Sunday, September 7, 2025

Mental Health, Animal Assisted Therapy, St. Joseph's Oratory, Montreal

Hello dear friends and fellow bloggers! A very warm welcome to you all! Thank you all so much for taking time out of your day to come and visit me here! 

Here are today's selections, which I hope will be a source of inspiration to you!


The steady heartbeat of an animal companion can calm storms we didn't know we were weathering.

                                  Unknown


Therapy animals can reduce blood pressure and heart rate. The therapy dogs really added to the atmosphere of the conference. It sent a message of "we care for you."

                American Brain Tumor Association


Being in nature heals the soul.

                      Rocky Trails and Rainbows


A beautiful face will age and a perfect body will change, but a beautiful soul will always be a beautiful soul.
                               Spirit Science

Healing takes patience, like learning how to breathe again after forgetting for years. Go easy. You're relearning how to be whole.

                             Intrepid Quotes


Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest taken between two breaths. - Etty Hillesum

               Purrs of Wisdom with Ingrid King


Friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they're always there. - Unknown

Purrs of Wisdom with Ingrid King 


Recognize that loneliness is linked to negative health outcomes and many seniors might not be comfortable talking about it.
Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health


How to be healthy: It's not enough to eat vegetables and do yoga. You also must work on healing the stress and anger in your life.
Karen Salmansohn


Our bodies don't know how to digest these "food like" products resulting in stress and weight gain! Nourish your body with real foods and it will shine for you. - Jason Vale, From Hungry for Change
Food Matters


Let there be peace on earth...and let it begin with me. - Jill Jackson and Sy Miller
Bits of Positivity


Be still. Be quiet, and then you will begin to see with the eyes of the heart. - Desmond Tutu
Every Day Spirit


Each day turns into a fascinating, magical day when you approach it with a positive attitude. - Remez Sasson
Success Consciousness


Love and respect will make any good relationship better.
Alamy


While they were saying it couldn't be done, it was done. - Helen Keller


Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. - Maya Angelou
Soulveda


Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Unknown


Ask yourself often: am I observing the situation accurately, or am I projecting how I feel onto what is happening?
Tiny Buddha


Live every day as though it's a special occasion...use those dishes, wear that dress and speak from your heart to those you love.
                     Princess Sassy Pants & Co.


Your mission: be so busy loving your life you have no time for hate, regret or fear. - Karen Salmansohn
                      Herbs, Health, Happiness


I took all these photos with my cell phone in August on a visit to St. Joseph's Oratory on Mount Royal, here in Montreal! This is a place where visitors can light a candle.





Montreal city views from outside of an upper level of the oratory

The next two photos are of a sculpture outside of the St. Joseph's Oratory.



These last several photos were taken near the entrance gate of the oratory.









These last two photos were taken on the ground, near the entrance gate, looking up at St. Joseph's Oratory. As you can see from the blue sky and clouds, it was a gorgeous day!




The following video is a Just for Laughs Gag (Juste pour Rire in French) done here in Montreal. Enjoy! :)

Enjoy a couple of minutes watching an Italian Folk Dance!

Old Budweiser TV Commercial - Clydesdale Donkey

Breathing - Dreamy Garden Under the Chiffon Stars by Chester Tan (take a few moments to listen and relax)

Thank you all so much for visiting me here! You can leave a comment by clicking on the comment link at the end of my post. Please do not put any hyperlinks or website links in your comment. Please note that comments are moderated to deter spam, which is why your comment will not appear immediately.

97 comments:

  1. Hello Linda! The quotes are perfect to start my Monday! Very positive and enlightening. The Oratory seems very cosy and comforting, a place to find peace. It would be nice to light a candle. I also love the plants and flowers that you snapped at the entrance. Oh, I noticed a tiny typo : "As yourself often..." missed a "k".

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    1. Hi dear friend, thanks so much for letting me know about the typo! I just corrected it. :)

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  2. The oratory you visited in Montreal is so beautiful and holy. I like the horses and donkey and the park bench joke video.

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  3. Thank you again for the great messages!

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  4. Such thought provoking quotes.
    That sculpture is beautiful and so is that blue sky.

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  5. You always share such great messages. Thank you! I especially love the ones by Maya Angelou and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today.

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  6. I remember that commercial--lol!
    Lots of good messages and always like you photos. :)

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  7. My friend and I would sometimes ride out bikes to St Joseph’s. It ws a fair bike ride for young boys from where we lived in St Laurent. It was a curious place for Protestant boys.

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  8. Hi Linda, the photos you took at the entrance of St Joseph's are awesome with blue sky and white fluffy clouds, indeed it was a gorgeous day, good for an outing like this. The flowers are lovely too, I love nature!

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  9. Thank you for this inspirational post, so versatile ❤️
    Animals and nature and friends are important, also blogging friends 🌷
    Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮

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  10. Hello, my friend. I so enjoyed reading and pondering these quotes. So many resonate with me. I appreciate your sharing them. Have a cozy Monday!

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  11. Thank you for the lovely photos of the church and the greenery/flowers surrounding the church...nature heals the soul indeed.

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  12. The Oratory is gorgeous! Even the ceiling is unique and beautiful. Your quote about real food...I was just reading about how our bodies do not recognize artificial sweeteners as real food. So it confuses or digestive system.

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  13. Thank you Linda for sharing photos of St Joseph oratory. Looks so serene and peaceful. I check online to find that there is no entrance fees for this beautiful church. So wonderful 👍😊
    Wishing you a good week ahead! 💖🙏

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  14. Some wonderful quotes here. And once more wonderful photos.

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  15. So uplifting! Each quote feels like a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate life...

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  16. A beautiful face ages and a perfect body changes, but a beautiful soul will always remain a beautiful soul... and we become more aware of this as we age.
    I wish you a happy week.

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  17. The Oratory is a beautiful building, both inside and out.
    I'm loving your quotes, as always. Xx

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  18. Thank you for the interesting post Linda.
    I especially like sculpture and Italian folk dance.

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  19. Love the meme of the cats, they are all good though.
    The donkey, well he tried and was rewarded. The Italian folk dances were nice to see along with the pretend Dr...lol.
    Take care, Linda.

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  20. Hi Linda!
    Your quotes and photos are so nice. The flowers are very beautiful.

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  21. Hello Linda, it's true. My animal companions have always comforted me when I needed it most ♥ That's a beautiful Oratory with a well kept garden. Have a great week!

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  22. I am owned by two cats - and I am very pleased that is so!
    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  23. Animals are god for our emotional health.
    Let there be peace on earth. That used to be one that we sang in church a lot when I was a kid

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  24. Hello Linda,
    Wonderful collection of quotes and images. I love the flowers and the Oratory, gorgeous skies and an amazing sculpture. Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.

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  25. Wonderful photo. Loving the skies :-D Nature sure does heal the soul :-D

    I was reading that the purring of a cat has healing properties for us humans. I think having a pet is the best thing whether it's a therapy pet of not. I think they have a positive impact on us.

    Martin Luther King Jr was spot on with that quote :-D

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  26. So many studies have demonstrated that animals and nature contribute in great measure to good health, yet many people still experience neither.

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  27. I love coming here to start my work week with such inspiration and positivity. I especially loved seeing the Oratory photos! Wow! I've never been, I can only imagine the Energy you would feel in there.

    Take care and I hope you have a lovely week!

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  28. Bom dia. Uma excelente segunda-feira minha querida amiga Linda. Suas fotos são maravilhosas. Parabéns, és uma grande fotógrafa.

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  29. The Bench Doctor Prank Video makes me laugh! I don't quite understand the Budweiser TV commercial.

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  30. I've been in the oratory once, years ago. I found it very moving.

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  31. Beautiful dreamy music!
    Loved the italian folk dance! I would definitely call 911 for the bench doctor lol
    Beautiful photos and uplifting quotes always! Kaizen is a good mantra: better ourselves each day!
    Have a wonderful week!

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  32. Beautiful post! Loved the Italian folk dance! I am Italian so it was lovely to hear the familiar music!

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  33. I so love animals!! Animal companions, both domestic & wild, bring calm to my soul & life. Blessings to you as you start a new week, Linda. Love, Andrea xoxo

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  34. I love all the photos from the oratory. Such a beautiful place.

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  35. Splendide frasi di positività, grazie!!

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  36. St. Joseph's Oratory is a gorgeous church, inside and out, Linda. Thanks for sharing your marvelous photos with us. Blessings!

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  37. Oh wow!!!!
    "Friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they're always there."
    I have a mug with this saying. It's one of those that change when you pour sth hot into them. If it's cold it just says "Friends are like stars'. Then you pour hot tea inside and you see the stars and the rest of the saying.

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  38. Those are some very good quotes. Your photos are beautiful.

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  39. Hello Linda, the power of animals helping people heal, is so true. In 2023 I had a scare with a neighbor. He was peeking in our windows, he would bother me while I gardened and said awful things to me. I had to go to the police for help.
    Anyway ... a long story here, I was so scared after all that, I did not like being at home alone. So after searching, we adopted a rescue dog, Ernie. He needed love and care, at the same time he gave me love and care. It is true ... not sure who rescued who.
    xx oo
    Carla
    P.S. I loved the Sassy Pants quote ... so true.

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  40. Thank you for this inspiring post. Your words about calm, patience, and the beauty of the soul truly touch the heart.

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  41. Una vez mas nos traes unas frases esplendidas las cuales nos hacen reflexionar e interiorizar su enseñanza.
    Las fotos del templo y sus alrededores son fantásticas, enhorabuena.

    Saludos.

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  42. I always love the beautiful quotes you post! Having an animal friend really can help!

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  43. Hooray for animals providing the calmness we all need!

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  44. Such a beautiful post, Linda. St. Joseph's Oratory is so peaceful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing . Have a blessed day. Hugs.

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  45. Wish you more 'gorgeous days', Linda, thanks for The Bench Doctor'!
    Lie(f)s.

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  46. Lovely collectopn of photos today. Thanks for the smiles. Hugs Angela xxx

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  47. I always thoroughly enjoy these posts of yours, thank you dear friend!

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  48. Many wonderful quotes to read. Thanks. Beautiful pictures.

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  49. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post. Have a wonderful day.

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  50. Hello Linda
    Once again another lovely post with lots to see and read.
    I did like those words from Jason Vale.

    Have a good week.

    All the best Jan

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  51. Qué entrada tan hermosa y reconfortante! Me ha encantado la calidez y el cariño con los que compartes estas reflexiones, frases inspiradoras y momentos capturados en el Oratorio de San José en Montreal. Las citas que has elegido, desde la sabiduría de Desmond Tutu hasta la fuerza de Maya Angelou, son como pequeños faros de luz que invitan a la reflexión y al cuidado del alma. La mención de la terapia asistida por animales y su impacto en la salud mental es tan conmovedora, ¡y qué cierto es que los animales pueden calmar tormentas internas! Tus fotos del Oratorio son preciosas, especialmente esas vistas de Montreal con el cielo azul y las nubes, ¡transmiten una paz increíble! Y los toques de humor y cultura con el video de "Juste pour Rire" y la danza folclórica italiana añaden un encanto especial a la entrada. Gracias por compartir también el video musical de Chester Tan, suena como el acompañamiento perfecto para relajarse y soñar. Esta entrada es un recordatorio maravilloso de la importancia de la positividad, el amor y la conexión con la naturaleza y los demás. ¡Gracias por regalarnos este momento de inspiración y serenidad! Espero que sigas disfrutando de estos días de septiembre con la misma energía luminosa que transmites. ¡Un abrazo grande, Linda y feliz mes!

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  52. Another wonderful post, seeing the photo of the horse snuggling, made me miss all the horses I have had in the past. Such gentle creatures. And cats, well, the best therapy for me. My two also know when I am down or unwell. They snuggle close and purr, healing their human with unconditional love.
    By the way, I love seeing Montreal through your photos. It's one of the best thing about blogging, seeing other parts of the world through the lens and personal experience of another.

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  53. My sweet pup Calvin visited the nursing home today. Animals do so much to lift the spirits and put people at ease.

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  54. I love that blue sky!
    And this is so true - How to be healthy: It's not enough to eat vegetables and do yoga. You also must work on healing the stress and anger in your life.

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  55. So beautiful St. Joseph's Oratory on Mount Royal and interesting photos from your trip!!!
    Wonderful posting!!!
    Have a good days, hugs Elke

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  56. I totally believe in the soothing powers of animals. I remember our sweet little dog Trixie, and cuddling her. It was very comforting.

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  57. What beautiful sayings and photos!
    The photos of the sculpture are my favorite.
    This saying is my favorite.

    A beautiful face will age and a perfect body will change, but a beautiful soul will always remain a beautiful soul.
    Greetings Irma

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  58. Oh, dear friend Linda, a dog would sure make my heart race! (I am very afraid of dogs and those checking one at the airport.... stress for me). I´d prefer the horse for sure! 🐴
    Oh, yes, to friends. Loneliness must be awful indeed.
    I very much agree - we have drinks here called "like a meal" - nonsense! What does that do to your digestion system?
    Thank you, Linda. I´ll print out the "Each day"... And Helen Keller sure was some idol.
    A wonderful sculpture and ohhhh, the flowers!
    That bench!!! Ohhhh and thank you for the Budweiser-donkey 🥰 Have a great day.

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  59. I love this poetic post very much and, generally, your Canadian Blog. Thanks so much for visiting mine!!!! 🇪🇸 🌕 😎

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  60. Dear friend Linda 🥰
    I truly appreciate your way to add goodness in the world from your side 🥹🥰♥️👌
    Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing these glorious pearls with us. They can be from other’s mind but you are the source who shared their light with 🥹☺️
    Thank for making me laugh as well 🤗👍
    Your photos from Montreal city are beautiful 🥰
    Everything awesome and elegant ♥️
    I really enjoyed the music and inspiring videos ♥️
    More beauty and goodness to you 🙏🥰♥️

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  61. Interesting and profound quotes accompanied by beautiful images.
    Wonderful photos, I especially loved the ones of the flowers at the entrance to the oratory.
    Greetings and all the best for you

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  62. As a cat lover the quotes are very true, but I love the horse too.

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  63. I did enjoy some of the quotes and I always enjoyed the budwieser adverts

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  64. I have been to the Oratory. So beautiful.

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  65. Hello Linda :)
    You took wonderful photos of St Josephs Oratory both inside and outside. The sculpture is beautiful, as are the lovely flowers near the entrance gate to the Oratory. My favourite video is the donkey and horses in the Budweiser TV Commercial, and quote is " A beautiful face will age, and a perfect body will change, but a beautiful soul will always be a beautiful soul". A lovely post Linda, thank you.:)
    All the best
    Sonjia.

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  66. Montreal é uma cidade linda com toda a certeza!!!
    E os animais de terapia são muito especiais ,trazem paz e conforto aos corações das pessoas que tanto necessitam!!!
    Encantada com o show de imagens, das flore, do Oratório!!
    É como viajar, conhecer lugares, sem sair de casa!!
    Obrigada e linda semana!!

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  67. your pictures of the oratory are so pretty!! and that blue sky, wow!! A beautiful face ages and a perfect body changes, but a beautiful soul will always remain a beautiful soul... and we become more aware of this as we age - oh i really loved that one!!

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  68. I love the St. Joseph's Oratory pictures. So beautiful!

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  69. I love those Budweiser commercials and never get tired of watching them. Beautiful floral photos - thank you.

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  70. Los animales son especiales nos dan tanto. te mando un beso.

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  71. Each one of those quotes is so inspirational and meaningful. So glad I stopped by to be uplifted ! thank you.

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  72. Hi Linda, thanks for the visit. Yours is a lovely blog indeed. Love animals too.

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  73. So many great pictures and sayings today. I can't pick
    just one ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆💗.

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  74. Friends are loke stars. You dont always see them but you know they're always there

    I love thus quote as well as the cats
    It will become one of my inspirations that I got from you today
    Thank you

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  75. Wunderbare Gedanken und ich stimmt dir zu liebe Linda,
    Tiere und die Natur heilen die Seelen vieler Menschen. Dein Blog ist einfach fantastisch und ich wünsche dir weiterhin viel Freude daran und viele Menschen die deine Fotos und Worte entdecken und aufnehmen.
    Herzliche Grüße in deinen Tag, Karin Lissi
    Wonderful thoughts, and I agree with you, animals and nature heal the souls of many people. Your blog is simply fantastic, and I wish you continued enjoyment and many people discovering and absorbing your photos and words.
    Warm greetings for your day, Karin Lissi

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  76. Gracias por esas citas tan preciosas todas me gustan , y tus fotografías también. Besos.

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  77. Totally agree about animals being therapy, and about being in nature.

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  78. Nice, true quotes! Love the bench video made me laugh ! And the music is very relaxing. Thank you For sharing

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  79. Oratorio for a beautiful place on Montreal.
    Regards Linda ❤️

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  80. A lot of wisdom in your post today. Thank you. And humour too.
    God bless.

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  81. I've been to Montreal once for a weekend and enjoyed it immensely. I think it was 7-10 years ago.

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  82. Bom dia. Uma excelente quarta-feira e com muita paz e saúde. As flores são maravilhosas. Grande abraço carioca, minha amiga Linda.

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  83. Beautiful church! St Andre Bessette (brother Andre) is from there and he is one of my favorite saints. andrea

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  84. Hello Linda,
    Thank you for visiting and leaving a sweet comment.
    I enjoyed all you have shared today. Thank you for brightening my day

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  85. Bom dia, Linda
    Frases interessantes, como é importante viver cada dia como se fosse uma ocasião especial e falar do nosso coração as pessoas que amamos, agradecer a Deus por tudo é bênção. Os animais são fofos, conviver com eles é uma dádiva. Vídeo muito engraçado do médico, aferir a pressão do banco kkkkkk, essa foi demais, bjs querida.

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  86. Thanks for the reminders! I especially liked the thought that a companion animal calms the storms.
    St Joseph's Oratory is beautiful!

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  87. Thank you. The Oratory looks like a special place.

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  88. A lot of awesome good content here! The bench doctor prank made me giggle and the old Budweiser commercials with the Clydesdale were such fun ones!

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  89. Good advice from Tiny Buddha and Princess Sassy Pants.
    Interesting sculpture. (Am going to Google it to get more info on it.)
    Just for Laughs gave me a good chuckle.
    Loved this whole post.

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  90. the quotes are so powerful, especially the one from Maya Angelou, and your photos capture such a peaceful atmosphere. It feels like a little journey of wisdom and beauty...

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  91. This post radiates warmth and wisdom. The quotes you’ve chosen are like little lanterns lighting the way through life’s tougher moments, and the photos of St. Joseph’s Oratory are absolutely stunning—such a peaceful and majestic place. I especially loved the blend of humor and heartfelt reflection. It’s a beautiful reminder of how animals, nature, and kindness can truly uplift the spirit.

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