They walk among us
They have always been here
They are the ancient ones
Teachers
They are everywhere
They are part of the earth
Quiet
Listening
Watching
Protecting
They are of the spirit
More than the body
Their faces reflect light
They have seen things
Back to the beginning
Of all things
They understand
Our purpose
They carry peace
Harmony
In their hearts

Gray dark skies outside
Wet cool air to the touch
Breath almost visible
Like a fine mist
Rain falling sometimes gently
Sometimes harder
Terrace being cleaned by the water
Plants getting needed nourishment
Turning a brighter green
Sky being cleansed anew
The city being bathed and refreshed
A calm cloud hovers
Quiet and peaceful
As the rain continues to fall
Ever so gently
Rainy day

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
It’s precious

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

It becomes an intoxicating perfume
For the soul and heart
To comfort and calm
When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
It never leaves us
It’s in our heart

I saw him last night to say goodbye
The last time we were together before we parted
Not by our choice
We had to
He’s gone
Back where he came from
When I woke in the morning
I had hoped he was still here but he’s not
He left in the murky shadows of darkness
My life left I am now alone left in the gray fog of life
My heart hurts. My soul stings with pain
The brightness has left me
The lightness of being
The humor and fun
He’s gone now
I am here left alone
Searching for him
Always

Half moon hovering in the dark velvet sky
Soft yellow light shining down on me
Lights of the city dimmed by its beauty
Sounds of the city in the background
Turquoise lights shine on a building close by
Creating an artful look to the coming night
Mother Nature at her best
Half moon hovering in the dark velvet sky
Another day passes as a new one begins

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

He stood on one side of the grill
She stood on the other
The grill was black wrought iron
Somewhat ornate in the design
There were openings throughout it
That’s all that separated them

As they stood on either side he moved closer to her
They looked at each other
Deep into the others eyes
For a moment they got lost in the moment

It was magic
Then he leaned into her and kissed her gently between the openings in the grill
It lasted only a moment

He then smiled
His eyes twinkling
As he laughed with joy
He turned around to leave

She stood at the grill watching him
leave

Once she could no longer see him she closed the door
Savoring the moment
It was magic

The ocean waves are moving back and forth on a sunny day.
The sky is a bright blue. Like a painting.  
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
It’s like a sweet perfume but not overwhelming.
The water is a deep blue with hints of white as the waves roll in and out.
As the sun hits the water.
The appearance of diamonds show up.
Glistening against the light and the water.
It is magic.
A sweet moment of peace.
A time of pure bliss.

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

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

Home

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

Home

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

Destiny has finally brought me

Home

When you look at me
What do you see?
Do you see me as I am or how you wish I were?
When you look at me
Can you see the depths of my soul?
When you look at me
Do you see my heart aching for you ?
When you look at me
Do you see how perfect you
are to me in my eyes?
When you look at me
What do you see ?

Do you see all of me?
As I see all of you

I move into the mist
The sky is a gray black
The moon is out shining
bright through the mist
I have lost my way
I struggle to find you
But I can’t
I searched everywhere
I came across a fire
Burning  bright
Amongst the mist and gray
Surrounding it are spirits
Dancing in the shadows of the night
They have always been there
Hidden by time
Figures are highlighted by the fire
I look around
Finally I see you
Shadow dancing with the others
I take a deep breath and
Realize  I am now free
I start dancing in the shadows
Like you
I became one of them

Every morning there is a  parade Carriages head across the city
Beautifully decorated in green and gold

Proud horses confident in their stride
Take them to their destination

The drivers sit up high as they make their way
Winding through the streets

Every morning there is a parade Carriages head across the city
Beautifully decorated in green and gold

Proud horses pulling them to their final destination

Every morning there is a parade

Beautiful Carriages march across the city

In the background playing at the cafe
Drums beat ever so slightly
There is a faint, hypnotic rhythm
It is both entrancing and calming

In the background playing at the cafe
Drums beat ever so slightly
They draw me into memories

My heart starts to slow
Matching the beat
My imagination wanders

In the background at the cafe
Drums beat ever so slightly
Like a meditative dance

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.

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

Summertime Moments

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

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

A warm summer wind whips through the air and the trees
Causing them to shake to the rhythm and the beat
Lightning dabbles the sky like the quick stroke of a paint brush
Tree limbs bend as the wind darts through them
The sky lightens up from the electric charge moving through the sky
The air fills with the sound of loud thunder
A summer storm is fast approaching
Playing the wind chimes outside like a musical instrument
As they clang back and forth to the rhythm of the wind

Soon we can wipe the slate
Get a fresh start
The end of the year is coming
Time to start a new
We have a chance to try again
Learn and grow
This year will be in the past
We can move forward
Hopefully
Things will improve
Over time
We are being given another chance
Let’s count our blessings
Look around at the beauty
Look around at loved ones
Look around at the planet
Be grateful
Love instead of hate
Give instead of take
Use your own light
To light and lift up the world
Fresh start

I woke out of a deep sleep
I was in that place in between reality and dreams
I then heard my fathers voice
It came out of nowhere
Clear as a bell he said “time to go”
He repeated it several times
It was striking as it sounded so clear and real
It felt like he was in the room
Yet he has been gone for several years now
Those words brought back memories of him and I
When we would go out as a family
Or he and I would go out shopping
I remember going to look for that perfect Christmas tree with him
Or meeting him for dinner and holiday shopping for my mother
Or the times I would drive him to the airport to catch a flight
Or pick him up after a trip
Or when we would go to a ball game together
Or my mother and I waiting in a restaurant in Jamaica while he arranged to get us home

Time to go

Sometimes to help someone else we care about,  we may have to sacrifice something we wanted

Sacrifice

That’s what care is, putting someone above yourself and your needs
Unconditional care

Sacrifice

Lift up and light the world with kindness
You will also be lifted
Higher than you can imagine

Sacrifice

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

Half moon hovering in the dark velvet sky
Soft yellow light shining down on me
Lights of the city dimmed by its beauty
Sounds of the city in the background
Turquoise lights shine on a building close by
Creating an artful look to the coming night
Mother Nature at her best
Half moon hovering in the dark velvet sky
Another day passes as a new one begins
Half moon

Hot steamy days
Cool mornings
Breezes at night that tease my face with a touch of coolness

Bright unrelenting sun
Blue skies
Plants hungering for a drink
To quench their thirst
Animals seeking shade

Summer has arrived

Air conditioning on full blast
People adorned with sunglasses
Straw hats in bright colors abound

Summer has arrived

Cravings of cooling pass through people’s mind
Beaches and beach towns fill up
Umbrellas everywhere

Summer has arrived

When hope is lost
Heavy darkness settles in
Light diminishes
The idea of tomorrow fades
We feel mired down in muck
We are paralyzed
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
When hope is lost and darkness comes
We hunger for the light
We tire of the heaviness
We long for hope
Anything
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
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
We are inspired
We can create
Music gets louder
People dance
Hope is everything

Spin a little magic
Offer a little kindness
Bring a smile to someone
Make something happen

Magic

Touch a heart
Help someone in need
Light up a part of the world

Spin a little magic
Be a magician

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

You are in the desert
You are kneeling
Your eyes are closed
You are all alone
The sun is out
It’s a bright day but not hot
It is quiet

The desert

It starts to rain
A translucent umbrella appears
It opens over you
It is bathed in light

The desert

As the rain falls
The water doesn’t touch you
It rolls off the umbrella
As it hits the ground it dries

The desert

You feel safe and calm
You know you are not alone
You are protected

The desert

When in December
In one of the most wondrous places
Paris
The city of light
The skies can be painted gray
Rain is in the air
A hint of snow perhaps
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 busy with shoppers
Downtown lights decorated with pink
Stores regaled in gold and silver
Cafes full of people sipping coffee
Hiding from the cold
It’s Paris in December
A special magical time

When in doubt
Don’t give up
Keep believing
Know you can do it

Doubt

Know that there will be a way
The answer will come to you
The doubt will leave
Be patient

Doubt

You will be alright
Always

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

Sunday morning
It’s special
A quiet time
Family time for many
The last day before work
End of a week
A big newspaper day
Time to slow down
Catch a breath
Before Monday
Sunday Bliss

Some go for walks
Others exercise
Others make a large breakfast
Others stay in bed longer
Enjoying the feeling
Sunday Bliss

Big news shows come on
Showing their best
Cafes fill with clients
Enjoying their coffee
Parks fill with children
Sunday Bliss

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

I would follow you anywhere
To the ends of the earth

I would follow you to the moon
To the sun and back

I would follow you to the end of the stars
To Mars, Venus and the rest

I would follow you to the end of the universe
I would follow you anywhere
Anytime

Bring comfort
Offer calm
Give one a sense of belonging
Help one feel centered
They are important
They are most needed
During times of trouble
We all have them
Without them
We feel lost
We can’t find our way
They are like a lighthouse
Steering a ship to port
They clear out the fog
Erasing darkness
Bringing in the light

It was a cool sunny morning
Spring on the horizon
The sky had a crispness to it
Sky was bright blue
The cool air was refreshing
Before the heat of summer

Tourists were coming back
After a slight hiatus
People were out sitting at cafe
Coffee and goodies
Some seats were empty
The atmosphere was somewhat muted
It made one long for the coming of spring
It’s just around the corner

There were two stones that had been together
They had never been apart
They sat in the bottom of a river
Peaceful
Sublime

Then all of a sudden one day they were separated by storms and rough waters
They ended up being pushed into different parts of the sea
Settling eventually on to the floor where they each sat alone

After several decades and stormy weather one day they were moved  close to each other once again

Like magnets they were uncontrollably drawn to the other and somehow managed to lock together as if made only for each other
Over time they became one piece
Destiny had arrived in all its glory

It’s magic

Wind chimes rattling in the wind, playing their own kind of tune
Clattering of the bells ringing against the metal grate as the wind
whips through them
Trees bending in the wind, void of their foliage and green moving
to their own kind of rhythm
Snow lightly falling and blowing around like cotton candy strands
before gently nesting on the ground or other surfaces
It is the coming of winter and the start of the a new cycle in the
weather for the year
Cold easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces replacing
the warm heat of the summer with a new found friend
Temperatures dropping outside like flies bringing a frigid feel to
the day and evening
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city as it gets ready to put
its nightcap on for the sleep that is slowly coming

Comfortable places are wonderful
They feel good to be around
They are calming
They can also energize us

Comfortable places ground us when we are not centered
They can inspire and lift us

They are some of our most precious jewels in life

When feeling out of sorts seek one out and let it soothe you

Believe

Hold on
It won’t be long now
It’s coming
The magic
It’s indescribable
It comes just once a year
At this time
Things change
Becoming softer
Nicer
Spirits lift
Bringing good cheer
Music sounds abound everywhere
Bright lights and decorations
Can be seen
Hints of apple cider and hot chocolate
Scents of pine
It’s coming
Very soon
Wait….

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

Light of My Life
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

Snow covered pine trees
Blanketed with white
Muted lights outside
Cold air clean to the breath
Winter is here
Slow walking people bundled up
Bright colored scarves
Hats of all shapes and sizes
Birds seeking their next meal
Cats on the prowl
Fireplaces burning
Pies in the oven
Cookies being made
Delicious soups
Roasts awaiting the oven
Sweaters and boots
Heavy coats with scarves
The fare of the time
Warm flannel PJs
Winter is here

It 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

We all have them
They are a part of life
Some are self inflicted
Others are not
Some come from others
Either close to us or not
But they all hurt
Deeply or shallow
They sting and cut us
Either physically
Or emotionally
There can be scars
After healing
But with some
They never entirely heal
But linger in the recesses
Of our minds and spirits
Triggered by something
To be remembered
Once again

In the end
Light wins over dark
Love over hate
Goodness over evil
Freedom over oppression
Truth over lies
Integrity over corruption
Right over wrong
Kindness over cruelty
Healing over pain
Love is powerful energy
It can change the world
In an instant
Light up the world
With one small act
It can make a difference

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

Are we going back to normal?
That’s what folks say
But what does that really mean
Will it be the same as before?
Is it safe yet?
Will we take some of the last year and keep it?
Have we learned that we are all one
We need each other to get through this
This is worldwide
Does it feel the same sitting in a cafe?
Does the coffee taste the same?
How do I bring back my old habits?
Will it be comfortable to me
What does comfortable look like now
What will the world look like a year from now?

You walk through the entrance of a cave.  At the end of the darkness is a small pool of water. The water is warm, but not too warm, the temperature is perfect and is a beautiful deep turquoise. Some areas are lighter colored than others. You slowly walk into the water and stand in the middle of the water. As you stand there, a waterfall starts to genre pour over you from above. Rays of bright golden light from an opening above the cave start shining making the water sparkle like diamonds.

There is a feeling of total peace and serenity

Bliss

Ambiance is everything
It can make or break a place
Or a mood
The setting
The decoration
The overall energy

It can be positive or negative
It can bring feelings of great joy
Or sadness

Ambiance is everything
It can set a tone
It can bring people together
It can keep them apart
It can lift them up to a higher place

Ambiance is everything
It can bring peace
It can evoke harmony
It can bring light
Or it can smother
Bringing darkness

Ambiance is everything