It’s a gray, foggy Sherlock Holmes looking morning outside

The sky is painted in dark muted colors
It resembles a black and white photo

There’s heavy gray mist floating amongst the trees
The streets are barely visible and deserted

There’s an eerie silence outside
It’s almost too quiet
Looks like a mystery movie about to begin

When one is surrounded by clouds of darkness
When the burden feels to much to handle
When life is crushing you down
Seek the small light shining in a distance
It will guide your way
It is destiny waiting
It is these small slivers of light that give us hope
They help us try again
They help us begin again
To look for better days
They help to lift us up
Believe

Waking up
Early morning rituals
Watching the sunrise
Surveying the blue sky
Enjoying the coolness
Admiring the beauty outside
Anticipating the day
Waiting for coffee or tea
Breakfast
What to have
Checking out the news
Being alive
Savoring the pure joy of it

Even when it looks like it there is no hope. Don’t give up

Believe

Even when there is darkness all around, light will always find a way through

Believe

Even when things seem difficult and impossible, things will get done

Believe

Because in the end everything will work out. The impossible becomes possible and light wins over darkness

Believe
Never lose hope
It lights up the world

There’s darkness outside
With just a glimmer of light
Slowly the darkness cedes
Traffic is slowly moving
The morning has begun
Coffee and tea being made
The quiet of night being replaced
By familiar noises
The sun begins to rise
A bright golden ball
It’s a glorious sight
As it goes higher and higher
Another morning has arrived
As the city wakes up once again
To start anew

Sitting in a bakery sipping coffee
Watching the wait staff moving to and fro
People eating weekend breakfast
Talking and smiling
Streets full of people

Precious baked goods for sale
Beautiful to see
The scent of them like perfume
Intoxicating to the senses

Bakery heaven

Even in darkness there will be a lit candle to show the way
We just have to believe

It’s light will be enough to light the world
We just have to believe

Even in times of hardship things will work out
Even when there’s hate love will win
We just have to believe

When darkness is all around
In the end light will prevail
We just have to believe

Light a candle and help light up the world
Be the light
Lift up the world
Take away the darkness
Candlelight

After the storm
When the winds stop
When the rain ceases
When the skies finally clear
In the morning
A new day comes
It looks brand new
It brings bright blue skies
Fluffy white clouds
Clean, fresh air
It’s invigorating

After the storm
The trees seem taller
The streets are cleaner
The plants are greener
Flower colors brighter
Rivers run higher

After the storm
Animals come out
Seeking a needed drink
Gardens grow a bit more
People come out from the shadows
Smiling
Laughing
From the gift
Mother Nature brought

Sometimes we have to wait
Sometimes we are stopped
It’s frustrating
But we don't know why
Sometimes there is a long wait
For something we need or want
Then all of a sudden
For no reason
The wait disappears
And we understand
Why we were stopped
It makes perfect sense
It’s for us
Our protection
Believe
Light up the world
With your special light
Understand
The pause

You are standing tall like a warrior in the desert
There is a path with two directions
One to the left
One to the right
Each will take you in a different direction in your life
But the choice is hard
So much to think about
So you just stand at the fork not knowing what to do or which direction to go
To the right?
To the left?
The air is clear and it is silent not a noise in the air
The sky is blue with a bright sun overhead
Then all of a sudden a wind picks up and erases one of the paths
Leaving only one for you to follow towards the light and your destiny

Sometimes we just need quiet
A time to be still
To stop the chaos
Of life
To listen to the nothing
It calms the mind and spirit
Allows us to refocus later

The world is so busy
Fast moving
Never stopping
Noisy
Sometimes it’s hard to keep up
Stillness can reset us to a better place
It can enhance creativity
Allow the mind to wander
Aimlessly
Slow down the body
Lift up the mood
Sharpen the mind
Go to a higher place
Let’s look for
Quiet times

I am a human being.
I am of the spirit.
Experiencing life.
As it comes.
Mostly in the present.
Somewhere along the road,
I realized that I was a spiritual being.
Within a human body.
I celebrate both.
They are part of the same.
They are one.
When I connect to both.
I remember.
While I was born alone and will die alone.
I am truly not alone.
I am of the spirit.
I am part of the greater whole.
The universe is my home.
I am of the spirit.

When you feel all muddled
Go into the forest
Sit amongst the green
Surround yourself
Let your eyes feast upon the beauty
Inhale the perfume of nature
Free yourself of everything
Let the beauty and stillness calm you
Go to another place
Away from the noise and bustle
Become one with nature

Be at peace

We all have a chance every day
In how we will be with each other

We can be pleasant or not
We can bring light or darkness
A laugh or a frown
One of the most joyous things
Is to bring a smile to someone

It doesn't take much to do that
You never know when someone
Might bring one to you as well
So spread the light
It’s a new day

Smile

I am a person
I am alive
I have feelings
I have needs and desires
I am no different than another
I am from this world
Just like you
I can be hurt
I can cry
I can mourn
I can and need love
I need care, a home, sustenance
I need to belong
I want peace not war
I want to walk free
To live my life without pain or hurt
At times I am alone
At other times, not
I am no different
Than another
For I am only human
We all are here
In the end
We are all the same

You are my light
My sun, moon and stars
The universe
My heart
You are life
When you smile, bright light shines
Like a sunbeam
Since I first saw you
You became part of me
You took over my heart
You have always been there
No matter what
You are the best of me
The best of the world
You bring life and happiness
Calm and peace
You are the world

The magic room is a special place
Wonderful things are created
Beautiful things
They dazzle the taste buds
They are created from nothing
Special
Delicious
Each one different but good

Every house has one
Along with a magician
An artist
They create magic every day
Waving their wand
Tantalizing their families
With goodies to delight
Heavenly meals
Offering new tastes
There’s nothing like it

The magic room

After feeling pulled underwater
For some time
I can breathe
After feeling uncomfortable
I can finally breathe
My shackles have been released
I can move without effort
My troubles have passed
They are behind me
The sun is out
No more stormy days
I feel peace and harmony
Like a whale or dolphin
Swimming to the surface
For air
Exhaling strongly
Once again I can breathe
Freely
Enjoying the feeling of freedom

Fresh air

It was a cool sunny morning
Spring on the horizon
The sky had a crispness to it
Sky was bright blue
The cool air was refreshing

Tourists were coming back
After a hiatus
People were out sitting at cafe having their breakfast
Some seats were empty
The atmosphere was somewhat muted
It made one long for the coming of spring

In between the noise of life
There can be quiet times
Time to still ones being
Both body and soul
Time to calm things down
Time to center oneself
Time to remember
Our true self
What is truly important
Time to listen to the calm
Before the noise of life
Starts up once again

We are all here for a reason.
The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.
Our legacy is how we lived.
How we will be remembered.
We are all unique. We each have a gift.
We just have to discover it.
Each day we can choose to stand in the light.
Instead of the darkness.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.
Let’s light up the world.
With our own special light.

Early in the morning, on a crisp bright day, seagulls soar high against a clear blue sky

High above the ocean, they swirl around so fast you can barely see them
They almost look unreal

Quickly without warning, the gulls turn and aim towards the sun reaching higher and higher in their flight before disappearing

All the while, the dark blue ocean pounds the shore offering a pungent smell of salt as the waves hit
Onlookers stop to watch the dance of nature once again as it hypnotizes them into a state of calm

It’s a beautiful day.
Bright white fluffy clouds in the sky.
A slight cool breeze is blowing.
The air is clear and fresh.
Off in a distance, a horse has jumped the gate of a corral.
He’s a beautiful horse.
Chestnut colored.
He’d been planning for months.

Now, he’s running free towards the mountains.
Moving faster and faster.
Till he finally disappears into the distance.
Like a mirage.
After all this time.
Freedom

At the toughest times
When things seem dark
Get still within yourself
Until you hear nothing

Go to a place of calm and comfort in your mind
Close your eyes
Stay there for a while

Imagine light surrounding you and giving you strength
Let it fill you up
With hope and love
Feel the safety and warmth of it

When you are ready move forward step by step
Knowing the light will never leave
It resides in you

It was snowing
The flakes were large and fragile
They looked like Queen Anne’s lace
The trees were covered with a white blanket
It created a canopy of sorts
The air was crisp and cool
In the distance was a cabin
It had been there for years
It was made out of wood
Handmade by the owner
Snow was piling up on the roof
Inside a fire was burning to combat the cold
Smoke was rising gently from the chimney
A kettle was on the stove to make tea
It was a good night for it
A dog was sleeping by the fireplace comforted by the warmth
Outside the snow continued to fall
Creating a postcard view
Not a sound could be heard on this peaceful night

Canopy of white

I can stand in the darkness
I can be consumed by the sheer heaviness of it
How it over powers and takes over
How one starts to disappear

Or I can walk tall towards and stand in the light
Letting its brilliance soothe and heal me
Letting the warmth massage my soul and body
Giving me much needed relief
Lifting me

I can stand in the darkness and be alone
No one around only silence
Where heavy clouds abound
Smothering me

Or I can stand in the light and be surrounded by love
Bathed in its beauty
Feeling free

Letting the light open and fill my heart and all corners of my life

The rain is finished now
The city is drying out
The sky is painted bright blue
It’s a cool morning
There is a hint of freshness in the air
Breathing is a pleasure

Afterwards
It’s a beautiful perfect day
Enjoy the moment
The artistry of nature
As she has bathed the city

After the rain everything is fresh
The city has been given a redo
There is a scent of clean in the air
Plants are greener
Flowers brighter
Streets are washed
Dust is gone

The sky is clear and blue
Bright white clouds decorate the horizon
Mountains are visible
The rain washes away yesterday
Making room for today
It’s the start of a brand new day

In the dark of the night I think of you and it warms me
In the hardest of times I think of you and it gives me strength
In times when I feel alone I think of you and I am not
In the happiest of times I think of you and it brings me joy
In a storm I think of you and it brings me comfort
In times of insanity when things seem upside down I think of you and the world seems right

You are my light
You are my universe
You are everything

Come dance with me
Let’s dance up in the stars
Let’s tickle the moon
Let’s fly

Come dance with me
Let’s dance until sunrise
Let’s visit Mars and Venus
And all there is

Come dance with me
Into our future
Hold my hand
And walk along the beach

Come dance with me
Let’s walk by the Seine
Visit the Tower of London
Let’s see the islands of Greece

Come dance with me
Forever

Many years ago a young man traveled to a far away land
He met a young woman while there
They became sweethearts
When Valentines Day came he had never experienced it
But he went and found a gold heart box of chocolates decorated with an orange rose
He put it in a brown paper bag with a card to give to his sweetheart
When he saw her, he handed her the bag and smiled a big, bright smile

He said happy Valentines Day!

The sweetheart box

You are standing on a beach
The sun is out, the sky is a clear blue
There are a few white clouds in the sky -- very delicate
The sun is not hot, the air is not cool. It is just right.
There is a light breeze.

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances like the gemstones -- glimmering like diamonds.
As you walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as that of the water.
As you walk further into the water, your shape and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.
You are finally home.
You are the sea.

Ever since she was a child
She was protected
Something was always there
To keep her safe
Like a shield
It was invisible

When she went out
When she was with others
While she slept
Whatever she needed
Came to her
When there was hurt and pain
She healed
When there was peril and danger
She was safe

It wasn’t of the spirit
It was something else
But it was always there
Covering her
Protecting her
It would never leave her
It would be there till the end
Like a shield
A force of protection

It is wintertime.
You are deep in the forest. There are pine trees and other trees all around.
Snow and pine cones are scattered on the ground.
There is a strong scent of pine.
It is refreshing.
It is gently snowing. Large size flakes start falling.
As they hit the ground they melt.
As you stand in the forest -- there are no sounds except a few birds in the trees softly chirping.
It is so quiet you can almost hear the snow fall.
You feel your heartbeat.
You close your eyes to listen to the quiet and feel the stillness of the moment.
Snowflakes gently touch your face but you are not cold.
There is total peace around you.
Harmony with nature.
When you open your eyes, you see a doe looking at you.
It is sublime.
Still, quiet and peaceful.

Music

Music and memories go together
Like salt and pepper
One complements the other
One triggers the other
Listening to a song can easily transport one back to a memory or time
A certain memory can bring back a certain feeling
It’s as if one stepped into a time machine to relive that moment
Music can also inspire, ignite and calm the soul
It can heal ones wounds and evoke strong feelings
Music can take me back to a sweet memory of my father shoveling the snow outside during a winter storm
Or my father taking my hand as a small girl to enter a Brazilian ceremony many decades ago
Or to remember a colleague playing a song by the Temptations in the office one Friday morning to help start the day
Music and memories inspire our lives to be so much more like an artists’ painting

Everything is a balance
In the end
Light wins over dark
Love over hate
Goodness over evil
Freedom over oppression
Truth over lies
Integrity over corruption
Right over wrong
Kindness over cruelty
Healing over pain
Love is powerful energy
It can change the world
In an instant
Light up the world
With one small act
It can make a difference

Balance

Surreal

Sometimes life seems surreal
That it’s not real
When I look back
I can’t believe my age
Have I really lived this long?
Where did the years go
They just flew by
In an instant
Yet I remember things
As if they just happened
Deep inside I still feel like me
Even if I don’t look the same
My hopes are still there
So are my dreams
Yet I am at the last third of my journey Instead of the beginning
How did that happen
Is this all a dream
So I will wake up some day
If not, I need to get busy

Surreal

If you hurt me I will not hurt you
I will just walk away

If you love me
I will love you back
With all my heart

If you offer a chair
I will sit with you
I will give my time

If you offer peace
I will join you
Hand in hand

If you hurt me I will not hurt you
I will just walk away

If you love me
I will love you back
With all my heart

We have the power to heal
We have the power to touch
Deep inside
We have the power to love
We can lift up ourselves
We can lift up others
We can even lift the whole world
We can warm the coldest night
We can embrace others
We can stand in the light

We have the power to change
We have the power to grow
Beyond ourselves
We have the power to heal

All we have to do is try
Believe
Light up the world

Into the night
Dream sweet and long
May your sleep heal you
Take you to wonderland
Be peaceful and calm
Till morning
When the sun greets you
With its brightness
Revel in the start of a new day
A fresh start

Dream on

Drought

It may seem that there’s is a drought
Everything is dry and harsh
Sparseness all around
The path is hard to find
Dust and muck have covered it

Life seems fast asleep
Nothing going on
Waiting for something
Dry winds blowing fiercely
Erasing everything before

But after a time the rain will come Bringing new life with it
The dust will settle
Dryness replaced with green
New life growing

Drought

When you are sad
Get up and look at the sun
When you are crying
Get up and look at the stars
Dry your tears

When you are hurting
Get up and look at Mother Nature
She’s beautiful

When you can't go on
Get up remember those that went before you

When you want to give up
Get up and remember you have your own destiny
You are not done
You are not alone

Believe

It’s another Saturday morning
Start of the weekend
Sitting at a cafe
It’s crowded
Waiting on coffee and croissant
People come to and fro
Warm inside
But very cold outside
Another winters day
Sun is out to brighten the sky
Last Saturday of the month
Almost time for a new month
The city is waking up
Time to get going
Things to do

We all build walls
Some are to hide behind
Some to prevent
Some to keep out
Some to mark areas
Some are real
Some are imaginary
Some are brick or wood
Some are stone or concrete
They are boundaries
Or borders
Or let limiters
Some are old
They can be high and reach the sky
Or low easy to jump or climb
They can lock someone out
Or keep them in
Let’s tear them down
And come together
We are all human
Believe

Search your heart
Find the meaning of love
Search your heart
Find your true destiny
Search your heart
Find comfort and care
Search your heart
Find where you belong
Search your heart
Find kindness
Search your heart
Find tolerance
Search your heart
Find what you were looking for
Search your heart
Find the best in people
Search your heart
Find beauty
Search your heart
Find why you are here
Search your heart
You will find the answer
It’s always been there

Once an elderly gentleman
Very wise
Similar to Indiana Jones
Gave me a bit of advice
He said live life
Savor each moment
They pass quickly
Don’t worry
Minimize stress
Go for comfort
Life’s hard and unfair at times
We can’t control everything
But, it’s an adventure
Never be afraid
Things work out for the best
True joy comes from the adventure
All the experiences one has
What is learned along the way
What’s your adventure?

That’s life and living

It has been dark for so long
The air has been heavy and oppressive
It’s been difficult to hold ones head high
Every day negativity oozed everywhere
Like a heavy weight
Everything became hard
In spite of it
People kept trying
People kept helping
People kept caring
Though they were tired
But hope was diminishing
Getting fainter
But, after some time
A small sliver of light shone through
In the darkness, it seemed even brighter
People began to focus on it
Watch it
Fascinated
They then started walking towards it
The closer they came, the brighter it became
Almost like a lighthouse beacon
The light was soothing
It was also healing
Eventually the light increased
Shining down everywhere
Causing the darkness to finally recede
Hope grew
Faith grew
The heaviness lifted
For the first time in a long time
People saw possibilities
They actually started to see the people around them
Their neighbors, friends, co-workers
And they were also seen
They talked and were heard
They listened and understood
Empathy started to grow
Care for one another grew
It was a brand new day

Possibilities

Sitting in a café
Quietly
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Watching the staff
Coming and going
Efficiently
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying things
Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
The city is awake

Languages of the world

You slowly walk through the entrance of a cave.  At the end of the darkness is a small pool of water. The water is warm, not too warm, the temperature is just right and the color is a deep turquoise. You walk into the water and stand in the middle. As you stand there, a waterfall starts to pour over you, but very gently with rays of bright light from an opening above shining all around  making the water sparkle like diamonds. You are in the most perfect place. The feeling of serenity pours over you.

Step forward instead of backwards
Lift up instead of put down
Help instead of hurt
Accept instead of rejection
Love instead of hate
Inspire instead of limit
Kindness instead of harshness
Integrity instead of corruption
Lightness instead of darkness
Calm instead of upset
Hope instead of despair
Laughter instead of tears
Creativity instead of bland
Dancing instead of sitting
Tolerance instead of none
Positivity instead of negativity
Possible instead of impossible
Walk with the light
Avoid darkness
Believe
Light up the world

Step forward