle

this is jeremy gilley, the founder of peace one day - 
and he has a request for you. 

you know those wonderful doodles google creates to commemorate special days, events and people? well, jeremy shows us how we can ask google to create one for peace.

how wonderful would that be? 

take a look and get involved.

and remember - the international day of peace is monday september 21st. i'm curious what you are all working on and wondering if perhaps we should take this to instagram - i'll keep you posted.