Believe the rest of your life
Will be the best of your life
Every day is a fresh start
We have opportunities to reinvent ourselves
Wake up every day anew
Looking for ways to savor life
We have a chance to push the positive
Negating the negative
As was told many times
Light pushes out darkness
Be someone’s light
Offer a smile to a stranger
Love instead of hate
It matters
We have the power
To lift up the world
One step at a time

She bought it
Not long after arriving
From one of the stores
Something for summer
It gets very hot
Searing heat really
It’s cotton
A rose pink color
With a design
Cotton
The skirt is flared
It’s cool in the heat
Comfortable against the skin
Every season
She pulls it out
Though it is old
It’s a part of her now
She has some others
But this is her favorite
The age is showing now
The color is a bit faded
And there are some small holes
Nevertheless she loves it
Like a security blanket
The dress

Beautiful gold purple sky
Mirroring a Monet painting
Rain clouds dotting the sky
Streaks of lightning highlight the clouds
A storm is fast approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
Looks like a work of art
Coming to close out the day
Winds pick up causing the wind chimes to play
A familiar melody
Plants sway to the wind
A storm is approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
No doubt nature is an artist
The sky has a surreal look
It’s  entrancing

Ambiance is everything
It can make or break a place
Or a mood
The setting
The decoration
The overall energy

It can be positive or negative
It can bring feelings of great joy
Or sadness

Ambiance is everything
It can set a tone
It can bring people together
It can keep them apart
It can lift them up to a higher place

Ambiance is everything
It can bring peace
It can evoke harmony
It can bring light
Or it can smother
Bringing darkness

Ambiance is everything

Where did fall go?
It was just here
It has disappeared into the wind
Summer is back with a vengeance
No more cool mornings
No more fresh air
The days burn hot
The air is heavy with heat

Where did fall go?
It disappeared into the wind
Freshness has been replaced
With bright sun and humidity
Apples with iced drinks
Stews with light salads
Blankets with sheets

Where did fall go?
I miss it

Sitting in a hidden corner
Quietly disappearing
Back tight against the wall
Melting into it
Almost oblivious to the world
Trying to become like a vapor
Translucent
Uncomfortable
Watchful
Like a cat
Eyes wide open
Ready to run
Anticipating
Sitting in a hidden corner
Disappearing from the world

Darkness outside with a small hint of light coming into the sky
Traffic moving towards their destinations ever so slowly
The morning has begun
Empty roads in some places as the full morning rush has not yet started
As 7am approaches, a golden ball can be seen in the sky as the sun starts to rise
It’s a glorious sight
Another morning has arrived as the city starts to wake up once again

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
Ever so slightly
From summer to fall light
The suns brightness less intense

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The air is crisper
The nights cooler

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The heat of summer is leaving
The beauty of fall is coming

Its that time of year
When leaves start to turn
Orange, yellow and red
Dabbling the landscape
Like a fine painting

It’s that time of year
When colors are bright
There is a special shine to everything
Moods are high
The world puts on its best face

Look deep inside yourself
Look in your heart
See what is really there
Feel what is there

Trust yourself
Always
Follow your path
Spin up your dreams

Look deep inside yourself
For the answers
You are seeking
They are there

When in doubt
Trust yourself
Follow your destiny
Never doubt
Through it all
You will always persevere

When in doubt
Trust yourself
Follow your heart
Follow your dreams
Reach for the stars

Can’t you feel it?
The change?
The light is different?
Less intense
The air is getting cooler
Calming breezes
Crisp nights
Colors coming
Reds, yellows, oranges and golds
Trees showing their best
Apples abound
Smells of cider and cinnamon
Sweaters in stores
Fall coats
Warm socks
Blankets
Hot chocolate
Soups
Apple pie
Bright colors
Hypnotic scents
The season is upon us
It’s coming

Oh how I miss the fall
The crimson time
I miss everything about it
In some ways it is a fresh start
It is my favorite season
I miss the colors
The regal essence of it
The trees dress up in splendor
With reds
Yellows
Oranges and golds

There is a smell of leaves on the ground
The sound of leaves crunching as you walk on them
The sound of raking
Big piles of leaves in yards

The crisp clear air
The cool night
Leaves rustling in the breeze

Smells of pumpkin cookies and pies

Cinnamon, apple cider and
hot chocolate
Halloween decorations and candy corn

Oh how I miss the beauty of the trees and countryside as the colors dabble the landscape like a painting

When I look at you I see the impossible
I see a miracle
I see infinity
When I look at you I see the incredulousness of it
How rare
How unusual
How courageous

When I look at you
I see hope
I see joy
I see the impossible become possible
When I look at you
I see the incredulousness of it

I touch the universe
I touch infinity
I feel the sun on my face
I see the moon and the stars

I see my present and future

You are a beautiful red maple leaf
Sitting delicately on a branch
You are one of many
The tree is a regal old maple
It has been there for years
With a tall sturdy trunk

The fall season has begun
Leaves are turning to turn colors
This tree has bright crimson red leaves
Some have already fallen to the ground
Others like you are still on branches

There is a slight cool breeze
It causes the leaves to rustle softly
The grasses bend and move to it
The landscape is dabbled in color everywhere

You are part of the landscape
Brightening the yard where you are with your color and shape

Dreaming of moonlit nights
Special times with you
Light hypnotic breezes
Trees gently swaying
Wind chimes playing
Scents of lilac in the air
Walks along the beach
Sounds of waves hitting the shore
Gulls flying by
Their sound in the air
Holding hands
Dinner by candlelight
Romantic music playing
Slow dancing
Perfumed air
Soft touches
Gentle smiles
Bright laughter
Heart’s beating
Sweet kisses
Hidden places
Cherished memories
Dreaming of moonlit nights
With you

Every night
Fairies arrive
They come from far away
They are tiny creatures
Almost invisible
They have delicate wings
Beautiful really
Like a hummingbird
They have always existed
Since the beginning
They come to the believers
All over the world
To grant their wishes and dreams
While they sleep
They sprinkle magic dust over them
Made of silver and gold
To bring sweet dreams and protection
As night ends they leave
Returning home
Awaiting the next night
To come once again
Fairy dust magic

Butterflies in the forest
Gently flying to and fro
On an early spring day
The sun gently slips through the trees
The air is crisp and clear
The scent of pine trees fills your lungs like expensive perfume
A few white clouds dot the powder blue sky

The butterflies are light pastel colors of blue, white and violet
As you stand silently and watch they fly close to you
Teasing you with a light touch like angels breath before flying away

The waves are moving back and forth
Pulsing like a rhythm
The sound calms
The sky is a bright blue
The air is warm but not too hot
There is a slight breeze in the air
There is a hint of salt in the air
Like a sweet perfume
But the smell is not overwhelming
Nature’s magic
The water is a deep blue
With hints of white as the waves roll in and out
As the sun hits the water
Diamonds appear on the surface
Glistening against the light and the water
It looks surreal
It’s a perfect beach day

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
Ever so slightly
From summer to fall light
The suns brightness less intense

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The air is crisper
The nights cooler

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The heat of summer is leaving
The beauty of fall is coming

Its that time of year
When leaves start to turn
Orange, yellow and red
Dabbling the landscape
Like a fine painting

It’s that time of year
When colors are bright
There is a special shine to everything
Moods are high
The world puts on its best face

It was the holidays once again
The air was electric with anticipation
Everything was decorated for the season
People were  jubilant
Bright colors and lights were scattered around
The trains were running between two large cities on their usual run

This particular train was at the station
It was waiting for its passengers to board
It would be traveling north
To the next large city
It was early evening — around 6
The trip would take about 3 hours

For the season, the bar area was brightly decorated
Lights were even put on the outside of the train
The look was very festive

Passengers started to board
Dressed for the weather
In winter coats and hats
Many carrying packages
Some wrapped in beautiful paper

It was brisk outside
The air was crisp and fresh
Breath hung in the air like vapor

The train was readying to leave
Steam began rising
The whistle blew as the doors closed
Warning that the train was about to leave
Ever so slightly the train started moving away from the station

As the train made its way north
It started to pick up speed
The rhythm of its travel pounding
like a faint drumbeat to the ear
It was hypnotic and calming
Calling sleep to the listener

Faint music played in the background to set the mood

People were happy in their seats
Talking, some sleeping, some reading or on their phones
Others just watched the sights
Everyone glad to be heading north

Some were going home
Some only visiting
Every one excited about the trip
Anxious to arrive

After three hours or so, the train started to slow
It was arriving at its next stop

Passengers put on their coats and hats
They gathered up their belongings
As the train pulled into the station
the passengers lined up to leave

As people filed into the station they made their way out
Either to another train or to exit
Hundreds of people walked onto the street above
Creating a momentary crowd

Taxis arrived to take people to their homes or locations

Others decided to walk or catch a subway

Hotels were brimming with guests
Decorated in their best

The streets were filled with people
Coming and going
The air smelled of the holidays
Stores were crowded as shoppers reviewed their wares

A street fair was going on nearby selling homemade crafts from local artists
Coffee shops were brewing fresh coffee

The city was alive
Decorated in its best
Colors everywhere
Red, green, blues, gold, and silver

Street were vendors selling hot pretzels
Others with apple cider or hot chocolate

It was a beautiful sight to behold
This was New York at its best

People are like puzzle pieces
Each one a different shape and size

It takes the perfect piece to fit
Into a space made for it
Others just won’t fit

People are like puzzle pieces
All different sizes and shapes
It takes the right one to fit
Others may try but the fit won’t work

People are like puzzle pieces
Going through life looking
For their one perfect piece
The one made just for them
It fits on all sides
As if cut from the same pattern

People are like puzzle pieces
Searching their whole lives
for that one perfect piece
Some are lucky and find it
Others never do

When you feel lost
Follow the light
Just as ships at sea
They look for the lighthouse
The shining light guides them

When you feel scattered
Follow the light
Back to your path
Look to your lighthouse

When you feel lost
Follow the light
Let the beam of light guide you
Back to your path
Let the light comfort you
If you are out to sea
Look for the lighthouse
Shining it’s beam of light
Guiding you back to safety

When covered in darkness
Seek the light
Let it cover you like a coat
When full of despair
Seek the light
When the mind is empty
Seek inspiration

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
When bored
Learn something

When the heart is empty
Seek art and music
Let it lift you up

When you feel alone
Help another

Lightness

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I have walked a different path
I traveled a long distance
In many ways to arrive

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I have walked a different path

I can be like a feather
Blowing in the wind
Untethered
Light to the touch
Almost invisible

I can be like a bird
Soaring high in the sky
Enjoying the glory of flying

I can be like a cat
Quiet and watching
The world go by

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I walked a different path
I traveled a long distance
In many ways to arrive

I am on a path and journey
There have been twists and turns
That’s what took me here
At this place and time

I am elusive
Transparent
Hard to find
Sometimes I disappear into the night
Sometimes I look like a ghost
A vapor barely there
I can be the light mist in the wind
Touching your cheek
I am truly invisible

I can be a shadow on the wall
A faint outline of a person
Almost disappearing
Almost not there
But there

I am elusive
Hard to pin down
Always moving to and fro
I am a phantom
A ghost
I am the dream that is not real
That disappears when you wake
The butterfly you cannot keep
The sunset that leaves
A moment in time that passes

I am elusive
Never really there
At all

Cool balmy breezes brush against my face
Caressing
Soothing my spirit and body
Calming my mind
I focus on the moment
Taking it all in
Slowly
Deep purple colors the sky
As night sets in for the city
Lights twinkle in the background like glistening pearls and diamonds
Traffic sounds play their tune from below
Plants sway to and fro to the breeze
As if they were dancing
A cool respite fast approaches
To heal from the blistering heat
Of the day
Once again nighttime is coming
Bringing a gift of coolness
And peace

She sat in utter silence
In an unfamiliar place
Everything was new
Never experienced before

She was barely noticed
Almost invisible to the eye
Out of her own element
She tried to melt into the wall
She was an outsider

She sat in silence
Barely noticed
Quiet
Almost invisible
Barely seen and heard

She was from another place
Another time
She had traveled a long distance
To be here

She was not seen nor heard
She was insignificant
She was the unfamiliar one
She did not truly exist in some ways

When I look at you
I see the light of the sun
Glowing a golden hue
I see the brilliance of the moon
I see sunflowers everywhere

When I look at you
I see the beauty of all things
Expressed in fields of yellow flowers

When I look at you
I see lightness
I see pure joy in all it’s splendor
I see happiness

When I look at you
I see the light of the sun
The brilliance of the moon
I see sunflowers everywhere

When I look at you
I see the beauty
Of the night sky laced with stars
White fluffy clouds
Bright blue skies
I see sunflowers everywhere

When I look at you
I see the beauty of the universe
I see happiness and bliss

It was a perfect day on the island
It was miles away from the main city
To get there one had to ride the ferry for an hour across the blue waters
The sand on the beach was white and fine to the touch like fine silk
The water at times was turquoise

The beach was little lined with large umbrellas stuck in the sand
They were numerous colors and multi colored
People were sitting under them watching the waves
The waves pounded the shore breaking with bright white foam

The air was warm but not hot with a slight breeze soothing to the touch

Palm trees swayed to the breeze their leaves glistening in the sun
As the sun hit the ocean the surface looked like a million diamonds

Children were running up and down the beach laughing and playing games while parents kept a watchful eye

A man pushed an ice cream cart down the beach selling ice cream treats

A mother and her daughter played in the waves
The daughter eventually sitting in the water letting the waves run over her

It was a perfect day in every way

Every one was grateful for the perfect day and a little slice of heaven

I live among ghosts
Phantoms
They keep calling me
I walk by memories
Old haunts
I touch them ever so slightly
Carved through year’s of life
There are spirits
Vapors of life
I feel them touch me
They hover above
They watch
They listen
They are always there
I see remnants of where they were
I feel them
I can’t escape them
Every where I turn
Everywhere I look
I feel them
Echoes of them embedded
I feel them in the air
I feel them in thoughts
I feel them in faces
I live among ghosts and memories
Of another time

Sweet memories are like melodies that gently play in our minds that help define us as we weave our ways through our lives.
These memories have a sweet perfume of experience and life which touches our cheeks ever so gently each and every day.

Do you see me?
Do you hear me?
Can you sense me?
I am standing right here
I have always been here
In one form or another
By you
With you
When I touch you
Do you feel it?
Is it the same as before?
Do you remember?
How it used to be?
That was so long ago
It was another time
Almost seems like another world
When I stand behind you
Putting my hand on your back
Do you feel it?
Because I have always been there
Over the years and decades
I have called for you and searched
Everywhere
Till I found you
Do you see me?
I see you
I always have

As the bright sun poured down on her
With its searing heat
It was unbearable
She needed a reprieve
There was the sound of water nearby
She found a beautiful waterfall
She couldn’t wait
The heat propelled her
She walked into the water
Under the waterfall
Letting the cool water run over her
As the water poured over her
It offered a soothing reprieve from the sun and heat
Eventually a cool breeze came
And gently blew across her face
Leaving a sense of peace and calm
It was so perfect
She never wanted to leave
She had found paradise

It was Sunday morning
In a small city on the east coast
The rain was gently falling
The sky was a muted gray
It was early
There wasn’t much traffic
It was quiet
There was a feeling of stillness

As the rain fell two cats slept
They always slept together
One was. brown and one gray
They were like sisters
It was calming to watch them

The sound of the rain was calming and hypnotic
It was a cool fall day
The leaves were still on the trees
Gold, red, and orange

As the rain hit the side of the building it made a noise like a faint drumbeat

The air smelled clean and refreshed
There was a hint of the wet leaves like a natural perfume

The entire scene evoked feelings of peace

Watching the rain and world was like being transported to another world

She was just 16 years old
Yet she loved like someone older
She met her true love in high school
At a dance
He was handsome and dazzling
She was enchanted
He was her prince

All she wanted was to be with him
Forever
Yet life offers us twists and turns
Which we cannot control or change
Even when we want to

There was going to come a day when he would leave
She didn't think she could bear it
But she made him a gift so he wouldn't forget
A small book with important dates and photos
It was made with all the love in her heart

So at their final time together, she gave him the book which was a small part of her
She knew that we all have to follow our destiny
Even if it hurts
So she watched him leave her
Hoping some day that she  would  be given her dream

Heartache

We are all makers of it
With an action
Or a sharp word
We can bring darkness
Hurt and pain
We can also lift up
Inspire
Create great beauty
Art
Dance
Music
Wonderful things
In an instant
We can bring despair
Hopelessness
Deep pain
Or tremendous light
It’s all about choices
Each and every day
We have the power
To light up the world
If we want
Let’s try

Sometimes life gives us a miracle, something beyond belief that is quite wonderful.

It is up to us how we choose to enjoy and appreciate it.

When that happens, take advantage of every minute and realize how truly wonderful it is

Tonight there’s a half moon
It’s silvery white
Hanging by a golden thread in a
dark painted sky
Around the moon is a delicate halo
It looks incandescent to the eye
The vision is almost hypnotic

It’s a half moon night
The air is warm
Heavy and thick
Not refreshing

Summer is in the beginning of its final throes
Breathing fire into the day and night
Making it hard to live and concentrate
Fall is waiting in the wings
Eagerly awaited

It’s a half moon night

Is where the heart is
That’s what they say
It’s where one’s roots are
From where we come
It helps define us
There’s comfort
Familiarity
Sometimes
We crave it
We need it
To recenter ourselves
To remember
Who we are
We all go
Home
Where the heart is

A storm is coming
Dark clouds are on the horizon
I can feel it in the air
The wind is picking up
There’s a feeling of electricity
The sky is a light muted gray
The clouds are moving quickly
Some seem to touch the earth

A storm is coming
I can feel it in the air
I can feel it deep in my bones
There are sounds of thunder
They sound like drums
Lightning strikes dart across the sky

A storm is coming
I can feel it in the air
Mother Nature is shaking
Change is coming

A storm is coming
Of that I am sure

There’s a small sliver of moon tonight
It hangs in a thick, rich black velvet sky
The moon glimmers a soft white
The sky looks rich enough to touch
In the distance is a glow of the city

Another day closes with a new night beginning
The air has cooled to the breath
The lungs feel refreshed
A slight healing breeze is blowing
It soothes the heat beaten brow

Plants welcome their daily drink
People move on the street enjoying the cool reprieve and coming night

Every now and then someone looks up and smiles at the moon
It’s magic
The moon looks down at the earth and smiles back

Folks drinking coffee in a cafe
Surrounded by red cushions
Adorning bright white walls
Golden lights
Suspended from the ceiling
Music playing with a soft hypnotic sound
Sometimes jazz
Other times rock
Tables set with clear dark red glasses
Professional waiters moving to and fro
People sitting outside under red umbrellas
Tables adorned with coffee or tea
And other breakfast goodies
On the start to another hot steamy day
In the city

Summertime Moments

Open your eyes
Abre sus ojos
See what you can see
Feel what you can feel
Touch what you can touch
Take in all the fragrances
See the wonder of life
See me for who and what I am

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
Take it all in
Look everywhere
See Mother Nature
In all her glory
See the oceans
See the forests and mountains
See the animals
See me for who and what I am

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
See the woman before you
See her heart and spirit
Where she has been

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
The world is waiting

Rio nights
Beautiful beaches
Regal hotels lining the street
White silky sand
Turquoise water
Sultry breezes
Swaying palm trees

Black and white tiled sidewalks
Umbrellas everywhere
Children running and playing
At night the beach walk outlined with a string of pearl street lights

The sound of Portuguese in the air
Ice cream vendors moving along the beach seeking eager customers
Corcovado in the background

Beautiful bird kites — all colors
Flying high in the air
People wearing their best swimwear

Copacabana Days
Rio nights

For just a little while
For one fleeting moment
I touched home
To a small part of it
I sat and had a cup of coffee
Like times past when I visited a place like this

A small slice of America
Just one tiny sliver in a large pink city
For one moment it felt familiar
I looked around and felt that
I had touched a slice of my country
The look, the feel, the smell all famliar

Oh I know there are problems there now
Severe ones
A lot has to be done and changed
But within me are those threads from there
Those are the ties that bind us
Once in a while they tug at me
Touching my heart with
Memories
Life adventures
Family
Roots

This is true for all of us
We have roots to a place, threads of personal history
Where we began

But, for just a little while
I touched home
Sat in a small slice of America
Drank my coffee
Same as years ago
Ate my cinnamon roll
Savoring the taste
Remembering my voyage through life and all that brought me here

Get your groove
Find a rhythm
Beat it loudly
With energy
Let the sound carry
Far and wide
Beat it
For the ill
For the dying
For the suffering
For all the lost souls

Beat the drum

For the living
As loud as you can
March down the street
Proudly
Let others hear you
Let them join you

Beat the drum

For the world
For all of us

It’s another Friday
Start of a weekend
Time to reflect
Time to recharge
Time to have fun

It’s another Friday
Time for the Magic
Time to rest
Time to get refresh
Before another work week

It’s another Friday
Time to enjoy
Time to meditate
Time to clear the mind
Time to refresh the body
Weekend slowdown

The ocean waves are moving back and forth on a bright sunny day.
The sky is a bright blue.
The air is warm but not too hot.
There is a slight breeze in the air.
There is a tint of salt in the air like a sweet perfume but the smell is not too heavy. The water is a deep blue with hints of white as the waves roll in and out.
As the sun hits the water, diamonds show up and glisten against the light and the water.
It’s a perfect day

There once was a young man that traveled to a different time and place one day

He tripped while walking from his classes and hit his head
When he awoke he found that he had traveled to a different time, place and future

He had no idea how he got there nor how he would return to his own time and place
While there, he discovered a brand new life

One day he met a girl from that time and they became very good friends
They went everywhere together
One didn’t want to be without the other
This continued for quite some time

Until one day a bad storm came with very high winds
The young man was out walking and was swept up into the winds
They lifted him up higher and higher before dropping him hard onto the ground

When he  finally awoke, he found he was no longer in the future but had been returned back to his time and place.
To his great sadness, the girl was also gone

He tried to search for her but couldn’t find her anywhere
He tried to call her but couldn’t reach her
All he could do was think about her
He was at a loss of what to do
He tried everything to return to the other time but couldn’t

He was heartbroken
So was she
She tried as well to find him but had no luck
Sometimes she would dream about him and call out his name

One day he went to the ocean and stared out at the sea. He closed his eyes and called out to her

He removed every thought in his mind except for her hoping she would hear him. Alas nothing happened

He tried doing this over and over during the years with no result

Then finally one day she heard him calling to her across time

She answered
The girl came across all time and distance to see him

She brought herself to his time and place to stay and be with him

Magic
Together forever

The summer heat finally broke
At least for a day
Tonight as the sun leaves
A gentle cooler breeze blows
It is refreshing and soothing
I feel that I can breath
My lungs are refreshed
My spirit energized

As the temperature drops
I am excited by the coolness
Hoping for a better night
As darkness falls the breezes blow
Healing the vestiges of summer and the heat

Tonight has magic brought with the fresh air
The stars glisten with golden glitter
The plants sway slightly
As the city readies itself for another night

We have a choice every day
How we will relate with people
And the world
We can be kind or unkind
We can bring light or darkness
The choice is ours
We own the after effects
Either positive or negative

If we focus on the positive
We can light up the world

Believe