Safe spaces
Loving ones
We all need them
They are sacred
Places we can go
And feel safe
Comfortable
Cared about
Stress free
They are very important
To our well being
They can be anywhere
Anything really
Home
Restaurant
Park
A bar
Cafe
Salon
Store
Forest
Beach
Country
It doesn’t matter
What’s important
Is how we feel
When we are there
They bring comfort
Love and care
They are precious
Invaluable
Safe

After a long delay
Of regular daily life
The signs are there
Life is starting to return
Bit by bit
Cafes are busier
Laughter is in the street
Shoppers are out
Musicians performing
It’s been a long time
Lots of starts and stops
Hopefully it will remain
This time
But that remains to be seen
The weather is changing
Colder now
People are going inside
Instead of outside
Life is returning
At least for now

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

Heartache

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

Heartache

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

Heartache

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

Earth
It’s a true miracle
It stands out
Like a precious gem
Offering life
To plants, animals and us
It’s abundance is staggering
The variety of plants and greens
The richness and diversity of life
Both human and not
The beauty of the planet
Oceans, lakes and rivers
Mountains and valleys
Artistic skies
So far, we’ve not found anything like it
It’s unique
It’s our home
It’s a true oasis
A treasure
We need to take care of it

Our lives are treasure chests
Filled with memories and experiences
Feelings
Every emotion possible
Images, smells, sensations
Each one is precious
Unique to us

Like a gemstone
Each one helps to define us
Each one helps us grow
To become who we are
Who we are meant to be

Our lives are like treasure chests
Valuable like a diamond or ruby
As time moves on they take on more value
Each one is a thread that helps mold us

Our lives are treasure chests
Beautifully designed
Intricate in every way
Filled with memories
Filled with experiences
Each one precious

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

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

Come walk with me
Take my hand
Let’s stroll down a path
To see where it takes us
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
Let’s go towards the forest
Covered in snow
Let’s listen to the quiet
Enjoy the stillness and peace
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me

Let’s go towards the beach
Let’s walk along the shore
Enjoy the sound of the waves
Smell the salt laden air
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me

Let’s walk home
Holding hands along the way
Just like we used to
So many years ago
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
Let’s share our journey
Build some more memories
Let’s laugh and joke
Play like children
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
It’s been a long time
I am waiting

It’s the season
It comes just 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
and glad tidings
To one and all
So free yourself
By letting go
Allowing the
magic to touch you
Lifting you up

She was staying at the beach
Her room was on the boardwalk
The beach was beautiful
White sand
Smooth as silk
Turquoise water
Warm sun but not too hot
When the sun hit the water
The reflection looked like shimmering diamonds

One night after dinner she sat on a bench
Facing the ocean
Watching the moon and sea do their dance together
The moon shone brightly down on the waves
Highlighting the white tips of the waves
As the moon continued to shine
The water seemed to move in an almost hypnotic way
Getting stronger and stronger
Drawing her to it

She was entranced
She could not pull herself away
Though time passed and it was time to go
She couldn’t
She was transfixed
By the moment
She watched the dance of the moon and the sea
As they spun their magic together

Hot steamy nights
Heavy night air
Just hanging
No clean air to breathe or feel
It’s just hot
Not comfortable
No refreshment on the horizon
Just pure heat
Breezes come
But don’t cool
No solace offered
I crave a hint of freshness
Anything
Torturing my dreams
Taking away calm sleep
Causing dreams of winter
Praying it will end soon
Hot steamy nights

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

You are standing on a beach.
The sand is warm and soft to the touch.
The sun is out and the sky is a clear brilliant 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 soothing breeze.
There is the smell of salt in the air.

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances making the waves look like diamonds sparkling in the light.

As you begin to walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as the water.

As you walk further out into the ocean, your shape and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.

You are finally home.

Dreams are what we make
From the ideas, wants and desires
From our minds and spirits
We can take them into reality
At anytime
It just requires will, persistence
And faith
If you believe
Especially in yourself
You can do anything
At anytime, anywhere
Dream big
Watch it grow
Into your reality
We are each an artist
Creating our own worlds

A new year is coming
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
Get ready

When feeling lost
Go to the forest
Smell the trees
Breathe deeply
Take in the freshness

When feeling unease
Go to the forest
Feast upon nature
Walk amongst the trees
Listen to the wind

When feeling confused
Go to the forest
Sit amongst the beauty
Let it calm your soul
Let the beauty fill your heart
Be refreshed

When not sure what to do
Go to the forest
Listen to answers
Let it inspire you
It’s nature
It always will

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

Come dance with me
Let’s dance until sunrise
Let’s visit Mars and Venus

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

Come dance with me
Forever

We all have a choice
Each and every day
Which path to take
One towards the light
Or the darkness
Whichever we take
Determines the energy
Of the day
The light lifts us up
Inspires
Brings good energy
Hope, possibilities
Whereas the other
Only brings negativity
Despair and sadness
So at this time
Of light and hope
Lets walk down the path
To light and hope
By doing this
We help to light up the world
Believe

Streets bustle with crowds of people walking to and fro filled with energy and excitement of the coming holiday

Street corners become impassable because of large throngs of people trying to get somewhere fast, making the city look like a giant mosh pit

Trees are brightly light up for the season, store windows adorned with holiday decorations

Carolers and musicians can be heard along the streets playing and singing to the beat

Giant nutcrackers adorn one building on 6th Avenue along with giant ornaments and strings of lights

Street vendors sell their wares up and down the street from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry at a discount price

Radio City has lines around the block of folks waiting to get in for their annual show of the Rockettes

Police line the streets to keep people moving along putting up barricades to move the crowds waiting for a performance

The hotel bar areas filled to capacity with folks needing refreshment or a comfortable seat before finishing their
shopping

Nothing like Christmas time in New York

Try a Little Kindness
In this rough world
Try a little kindness
Instead of being harsh
Try a little kindness
Instead of complaining
Try a little kindness
Instead of a frown
Try a smile
Try a little kindness

Instead of unhappiness
Be happy
Try a little kindness
Instead of darkness and pain
Walk towards the light
Try a little kindness

Instead of clouds and rain
See the sun
Try a little kindness

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

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are in my blood
My spirit
The total essence of me
You are in my heart
My soul
What makes up my spirit
The total essence of me
You have always been there
Since time began
You never left

You course through all of me
You are part of everything I touch

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are everywhere
You always have been

Fall breezes gently blowing
Dark gray painted skies
Highlighting the trees below
Cool temperatures
Crisp and clean air
Bright colored leaves
Red, orange and yellow
Like precious jewels
Rustling in the breeze
Hugging the branches ever so tightly
Before falling to the ground
Chimes ringing in the wind
Moving back and forth
Playing their own muted tune
Serenading
On another day
Fall Memories

The bond between animals and humans is sacred
To have the trust of an animal is very special
It is hard earned
Whether a pet or wild
When we bond to nature’s creatures
We reach a higher place
The best of ourselves
Our spirits touch on some level
There is communication
Between us
Though not with words
When an animal loves
It’s pure
Like rainwater
There are no ulterior motives
Of money or power
It’s just love
It is sacred
We should treasure it
Always

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

Old man winter is knocking at the door

The wind is whipping through the trees at a frantic pace
The trees are almost bare
Grass has turned brown
Animals are seeking warmth

Old man winter is knocking at the door

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

Old man winter is knocking on the door once again

The sun is almost gone for the day
It is that time before nightfall and daytime
The in between
A slight warm breeze is blowing
Teasing the face just a little
Seductive to the touch
Like a lover
The branches of the plants are gently moving
Like a slow dance
A touch of sun can still be seen in the distant horizon
The city street below is full of life
Restaurants and cafes are open
People are moving about
A drum beat of music can be faintly heard in the background
Voices talking from the restaurant and bar next door
Lights of the city coming on for the night
As the city prepares for nightfall to come

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

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

Sometimes the way we lift ourselves up is to lift up another

Even if it’s hard to do

It’s the best thing we can do not only for others, but for ourselves

By doing this we go towards the light not darkness

Take the time to give someone a smile It matters

Offer kindness instead of hate
Inspire by how you choose to live

Follow your heart and destiny
Stay with peace and harmony
Always

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

As the moon brightens, the waves slow down to a constant rhythm
While it is dark, you can see every detail, including the white caps of the waves as they crash to shore

As the light hits the water like a painters brush, the reflection looks like diamonds glistening

There is no noise, only the sound of stillness and your heart beating
The air is fresh with a hint of salt

As you listen to the quiet, you realize that you are at peace
You are where you are supposed to be
Doing what you are supposed to be doing

Moonlight

We have a choice every day of how we will relate and engage with people and the world

We can be kind or unkind

We can bring light or darkness

The choice is ours and we own the after effects, either positive or negative

If we all do that we can light up the world

Believe

It’s elusive
But needed
Without it
It’s hard to move forward
It’s hard to function
There’s a heavy feeling
Of darkness and despair
When we are knocked down
Hope lifts us up
To try again
To reach again
To be
Beyond ourselves
And our own limits
Hope inspires us
To new heights
It fills us with light
It gets us to look for better days
To focus on the possible
To open our hearts
Hope is everything

Hot baked sun streaming down
Intense bright light all around
Penetrating everything
Wilting flowers fighting to stay alive
Lazy cats and dogs seeking shelter and shade
Streets and sidewalks hot to the touch
Laundry put out dries in a minute

It’s summertime once again

Bright blue skies
Sleeveless tops and dresses
Nothing feels comfortable
Beds too hot
No where to sit in comfort
Cold drinks tempting the mouth
Thoughts go to sandy beaches
And ocean breezes

It’s summertime once again

I am blocked
I can’t write
Paralysis
The muse isn’t there
It’s gone for the moment
Too much stress
No matter how hard I try
The inspiration has left
The heat burns through my mind
I am blocked
I can’t write

Peaceful images are gone
Searing heat has replaced them
Upset
Discomfort
I am blocked
No matter how hard I try
I can’t write

I feel insignificant
Lost my purpose
Part of my identity
Who am I now?
Where did I go?
I am blocked
I can’t write
My mind is burning
From the heat

There is no relief in sight
The muse is gone
Will it come back??

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

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

It is an early summer’s day
The sun is out in full force
The sky is bright blue
There are a few white clouds scattered through the sky like a thin white veil
There is a slight breeze - cool to the skin
You are sitting in a field of wild flowers
They are all colors
Like a rainbow
They move gently to the breeze
As you sit  
A cloud of butterflies and hummingbirds surround you
They are all colors -- purple, blue, yellow, red, and gold
As you put out your hands, they light onto your hand before flying away
Then, in the distance one of the birds  appears
It is emerald green with a touch of pink
It flies close to you
It is so small it could fit in the palm of your hand
As you look at it, its movements slow down so you can see the wings beat
You are mesmerized
Your heart starts beating at the same rhythm
As you close your eyes and listen to the breeze the hummingbird
touches your face gently with a kiss before flying away
You feel calm and pure bliss
As if you touched heaven

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

Sweet moments
Those small moments
Sometimes fleeting
Make life worth living
They can pass quickly
Touching our hearts
Touching our souls
Hard to hold onto
Delicate
Somewhat fragile
Like a butterfly

Sweet moments
Make lasting memories
Taste like honey
Decorating our days and nights
Brightening our lives

Put them together
They form a life

It’s early morning
The city is still somewhat quiet
Not much traffic yet
The sun is out, but not fully
Another day is just beginning
Time for coffee and tea
To catch up on the news
And the world
Breakfast is needed
So many choices
Still time to rest
Before starting up the day
The coolness of the air
Refreshes after a hot day
Cleansing the body
It’s time for stillness
To calm the spirit

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 decorated
Streets full of holiday lights
People smiling brightly with cheer

Street scene

Trees decorated with their best
Children running and playing
Parents shopping

It’s that time of year

Street scene

As the semblance of a facade fades away like a coat being taken off for the night what lies underneath is a beating heart where the soul and spirit truly reside
Take off your coat and lay it down for a rest
It will be there
When you need it
Let me feast my eyes upon your heart for a while and see you
See who you really are
Let me listen to your heart and soul as they play the music of you
You are beautiful
You are unique
You are treasured

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

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

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

If someone touched your life a long time ago, but you lost touch -- reach out

If someone touched your heart in a very special way -- reach out

If there is someone you never forgot and wish you were still in touch -- reach out

For all those wished second chances -- wish and try again

Reach out
For all those lost opportunities, try once more
Reach out

For all the times you lost faith, believe again

Reach out

For every time you received a kindness, or a break, or something wonderful happened, be grateful and smile

Reach out

For all the love you have received, love back

Reach out

For all the smiles you have received, smile back

Reach out

This is a magical time, whether or not one practices these holidays

Reach out

Take advantage of this time, to love, to give, to remember, to smile and to reach out

Hundreds of brilliant white seagulls soaring
High above the dark blue ocean

Seagulls

Swirling around so fast they are hard to distinguish
They are just a blur

Seagulls

Suddenly they turn, aiming towards the sun
Flying higher and higher

Seagulls

So  that they can no longer be seen
But their faint cries can still be heard

Seagulls
As they disappear into the clouds
Watching their flight is majestic

Seagulls

The movements and speed
Like witnessing something being created
Part of the artistry of Mother Nature

Seagulls

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

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