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

Smells of fir trees fill the air
Doors decorated with festive wreaths
Ornaments glisten as they are hung on trees
Like precious jewels
Red, silver, gold, green and blue
Houses adorned with lights
Make the streets look bright
Smells of cookies being baked
Delicious aromas fill the air
Hot chocolate filled mugs with marshmallows
Steamed apple cider
Choirs singing carols
People running to and fro shopping
Cities and towns decorated up in their holiday best
It’s the time to celebrate the season

When hope is lost
Heavy darkness settles in
Light diminishes
The idea of tomorrow fades
We feel mired down in muck
Hope

When hope is lost
People lose their north
They lose their sense of purpose
Seeking any sliver of light to lift them
To show them the way
Seeking anything to inspire
Hope

When hope is lost and darkness comes
We hunger for the light
We tire of the heaviness
We long for hope
Hope

When hope returns
We lift ourselves up
We seek the light
Want to stand in the sun
And never leave
Let the light and warmth heal
Hope

When hope returns
We have a can do feeling
We believe once again
We are willing to try
We offer a hand
We smile brightly
Laughter can be heard
Hope

When hope returns
We are inspired
We can create
Music gets louder
People dance

Esperanza

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

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?

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

When the hot heat burns into your soul, imagine that you  are standing in a river with cool water running over your feet

It is soothing to the touch
It is calming

Imagine a cool breeze gently blowing across your face like butterfly kisses
Your skin feels cool

Imagine the scent of pine trees in the air

You are in another place
It is magic

After the rain
When the sun shines
And the sky is blue
The city is cleaned
It looks anew
The plants are greener
Brighter


It’s as if Mother Nature
Gave the city a bath
Just as a mother would
Putting on new clothes
Making sure everything
Is as it should be
Cleansing

I will love you
I will care about you
I will think about you
I will see you in my dreams

No matter what

I will miss you
I will need you
I will treasure you
I will stand by you

No matter what

I will love you
I will care about you
I will remember you
I will keep you in my heart

I will see you in my dreams
No matter what
Always

It was the heart of fall
The season was in full swing
There was a slight breeze
An unusual looking feather fell to the ground
Before falling it swirled around caught up in the wind

It was black, gray and white with a hint of red
It was in perfect condition
It was sitting in between the fallen leaves

A small boy was walking home from school
He found the feather sitting on the ground
He picked it up to look at it
To him it was beautiful and magical

To save it he took one of his school books out from his backpack
He opened the book and put the feather in between the pages and closed the book for safe keeping
Little did he know the magic was just starting

She had gone to see the Sahara
She had never been before
She wanted to see the sun rise
Over the desert
The night before she was in a camp
It was hot at night
Hard to sleep and rest
Before sunrise
She was wakened from her sleep
Time to walk to the top of the dunes
It was hard with the sand shifting
It was almost slippery
Once at the top
She sat down
Her feet dangling over the edge
She waited
Patiently
Quiet and serene
For the moment
That moment
When the sun begins to rise
Over the desert
She was excited, anticipating
The view and experience
After a while
Slowly
The sun began to come up
A bright red ball
Lifting high
It was incredible
Almost indescribable
Natures art
She felt her spirit lift
Towards the heavens
Just as the sun finally came up
Sahara Dream

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

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
Ever so slightly
From summer to fall light
The suns brightness less intense

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The air is crisper
The nights cooler

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The heat of summer is leaving
The beauty of fall is coming

Its that time of year
When leaves start to turn
Orange, yellow and red
Dabbling the landscape
Like a fine painting

It’s that time of year
When colors are bright
There is a special shine to everything
Moods are high
The world puts on its best face

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’ve all known them
Many of us personally
Perhaps at work
Or in our lives
Or in our dreams
They can be harsh
Or cruel
Devoid of much humanity
They seem to get energy from others
Monsters
We hide from them
Run from them
Hoping they will leave
Or not exist
Yet they do
As long as we tolerate them
They will
Yet we know
In the end
Love triumphs evil
Kindness over cruelty
Light over darkness
Let’s spread more love
And light
Each and every day

Words can hurt
They can cut into the soul
Leaving deep wounds
Sometimes they remain
Never healing
Words can also uplift
They can heal
Touch one’s spirit
Inspire
Bring hope
Or they can break the spirit
Playing over and over
Bringing darkness
Destroying creativity
Or they can bring light
Inspiring great artwork
Literature and music
Tempt the imagination
They can break hearts
Or mend them
Cause tears
Or stop them
It all depends
Which words are used
Choose carefully
Words

Early in the morning, on a crisp bright day, seagulls soar high against a clear blue sky

High above the ocean, they swirl around so fast you can barely see them
They almost look unreal

Quickly without warning, the gulls turn and aim towards the sun reaching higher and higher in their flight before disappearing

All the while, the dark blue ocean pounds the shore offering a pungent smell of salt as the waves hit
Onlookers stop to watch the dance of nature once again as it hypnotizes them into a state of calm

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

Life is precious
It’s fragile
Like a wisp of air
Whether a leaf
Or a tiger
Or a human being
It’s delicate
It may appear strong
Perhaps invincible
But underneath
It’s fragile
It’s precious
Valuable
Beyond words
Or material things
There’s no amount
That matches it
For everything
Is unique unto itself
Each has a purpose
Each needs to be treasured
For what it is
Life
Precious

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

Every day we offer slices of ourselves to the world

Some are quiet and subdued
Some are sweet
Some are loud and boisterous
Some are fun
Some are ****, almost sour
Some are thoughtful and serious

Slices

Some are filled with darkness and heaviness
Others are bursting with bright light and hope
Some are kind and loving and others are not
Some are lonely
Others are filled with celebration of life

Slices

But every slice is a part of us
And together they help to make up what is us

Slices

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

Sometimes if we’re lucky
We are given a dream
A special wish or desire
It becomes part of us
It seems impossible

It’s a beautiful dream
We want it more than ever
It’s always on our mind
If we believe with all our might
It then becomes reality

Dream

Home can be anywhere
Home can be at anytime
It can be a city
Or a country
Or a place
Even a person

Home is where the heart is
Home is where one belongs
Feels comfortable
Feels safe

Is where there is love and care
It can offer peace and serenity
We each have one
We just have to find it
Home is everything

I am a human being.
I am of the spirit.
Experiencing life.
As it comes.
Mostly in the present.
Somewhere along the road,
I realized that I was a spiritual being.
Within a human body.
I celebrate both.
They are part of the same.
They are one.
When I connect to both.
I remember.
While I was born alone and will die alone.
I am truly not alone.
I am of the spirit.
I am part of the greater whole.
The universe is my home.
I am of the spirit.

I have a sweater
It’s used
But it offers warmth
It’s a favorite
On a cold day

I have glasses
To read with
And see
They have scratches
But they still work

I have food to eat
A bed to sleep in
A place to live
I am safe

There are people that care
About me
Family and others

So in a world of measures
I consider myself
Wealthy

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

Paris
One of the most wondrous places
The city of light
Where skies can be painted gray
Rain is in the air
A hint of snow perhaps is coming
Apartments have a cold feel
Yet the streets are adorned
With holiday decorations
Shops show their prettiest wares
Chocolates and goodies
Churches offer holiday programs
Stores are busy with shoppers
Downtown lights decorated with pink
Stores regaled in gold and silver
Cafes full of people sipping coffee
Hiding from the weather
It’s Paris in December
A special magical time

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

I am a person
I am alive
I have feelings
I have needs and desires
I am no different than another
I am from this world
Just like you
I can be hurt
I can cry
I can mourn
I can and need love
I need care, a home, sustenance
I need to belong
I want peace not war
I want to walk free
To live my life without pain or hurt
At times I am alone
At other times, not
I am no different
Than another
For I am only human
We all are here
In the end
We are all the same

He was always there for me
He was my hero
He never let me down
He seemed immortal
He never walked away
He was my hero

He used to take my hand
He always listened
He inspired me to always try
He was intelligent
He was curious about the world

He taught me about life
He was kind and giving
He was a righteous person
He was my hero

He loved to laugh
He always took care of me
He was strong and handsome
He taught me right from wrong
He had integrity
He was a truth teller


He stood in the light
He was my hero
He was my father
I miss him

In the black velvet darkness when you feel alone light a candle

Watch the flicker of the flame

In the shadow of the light you will see me

I am with you always

Be a little kinder today
Offer more patience
Give a little more
Love a little deeper
Smile a little bigger
Hug once more
Appreciate what you have
And let those feelings help to lift the world out of this darkness
Keep the faith

Hot baked sun streaming down
Intense bright light all around
Penetrating everything
Wilting flowers fighting to live
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 soft cool ocean breezes

It’s summertime once again

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

He brightens everything
He sets the scene
Snow is whiter
Trees are greener
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 truly beautiful
Nature’s art

Red bird

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

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

It’s another Saturday morning
Start of the weekend
Sitting at a cafe
It’s crowded
Waiting on coffee and croissant
People come to and fro
Sun is out to brighten the sky
First Saturday of the month
The city is waking up
Time to get going
Things to do

I've got Paris on my mind
The Eiffel Tower
Notre Dame
The Seine
River boats along the river
Louvre and Orsay and so much more
The ambiance of it
The lights at night
Bakeries early in the morning
Smell of fresh bread
Fine cheeses and wine
Great food
And so much more
I've got Paris on my mind...

Sunday night is fast approaching
Another weekend winding down
Time to get ready for the start of a new week
For many the call of work can be heard through the wind
For others the anticipation of a fresh start with a new week
All over the world this is happening whether in Paris or New York
And before we know it, another Friday will come and we can once again look forward to the weekend

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

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
It’s intoxicating

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

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

Come On Get Up

When you are sad
Get up and look at the sun
When you are crying
Get up and look at the stars
When you are hurting
Get up and look at Mother Nature
When you can't go on
Get up and remember those that went before you
When you want to give up
Get up and remember that you
have your own destiny

Believe

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

When you are sad
Get up and look at the sun
When you are crying
Get up and look at the stars
Dry your tears

When you are hurting
Get up and look at Mother Nature
She’s beautiful

When you can't go on
Get up remember those that went before you

When you want to give up
Get up and remember you have your own destiny
You are not done
You are not alone

Believe

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

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

Imagine sitting in the desert
Alone
The sand is bright white
Almost blinding
You are kneeling
With your eyes closed
It is silent and still
Out of nowhere it starts to rain
Black colored rain drops
However, an umbrella appears
Emanating white light
It’s one of a kind
It’s translucent
Made of white light
It hovers over you
As the rain drops fall
They hit the umbrella
And roll off
Never touching you
Disappearing into the ground
Without a trace
You are protected
Once the rain stops
The umbrella disappears
You get up
To start walking
To your destiny
Imagine