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.

Love lifts up
It can power the world
With its energy
Whereas hate puts down

Cruelty destroys our spirit
It minimizes us
Kindness soothes and inspires

Small mindedness shrinks
Tolerance opens up
It  helps us spread our wings
To open up our heart to others

Start every day start smiling
With the pure joy of being alive
Offer kindness and laughter

Let’s makes a difference
To help light up the world
In our own special way

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
I was indeed alone
For some reason it hit me hard
Like a punch
Right in the heart
It felt like a form of withdrawal
I think I am addicted to you

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
The apartment seemed empty
Even hollow
Only filled with my noise

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
It hit me deep into my core
My spirit shook
It remembered another time
The feeling was similar
Long, long ago

This morning I woke up alone

The feeling was crushing
The silence deafening

I miss you dearly

The butterfly was a beautiful burnt orange color with black markings
It stood out against the flowers
It had a favorite garden it called home in another land
It likes the variety of flowers and the fountains
It loves peace and stillness

It was known for its gentility and beauty
It’s wings are like tissue paper
Fragile and light
Yet strong enough to carry it anywhere
Every spring it arrived to feast upon the flowers
Late in the fall  it leaves to slumber until the next season

It liked to fly from flower to flower taking in their nectar and perfume
Each flower was different in a special way

When the butterfly spread its wings it can fly quite a distance
Even crossing one state to another
Children always marvel at their beauty
Sometimes it will light on a hand but only for a minute before flying away
They need to be free like the wind or spirit
Not caged

If one is lucky they will touch your cheek with a soft butterfly kiss
Or perch on your shoulder for just a minute before flying away

Chained

She was in the water
Chained
She was struggling to get to the surface
Fish swam all around her
As she desperately thrashed

She wanted to be free
She felt trapped
She had a hard time breathing

She was in the water
Struggling to get free
She wanted to push through
But couldn’t

Whales started swimming around her
Every now and then going to the surface to break free

As their bodies lifted above the water and dropped down they created a huge splash

She watched with envy wishing she could do the same

Then all of a sudden the chains broke
She was free
Her burdens lifted
She felt light

As she made her way to the surface a whale swam beside her
As if it was guarding her

Then she grabbed its back fin and the whale lifted them both out of the water

She felt joy as she broke free
She lifted her head and looked at the sun

She climbed onto the back of the whale
They swam together towards the shore
She climbed off the whale and walked to the beach
She was free
Her burdens had been lifted
She looked out to the sea and smiled

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

We have the power to light the way

To shine a bright light

Where there is none

To take light over darkness
Every day

To take kindness over cruelty

To light the way

To lift someone up
Instead of putting them down

To reach for the stars

To choose love
Instead of hate

To light the way

To help when needed
Instead of turning away

To reach high
To shine a bright light

To do the impossible

Build a bridge to the sky
Reach beyond your means
Touch the stars and beyond

Look at all that there is to see
Embrace the true beauty of it
Let it touch your soul

Build a bridge to the sky

Reach for the sun
Touch the edge of the universe
Let it lift you up

Build a bridge to the sky
Believe in the impossible

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

She’s gone
Just gone
She did her usual thing
The thing she did
Every morning
Returning early afternoon
But this time
She hasn’t returned
She’s always been a bit wild
She came from the street
Not the home
She lost her way as a baby
But we took her in
No question she was feral
Driven by the need of freedom
Tried to give her a home
And oh I loved her
My heart was full for her
I love all cats
I can’t help it
Actually all animals
She was a real beauty
Her face was stunning
And she talked all the time
In the morning she spoke
While getting breakfast
I’d like to think she was saying
Good morning
I know I was
I miss her presence
It’s a punch to the gut
There’s a hollowness
Where she was
I still look for her
In the apartment
On the terrace
But she’s gone
I’ve looked for her
But there’s no trace
She’s just vanished
Into thin air
All that’s left
Is an empty space
It hurts

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

Shes a small baby bird
She’s been quite ill
Got hit with more than one thing
Little by little she’s healing
Taking small steps
One at a time
Trying small activities
She’s spreading her wings
Ever so slowly
Like a baby bird

As each day passes
She gets stronger
Less symptoms
More time feeling better
The feeling lifts her up
Her spirits want to fly
She wants to try to do something
Step to the edge of the nest
Explore
Like a baby bird

As Christmas approached everything started to slow down.
It became still and quiet.
One could hear a pin drop.
It’s as if the world stopped.
Just for a minute.
It was still and peaceful.

This feeling comes once a year.
This year it’s important to take time to listen to the silence.

Remember we are all human.
We are all one.

Let the stillness cover you like a warm, soothing blanket.

Look around at all the treasures and goodness in your life.
Peace and joy.

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

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

Dark nights
Cool temperatures
A spooky feeling
At the end of the month
A time for trick or treat
Brightly lit pumpkins
With carved faces
Horror movies
Costumes galore
Fill the streets
Children excited
For the night
Their night in a way
Anticipating their hauls
Of goodies
Who will have more?
What will the costumes be?
A time of fun and togetherness
Halloween memories

It’s that time of year
Fall crispness is in the air
Trees abound with bright colors
It’s the season

There scents of apples, cider and pies wafting through the air
Oranges, reds and golds are the colors of choice
It’s the season

Sweaters are pulled out
Vests and coats are worn
Boots and warm socks
Thoughts of holidays fill the mind
It’s the season

Light snow tickles the landscape
Piles of leaves in yards
Holiday decorations in stores
It’s the season

The mindset changes
To a holiday mode
Thoughts of sugarplums
Love, care and charity appear
It’s the season

Every now and then
It rains
Sometimes it pours
Either briefly
Or for hours
There’s something peaceful
About walking in the rain
Like meditation
It’s the planet’s way
To clean itself
From the soot
Pollution and other wastes
Afterwards
Everything is pristine
Looks new
The air is clear
Sky usually bright blue
The plants are greener
Streets look clean
Mother Nature
At her best

Love is the most precious gift we have to offer
It is the most valuable currency there is

To be loved is the best gift to receive
Happiness is the gold standard of life

Light up the world with love and happiness

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

You are my sanctuary
You bring me peace
Your touch soothes and
takes away the pain

Your smile lightens my day
Your eyes show me wisdom

You are my sanctuary
You bring me peace

You are the strong tree in a storm
The beautiful flower
The unending dream

You are light and warmth
You are my sanctuary
You bring me peace

There’s a hint of Christmas

You can feel it in the air
Bright music can be heard
Choirs singing carols
Scents of pine and cinnamon
Apple and mince meat pies
There’s a hint of Christmas

Cities decorating up their towns
Lights hung
Wreaths on doors
Shop windows decked out
Trees lined up for sale
Children writing to Santa
Gingerbread cookies
There’s a hint of Christmas

Presents being wrapped
Songs on the radio
Old favorites
Families coming together
Smiles full of cheer
Troubles forgotten
Laughter louder

There’s a hint of Christmas
in the air
Can’t you feel it?

It’s Sunday morning
Folks are out
Going to and fro
Shopping
Having breakfast
Drinking coffee

It’s Sunday morning
Folks are out
Running errands
Being with friends
Drinking coffee
People watching

It’s Sunday morning
Streets are busy
With people walking
To and fro
Meeting friends
Reading newspapers

It’s Sunday morning
In the city
Time to be mellow

She is more than fur and purr,
more than the soft weight curled at my feet.
In her green eyes,
lined in nature’s own ink,
is a quiet knowing,
as if she has read the stars
and carries their secrets in her gaze.
Her heart is pure. She loves deeply.

Her presence hums like an old song,
a melody of alleys and warm hands,
of survival and trust hard-won.
She is striking not for her beauty alone,
but for the story she wears
like a second coat.

Look long enough,
and you will see
a soul,
fierce and tender,
choosing me every day.

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

We’re addicted
We can’t quit
We talk about it
Yet it continues
Sad event after event
Year after year
American addiction

No matter how awful
The pain and horror
We can’t quit
Oh there’s talk
Hand wringing
Crying and shouting
Yet nothing changes
American addiction

When will courage
Appear to stop this
When will life
Truly be valued
Lately it’s been children
Paying the price
American addiction

Life is precious
Beyond materialism
Beyond power
We each have one
It’s up to us
How we choose
To live
It’s time to stop
The carnage
Look after each other
American addiction
Can we quit
Are we ready??

The street is washed in a morning hush,
Tiles whisper stories under rush.
A woman walks in crimson grace,
her dress flowing behind her
A building in the background keeps watch
Over all that’s there
Like a silent protector

Between the stone and sky’s soft blue,
The city breathes in something true.
Modern windows, ancient light—
the city begins the day just right.

The start of a new week
End of the weekend
A new beginning
A fresh start
For some it’s dreaded
For others it’s a look forward
Cities clean up
Streets swept
Getting ready for a new week
Stores replenish their stock
Employees return
It’s time to get busy
And start anew

Fall breezes gently blowing
Cool to the touch
Refreshing
Dark skies overhead
Gray
Bright colored leaves
decorating the landscape
Red, orange and yellow
Rustling in the wind to their
own melody
Offering their scent as perfume
Others hugging the branches
ever so tightly
Knowing what is coming
Chimes softly ringing
Playing their own muted tune
It’s a new season
Mother Nature is creating
Once again

It is a late spring day
Summertime is coming
It’s early afternoon
The sun is out
The sky is a bright blue
There is  a scattering if white clouds across the sky
There is a slight breeze -- not too warm, not too cold
Just perfect
You are sitting in a field of tall grass alone
The grass is a light beige color
The grass sways gently to the breeze and makes a soft rustling sound
The breeze is calming as it touches your face ever so gently
There is no sound only the grass moving to the breeze
You feel complete stillness and calm
You are at peace

Butterflies, tulips, robins and daffodils
Warm gentle breezes
Leaves beginning to bud
Brown being replaced by rich green
Flowering trees and bushes starting to bloom
Lush grassy lawns coming back
Flowers decorating the streets
Bright blue skies dotted with clouds
Nature's perfume filling the air
All signs that Spring arrived

I saw you sitting there
I had never seen anyone like you
You were so sublime
Exotic
So enchanting
Dazzling really
When I heard you speak
And saw your smile
I was memorized
You captured my heart and so much more
I knew then I would love you forever
You are true magic and you dazzled me with your spell

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

It was wintertime
On the border between Colorado and Wyoming
The area was empty
No people for miles
It was lightly snowing
Large flakes slowly coming down
They were by a forest
The trees were bare

He stepped out of the car
Walked towards the trees
He was hungry for the quiet and solitude

A skidoo was put on the ground for him to use
It was gleaming white and matched the snow on the ground
He turned it on to get ready to disappear
He would ride into the trees seeking nature

He started driving
The further he went the quieter it got
He was amongst the trees now
Totally alone
He felt peaceful and still
This was what he wanted
He stepped off the Skidoo and walked into the trees

He smelled the air which was clean and fresh
He took deep breaths to cleanse his lungs and spirit
He was free
He was calm
As he turned he saw a rabbit
It was still hoping he didn’t see it
They both froze for a moment
Then the rabbit ran off into the trees

He kept walking deeper into the forest as the snow fell
Flakes onto his face but he wasn’t cold
He was home and at peace

Summer is here
Arrived with a fury
The sun is intense
Burning
Skies are crystal clear
It’s getting hot
Hot as hades
I am not good with heat
I prefer much cooler weather
When it gets like this
Chocolate can melt
I can melt
An egg can fry
Animals seek shade
Anywhere
Because of their fur coats
Birds seek needed water
Plants turn brown
Wilting
We all want a reprieve
Seeking something cool
Hot as hades

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

It’s Sunday morning
Folks are out
Going to and fro
Shopping
Having breakfast
Drinking coffee

It’s Sunday morning
Folks are out
Running errands
Being with friends
Drinking coffee
People watching

It’s Sunday morning
Streets are busy
With people walking
To and fro
Meeting friends
Reading newspapers

It’s Sunday morning
In the city
Time to be mellow
Contemplate
The coming week

Gold, silver and red everywhere
It dazzles the eye
Blue and green glimmer
Pine trees standing high
Waiting to be taken home
People looking for the perfect gift

Gold, silver and red

Wreaths hung with care
Adorned with ribbons
Lights strung on houses
Decorations in cities and towns
Holiday smells in the air

Gold, silver and red

Presents wrapped under the tree
Children smiling and playing
Music fills the air

Gold, silver and red

Families getting together
Memories fill up the heart

Gold, silver and red

She had been in hell
Things had been impossible
Nothing worked
Things were hard
She didn’t fit
Everything hurt
Physical and emotional
There was no peace
Nor harmony
Finally one day
She had a chance to leave
To change things for the better
So she headed East
Driving through rain
Big storms and darkness
When she arrived
The rain had stopped
The air was fresh
With the scent of sweet flowers
All she felt was comfort
Safety
Peace and harmony
She belonged
She had come home
To her east coast heaven

Imagine walking into a forest full of pine and other trees
They are all colors and sizes

As you stop amongst the trees, all you can hear is the deep silence
and the sound of your boots as you walk along on the dirt path

A slight cool breeze rustles through the trees moving the limbs
as the branches sway back and forth to the rhythm of the breeze

It is pleasant and calming
There is a scent of freshness in the air
It is invigorating

The sky is clear, and there is a glimmer of the sun gently hitting the path ahead
As you look up through the trees, the sun seems to shimmer

You keep walking
At the end of the path, is a small log cabin with
a fire burning in the fireplace, waiting quietly for its owner to return
You can smell something baking in the oven

It’s a perfect summer day

It's coming to that time of year again
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory and the mind

Putting up the tree
Scents of pine
Pies and cookies baking
Cards and letters being sent

Memories of the season

When holiday lights and decorations appear
And holiday tunes are played on the radio
Shoppers abound on the streets, looking for the perfect gift

Memories of the season

People take on the holiday hustle and bustle
Light snowflakes dance through the air to their own melody

Memories of the season

And for me, a pleasant childhood memory of driving with my dad with the radio playing Frank Sinatra in the background as we headed out once again to find the perfect tree

Holiday memories make everything special

Warm mellow breezes brush against my face
The sky turns light purple as the sun goes down
Carmel cappuccino sits on the table
Waiting for me
While a candle burns
Bossa nova music plays
In the background

As the sun continues to drop
The breezes increase taking some of the heat away
The smell of the cappuccino fills the air
As the bossa nova plays
It’s a special time
A time of magic

For just a moment
The sky is crystal clear
The air is fresh
It’s cool
I can breathe
Without struggle
Or stress
I feel human
For just a moment
Before the searing heat
Returns
Before the heavy air
Returns
Once again
I am grateful
For the reprieve
Even though
Brief

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

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

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through
One step at a time

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures
Whatever they may be

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
It doesn’t matter what
When bored
Learn something

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

When you feel alone
Help another
Stand in the light
It will guide you
Always

Candy cane kisses
Peppermint hugs
Taffy and candies
It’s the holidays
A sign of the times
Sugar cookies
Gingerbread
Hot chocolate
Apple cider
Dressed up trees
A sign of the times
Fancy wreaths
Sleigh rides
Family
Good friends
A sign of the times
Candy cane kisses

Burning embers sitting amongst the wood
Red orange in their color
From time to time a gold blue flame emerges
The wood crackles against the heat
The glow is calming to the spirit
Enticing like a natural perfume

Burning embers

As the wood burns,
the embers glow a red orange color with a slight stream of white gray smoke which reaches up towards the sky like fingers

Burning embers

He’s gone
I saw him last night to say goodbye
The last time we were together before we parted
Not by our own choice
We had to
He’s gone
Back where he came from
He disappeared into the night

When I woke in the morning I had hoped he was still here but he’s not
He left in the murky shadows of darkness
It seems so unreal
Like a bad dream
I am now alone left in the gray fog of life
He’s gone

The brightness has left me
My heart has a hole
The lightness is turning dark
The humor and fun
Sour
He’s gone

And I am left here alone searching for him for the rest of my life

Gone Just Gone

She’s gone
Just gone
She did her usual thing
The thing she did
Every morning
Returning early afternoon
But this time
She hasn’t returned
She’s always been a bit wild
She came from the street
Not the home
She lost her way as a baby
But we took her in
No question she was feral
Driven by the need of freedom
Tried to give her a home
And oh I loved her
My heart was full for her
I love all cats
I can’t help it
Actually all animals
She was a real beauty
Her face was stunning
And she talked all the time
In the morning she spoke
While getting breakfast
I’d like to think she was saying
Good morning
I know I was
I miss her presence
It’s a punch to the gut
There’s a hollowness
Where she was
I still look for her
In the apartment
On the terrace
But she’s gone
I’ve looked for her
But there’s no trace
She’s just vanished
Into thin air
All that’s left
Is an empty space
It hurts

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

Dream on