A man was walking on the solitary beach
He was alone
His clothes were in muted colors
It was a gray cloudy day
Cool but not cold
He is in pain as he slowly walks
Then he comes across a glass ball partially buried in the sand
He stops to look at it
He kneels down and uncovers it He lifts it up to the light
As he does he notices a gold clasp and opens it
Inside is a piece of rich red velvet cloth
On the cloth sits a folded piece of white paper
Curious he opens the paper
Written on the paper are instructions:
Touch the areas where you feel pain on your body
Then, touch your fingers to the cloth
Close up the ball
Put  it back in the sand as you found it
The man follows the instructions and then continues walking down the beach
He hears a sudden sound and turns around to see the glass ball lifting towards the sky
Its inside turning a bright gold color
All of a sudden there is a slight explosion after which a shower of gold stars rain down everywhere
As they cover the man
His pain is gone
He smiles and continues walking down the beach
Grateful for what has happened

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

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

Red Velvet Blues

He’s got the red velvet blues
He loves the feeling of the fabric
Smooth and silky to the touch
Intoxicating in its beauty

Red Velvet Blues

He once saw a girl wearing one
He was mesmerized
He’d never seen anyone like her
Nor the dress
Together they were beyond belief

Red Velvet Blues

She looked like an angel
Almost not human
So beautiful and fresh
The dress was stunning
So was she

Red Velvet Blues

He asked her to dance
Held her close
The red velvet dress soft to his touch
He never wanted to let go

Red Velvet Blues

Even to this day
Many years later
He remembers the girl and that dress
He never forgot
She was embedded in his soul

Red Velvet Blues

When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
We wish for something familiar
Something we can cling to
Something we know
We will do anything for it

When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
The flowers
The trees
The landscape
The people and the food

It becomes an intoxicating perfume
For the soul and heart
To comfort and calm it
When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home

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

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

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

Listen to the music
Let it guide you

Listen to the music
Let it lift you up

Listen to the music
Let it heal you

Listen to the music
Let it touch your heart

Listen to the music
Let it soothe your soul

Listen to the music
Let it make you smile

Listen to the music
Let it show you the world

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

Dark purple sky outside
my window
Offering hints of muted pink
Offering calming influences
Painting the sky
A piece of art
The view is hypnotic to the eye

Dark purple sky welcoming the
night as a close friend
Darkness is not too far behind
Announcing that evening
is about to begin

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

It’s one of those days
Still in the midst of winter
Skies gray and cloudy
Air cool and damp
Clouded over
People are moving slowly
Streets are empty
Cafés are full
People getting breakfast
Slowly sipping coffee
Clouded over
Warm beds are tempting
Heavy blankets and jackets
Cups of hot tea with lemon
Soothe the body and soul
Hard to get moving
Clouded over
Looking for that ray of sun

Dark purple sky outside my window with hints of muted pink
Offering calming influences
Painting the sky like a painting
The view is hypnotic to the eye

Dark purple sky welcoming the night as a close friend
Darkness is not too far behind
Announcing that evening is about to begin

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

Quiet time
When it’s still
When you can hear a pin drop
Peaceful
Sitting with my cat
Hanging out
Listening to her purr
Feeling calm
Enjoying the moment
Watching the news
Looking at things
Working on lunch
Small things
Yet important
They’re part of life
Sometimes forgotten
Quiet time

He had been a professional player
A linebacker
They were built tough
And big
When he left, he created something new
Something different
A business
And a non profit to help kids
One day unexpectedly
A woman came to work for him
Her background was different
She had stepped out of her field
To try something new
She had never been this close to a celebrity
It’s a different world
He had never known someone with her background
They decided to try and make it work
Using the strengths of each
She became his chief of staff
Surprisingly it worked
They both grew from the experience
The linebacker

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

We all have them
Every country
Across the world
They are vital
Some are our favorites
Others are not
But they help to shape us
They inspire
Encourage us
Their time is golden
Priceless
Beyond words
Because of them
We learn and grow
We expand our minds
We learn to think
Beyond ourselves
They are committed
Beyond reproach
It’s a calling
They ask very little
Just that we learn
They are real heroes
Each and every day
Giving of themselves
To lift us up
To help us become
All we can be
We owe them
Everything

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

Whispering winds blow across my face
Soothing my troubled soul

Whispering winds blow across my face
Bringing sweet scents of flowers

Whispering winds blow across my face
Lifting me up

Whispering winds blow across my face
Healing my pain

Whispering winds blow across my face
Reminding me of you

While sitting in a church the other day
I strongly felt your presence
It’s been four years since you left

I miss you

As I sat there quietly
In the stillness and calm of it all
I felt you sitting next to me
Answering my questions
As if we were talking like before

I miss you

I told you I’ve made mistakes
You said we all have
It’s part of being human
I told you I should have done more
You said I did just fine
Don’t worry
Everything is fine

I miss you

I told you thank you
You said for what
I said for what I was taught
What you gave me
Your legacy
You smiled
I told you I wanted you to be proud of me
You said you always were

I miss you

I told you there is an empty space in my heart
You said you were sorry for the pain

I miss you

It’s Christmas again
Your favorite time
I asked if you remembered
You said you did

I miss you

Every day of every month
I always will

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

When she walks there’s no noise
She almost floats above the ground
It’s as if she has wings
Like a butterfly
A farasha
When she moves
It’s with grace
Her dresses move with her
Ever so gently
There’s something genteel about her
Different
Sometimes she seems to disappear
Hard to catch or hold
Other times she pauses
Before flitting off
She wears bright colored dresses
With flowers and things
As if she’s part of nature
She’s the farasha girl
The butterfly

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

It’s 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
Where’s Sherlock Holmes?

Home can be anywhere
Home can be at anytime

Home is where the heart is
Home is where one belongs

Feels comfortable
Feels safe

Is loved and cared about
Home is everything

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

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
With your brightness and light

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours

You found a place and never left
You took me to new places

Many many years ago
You lifted up my spirit
You touched my heart with love
You gave me care

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
You showed me the world

You showed me the moon
You gave me the sun
You gave me everything
You touched my heart with yours
You never left

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

Memories slide in and out of the recesses of our mind

Like clouds lightly floating by
Some make us smile
Some make us frown
Some make us laugh out loud

Some seem so real it is as if we can touch them once again
They can take us to a comfortable and magical place

Memories

I remember when:

I was just a girl
Visiting New York City
My first plane flight
Living with my parents overseas
Learning to speak another language

I remember when

Jumping in piles of leaves in the fall
The smell of fall
Building a treehouse in the forest
Watching the birds from our back window
Watching my mother make jelly
Going trick or treating with friends

I remember when

Sleeping over at friends houses
Roasting marshmallows
Selling lemonade
Playing softball

I remember when

Watching my father garden
Going downtown with my mother
Getting new dresses for school
Watching the new Beatles movie
Walking to school

I remember when

Troll dolls were in
The smell of lilacs outside my window
Snowy winters
Christmas with friends

I remember when

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

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

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

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
When bored
Learn something

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

When you feel alone
Help another

Lightness

Where did you come from? The stars or the clouds?
Another planet or time?
How long have you been here? Forever?
How did you find me after all this time?
Have you always been there, waiting?
You are truly a man of wonder and light
Where does your kindness come from?
Your heart, your spirit?
Is it from the heavens above?
Were you made just for me?
Sometimes it seems as such
You are perfect

Man of wonder, man of light

Every time you smile,
It’s as if the sun has come into the world
Your smile brightens those who stand before you
But also the world
And all the darkness before it and beyond
Your heart helps to lighten, heal and soothe
You offer comfort during times of pain
Your voice reaches into ones heart
Leaving a gift of love
Each time you speak the listener melts just a little bit

Earth
It’s a true miracle
It’s our mother
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 another like it
It’s unique
It’s our home
It’s a true oasis
A treasure
It’s our home

Memories
Slide in and out of the recesses of our mind
Some are buried deep
Others replay on a regular basis
Like a video
Others are like clouds
That gently float by
Some bring a smile
Some make us sad
Some bring laughter
Some inspire
Some seem so real
Its as if we can touch them

Memories are a catalog of our life
They help to define us
Just like a good book
They are there to pick up
To read again
They are always with us
Like an old friend
Memories

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

The children lived near a large field
It was summertime
The grass was brown
Almost a taupe color

Sometimes they would play softball or just run around the entire field
Hoping to take off into the sky like birds

By the field was a forest
It was full of tall pine trees and others
The pines seemed to touch the sky
The children used to climb the trees and sit on the branches looking out on the land
They felt free

One day they decided to build a tree house in one particular pine tree
It was their favorite

They gathered wood and other supplies from their houses to make it
They spent hours building it
It was their secret
They swore an oath to not tell their parents

When finished they climbed inside
Hidden from the world
They stayed for hours
Enjoying the breezes and listening to the branches and leaves rustling
The smell of pine filled the air
It was intoxicating

The children were so happy
They felt on top of the world
They never wanted it to end

Many talk about a simple life
Especially now
Minimalism is popular
To do more with less
Remove complications
There is beauty in it
A rhythm
Melody
Slowing down
Breathing
Really breathing
Uncluttering
Noticing things
Perhaps not really seen before
Focusing on the important
Letting go of the other
Many places are complicated
People rushing to and fro
Lots of energy and tension
No time for the simple
But when one can
Throw off
What’s not really important
There’s a sense of freedom
An art to simplicity
And beauty

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

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

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

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

It’s a half moon night

Red Bird

A  red bird sits on a branch
It is winter
He is elegant
He looks so proud
Looking at him is entrancing

He brightens everything
He sets the scene
Snow is whiter
Trees branches are less stark
Winter is brighter

His feathers are perfect
On top of his head sits a crown
He has a dark black face
Surrounded by red
His beak matches his color

A bevy of them are lovely
Sitting in bushes or a tree
They look too good to be true
They are absolutely beautiful

Red bird

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

In a way we are such delicate creatures
Our emotions are like threads that can stretch but eventually break if pulled too far
Our hearts while strong can also break
They can love deep and hard
But also feel pain and sadness

A life is a precious thing
Everything about it is special
It should be treasured like a valuable jewel
It glimmers and glistens with possibly and chance
When someone is sleeping they become an innocent soul
Surrendering to their dreams

In a way we are such delicate creatures

There’s darkness outside with 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 noise
The sun starts to rise
A golden ball
It’s a glorious sight
Another morning has arrived
As the city wakes up once again

Imagine walking through the fresh fallen snow into a forest full of tall pine trees

As you stop amongst the trees, all you can hear is the silence
and the crunch of your boots as you walk

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

Snow left on the branches gently falls down ever so slowly, as small flakes hitting the ground

As they hit your coat and face, they sit for just a moment before melting away leaving a slight dampness

An owl sits up high on one of the branches looking down at you and the world all around

The sky is clear, and there is a glimmer of the moon lighting the path ahead surrounded by stars

And, at the end of the path, is a log cabin with a light on in the window and a fire burning
in the fireplace, waiting quietly for its owner to return

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

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

It’s a beautiful day.
Bright white fluffy clouds in the sky.
A slight cool breeze is gently blowing.
The air is clear and fresh.
Off in a distance, a horse has jumped the gate of a corral.
It’s running free towards the mountains.
Moving faster and faster.
Till it finally disappears into the distance.
Like a mirage.
Freedom

In the dark of the night I think of you
And it warms me
You are my light

In the hardest of times
I think of you and it gives me strength
You are my light
In times when I feel alone
I think of you and I am not
You are my light
In the happiest of times
I think of you and it brings me joy
You are my light
In a storm I think of you
And it brings me comfort

In times of insanity
I think of you
And the world seems right
You are my light
You are my universe