What is a Quafaie?


Quafaie (pronounced: kwa FAY) are fantasy creatures that exist in the fantasy writing of Hugh Kemeny, and are created by him. They are primarily in Hugh Kemeny’s Black Phoenix short stories...

To learn more, read this post: What is a Quafaie?

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Daily Inspiration

I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 31 Dec 2014

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Daily Inspiration

He only acquires (virtue) who endures routine and sweat and postponement of fancy to the achievement of a worthy end.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 30 Dec 2014

Monday, December 29, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 12 Dec 2014


The true Way is sublime.
It can't be expressed in language.
Of what use are scriptures?
But someone who sees his own nature finds the Way, 
even if he can't read a word.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 13/14 Dec 2014


We live but a fraction of our lives.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 29 Dec 2014

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Without recognizing the ordinances of Heaven, it is impossible to be a superior man.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 9 Dec 2014


The universe constantly and obediently answers to our conceptions; whether we travel fast or slow, the track is laid for us.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 10 Dec 2014


The most violent element
in society is ignorance.
- Emma Goldman
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 11 Dec 2014

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Daily Inspiration


The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 6/7 Dec 2014


Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.
- Chuang Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 8 Dec 2014


Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 27/28 Dec 2014

Friday, December 26, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Ask yourself constantly,
"What is the right thing to do?"
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 4 Dec 2014


We sink to rise.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 5 Dec 2014


Better a diamond with a flaw
than a pebble without.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 26 Dec 2014

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The people may be made to follow a path of action, but they may not be made to understand it.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 2 Dec 2014


Real knowledge is to know
the extent of one's ignorance.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 3 Dec 2014


He who loves the world as his body
may be entrusted with the empire.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 25 Dec 2014 

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The sage does not accumulate for himself.
The more he uses for others, the more he has himself.
The more he gives to others, the more he possesses of his own.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 29/30 Nov 2014


Worse than idle is compassion
If it ends in tears and sighs.
- William Wordsworth
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 1 Dec 2014


In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 24 Dec 2014

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Heaven is like an egg,
and the earth is like the 
yolk of the egg.
- Chang Heng
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 27 Nov 2014


An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 28 Nov 2014


He who possesses virtue in abundance 
May be compared to an infant.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 23 Dec 2014

Monday, December 22, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Wealth is the ability to fully experience life. 
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 25 Nov 2014


To see the danger clearly and yet remain unperturbed in the face of it, trusting to God's goodness, is true wisdom.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 26 Nov 2014


Be gentle. Not by harming life does one become noble. One is termed noble for being gentle to all living things.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 22 Dec 2014

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Daily Inspiration

There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 21 Nov 2014


Great acts are made up of small deeds.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 22/23 Nov 2014


Don't hate life and death of love life and death. Keep your every thought free of delusion, and in life you'll witness the beginning of Nirvana, and in death you'll experience the assurance of no rebirth.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 24 Nov 2014

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. 
Some suffer too much , others too little.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 19 Nov 2014


Worship means reverence and humility. 
It means revering your real self and humbling delusions.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 20 Nov 2014


You can explore the universe looking for somebody who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and you will not find that person anywhere.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 20/21 2014

Friday, December 19, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Even as a great rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise man is not shaken by praise or blame.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 17 Nov 2014


Don't expect your practice to be clear of obstacles. Without hindrance the mind that seeks enlightenment may be burnt out. So an ancient once said, "Attain deliverance in disturbances."
- Kyong Ho
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 18 Nov 2014


Faith is like a lamp and wisdom makes the flame burn bright. Carry this lamp always and in good time the darkness will yield and you will abide in the light.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 19 Dec 2014

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The Way of Heaven has no favorites.
It is always with the good man.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 14 Nov 2014


To yield is to be preserved whole.
To be bent is to become straight.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 15/16 Nov 2014


In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 18 Dec 2014

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Wisdom, compassion and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 12 Nov 2014


He who knows others is wise;
He who knows himself is enlightened.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 13 Nov 2014


How is there laughter, how is there joy, as this world is always burning? why do you not seek a light, ye who are surrounded by darkness?
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 17 Dec 2014

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Daily Inspiration

To go from mortal to Buddha, you have to put an end to karma, nurture your awareness and accept what life brings.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 10 Nov 2014


With the past, I have nothing to do;
nor with the future. I live now.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 11 Nov 2014


Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 16 Dec 2014

Monday, December 15, 2014

Daily Inspiration

A wise man has no extensive knowledge; He who has extensive knowledge is not a wise man.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 7 Nov 2014


To the illuminated mind,
the whole world sparkles with light.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 8/9 Nov 2014


Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved.
- Helen Keller
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 15 Dec 2014

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Let go of the past, let go of the future, let go of the present, and cross over to the farther shore of existence. With mind wholly liberated, you shall come no more to birth and death.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 5 Nov 2014



Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 6 Nov 2014

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Daily Inspiration

And as long as you're subject to birth and death, you'll never attain enlightenment.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 3 Nov 2014



Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 4 Nov 2014

Monday, November 10, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish.
Do not overdo it.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 31 Oct 2014



Great wisdom is generous; 
petty wisdom is contentious.
- Chuang Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 1/2 Nov 2014

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Daily Inspiration

We acquire the strength
we have overcome.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 29 Oct 2014



Our life is shaped by our mind;
we become what we think.
Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draws it.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 30 Oct 2014

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Truth is by nature self-evident.
As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 27 Oct 2014



I want freedom for the full expression of my personality.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 28 Oct 2014

Friday, November 7, 2014

Daily Inspiration

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, to discover that I had not lived.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 24 Oct 2014




People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 25/26 Oct 2014

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Daily Inspiration

I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 22 Oct 2014



If a man who enjoys a lesser happiness beholds a greater one, let him leave aside the lesser to gain the greater.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 23 Oct 2014

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 18/19 Oct 2014



Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 20 Oct 2014



Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 21 Oct 2014

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Short Movie Comparison (Potential Spoilers)

Saw 2 action fantasy movies over the past 2 days both about ancient powerful relics found in ancient ruins. And how the protagonists have to prevent the bad guy from using the relic for evil and destruction. Of course the protagonists win, and (spoilers below)
.
.
.
.
.
the relic is placed in storage by the government (to never be seen again?).
(potentially more spoilers - names of the movies)
.
.
.
.
The first movie I watched last night, came out in 1981 (set in 1936): Raiders of the Lost Ark, I watched it in preparation to eventually go see the Indiana Jones exhibit at the Telus World of Science - Edmonton.
The second movie I watched tonight, came out in 2014, and starts off set in 1988! though moves to 2014 quickly: Guardians of the Galaxy.

Just thought it was an interesting comparison. There are probably more movies out there with the same similarities, just haven't seen any others in a while.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Daily Inspiration

To know that you do not know is the best.
To pretend yo know when you do not know is a disease.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 16 Oct 2014





You will not be punished for your anger;
you will be punished by your anger.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 17 Oct 2014

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.
- Chuang Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 15 Oct 2014

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Humility is the solid foundation of all the virtues.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 14 Oct 2014

Monday, October 13, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 26 Sept 2014


People are difficult to govern because they have too much knowledge.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 13 Oct 2014

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Indolence is a delightful but distressing state; we must be doing something to be happy.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 23 Sept 2014


Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 24 Sept 2014


Nothing is softer or flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 25 Sept 2014

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Daily Inspirtation

With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink and my bended arm for a pillow - I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honors acquired by unrighteousness are to me as a floating cloud.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 20/21 Sept 2014


It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 22 Sept 2014


Without knowing the force of words, 
it is impossible to know men.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 11/12 Oct 2014

Friday, October 10, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 29 Aug 2014


Heaven's net is indeed vast. Though its meshes are wide, it misses nothing.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 19 Sept 2014


We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 10 Oct 2014

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent than the one derived from fear and punishment.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 28 Aug 2014


A family is a place where minds come in contact with one another. If these minds love one another, the home will be as beautiful as a flower garden. But if these minds get out of harmony with one another it is like a storm that plays havoc with the garden.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 18 Sept 2014


True words are not beautiful.
Beautiful words are not true.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 9 Oct 2014

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Daily Inspiration

There is goodness as well as greatness in simplicity, not in wealth.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 27 Aug 2014


To be empty is to be full.
To be worn out is to be renewed.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 17 Sept 2014


Be a light unto yourself.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 8 Oct 2014

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Although it is difficult to pinpoint the physical base or location of awareness, it is perhaps the most precious thing concealed within our brains. And it is something that the individual alone can feel and experience. Each of us cherishes it highly, yet it is private.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 26 Aug 2014


Man is born for uprightness.
If a man loses his uprightness, and yet lives, his escape from death is the effect of mere good fortune.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 16 Sept 2014


Truth is what the voice within tells you.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 7 Oct 2014

Monday, October 6, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 25 Aug 2014


You must not lose faith in humanity.
Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 15 Sept 2014


Zen teaches nothing.
Whatever teachings there are in Zen, they come out of one's own mind. We teach ourselves; Zen merely points the way.
- D.T. Suzuki
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 6 Oct 2014

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 27/28 Sept 2014


Not engaging in ignorance is wisdom.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 29 Sept 2014


To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 30 Sept 2014

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The mind's capacity is limitless, and its manifestations are inexhaustible. Seeing forms with your eyes, hearing sounds with your ears, smelling odors with your nose, tasting flavors with your tongue, every movement or state is all your mind.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 23/24 Aug 2014


Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 13/14 Sept 2014


The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.
- Walt Whitman
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 4/5 Oct 2014

Friday, October 3, 2014

Daily Inspiration

So the most difficult thing is always to keep your beginner's mind. There is no need to have a deep understanding of Zen. Even though you read much Zen literature, you must read each sentence with a fresh mind. You should not say, "I know what Zen is," or "I have attained enlightenment." This is also the real secret of the arts: always be a beginner.
- Shunryu Suzuki
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 22 Aug 2014


Forget injuries, never forget kindness.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 12 Sept 2014


If you use your mind to study reality, you don't understand either your mind or reality. If you study reality without using your mind, you'll understand both.... The mind and the world are opposites, and vision arises where they meet. When your mind doesn't stir inside, the world doesn't arise outside. When the world and the mind are both transparent, this is true vision. And such understanding is true understanding.
- Bohidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 3 Oct 2014

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 21 Aug 2014


It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 11 Sept 2014


Do not think you will necessarily be aware of your own enlightenment.
- Dogen
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 2 Oct 2014

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Daily Inspiration

To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue.... (They are) gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 20 Aug 2014


If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?
- Dogen Zenji
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 10 Sept 2014



To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 1 Oct 2014

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue. 
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 19 Aug 2014


While you are not able to serve men, how can you serve spirits (of the dead)? While you do not know life, how can you know about death?
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 9 Sept 2014

Monday, September 8, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Love never claims, it ever gives.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 18 Aug 2014


Death carries off a man which is gathering flowers and whose mind is distracted, as a flood carries off a sleeping village.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 8 Sept 2014

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Daily Inspiration

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 6/7 Sept 2014

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Little faith is put in them
Whose faith is small.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 16/17 Aug 2014

Friday, September 5, 2014

Daily Inspiration

What the superior man seeks is in himself; 
what the mean man seeks is in others.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 15 Aug 2014


Better to live alone;
with a fool there is no companionship.
With few desires live alone and do no evil, like an elephant in the forest roaming at will.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 5 Sept 2014

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Life and death are one thread,
the same line viewed from different sides.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 14 Aug 2014


Do not speak, unless it improves on silence.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 4 Sept 2014

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament.
Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 13 Aug 2014


Manifest plainness,
Embrace simplicity,
Reduce selfishness,
Have few desires.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 3 Sept 2014

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Eminence without humility:
This is the death indeed of all our hope.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 12 Aug 2014


When armies are mobilized and issues (are) joined. The man who is sorry over the fact will win.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 2 Sep 2014

Monday, September 1, 2014

Daily Inspiration

A flower falls, even though we love it; 
and a weed grows, even though we do not love it.
- Dogen Zenji
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 11 Aug 2014


When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 1 Sept 2014

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Respect yourself and others will respect you.
-  Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 13 Jun 2014


Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 14/15 Jun 2014


Not thinking about anything is Zen. Once you know this, walking, standing, sitting or lying down, everything you do is Zen. To know that the mind is empty is to see he Buddha. . . . Using the mind to look for reality is delusion. Not using the ind to look fr reality is awareness. Freeing oneself from words is liberation.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 16 Jun 2014

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Daily Inspiration

In dwelling, be close to the land. 
In meditation, go deep in the heart.
-  Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 11 Jun 2014


Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own  mind.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 12 Jun 2014


When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 9/10 Aug 2014

Friday, August 8, 2014

Daily Inspiration

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 9 Jun 2014


The man who in the view of gain thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his life; and who does not forget an old agreement however far back it extends - such a man may be reckoned a complete man.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 10 Jun 2014


He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 8 Aug 2014

Thursday, August 7, 2014

PanFest 2014



Last weekend, which was a long weekend here in Alberta, I went to PanFest - festival of pagan activities, rituals, workshops, and 3 days of fun with friends.

This year was the theme was Earth Heals Us, and my third year. I partook of many of the activities, workshops, and rituals. Some I observed only, because I had my required volunteer duties that had some conflict.

One discussion workshop that really caught my interest was "The Fae Within and All around." It has inspired me to learn as much as I can about the Fae, which I have already absorbed a great deal of information on through other sources. I say this as Quafaie were created to be of the Fae world and many of the qualities I have embedded into the Quafaie I discovered are general Fae characteristics.

I also enjoyed the Skyclad aspect of the weekend, perhaps not to the fullest, as the evening was a little chilly, and by the end of Saturday I was a little pink, so covered up a little more on the Sunday (and the cool rainy wrap up on the Monday).

By the end of the weekend I was fully energized and felt ready to face my busy August, and new adventures in September.

Thanks to all my PanFest friends for a great weekend.

Daily Inspiration

How bright and transparent the moonlight of wisdom!
- Hokuin Ekaku
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 6 Jun 2014


The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.
- Albert Einstein
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 7/8 Jun 2014


Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 7 Aug 2014

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Not suffering another existence is reaching the Way.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 4 Jun 2014


The best (man) is like water. 
Water is good; it benefits all things and does not compete with them.
It dwells in (lowly) places that all disdain.
This is why it is so near to Tao.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 5 Jun 2014


People are constantly spoiling a project when it lacks only a step to completion.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 6 Aug 2014

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Daily Inspiration

When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 2 Jun 2014


The scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar.
 - Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 3 Jun 2014


Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 2/3 Aug 2014


You cannot perceive beauty but with a serene mind.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 4 Aug 2014


Those whose character is mean and vicious will rouse others to animosity against them.
- Xun Zi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 5 Aug 2014

Friday, August 1, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Nonviolence and truth are inseparable and presuppose one another. 
There is no god higher than truth.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 31/1 May/Jun 2014


Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 31 Jul 2014


As conditioned things are impermanent.
When one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering.
This is the path to purification.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 1 Aug 2014

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Seek not happiness too greedily,
and be not fearful of happiness.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 30 May 2014


Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, 
we must carry it with us or we find it not.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 30 Jul 2014

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Cute Astronomy

I saw this on a tumblr post ( The Science Side of Tumblr )


Daily Inspiration

An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 29 May 2014


To produce things and to rear them,
To produce, but not to take possession of them, 
To act, but not to rely on one's own ability,
To lead them, but not to master them --
This is called profound and secret virtue.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 29 May 2014

Monday, July 28, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Heaven and Earth are not humane.
They regard all things as straw dogs.
- Lao Tzu 
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 27 May 2014


As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world -- that is the myth of the atomic age -- as in being able to remake ourselves.
 - Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 28 May 2014


We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 28 Jul 2014

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 26 May 2014


A youth, when at home, should be filial, and, abroad, respectful to his elders.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 25 Jul 2014


The essence of the Way is detachment. And the goal of those who practice is freedom from appearances. 
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 26/27 Jul 2014

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The affairs of the world will go on forever.
Do not delay the practice of mediation.
- Milarepa
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 24/25 May 2014


To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; 
to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; 
to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; 
we must first set our hearts right.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 24 Jul 2014

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Daily Inspiration

For all men strive to grasp what they do not know, while none strive to grasp what they already know; and all strive to discredit what they do not excel in, while none strive to discredit what they do excel in. This is why there is chaos. 
- Chuang Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 23 May 2014


Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 23 Jul 2014

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Believe nothing merely because you have been told it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings - that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 22 May 2014


If a man take no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 22 Jul 2014

Monday, July 21, 2014

Interesting Science of the Day

Since I have been posting my daily quotes on Tumblr as well as here (and am considering only posting them on Tumblr), I have been following a number of science Tumblr blogs, and find some interesting posts that can lead me through the fun realm of surfing the interweb.

Following up on one I noticed a link to this video:


Does Penis Size Matter?

Daily Inspiration

When a man's knowledge is sufficient to attain, and his virtue is not sufficient to enable him to hold, whatever he may have gained, he will lose again.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 21 May 2014


There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. 
There is no greater guilt than discontentment.
And there is no greater disaster than greed.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 21 Jul 2014

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Daily Inspiration

If you wish to be out front, 
Then act as if you were behind.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 19 May 2014


To give up yourself without regret is the greatest charity.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 19/20 Jul 2014


If you can, help others; 
if you cannot do that,
at least do not harm them.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 20  May 2014

Friday, July 18, 2014

Daily Inspiration

To lead people walk behind them.
- Lau Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 18 Jul 2014

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Conquer the angry man by love.
Conquer the ill-natured man by goodness.
Conquer the miser with generosity.
Conquer the liar with truth.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 17/18 May 2014


Things are not what they appear to be: nor are they otherwise.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 17 Jul 2014

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Daily Inspiration

To a true artist only that face is beautiful which, quite apart from its exterior, shines with the truth within the soul.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 16 May 2014


The ancestor of every action is a thought.
- Ralph Waldo Emmerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 16 Jul 2014

Shirtless Men


CBC Radio Edmonton often does a "Talking Point" during their morning show to get the public engaged in topics slightly relevant to some of their news topics. Today was about where it is appropriate for men to go topless in Edmonton as it is predicted to be over 30 C today (hottest day of the week).

I often think about replying to their talking points, and have once before. Today I actually sent them an email (below), which was read on the air around 7:20 am this morning:

Your talking point discussion about where men can go topless concerns me as you, and some respondents, can sound like you are promoting negative body issues (that also affect men); By saying that it's alright for a buff, good looking man to be allowed to take their shirt off, but someone, who by society's standards isn't good looking, should leave their shirt on promotes aspects of negative body issues for boys and men. Personally I think anywhere outside in public where one can sit and rest (and suntan), should be fine for anyone to be shirtless. Let's promote acceptance of all body types. 


Oh, and by everyone I also mean women, who in most of Canada have the legal right to be topless. 


Cheers,
Eric


Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Daily Inspiration

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 15 May 2014


What is the meaning of life? 
To be happy and useful.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 15 Jul 2014

Monday, July 14, 2014

Daily Inspiration

He who knows does now speak. 
He who speaks does not know.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 14 May 2014


Silence alone is worthy to be heard.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 14 Jul 2014

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Daily Inspiration

One cannot reflect in streaming water. Only whose who know internal peace can give it to others. 
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 13 May 2014

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The Perfecting of one's self is the fundamental base of all progress and all moral development.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 12 May 2014


If a traveler does not meet with one who is his better, or his equal, let him firmly keep to his solitary journey; there is no companionship with a fool.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 12/13 Jul 2014

Friday, July 11, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The farther you enter the truth, the deeper it is.
- Bankei Zenji
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 11 Jul 2014

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Cherish that which is within you, and shut odd that which is without; for much of knowledge is a curse.
- Chuang Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 10/11 May 2014


For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time; hatred ceases by love - this is the eternal law.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 10 Jul 2014

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Drifting in a sultry day 
on the sluggish waters of the pond, 
I almost cease to live and begin to be.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 9 May 2014


To know you have enough is to be rich.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 9 Jul 2014

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Daily Inspiration

He who obtains has little.
He who scatters has much.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 8 May 2014


When the people of the world all know beauty as beauty,
There arises the recognition of ugliness.
When they all know the good as good,
There arises the recognition of evil.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 8 Jul 2014

Monday, July 7, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 7 May 2014


Meditate. Live Purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 7 Jul 2014

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Always now - just now - come into being.
Always now - just now - give yourself to death.
Practicing this is Zen practice.
- Soko Morinaga
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 6 May 2014

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Many roads lead to the Path,
but basically there are only two:
reason and practice.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 5 May 2014


All humanity is one undivided and indivisible family, and each one of us is responsible for the misdeeds of all the others. I cannot detach myself from the wickedest soul.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 5/6 Jul 2014

Friday, July 4, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Avoid what is evil, do what is good, purify the mind -- 
this is the teaching of the Awakened One.
 - Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 4 Jul 2014

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Daily Inspiration

You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 3/4 May 2014


When we see men of worth, we should think of equating them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inward and examine ourselves.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 3 Jul 2014

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Daily Inspiration

A happy life consists in tranquility of mind.
- Cicero
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 2 May 2014


If you want others to be happy, 
practice compassion.
If you want to be happy,
practice compassion.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 2 Jul 2014

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Daily Inspiration

No one saves us but ourselves.
No one can and no one may.
We ourselves must walk the path.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 24 Apr 2014


Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvana), thoughtlessness the path of death.
Those who are in earnest do not die, those who are thoughtless are as if dead already. 
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 24 Jun 2014


As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 25 Apr 2014


As rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, 
passion will break through an in reflecting mind.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 25 Jun 2014


In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 26 Jun 2014


(The sage) never strives himself for the great, and thereby the great is achieved.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 26/27 Apr 2014


Study the past if you would define the future.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 27 Jun 2014


In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 28 Apr 2014


Nobody can hurt me without my permission,
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 28/29 Jun 2014


Man is the product of his thoughts.
What he thinks, he becomes.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 29 Apr 2014


Meditation brings wisdom;
lack of meditation leaves ignorance.
Know well what leads you forward
and what holds you back, and
choose the path that leads to wisdom.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 30 Apr 2014


Beauty is not caused. It is.
- Emily Dickinson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 30 Jun 2014


Reward of an act is to have done it.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 1 May 2014


The thought manifests as the word.
The word manifests as the deed.
The deed develops into habit.
And the 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
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 1 Jul 2014

Monday, June 23, 2014

Bailey's Chocolate-chip Banana Bread - Recipe

Last Friday night (June 20) was the most recent BNBC (Buck Naked Boys Club) nude potluck.

Having received a portion of a 40 lb box of free trade organic bananas the week before, of which I had frozen a number of them, I decided to make banana bread. Also, having a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream in my fridge that is slowly being used, I figured I'd look to see what recipes would combine the two.

After looking through several, I settled on one which I modified. The original recipe is here: http://forkableblog.com/?p=1515

Here is the recipe I used:


Bailey's Chocolate-chip Banana Bread

  • 1 c. sugar
  • 8 Tbs (1/4 lb) butter (or margarine), room temperature
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/4 c. Baileys Irish Creme Liqueur
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 1/4 c flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chocolate-chips

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Cream the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition (I used the blender).

In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork (I added them in portions to the blender). Mix in the Baileys and cinnamon.

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add the banana mixture to the creamed mixture and stir until combined. Add dry ingredients, mixing just until flour disappears. Fold in chocolate-chips.

Pour batter into greased loaf pan and bake 45 minutes – 1 hour until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Set aside to cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, invert onto rack and cool.

Daily Inspiration

He who will not economize will have to agonize.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 22 Apr 2014


Love is the strongest force the world possesses,
and yet it is the humblest imaginable.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 23 Apr 2014


Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 23 Jun 2014

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Daily Inspiration

There are three things which the superior man guards against. 
In youth . . . lust.
When he is strong . . . quarrelsomeness.
When he is old . . . convetousness.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 20 Jun 2014


Heaven and earth do nothing
Yet there is nothing they do not do.
- Chuang Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 21 Apr 2014


Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man dire from treading the course of virtue. 
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 21/22 Jun 2014