Trust

When in doubt
Trust

When in doubt
Believe

When in doubt
Pause

When in doubt
Meditate

When in doubt
Go towards the light

When in doubt
Stay calm

When in doubt
Seek comfort

When in doubt
Trust

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

It first came in the winter
Of last year
Slowly
It was a hidden enemy
Not visible
But it left its mark
It would move across a country
Touching people one by one
Parts of the world watched
Assuming it would not reach them
Unfortunately they were wrong

The virus

We had been warned about this before
That something like this could happen
One day just like history
Things would repeat
This came true last year
It brought illness and death
It crushed countries
New heroes emerged
They were the new warriors
We were in a different war
All of humanity

The virus

It slowly moved from Asia to Europe
Then on to other places
Soon the entire world
Some places were hit harder than others
Borders closed down
Travel ended
People stopped going out
A new normal was created
The world waited
For science to understand
For science to learn
For a solution
For a vaccine

The virus

At first not much was known
Over time that changed
But the cost was high
In suffering and death
Economies were devastated
No one still knows how this happened
Where did it come from


The virus

Now we are in a new year
2021
Hope was for a fresh start
For an end to this
But things are still pretty much the same
Though there are some treatments
And vaccines are now available
Help is coming slowly
After a long difficult wait
But it’s going to take time

The virus

Doctors, nurses and front line people are heroes
Same for scientists and teachers
People standing up for each other
Neighbors
Families

The virus

Cities shut down
It has changed the world
How we interact with each other
Video chat
Zoom
Online classes
Tours, concerts and movies
Delivery services

The virus

We wait
For the vaccines
For the virus to diminish
For it to end
For another new normal to come
We hope an end is on the horizon
Perhaps by year end
We hope and wait

The virus

We all have puzzle pieces

They are special and unique Someone that fits us to a T
They know what we are thinking
They finish sentences
They fit us in every way

We all have puzzle pieces

It may take a lifetime to find them
Or we may find them early in life
When we are together it is as 1
There is nothing like them

We all have puzzle pieces

They are made just for us
Everything with them is right
We are cut from the same cloth

We all have puzzle pieces

It’s as if we are with a mirror image
All we have to do is find them

They walk among us
They have always been here
They are the ancient ones
They are everywhere
Quiet
Listening
Watching
Protecting
They are of the spirit
More than the body
Their faces reflect light
They have seen things
Most have not
They carry peace
In their hearts

The ocean waves are moving back and forth on a sunny day. 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 tint of salt in the air like a sweet perfume but the smell is not too overwhelming. The water is a deep blue with hints of white as the waves roll in and out. As the sun hits the water,  tiny diamonds appear and glisten against the light and the water.

The scene is perfect and you are there
It is not a dream
You are at peace

The magic room is a special place
Wonderful things are created
Beautiful things
They dazzle the taste buds
They are created from nothing
Special
Delicious
Each one different but good

Every house has one
Along with a magician
An artist
They create magic every day
Waving their wand
Tantalizing their families
With goodies to delight
Heavenly meals
Offering new tastes
There’s nothing like it

The magic room

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

If you see me walking in the desert would you offer me a drink of water?

If I looked different than you would you say hello?

If I were tired would you offer me a place to rest?

If I were hungry, would you offer me something to eat?

If my language was different would you still accept me?

If you see me walking in the desert would you offer me a drink?

If I looked different would you say hello?

Would you help me?

If I found you on the street would you smile or look away?

Would you offer me a drink of water if I were thirsty?

Would you help me up if I fell?

If I were waiting for you would you see that we are really the same?

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.

Snow lightly falling and blowing around outside
Barren trees with branches moving to the wind
Windows clattering with frost beginning to appear
People dressed in heavy coats with gloves and boots
It is the coming of winter and the start of a new cycle in the
weather for the year
Cold easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces replacing
the warmth of summer with a new found friend
Temperatures dropping outside
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city as it gets ready ready to put
on its heavy blanket in preparation

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

Imagine that you are sitting
High above the world
In a tall building
It is all bright white
The windows are smoky colored glass
The sky is bright blue with a few white clouds scattered through
The sun is out and it is a beautiful bright day
There is a slight breeze moving through the air-- not too much

As you look out, you can see the ocean
It goes on for miles
It is a deep blue
The waves are slow
Hypnotic
The day is perfect
Just imagine

We all seek comfort
Everywhere we can
Whether in our homes
Friends, or  work
It’s important
It keeps us centered
It could be a choice of clothes
Or hairstyle
Or shoes
It’s whatever feels natural
What brings calm and serenity
There are also locations
That can do this
Along with some that don’t
In times of stress
It’s even more important
It can be different for all of us
But the desire is the same
To seek out what soothes
It not only helps the body
But the soul

I move into the mist
The sky is grey black
The moon is out shining brightly
I have lost my way
I struggle to find you but cannot
I come across a fire burning bright
In the gray darkness and mist
Surrounding the fire are spirits
Dancing in the shadows
They are highlighted by the light of the flames
I look around and then I see you
Shadow dancing with my heart
I take a breath
And realize that I am now free

The quiet of stillness
Offers tranquility
Soothes the spirit
Reaches deep inside
One has to listen carefully for it

It can be felt late at night
When the world sleeps
When there is a deep silence
It comes

It’s hard to find
One has to slow down
Remove all distractions
One has to listen so carefully
Remove distractions
For the sounds of silence

It Can be found by the sea
It Can be found in the forest
It Can be found by a stream
It Can be found in the mountains
It Can be found on isolated road

The quiet of stillness
Is everywhere if one only looks
Let the silence find you
It brings peace and calm

Streets bustle with crowds of people walking to and fro filled with energy and excitement
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 lit for the season
Store windows are adorned with their best holiday decorations

Xmas in the city

Carolers and musicians can be heard along the streets
Giant nutcrackers adorn one building
Another with giant red ball ornaments
Street vendors sell their wares from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry at a discount price
Coffee stands are on every corner offering a quick hot drink

Xmas in the city

Police line the streets to keep people moving along putting up barricades to move the crowds
The hotel bar areas filled to capacity with folks needing refreshment or a comfortable seat before finishing their shopping
Nothing like Christmas time in the city

Xmas in the city

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

You are the love of my soul

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

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

You are the love of my soul

Fall breezes blowing
Dark gray skies
Decorate
The sun hides for a late entrance
Bright colored leaves
Red, orange and yellow
Tease the senses
Smells of fallen leaves abound
Rustling in the wind
Some clinging to their branches

Chimes ringing in the wind faintly
Playing their own muted tune
Warming up the heart

Tea and apple cider brewing
Pies in the oven

As the temperature drops winter is not far behind

Soft summer breezes gently blowing across my face
Hypnotic to the touch
Gently teasing me to ask for more
Never wanting it to end
The sun going down on another day
Bringing cooler temperatures for the night
Pink flowered branches gently swaying back and forth

City lights illuminating all that is around
Night is coming and all that it brings
People sitting in cafes along the streets for a brief respite

Voices can be heard from below
Shops are open hoping for that one final customer

A pink faint hue paints the sky before the blackness of night fully emerges
Plants look like shadows and silhouettes of themselves with the absence of light

A ceiling fan spins to ward off the heat
Magical white lights highlight a grill and terrace
Ah, the sounds and sensations of summer once again in the big city

I am dried up
The muse is gone
Instead there is a desert of sand
Dry hot sand
No inspiration
I feel empty
I feel hollow
I miss the writing
I miss the creativity

It’s like a desert

I am dried up
The music is gone
Same for the muse
I have lost my way
All I am left with is sand
Desert


I miss them

We are so fragile
If you really look at us
We are the wisp of something
Like queen anne’s lace
We hunger for care
We hunger for gentility

Oh we may bluster
We may puff out our chests
We may yell
We may stomp our feet
In the end
We are fragile
Like a leaf
Like a flower petal

Our hearts are delicate
Easy to hurt
Easy to break
We seem strong
But we really are not

We are so fragile
Like a leaf
Blowing in the wind
Like a flower petal
Fallen to the ground
We hunger for care
We hunger for gentility
We hunger for harmony
We are fragile
Needing love
Peace
And comfort

I will stand by you when you hurt
I will stand by you when you feel joy
I will be there in the good and bad
The hard and the easy
The darkness and the light
I will hold you up when you can’t
When you fall to the ground in pain
I will stand by you and lift you up
I will hold your hand to comfort you
And pull you close to me
I will never let you go
If you feel alone
You are not
Just turn around
And you will see
I am behind you
Standing by you
As I always have been

It was quiet and still. A couple of birds flew through the air in the distance
The trees created a rich green carpet covering the grass
The sky was a pale blue gray with fluffy pillows of clouds scattered about
They broke up the sky with their placement and artistic strokes
It looked like an impressionistic painting
The sky was also highlighted by a background light which created a shadow

As I watched the clouds, they became brighter, and started to turn to a light pink color ever so slightly

Mother Nature making magic

These days
It’s all about survival
We are in the fight of our lives
It’s war
But different
This hasn’t happened in a hundred years
We had hoped it was ending
With the coming of a vaccine
But alas it’s not
The enemy has changed
Making it harder to beat
It’s not just in one place
Or with one people
It’s everywhere
For some
It’s between life and death
It’s an uneasy time
There’s been so much unknown
And a lot of suffering

It’s a matter of survival

Folks drinking coffee in a cafe
Surrounded by red cushions
Adorning bright white walls
Golden lights
Suspended from the ceiling
Music playing with a soft hypnotic sound
Sometimes jazz
Other times rock
Tables set with clear dark red glasses
Professional waiters moving to and fro
People sitting outside under red umbrellas
Tables adorned with coffee or tea
And other breakfast goodies
On the start to another hot steamy day
In the city

Summertime Moments

When you are sleeping
Do you dream of me

When you are sleeping
Do you want me

When you are sleeping
Do you miss me

When you are sleeping
What do you think about

When you are sleeping
Where do you go

When you are sleeping
Do you visit beautiful places

When you are sleeping
Do you dream of me
As I do of you

When feeling lost
Go to the forest
Smell the trees
Take in the freshness
Let it cleanse you

When feeling unease
Go to the forest
Feast upon nature
Walk amongst the trees
Listen to the wind
It’s talking to you

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

When not sure what to do
Go to the forest
Listen to the answers
It will show you
Let it inspire you

After so much time
So much suffering
With great storms and turbulence
Where people have been waiting such a long time
Things are slowly changing
A calm has come
At least for now

After so much division and sour feelings
After so much pain and illness
Possibilities and hope have arrived
A calm has come
At least for now

After heavy darkness
Light has shined through
It shines bright through the clouds
Bringing blue sky
Pushing the darkness away
A calm has come
At least for now

After great sadness
Heavy hearts
Tears and angst
Joy has arrived
Life has gotten a bit better
Smiles starting to return
Laughter
A calm has come
At least for now

After people gave up
After too much stress
They want  to try again
To begin again
Together
A calm has come
At least for now

Calming

The ocean waves are moving back and forth on a bright sunny day.
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 tint of salt in the air like a sweet perfume but the smell is not too heavy. The water is a deep blue with hints of white as the waves roll in and out.
As the sun hits the water, diamonds show up and glisten against the light and the water.
It’s a perfect day

We all build walls

Some are to hide behind
Some to prevent
Some to keep out
Some to mark areas

We all build walls

Some are real
Some are imaginary
Some are brick or wood
Some are stone or concrete

We all build walls

They are boundaries
Or borders
Or let limiters
Some are old

We all build walls

They can be high and reach the sky
Or low easy to jump or climb
They can lock someone out
Or keep them in

We all build walls

Let’s tear them down

Some say things just happen
Others say destiny assists and guides
Some say what is meant to be will be
Others say we shape our own path
Some say our futures our pre written
Others say this isn’t so
Some say there’s something called destiny
Some of us choose to dance with it

Some say things just happen with no rime or reason to them
Others say destiny always has a hand
Some of us choose to dance with it
Some say what is for you can’t be stopped no matter what
Some say that isn’t so

All I know is
I am on a path before me
That I believe to be true
Things have happened in my life to ease my traverse down that path
I am dancing with destiny

I am doing the impossible
What is hard is made easy
When the waters ran deep I didn’t falter
When the mountain was high I climbed to the top
When the distance was far I traveled it
I am dancing with destiny

I am living a miracle
That I could not have created on my own
I am where I am supposed to be
If that’s not destiny then what is?

The scent of her perfume permeated the room
Her room
It was decorated in muted rose colors

The perfume had a scent like delicate flowers
It was unforgettable
A bottle of it sat on her dresser
It had a unique look to it
Classic and sophisticated
It was a gift from her husband
She always wore it
It was her perfume
Chanel No 5

Now when I think about it I can almost smell it again
That unforgettable scent
That was part of who she was
It helped define her

Nowadays if I see the perfume in stores or get a whiff of it
I always remember memories of her

They are both sweet and bittersweet

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

Do you see me?
Do you hear me?
Can you sense me?
I am standing right here
I have always been here
In one form or another
By you
With you
When I touch you
Do you feel it?
Is it the same as before?
Do you remember?
How it used to be?
That was so long ago
It was another time
Almost seems like another world
When I stand behind you
Putting my hand on your back
Do you feel it?
Because I have always been there
Over the years and decades
I have called for you and searched
Everywhere
Till I found you
Do you see me?
I see you
I always have

Early Morning Rise

She had a hard time sleeping
Tossing and turning
Morning came too soon
Sleep had left her
Though tired, she gave up
It was still early
Birds were chirping outside
The streets were quiet from the night
A cool breeze was blowing
Moving the branches of the plants
Colored bags hung outside moved
It was refreshing after the heat of the day
The cat was sleeping on a chair outside
It was peaceful and serene
A stillness was in the air
The sun had not fully risen
City noises had not fully started
Early morning rise

Ever since she was a child
She was protected
Something was always there
To keep her safe
Like a shield

It was as if a transparent shield covered her
When she went out
When she was with others
While she slept
Like a shield

Whatever she needed
Came
When there was hurt and pain
She healed
When there was peril and danger
She was safe
Like a shield

It wasn’t of the spirit
It was something else
But it was always there
Covering her
Protecting her
Like a shield

It would never leave her
It would be there till the end
Like a shield
A force of protection

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

I am scene watching

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

I am scene watching

People from all over
Different languages in the air
Baked goods on display
Like valuable jewels
Scents of a hot bakery wafting

I am scene watching

Trees full of oranges decorate
Fountains nearby against pink
Crisp cloudy day
Sun hiding behind the gray

I am scene watching

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
The Light

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
Let’s try

Where grass is bright green, and sounds of running water can be heard
there sits a large weeping willow tree with long, bending branches
It has been there a long time.

The branches of the willow are so long that they reach to the ground, and to my apartmetn balcony
In the wind, the willow branches sway back and forth to the rhythm of a beat, swaying back and forth

As the wind blows, and the rain falls, the willow bends down and over as if to try and reach the balcony of my apartment. The tree almost looks like it is dancing to the wind with its movements back and forth and up and down.

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

Bossa Nova Night

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

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

Golden Memories

Golden memories are like gifts
They stay with us for a lifetime
When remembered they
Make us smile
Laugh
Love
Feel joy
Touch us again as if new
They are treasures
Like jewels
Some are rubies
Some are emeralds
Some are sapphires
Some like diamonds
Each one is special in it’s own right
Each one touches our soul
Golden memories are like gifts
They last forever

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

After feeling pulled underwater
For some time

I can breathe

After feeling uncomfortable

I can breathe

My shackles have been released

I can breathe

I can move without effort

I can breathe

My troubles have passed
They are behind me
The sun is out
No more stormy days
I feel peace and harmony

I can breathe

Like a whale or dolphin
Swimming to the surface
For air
Leaping into the air
Exhaling strongly
Once again I can breathe


Breathe

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

Mornings
When it’s quiet
Peaceful
Are sacred
Times of stillness
When the soul
Is most present
It’s those times
When we find
Our true self
When the chaos of life
Subsides
Music is also a key
So is nature
To sacred times
They are precious
Like a jewel
Treasured
Always

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