Blank Out

Sometimes the words
Just don’t come
No matter what
There’s no inspiration
Nothing strikes me
Nothing is there
Just a blank page
It’s like a winter white out
It’s painful
The desire is there
The want to write
But nothing comes
It’s frustrating
I want it to end
The inspiration
To once again come
Blank Out

There is a grey colored mist floating through the air almost like a haze in the air
The sun is starting to come up over the horizon – a hot pink ball slowly rising over the sea
A man is standing on the beach facing out to the water, bare feet buried in the sand
He lets the ocean waves gently wash across his feet
The water is neither too hot nor cold, it is just right
He is wearing a muted grey colored sweater
Standing with his hands in his pockets, he is facing the water, watching, listening to the pounding of the waves as a soothing drum beat ever so slowly
He closes his eyes to listen and smell the salt in the air like perfume
The sounds and smells calm him – leave him with a sense of peace
He then opens his eyes and looks off to the right, down the beach
He sees a woman slowly approaching him from a distance
She is walking slowly to the rhythm of the waves
He closes his eyes once again, waiting for her
Then he opens his eyes and sees her standing by him now watching and listening to the roar of the sea
They smile to each other, grasp hands, turn and continue walking down the beach together

Imagine sitting in the desert
Alone
The sand is bright white
Almost blinding
You are kneeling
With your eyes closed
It is silent and still
Out of nowhere it starts to rain
Black colored rain drops
However, an umbrella appears
Emanating white light
It’s one of a kind
It’s translucent
Made of white light
It hovers over you
As the rain drops fall
They hit the umbrella
And roll off
Never touching you
Disappearing into the ground
Without a trace
You are protected
Once the rain stops
The umbrella disappears
You get up
To start walking
To your destiny
Imagine

What is special?
When someone says
You’re not that special
That others have more value
Than you
What does that mean
But what is it to compare
People to people
Relationship to relationship
As we are all unique unto ourselves
No one is the same
So if someone says you’re not special
What are they also saying
About themselves
For how can we judge
One person’s worth
To another
How can we compare
Without being in their skin
We are all unique
Each with our own destiny
Different from another
Yet all human
How can we be anything
But special
For we each are an individual square
On the quilt of humanity
Together making up the whole
That’s special

Sometimes in our darkest times
We are given a miracle of hope
When we want to give up
A thread to something
Comes
A light shining through
A hand reaching out
To lift us up
In the deepest darkness
We need to have faith
To believe
We should never give up
Even in our toughest times
Light will get through
Eventually
Believe
Let that faith light up the world
Lifting us to a better place
In the darkness

Sitting at home on a cold winters night
Bundled up under blankets with someone you love
Reading a good book or watching a movie
Sipping hot tea or cocoa as the rain or snow gently falls outside
Feeling safe inside
Smells of beef stew cooking on the stove remind one of home as a child
Hot bread baking in the oven
The warmth filling the kitchen
Warm sweaters of bright colors
Fleece lined jackets with mittens and gloves
All bring back feelings of home and comfort

There is forest and quiet
The trees reach to the sky
Darkness abounds
The air is cool and clear
A cabin sits
Surrounded by snow and trees
Mountains are in the background
A light is burning in the cabin
Smoke coming out the chimney
Scents of pine trees in the air
A dog sits on the steps
He’s a husky
Beautiful white and black
Waiting for it’s owner
A pie is baking in the oven
Apple perhaps
Coffee is on the stove
A fire burns in the fireplace
There is sublime quiet
There is a sense of calm
It is intoxicating
Like a sanctuary

Deep in the woods

Every day she goes out
Putting on her red coat
She gets her things together
Heads out to start her day

She visits her favorite café
Slowly sipping her coffee
Thinking about her day

As she finishes her coffee
She gets ready to leave
Putting her coat back on
Packing up her things

She has had the coat for years
It came with her to a new land
When she wears it it feels like an old friend
Red is a favorite color of hers
In a way the coat helps define her
It’s like being with a part of home

Woman in the red coat

Friday Morning

It’s Friday morning
People are just waking up
Searching for their coffee
Getting ready for work
The weekend is coming
The sun is out shining
Friday Morning

People are walking about
Cafés full of early breakfasters
Cities waking up
Everyone has the dreads
It’s Friday morning

Newspapers sit on sidewalks
Street vendors full of magazines and papers
Stores getting ready for another day
People on their way to work
Just one more day
For the weekend

It’s Friday Morning

Life is precious
It’s fragile
Like a wisp of air
Whether a leaf
Or a tiger
Or a human being
It’s delicate
It may appear strong
Perhaps invincible
But underneath
It’s very fragile
It’s precious
Valuable
Beyond words
Or material things
There’s no amount
That matches it
For everything
Is unique unto itself
Each has a purpose
Each needs to be treasured
For what it is
Life
Precious

You are the love of my soul
My true hope
My inspiration
The glimmer of the stars
Light in the darkness

You are the love of my soul

My impossible dream
My Prince
The most perfect part of me
My best

You are the love of my soul
The sun and moon
You are everything right with the world

You are the love of my soul

As the new year begins, may you have a wonderous year filled with blessed moments and magic

At this time of great rancor in the world let’s try and reach for the light instead of darkness
To light the world step by step
One small thing can brighten someone’s day
If we can each shine a light the darkness will lessen

Smile when you can
Share laughter
Offer kindness
Judge less
Hug frequently
Love harder

Treasure what you have
And always be grateful
We have a brand new blank page
Let’s make it count
A fresh start
Let’s begin

A new year is coming
It’s almost here
It’s on the horizon

Time to renew and refresh
Time to reflect
Time to forget and forgive
Time to clear out the cobwebs

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

Time to embrace a clean slate
Time to renew
Time to get ready

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

The future is before us
The past is a memory
Time to get going
Time to focus
Time to make plans

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

Anything is possible
The world is our oyster
Time to make things happen

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon
Anything is possible
Just believe

Today I am wearing a ring
It’s special
It was my mother’s
She got it while in college
When she visited the southwest
It’s turquoise and silver
With a simple setting
It’s over 60 years old
I wanted to feel her presence
So I put it on
As I wear it
Just for a moment
I feel  her there with me
Treasured memories
Of beloved people
Give us comfort
Always
Believe

Bring a desire for warmth
For coffee or tea
Anything hot
Steaming
So the heat caresses
The face
And the hands
Offering a hint of warmth

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
Calling one back
Enticing
Comforting  
Begging us to stay
Under their protection

Cold mornings
Are refreshing
In their own way
With fresh air
Easy to breathe
Bright skies
Cold mornings
Have their own special charm
Embrace it
Live it

Soon we can wipe the slate
Get a fresh start
The end of the year is coming
Time to start anew
We have a chance to begin
Learn and grow in other ways
This year will be in the past
We can then move forward
Hopefully
Things will continue to improve
Over time
We are being given another chance
Let’s count our blessings
Look around at the beauty
Look around at loved ones
Look around at the planet
Be grateful
Love instead of hate
Give instead of take
Use your own light
To light and lift up the world
Brand new start

As the sun goes down
and the eve of Christmas begins
A silence and calm comes across the world
as a soft layer of clouds hovering over the world

Traffic slows down to a snails pace across the land and world
Streets and stores become empty and activity slows down

And as the hours pass and the time to Christmas draws closer
the world takes a breath and the air becomes quiet as a peaceful stillness

Lights glisten with their holiday beauty and splendor
Trees decorated up for the holiday

Families come together for a moment of holiday joy and sharing

And for just a moment in time, the focus is on peace and goodwill and tranquility throughout the land during the Christmas quiet

So, take a moment to listen to the quiet and stillness
To the bells ringing, the snow falling
And let it fill you with peace, joy, and goodwill

At this time of year
Winter is here
A fresh new year is on the way
Holiday trappings are everywhere
Trees are waiting for a home
Children are anticipating Santa
Shoppers are out
Presents are being wrapped
Choirs are singing
Churches are full
People are feeling good cheer
Smiles are bigger
Special meals are being served
Let’s be more kind
Let’s be more positive
Let’s laugh more and criticize less
Let’s be grateful for what we have
Let’s remember what it’s about
Let’s come together
Let’s love harder
Let’s assume the best
Let’s forgive more
Let’s remember we are all one
Everywhere

At this time of year

Silver bells
Sweet memories
Of times past
Run through my mind
Like a quiet stream
Hints of cinnamon in the air
Apple cider
Hot chocolate
Beautiful trees and wreaths
Decorated everywhere
Scents of pine trees
Burning wood
In fireplaces
Snow covered ground
Looking like a winter wonderland
Silver bells
Sweet memories
If I close my eyes
They come as dreams
Making me wish they never end

Snow covered pine trees
Blanketed with white
Muted lights outside
Cold air clean to the breath
Winter is here
Slow walking people bundled up
Bright colored scarves
Hats of all shapes and sizes
Birds seeking their next meal
Cats on the prowl
Fireplaces burning
Pies in the oven
Cookies being made
Delicious soups
Roasts awaiting the oven
Sweaters and boots
Heavy coats with scarves
The fare of the time
Warm flannel PJs
Winter is here

I am a human being
That’s all
Nothing more
Nothing less
No better than an other
Just trying to live my life
Like everyone else is
Somewhere along the road
I realized I was also a spiritual being
I choose to celebrate both
This awareness is empowering
When I connect with another person
I remember
Even though I was born alone
And will die alone
I am not truly alone
We are all part of the same thing
Everything here
Is part of the universe
Animals
Plants
Oceans
Mountains

Believe
Lift up the world
With your special light

It’s that time of year when
Candy canes appear
Silver tinsel glimmers on trees
Wreaths are hung on doors

Precious ornaments are taken out
Beautiful ribbons tie presents
Carols are sung
Churches put on their Sunday best
Joy and cheer are felt
Kindness abounds
It’s that time of year when

People remember
Smiles are brighter
Laughs heartier
Love is deeper
People care and hug more
It’s that time of year when

Towns and cities decorate
Snow lightly blankets the ground
The world slows down just a bit

It’s that time of year
It’s special
It’s magical
Believe
Lift up the world
With your own special light

It’s a time of wonder
Where anything is possible

It’s a time of wonder
Where dreams can come true

It’s a time of wonder
Where magic happens

It’s a time of wonder
Where light overrules darkness

It’s a time of wonder
Where kindness exists

It’s a time of wonder
Where music runs through the air

It’s a time of wonder
Where smiles are bright and laughter is generous

It’s a time of wonder
Where there are bright lights and
holiday decorations

It’s a time of wonder
Where there is good cheer

It’s a time of wonder
Where one can believe

It’s a time of wonder

It’s the season
It comes once a year
It’s special
It brings
Lots of memories
Togetherness
Good cheer
It’s the holiday spell
It’s magical
It’s a time to come together
Bring light not darkness
To reach out
Offering kindness
Light up the world
With your special power

There’s a time of year
When the streets
Grow silent
The cities and towns
Are still
People are home
Or somewhere else
Everyone is  watching
Hoping
Praying
That their
Country
Will do well
And win
The coveted prize
It happens with
Many sports
Some every week
Others once a year
There’s nothing like it
It brings everyone together
For one thing
Rooting for their team
Sometimes
Magic happens
And an unknown wins
The world rallies around
As the light they bring
Lifts up the entire world
Country spirit

Christmas jazz fills the air
Scents of pine and cinnamon
Beats pounding in the background
Elton John
Trees sitting on display
Christmas jazz fills the air
Holiday trappings all around
Silver, gold and red
Shops showing their best
People walking and looking
Warm coats, hats and scarves
Christmas jazz fills the air
Bright lights glimmer everywhere
Music spins through the air
Bright paper and ribbons
Christmas jazz fills the air
American rock music plays softly
The street scene comes alive
Cafés full of people sipping coffee

Christmas jazz fills the air

Believe
In yourself
Your abilities
Believe
in others
The possibility for good
Believe
in the impossible
Believe
it will get better
Believe
In light over darkness
Believe
In kindness and love
Believe
In magic
Believe
In your own value
Believe
In possibilities
When you do
You light up the world

A little kindness
It  matters
It can lighten up  someone
Brighten up the day
Turn a frown into a smile
Replace darkness with light
Inspire
Encourage creativity
It’s one of the best gifts
One can give
Some mistake it for weakness
They are wrong
It comes from strength
From the heart
A little kindness
Goes a long way
To help light up the world
Lift up someone
With your kindness
It could be the best
You do today
Believe

Street scene
People out running to and fro
Cold breathes in the air
Its holiday time
The season is upon us
Street scene
Markets full of people
Bright colors and tinsel
Lots of good energy
People selling their wares
Street scene
Stores fully decorated
With their best
Streets full of holiday lights
People smiling brightly with cheer
Street scene
Trees decorated inside and out
Children running and playing
Parents shopping for the perfect gift
It’s that time of year
Street scene

It’s the season
Of greens and reds
Scents of pine
Apple cider
And hot chocolate
Where glitter
Brings light and magic
It’s the season of
Cheer and good feeling
Where love usurps all
Smiles replace frowns
Laughter instead of tears
Just a touch of glitter
Spread by all
Throughout the land
Can lift up the world
With a little kindness
And magic
It’s the season
Of belief
Light up the world
With your special light

It’s  a winter wonderland
The holiday lights are out
Houses decorated at their best
Scents of pine waft through the air
Snow is lightly falling
It’s a winter wonderland

Streets are full of people
Running to and fro
Buying their wares
Shops are decorated
Its a winter wonderland
It’s like magic
Once a year
That touches the heart
Deep inside
Making people lighter
Smiles are brighter and bigger
Laughs deeper

It’s a winter wonderland
Believe

Imagine walking through the snow into a forest full of pine trees
The scent is calming
As you stop amongst the trees
All you hear is the silence
A slight cool breeze rustles through the trees
Snow left on the branches gently falls  to the ground
As they hit your coat and face, they rest for just a moment before melting
An owl sits up high on one of the branches looking down at you and the world all around
It’s a precious moment
Enchanted wintertime night

Streets bustle with crowds of people filled with energy and excitement
Street corners become impassable because of large throngs of people
Trees are brightly lit for the season
Store windows are adorned with their best holiday decorations
Carolers and musicians can be heard along the streets
Giant nutcrackers adorn one building
Another with giant red ball ornaments
Street vendors sell their wares from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry
Coffee stands are on every corner
Police line the streets to keep people moving along
The hotel bar areas fill to capacity with folks needing refreshment or a comfortable seat before finishing their shopping
Nothing like Christmas time in the city

Xmas in the city

Words can hurt
They can cut into the soul
Leaving deep wounds
Sometimes they remain
Never healing
Words can also uplift
They can heal
Touch one’s spirit
Inspire
Bring hope
Or they can break the spirit
Playing over and over
Bringing darkness
Destroying creativity
Or they can bring light
Inspiring great artwork
Literature and music
They can break hearts
Or mend them
Cause tears
Or stop them
It all depends
Which words are used
Choose carefully
Words

They have held
While other things have weakened
They remained strong
Like a dam

While pushed and threatened
While others spun stories
Trying to change reality
They stood firm
Holding the rushing waters back
Waves frequently breaking  against their wall
Yet it held
Like a dam

The more water that came
The fiercer it was
They held
They stood firm
They did not buckle
Yet it held
Like a dam

While there was an onslaught
Day after day
Never stopping
They stood firm
Never bending
Like a dam

Strong
Unbending
Like a dam
A true warrior for justice

What if I were just gone
In the snap of a finger
Vanished like vapor or mist

Would it truly matter
Have I had any impact at all
Or am I like a feather blowing in the wind with no place
Here one moment
Gone the next

What if I were just gone

Would it truly matter
Would anything change
Or would my time here have truly been of no consequence

What if I were just gone

Bring a desire for warmth
For coffee or tea
Anything hot
Steaming
So the heat caresses
The face
And the hands
Offering a hint of warmth

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
Comforting
Calling one to stay
Seductive
Asking us to stay
Under their protection

Cold mornings
Are refreshing
In their own way
With fresh air
Easy to breathe
And empty street’s
Cold mornings
Have their own charm

When cold runs through your hands
And your fingers grow numb
Your gloves don’t really work
And your nose is cold to the touch
It’s arrived
When your toes feel cold
And your body seeks warmth
Anywhere
With jackets, scarves or heat
Trying to seek some comfort
A brief respite
Even a spot of tea
Or hot chocolate
Or apple cider
With steam rising
The signs of the season have arrived
It’s winter

It’s a cold winters day
Fall is leaving for the year
The sun is out against a bright blue sky
There are a few white clouds
The wind is whipping through the trees at a frantic pace
The trees are almost bare
Grass has turned brown
Animals are seeking warmth
Huddled together
The air is  crisp and tickles the nose
It’s bitter, and biting against the skin
There’s a dusting of snow scattered around
People are out dressed in winter coats and hats
Cars struggle to start
Breath is visible in the air
Old man winter is knocking on the door once again

Clear blue skies
Crisp air
Leaves on the ground
Smells of pine
Hot chocolate in mugs
Egg nog and apple cider
It's the season

Turkey cooking
Stuffed with special dressing
Family and friends all around
It's the season

Holiday parades
Santa dressed up
Music in the air
It's the season

Goodwill and peace
Feelings of gratitude
Quiet in the air
It's the season

Bright colors everywhere
Trees decorated
Cities put on their best
It's the season

Pies and cookies being baked
Snow gently falling
Fires burning slowly in fireplaces
It's the season

Morning Chores

It’s morning
Not early nor late
But as one rises
For the day
Its a time for rituals
Of life
Both of the body
And abode
A time for coffee
Breakfast
Changing clothes
Feeding the pet
A time to get ready
For what is to come
Whether work
Or something else
Errands
House chores
It’s the morning
Time to get going

We all need to belong
To have a special someone
Have a place to hang our hat
To put our feet up and call home
Where friends and family are
Somewhere
Somehow
To something
To be loved and love
Without it we feel lost
Untethered
Like a balloon loose in the sky

We all need to belong

Somewhere
Somehow
To something greater than ourselves
We need to matter
We need to have a purpose
A reason to keep moving
We need to feel a place in this world
We all need to belong

We all want to be free
To feel we can do and be
As we choose
Without being controlled
We need to be able to find our way
Unencumbered
Whether it’s taking a walk
Or shopping
Or sipping coffee
Or reading a book
Or just living
When freedom is taken away
Or stifled we feel smothered
Creativity ceases
The spirit grows quiet
Our light dims

Fall breezes gently blowing
Dark gray skies overhead
Muted clouds paint the sky
Fresh crisp air
Cleansing to the lungs
Bright colored leaves decorating the landscape
Red, orange and yellow
Like precious jewels
Rustling in the wind to their own melody
Offering their scent as perfume
Others hugging the branches ever so tightly
Hoping for another day
Before gently falling
Chimes softly ringing
Playing their own muted tune
It’s that time of year
Autumn

It’s the little things in life
That make all the difference
Like saying good morning
Smiling at someone
Saying thank you
Offering a hug
That brighten up a mood

It’s the little things in life

That sweeten a day
Lift someone up
Lighten the world just a bit

It’s the little things in life

Like saying good morning
Offering a compliment
Sharing a joke
Laughing
That make all the difference

It’s the little things in life
That make the difference

He’s leaving again
He hasn’t left in a long time
It reminds me of years ago
When he left for good
There was no choice
It isn’t the same this time
But it brings up memories
Brings back that pain

He’s leaving again

On a jet plane
The feeling is so strange
Surreal
At times quite bothersome

It reminds me of years ago
With a young girl dressed in pink
Standing by a street light
Saying goodbye
Watching him leave

He’s leaving again
It pulls at my heart strings
It stings in a way
Leaving me here alone
What’s different this time is
He’s coming back

It’s a beautiful night
The beginning of winter
New snow has just fallen
In the moonlight it glitters
It looks like small diamonds
There’s a house near a forest
One of several nearby
The road is snow covered
Inside the fireplace is burning
The flames are orange and yellow
There is a scent of pine in the air
Mountains are in the background
Covered with snow
Small hills are around
Pine trees are scattered about
The cabin is brightly lit inside
Stew simmers on the stove
Giving off a delicious perfume
Coffee is on the stove
Ready to drink
The radio is playing jazz music
While the dog sleeps by the fire
A cat is perched on a chair nearby
It’s a comfortable place
It’s a perfect winters night

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

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
I am Mother Nature
I am an artist
I am the mother of Earth

Feast upon the glory of it all
Take good care of it

Let joy touch you
Let it reach into you
Let it touch your heart
Let it stroke your face gently
Let it hold your hand
Let it lift you up towards the sky
Let it fill your heart with happiness
Let it bring you laughter
Let it bring you the moon
Let it bring love and comfort
Let it make you dream
Let it make you believe
Let it bring you sweetness
Let it soothe your soul

Let joy touch you

I can feel it
It is trying to come in
It glitters like gold
With rubies
And emeralds
It wants to lift the day
To spread light all around

Hope is outside my door

To erase the darkness and despair
To bring laughter and joy
To bring the bright yellow sun
It’s just waiting

To say everything will be alright
To inspire me
To push me forward

Hope is outside my door

To shine a light
To show me the moon
To show me the stars
To help me remember my path
To bring possibilities

Hope is outside my door
I just have to open it