Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Change, Listening

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

Here are today's picks, which I hope will brighten your day in some way!


Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. - George Eliot

                             UEF Foundation


Cats are a mysterious kind of folk. - Sir Walter Scott

                            Reader's Digest


We change the world not by what we say or do but as a consequence of what we have become. - David R. Hawkins

                 Joseph Ranseth, Speaker, Author


Change is inevitable during the seasons, but it can also bring about great new opportunities. - Anonymous

                                Merchifies


Your inner voice may be quiet, but it's rarely wrong.

                       Talent Sync Consulting


Listening is a positive act: you have to put yourself out to do it. - David Hockney

                             Trans4mind


Slightly leaning towards the other person is an indication that you are actively listening, while leaning away may be interpreted as disinterest. - Liam Jackson

                                  Wow 4 U


Genuine empathy requires that we listen, understand and feel what is happening so that we can create a targeted solution. - Whitney Goodman

                           Ineffable Living


Nothing happens until the pain of remaining the same outweighs the pain of change. - Arthur Burt



True life is lived when tiny changes occur. - Leo Tolstoy
                            Everyday Power


Don't persuade, defend or interrupt. Be curious, be conversational, be real. And listen. - Elizabeth Lesser

                                  Happify


God gave us mouths that close and ears that don't. That should tell us something.

                             Hope Reflected


                              Snow Pants  :)

Meanwhile in Canada


Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won't have a title until much later. - Bob Goff, Author


Change before you have to. - Jack Welch


You can't change what has already happened. So don't waste your time thinking about it. Move on. Let go and get over it!


Listening is an art that requires attention over talent, spirit over ego, others over self.


Dr. John Gottman's skills for active listening
1. Focus on being interested, not interesting
2. Start by asking questions
3. Look for commonalities
4. Tune in with all your attention
5. Communicate you are listening with a nod/sound
6. Paraphrase what the speaker says
7. Validate the speaker's emotions
8. Maintain eye contact
9. Let go of your own agenda
10. Turn off the TV


Listening is an attitude of the heart, a genuine desire to be with another which both attracts and heals. - Christopher Isham


When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen. - Ernest Hemingway
Buzzle


You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or where it's all going. What you need is to embrace the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope. - Thomas Merton
Purrs of Wisdom with Ingrid King


The following two photos are my own, which I took on January 19th with my cellphone...this is a park in Montreal. It was snowing when I took these photos, and people were skating on the paths that the city made a skating rink of, it was so nice to see people out and enjoying the snow and lovely weather, and getting their exercise at the same time. You can click on any image to see a larger view.



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

Stray Cat chooses her human during his workout  :) (The Dodo)

Wild Magpie flies into this woman's house every day for a visit  :)  (The Dodo)


I've Been Searching So Long (Chicago, 1974)
This is one of my favourite Chicago songs!

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.

126 comments:

  1. ...Linda, once again you out did yourself. I cracked up over "snow Pants!" Thanks for Chicago!!!

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  2. I love The Dodo videos. Thanks for sharing :-)

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  3. More good stuff Linda! I loved the snow pants. :)
    Your area looks a lot like ours.

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  4. Lindos videos y siempre es bueno escuchar. ame las fotos de gatitos. Te mando un beso.

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  5. Thanks for another uplifting post! I hope you're feeling better now, Linda. And I like that Chicago song too!

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  6. I'm wondering what those two balls hanging from the tree are?

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    1. Hi Ginny, they are lights. They light up red in the dark.

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  7. The quotes about animals/cats are so true! The photos you took of the snow at the park is very calming. I wish I were at the park running on the snow! The snow pants doggie looks annoyed hee...hee...

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  8. I sense a theme. Is someone not listening to you?

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    1. Hi Liz, I pick different topics and themes at random. I post for everyone, so it's not because I feel a lack of anything.

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  9. Animals make the best friends. They love you no matter what.

    God bless.

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  10. My Inner Voice has never steered me wrong. Thank goodness I trusted it and listened to it when I was young.

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  11. I always enjoy my visits here with you! Great memes, words of wisdom, and humor! Stay warm and safe! xo

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  12. Ba-ha-ha-ha-ha....the dog in snow pants! Popped over to visit after reading your comment on my blog. Thank you for visiting me.

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  13. "God gave us mouths that close and ears that don't. That should tell us something." That and the Thomas Merton one are my favorites. 😊❤️

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  14. I have a David Hockney painting in my sidebar.

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  15. That's a nice story about the man and the cat.
    While we normally aren't allowed to keep native animals such as the magpie as pets, no one can stop them visiting a human friend.

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  16. Your inner voice may be quiet but it's rarely wrong. So true.
    I like the snowy photos💗

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  17. Oh I see it is still cold in your part of the world. Love the quotes and yes listening is an art I agree An important one. My favourite quote today; "We change the world not by what we say or do but as a consequence of what we have become."

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  18. How delightful to go out skating! I would probably break something, but I love the ambiance of it. "Change before you have to." Wise words. I'm not good at following them though. I like many quotes by Thomas Merton!

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  19. "Listening is an attitude of the heart" ❤️ Yes.
    Listening is important, but astonishingly difficult.
    Some people never listen.
    I hope you're better Linda 🌷

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  20. Awesome post loved the snow pants-hugs

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  21. A couple of memes really too my eye, and your snow photos are lovely once again, Linda. Just for laughs was interesting that poor man climbing up the ladder so many times and then falling down only to climb again, his legs much have been tired in the end.
    The cat video is sweet as is the magpie one too.

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  22. Hearing that is something very important between people, oh, and more great memes from you!
    The snow is so much fun! Great photos of you!
    Lovely song!
    Have a wonderful time in the last days of January, hugs, Elke

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  23. Dear Linda, these are perfect quotes, since "change" is my chosen word of the year :) I hope you are feeling better and stay warm ♥

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  24. Buena trabajo este que nos brindas.
    Saludos.

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  25. Really nice quotes. I liked that one by David Hawkins on how change comes about in the world. Quite a profound one.

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  26. A lot of gems i find here!
    Here three of my favorites:
    * Slightly leaning towards the other person is an indication that you are actively listening, while leaning away may be interpreted as disinterest. - Liam Jackson
    * Nothing happens until the pain of remaining the same outweighs the pain of change. - Arthur Burt
    * ohn Gottman's skills for active listening
    1. Focus on being interested, not interesting
    2. Start by asking questions
    3. Look for commonalities
    4. Tune in with all your attention
    5. Communicate you are listening with a nod/sound
    6. Paraphrase what the speaker says
    7. Validate the speaker's emotions
    8. Maintain eye contact
    9. Let go of your own agenda
    10. Turn off the TV
    I see a lot of snow here! And look, the dog """""




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  27. It often feels to me people are more and more lacking the attention span to really listen.

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  28. Loved all of the quotes, meme and the videos. Especially liked the Snowpants. Haha.

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  29. Wouldn't want to be the one to clean that dog from snow LOL

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  30. Listening is a positive act: you have to put yourself out to do it..Heh heh. The image of this thought is really amazing. I laughed out loud.

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  31. These were all good but the snow pants cracked me up

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  32. Excellent reminders about listening. It's almost a lost art.

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  33. Having been involved with animals all my life, the first one really strikes a chord. A fellow I know once remarked, “The more I deal with humans, the more I like my dog.”

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  34. I HEAR you loud and clear!! LOL. We need to be better listeners...I like the one that says we need to be interested and not interesting. Put others first and pay attention to what they are truly saying...Good reminders for all of us. Sometimes we get so caught up in what WE want to say that we fail to hear what others are really saying. Thank you. I needed that!

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  35. I loved that quote about God giving us mouths that close and ears that don't. What an apt reminder for all of us to listen attentively to one another. Oh, and I loved how the cat found her owner in the video. Precious! Blessings, Linda!

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  36. Que cierto que en mas de una ocasión solo oímos pero no escuchamos. El resto de frases como mínimo el mismo nivel cuando no superior a las de otras veces.
    El video de humor del nuevo Romeo, para darte un infarto si estas sosteniendo la escalera. También me gusto el de la urraca.

    Saludos.

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  37. Bonjour Linda,
    Je ne suis pas en accord avec la première citation mais j'adhère à toutes les autres.
    Merci pour ça et pour tes partages plus personnels.
    Bonne journée.

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  38. Lots of snow! Great photos and super quote. Loving the cat ones. Empathy and listening are so important. I have always said if there was more empathy, the world would be a better place and not crazy and scary like it is now!

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  39. "Your inner voice may be quiet, but it's rarely wrong." I have always believed it but have not always followed it!

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  40. Alas, there are an awful lot of people that I DON'T want to listen to. 😆

    As for winter, well, you already know how I feel about all this snow!! ❄️🤣

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  41. Bom dia Linda. Difícil escolher a melhor flexão. Todas são bem interessantes. Obrigado pela visita e comentário. Grande abraço do seu amigo brasileiro. Uma ótima quinta-feira.

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  42. All the quotes are a resounding yes. However, the ones about truly listening to what our interlocutor is saying are paramount. These days, everyone wants to be heard, but it's harder to actually listen to the other person.
    Have a wonderful time, dear Linda :)

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  43. I love the quote about mouth closing, ears not. Also, cute stray cat video! I've never seen a Magpie, but I would like one now as a pet.

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  44. Very good advice. I do love the snow pants!

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  45. Umět naslouchat druhým je hodně důležité, v posledních letech to slyším a dost lidí to neumí.
    Sněhové kalhoty jsou výborné. Díky, že text přepisuješ, aby se to dalo přeložit. 😊

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  46. Dear Linda :)
    Wonderful video clips, they made me smile. More people need to listen ,as it would be a better world to live in. "A dog is a mans best friend" is not just an idle comment, a dog gives you unconditional love. I liked the music you chose. Thank you Linda.

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  47. Always such uplifting quotes! The dangerous romance gag is hilarious! I thought he hurt himself! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  48. Snow pants caused me to snicker. Apparently, it will warm up soon, but by that I just mean "less cold." 🙂

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  49. I don't know, sometimes I do feel like I am being judged by the dogs!

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  50. Hello,
    Cute images, I like the snow pants! Wise and inspiring words about change and listening. Take care, enjoy your day!

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  51. Palavras de sabedoria são como bálsamo que suaviza a realidade, ás vezes tão dura.
    Grato.

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  52. Fantastic gag, Linda! :-)
    Lie(f)s.

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  53. OLá Linda,
    é muito interesse e proveitosa tua seleção de reflexões. As boas palavras nos tocam de maneira especial.
    Gostei muito das fotos e dos vídeos.
    Já te sigo!
    Grata pela visita lá no Fractais!
    Tenha um bom dia por aí!
    Bjssssss

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  54. So true about listening. Stay safe. Stay warm.

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  55. Hello Linda. I took a trip around your area to send you a greeting.

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  56. Dr. John Gottman's skills for active listening
    1. Focus on being interested, not interesting
    2. Start by asking questions
    3. Look for commonalities
    4. Tune in with all your attention
    5. Communicate you are listening with a nod/sound
    6. Paraphrase what the speaker says
    7. Validate the speaker's emotions
    8. Maintain eye contact
    9. Let go of your own agenda
    10. Turn off the TV

    Is that dog with those white balls - is that snow? He must be cold!!

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  57. The "snow pants" photo is funny!

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  58. Your last 2 pictures of the snow are fabulous. I love seeing the snow pics.

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  59. Snow pants is utterly adorable.

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  60. More wise words. Love the snow pants! :)

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  61. Hello Linda
    I always enjoy seeing your photographs and Montreal still looks so snowy!
    Stay safe and warm.

    Enjoy these last few days of January and early good wishes for the coming new month of February.

    All the best Jan

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  62. Wow Linda! I popped over after seeing your comment on my blog - you have so many comments and followers, so you must be doing the blogging thing with gusto! Lovely to meet you and to read all the positive quotes and reminders - a lot tied in with my post on noticing the people you're with. Have a great day!

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  63. Mouths that shut and ears that don't, so true. Love the snow pants.

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  64. Listening is so much more important than talking. Thank you for these, Linda!

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  65. Such a lovely selection of inspiring quotes, Linda. Thank you for sharing them with us. Montreal looks like a winter wonderland. It sounds like you had a wonderful walk.

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  66. I like your photographs! My close friend Scars is both a wonderful conversationalist and listener. I'm trying to be more like him. And The Dodo has some awesome videos. Thank you for sharing. Be well, my dear!

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  67. The guy who took home the cat video is so precious. The gag video would be scary to not know it was a gag and think he fell.

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  68. Listening is very important, as Hemingway said. Those who do not listen interrupt the speech of others.
    I would love to see more of your own pictures.
    Greetings Taina from Finland

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  69. To genuine empathy and listening. Yes about the ears, dear friend Linda.
    Hahaha, snow pants - mini skirt in 35 C!!!
    The getting over it part is difficult, though...
    I think it´s a bit sad e need instructions how to listen...
    I´m sorry I am late- jet lag set in badly (not 20 anymore) and the temps-difference... not much data-volume so I cannot watch the videos, either...
    Sending VERY warm hugs and much love over!

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  70. Love your snowy photos! Ah, yes, the art of listening, really listening. Thank you for sharing. :)

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  71. Great isnpiration for this day, when I am very tired

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  72. Lots of good advice and guidance in this post, Linda. And snow pants made me laugh out loud. The snow is so pretty. I would love to exercise out in the cold but I'm not made for it :) Enjoy your day, sweet friend.

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  73. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing, Linda.

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  74. Thank you for all the inspirational quotes and pictures. Nice snow photos, they give me the chiils. :)

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  75. Boa tarde, Linda
    Ótimas frases e vídeos. Gostei muito desta: "Deus nos deu bocas que se fecham e ouvidos que não. Isso deveria nos dizer alguma coisa." Os animais são fofinhos demais, tenho uma miniatura pinscher chamada Nina, ela é um amor. Um forte abraço.


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  76. LD.....I always enjoy visiting your blog. Some of ths sayings are so right on for me. Listening is something of value fore thsoe around me. The past too needs to stay there and I do need to move on.

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  77. Lovely post, thank you! It must be fun to watch the ice skaters.

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  78. Hi Linda, Our dog Ernie, he gets 'snow boots' Hee Hee ... the snowballs will form on his legs. He does not mind it because I brush them and wipe him down after our time outside.
    Cute photo of the 'snow pants' dog.
    x o
    Carla

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  79. Merci pour ces si jolies phrases ! il s'en trouve toujours une qui résonne en moi ! Bonne soirée !

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  80. I am stopping by just to wish a great weekend, Linda ❄

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  81. Linda, I love how you manage to collect all your wonderful quotes in a theme. Takes a lot of time I imagine.

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  82. Hello Linda,
    What a funny post. Nice that deer with his big ears. And nice birds. The pictures in the snow are very nice!!

    Many greetings,
    Marco

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  83. You guys really know how to do snow. We had snow today but only for two hours before it rained and washed it away.

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  84. Good ones! If you think you hear that inner voice you should listen closely!

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  85. Aw, that doggie! I always listen to my inner voice because I learned it the hard way when I didn't.

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  86. I love the one that says God gave us mouths that could shut and ears that stay open. The dog pants with the snow balls is too cute also. Yea we need to listen and really pay attention and try to understand each other.
    That is neat that they have an ice rink for people to skate around.
    Have a great weekend!

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  87. morning greetings from kuala lumpur! i was away for 3 days...was attending 3 days workshop (work stuff), and now only i have time to do some blogwalking. for this entry, i choose this quote: You can't change what has already happened. So don't waste your time thinking about it. Move on. Let go and get over it!...anyway, it's truly magical to see such a thick snow at your place.! hoping to have some winter vacation soon with my boys :) take care dear linda

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  88. Kiitos Linda. Niin totta nämä jakamasi elämänviisaudet.
    Iloa päivääsi!
    Sirpa

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  89. These are some wonderful quotes, and the snow pants gave us a good early morning chuckle. Oh, and my dad says (I've Been) Searching So Long is one of his most favorite older Chicago tunes

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  90. Such a thoughtful and uplifting collection today. The way you wove together reflections on change with the art of truly listening creates such a calming, grounded rhythm. I especially loved the reminders that listening is an act of presence and humility, and that even the smallest shifts can open the door to new possibilities. Your snowy Montreal photos add a lovely sense of quiet beauty, and the animal stories bring such warmth and joy. A wonderful blend of reflection, comfort and gentle encouragement.

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  91. Moin Dear Linda,
    Deine Zitate sind toll und ja, Zuhören ist sehr wichtig! Der Hund mit der Schneehose ist cool. Hier liegen 1-2 cm Schnee, da ist es für Hunde recht schwierig, sich eine Schneehose anzuziehen. 😂 Beste Grüße nach Canada von Traudi.🍀

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  92. For me the best senteces are about cats.
    Best regards :)

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  93. The snow pants made me laugh even though I did feel sorry for that dog. Great quotes, as always!

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  94. So much wisdom here (as always!). The graphics having to do with listening spoke to me the most. There just don't seem to be enough listeners in the world but there sure are a lot of dominating talkers!!

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  95. Good reminders on listening, thank you. Lovely photographs of the snow too!

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  96. Linda your post always holds so much rich thoughts and great animal stories as well. Adored the Magpie and of course the cat adopting his person! Ah 1974 and Chicago takes me back to those wonderful years when the world was our oyster and we surely thought those days would never end. Where did the time go friend? Hugs!

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  97. You always find the best quotes, Linda and somehow they're always relevant in my current day!

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  98. Some very good ones in this batch. I think you've outdone yourself. I like all the kitty ones the best. Hope you're staying warm. Soo much cold and snow around.

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  99. Dearest Linda,
    I heartily thank you for gracing my blog when you come and visit me there, you're such a lovely lady, you bring a bright light to ~ My little old world ~ !
    I'm so fascinated by everything you publish, your articles are unique!
    Sending my dearest hug to you
    XO Daniela

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  100. An uplifting post for the weekend! Thank you!

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  101. I agree...most of the time, we don't listen enough. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend, Linda.

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  102. Yes, it's true... The quotes reflect reality. And to be honest, I am increasingly amazed that the fast pace of life these days can still outpace itself.

    I enjoyed your post, dear Linda. And thank you too for your very nice comment.

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  103. Hi Linda! It’s always such a pleasure to visit your blog! Your quotes are so inspiring and usually exactly what I need to hear! And I have to say, that 'Snowy Pants' dog photo cracked me up, it´s so funny. Thanks for the great post.

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  104. The 'skill for active listening' can serve us all. YOU, have a wonderful day.

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  105. Merci Linda pour l'intéressant post. Salutations de Grenoble, France.

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  106. Deine Zitate sind interessant und machen mir Mut. Besonders gut gefallen mir diesmal die Katzen

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  107. Me ha gustado mucho todo, me encantó el gatito y la urraca. Un abrazo.

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  108. Love this quote: "We change the world not by what we say or do but as a consequence of what we have become. "

    Thank you for sharing quotes and videos...

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  109. Thank you for the post. Greetings from Poland

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  110. This blog also contains some wonderfully beautiful, valuable, and super fun and educational texts. Truly fantastic!
    Thank you for these beautiful texts.
    Kind regards, Helma

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  111. Loved the dog in snow pants, and the two pictures you took of the snow.
    The quote--"You can't change what has already happened. So don't waste your time thinking about it. Move on. Let go and get over it!" was very timely and personal.
    How is your issue with your throat doing?

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  112. Loved that dog. My dog is my life and never criticises or judges me.

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  113. Such deep wisdom in these words, and such peaceful beauty in those snowy park photos. Truly grounding...

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Patience, Character

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