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 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

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

Cool balmy breezes brush against my face
Soothing my spirit and body
Calming my mind
I focus on the moment
Taking it all in
Deep purple colors the sky
As night sets in for the city
Lights twinkle in the background like glistening pearls
Traffic sounds play their tune from below
Plants sway to and fro to the cool breezes
As if they were dancing
A cool respite fast approaches
To heal from the blistering heat
Once again nighttime is coming
Bringing a gift of coolness

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

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I in your spirit
Does the thought of me make you tremble
Am I truly a part of you

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I in your spirit
Do you think of me
Am I missed when gone

Do you feel me in your heart

Does my name mean something
Will you remember me
Do you crave to see me
Do you need me

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I part of your life
Do I live in your mind

Do you feel me in your heart

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

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

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

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

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

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I in your spirit
Does the thought of me make you tremble
Am I truly a part of you

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I in your spirit
Do you think of me
Am I missed when gone

Do you feel me in your heart

Does my name mean something
Will you remember me
Do you crave to see me
Do you need me

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I part of your life
Do I live in your mind

Do you feel me in your heart

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

She comes from the street
She’s white
With gray and black
She has a beautiful face
Her eyes are green
With black lining
It’s hypnotic
The cat

She’s a sweetheart
She wanted a home
She asked for help
Her heart is full
Of love
She’s gentle
She has a home
The cat

She loves to play
And be by her people
Her cry is quiet
She never hurts


There’s just something about her
In her face is there’s an innocence
That has captured me

The little cat

He was just 17
He came from a faraway land
Across the ocean
He had been preparing his entire life
To travel
To venture forth
He had studied another language
Other customs and a different way of life

He was chosen to do this
To leave and travel to a distant land
As part of a special program
He was the first in his family
To do this

He was the traveler
He would leave his home and go to a new place
He went by plane flying for a long time
Landing in a very large city where everything was new
He would stay there for several days before moving on to his final destination

He ventured out at night to see the sights
He had never seen anything like this
He was intrigued and curious
He walked and walked exploring
Until he could walk no more
When it was time, he returned to his resting place for a meal and sleep
Because of all the travel and walking he slept well

The next day he went out with his friends to explore more of the city
They had one more day before leaving
They went everywhere
Going into shops
Eating new foods
Observing people
Watching the rhythm of the city
At the end of the day
As the sun went down
They returned to their resting place for dinner and much needed sleep

The next morning they would leave and go to other places
They would be there for a year
The traveler slept well
To be ready for his next adventure
He was excited by what he would see
Everything would be new to him

He was the traveler
Coming from a different land
He came a long distance
To where he was going
He had been chosen
He was special
His future awaited him
The best was yet to be
Destiny was just around the corner

Streets bustle with huge crowds of people walking to and fro filled with energy and excitement of the coming holiday
Street corners impassable because of the large throngs of people trying to get somewhere fast, making the city look like a giant mosh pit
Light snow gently falling to set the mood
Coffee shops full of shoppers seeking a quick cup or snack
Trees are brightly light for the season, some decorated.
Store windows adorned with beautiful holiday decorations
Holiday carolers and musicians can be heard singing along the streets
Giant nutcrackers adorn a building on 6th Avenue along with a selection of. giant red ornaments and strings of lights
Street vendors sell their wares up and down the streets from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry at a discount price
Police line the streets to keep people moving along putting up barricades
to move the crowds
Hotel bar areas are filled to capacity with thirsty customers needing a refreshment or a comfortable seat
Nothing like Christmas time in the big city

Golden threads tie us together
No matter what the distance
No matter the amount of time
They bind us as one

Golden threads tie us together
No matter the language
No matter the culture
No matter the place
They bind us as one

Golden threads tie us together
They reach across the universe
Never ending
They last forever
Never breaking
They bind us as one
Always

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

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

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

White Sliver of Moon

White sliver of the moon
against a deep purple sky
Highlights of shades of pink in the background
Outlines of clouds can be seen
Small white candle burning slowly
French jazz music softly
playing in the background
Warm summer breezes
tease my face from time to time
Lights glimmer in the
background like precious pearls on
another night...

They were taken captive by surprise
It was an unseen enemy
They had to stay inside
It was everywhere
Unseen

Siege

While it looked beautiful outside
There were hidden dangers
Even loved ones might carry it
Innocent children not so innocent
Full of it

Siege

It started out slowly
Making its moves across the country
Soon the whole world had it
Seeping into all places
Hidden and seen
Known and unknown

It was as if humanity was handcuffed
Kept as a prisoner
Each held in their own prison cell
Unable to live as they once had
A new normal had arrived
There was before and after

Siege

There was no telling when it would end
Everyone was waiting for a change
Yet to come
There were new heroes now
Science was heralded
As were doctors and nurses
All front line people
They risk every day

Siege

At night we sit with our fears
Afraid to sleep
Not sure what the morning will bring

Siege

It is gently snowing. Large size white flakes very slowly. Looking like queen Anne’s lace. As you stand in the forest -- there are no sounds except a few birds in the trees. It is so quiet you can almost hear the snow fall. You are aware of your breathing which slows. You close your eyes to listen to the quiet and feel the stillness. You are one with nature.

Snowflakes gently touch your face but you are not cold. There is total peace.When you open your eyes, you see a doe looking at you. Still, quiet and peaceful. You don’t want to ever leave this moment.

It is Sunday morning
The American Girl gets dressed
Having finished her brief breakfast
She is going out

Dressed in her red coat and scarf
Ivory colored turtle neck sweater
Blue jean leggings
She looks like a typical American Girl

It’s winter at the end of January
Very cold outside
It gets into your bones
Makes them ache

She is heading out to the store
Afterwards she will stop for coffee at a favorite cafe
Before heading home

She is living her new life with her high school sweetheart
An unbelievable dream come true....

They were taken captive by surprise
It was an unseen enemy
They had to stay inside
It was everywhere
Unseen

While it looked beautiful outside
There were hidden dangers
Even loved ones might carry it
Innocent children not so innocent
Potentially carriers

It started out slowly
Making its moves across the country
Soon the whole world had it
Seeping into all places
Hidden and seen
Known and unknown

It was as if humanity was handcuffed
Kept as a prisoner
Each held in their own prison cell
Unable to live as they once had
A new normal had arrived
There was before and after

There was no telling when it would end
Everyone was waiting for a change
Yet to come
New heroes were created
Science was on the forefront
As were doctors and nurses
All front line people

At night we used sit with our fears
Afraid to sleep
Not sure what the morning will bring

Now we are on year three
It’s been a long time
Things have improved
Travel is back
Lives are returning
To a new normal
People are moving around
In much of the world
Yet it’s still there
Hidden
Lurking and not yet gone

Dreams are what we make
From 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
Believe and dream

I am sitting in a café by the street
I am scene watching
People coming to and fro
Coats and hats on
Scarves around necks
It’s cold outside
Winter

Seeing what is going on outside
Watching the people inside
Sipping coffee
Eating breakfast
Smiling and laughing

People from all over
Different languages in the air
Baked goods on display
Like valuable jewels

Trees full of oranges decorate
Fountains nearby against pink
Crisp day
Sun brightly shining

I am scene watching

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

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??

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

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

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

Smile

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

Dreaming of moonlit nights
Special times with you
Light hypnotic breezes
Trees gently swaying
Wind chimes playing
Scents of lilac in the air
Walks along the beach
Sounds of waves hitting the shore
Gulls flying by
Their sound in the air
Holding hands
Dinner by candlelight
Romantic music playing
Slow dancing
Perfumed air
Soft touches
Gentle smiles
Bright laughter
Heart’s beating
Sweet kisses
Hidden places
Cherished memories
Dreaming of moonlit nights
With you

Delicious goodies
Bright colored ornaments
Gorgeous colors
Red, green, blue, gold and silver
Beautifully decorated trees
Scents of pine
Candy canes and tinsel

Tables adorned with chocolates
Holiday cookies all around
Smells of turkey and roasts
Pies baking
And all things good
Candy canes and tinsel

Snow covered lawns
Glistening white like diamonds
Outside trees adorned with lights
Carolers and choirs singing
Candy canes and tinsel

Sounds of music in the air
Feelings of good cheer everywhere
Smiles and laughter

Candy canes and tinsel

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

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

As the sun continues to drop
The breezes increase taking some of the heat
The smell of the cappuccino fills the air
As the bossa nova plays

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

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

Drought

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

Drought

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

Drought

Sometimes we need quiet
A time to be still
To stop the chaos
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

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

I have driven the highways and byways of LA, Seattle, Phoenix, Houston and Minneapolis

Looped through Chicago and Washington DC
All to help bring me to my next chapter of life

I have driven up and down California, north to Seattle and across the country twice
All to bring me home

This time, there are no roads to take me there
Instead my travel will be by air, across the sea thousands of miles  from where I started

At the end, I will be where I am supposed to be after all these years

Destiny has finally brought me

Home

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

She’s a little bird
Tiny really
She moves like a butterfly
She loves sugar water
When she comes
She is silent
Except for her wings beating
She moves with little effort
Able to disappear in an instant
But if I stand silent
She won’t leave
Her feathers are emerald colored
With a dab of pink
Dazzling
She is so beautiful
She almost doesn’t look real
I am entranced by her
She hypnotizes me
With her gentility and beauty
She’s my little bird from heaven

The rain is finished now
The city is drying out
With some wet places
It’s quiet
Not the normal hustle
The sky is a muted gray
With a hint of white clouds
It’s a cool morning
Great for walking
There is freshness in the air
Breathing is a pleasure
It’s a beautiful day

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

Sweet memories are like melodies that gently play in our minds which help define us as we weave our way through our lives

These memories have a sweet perfume of experience and life which touches our cheeks ever so gently each and every day

Memories the magic of life

It’s the real you
It’s always there
With you
It will never leave
Before you were you
It knows you better than yourself
It sees the world for what it is
It sees beyond
It feels everything
It’s connected to all there is
It can guide you
It knows your true destiny
It talks to you all the time
You only have to listen
And open your heart

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

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

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

I had been looking for you for a long time
When we found each other
I came  for you
Only you

You are my sun and moon
You are the entire universe

You are everything

A storm is coming
Dark clouds are on the horizon
I can feel it in the air
The wind is picking up
There’s a feeling of electricity
The sky is a light muted gray
The clouds are moving quickly
Some seem to touch the earth

A storm is coming
I can feel it in the air
I can feel it deep in my bones
There are sounds of thunder
They sound like drums
Lightning strikes dart across the sky

A storm is coming
I can feel it in the air
Mother Nature is shaking
Change is coming

A storm is coming
Of that I am sure

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

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

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