When you feel down
Get on up
When you’re tired
Rest
When you don’t believe
Believe
When you feel empty
Fill up
When your mind is blank
Dream

When you feel down
Get on up
Lift yourself towards the light
Towards your path
Start walking
It will get easier

When you feel down
Get on up
When you’re tired
Rest
When you can’t
Do

Lift yourself up

She waited all day for the sun to drop
She needed the darkness
It would help free her
It would remove the bonds tying her


As the sun dropped for the day
She readied herself
She put on a long white dress
She went to the balcony
She climbed up on the table
As she moved to the edge
She spread out her arms
All of a sudden wings appeared
She took a leap and flew into the darkness
She is free

If I were no longer here
Would you miss me?
Would it even matter?

Would there be a feeling of emptiness or just nothingness?

If I were no longer here
Would you miss my presence?
That specific essence that makes up me?

Would your heart ache?
Your spirit feel sorrow
Would you want to see me?
Or would it just be a momentary thing?
My being gone

If my presence were no longer here
Would you notice?
Would you miss me?
Would your heart ache?
Would your spirit cry out?

As mine would for you

It's coming to that time of year again
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory and the mind

Holiday times

When holiday lights and decorations appear
The smell of pine trees permeates the air like perfume
Holiday tunes are played on the radio
Shoppers abound on the streets

Holiday times

People take on the holiday hustle and bustle
Light snow flakes dance through the air offering a beautiful white covering

Holiday times

Pleasant childhood memories of going out  with my father in search of
the "perfect tree"

Holiday times

Sitting in a café
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Languages of the world

Watching the staff
Coming and going
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
Languages of the world

People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Laughing
Languages of the world

Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying bread
Languages of the world

Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
Languages of the world

She bought it
Not long after arriving
At her new abode
From one of the local stores
Something for summer
It gets very hot
Searing heat really
It’s cotton
A rose pink color
With a design
The skirt is flared
It’s cool in the heat
Comfortable against the skin
Every season
She pulls it out
Though it is old
It’s a part of her now
She has some others
But this is her favorite
The age is showing now
The color is a bit faded
And there are some small holes
Nevertheless she loves it
Like a security blanket
The special dress

Hot burning days
Green palm trees trying to keep their color
Bright blue skies without a hint of white clouds
Searing sun
Steaming sidewalks

The signs of summer

Warm sultry breezes at night
Blow across my face
Gently seducing me
Black velvet skies
Decorated with sparkling diamond stars

The signs of summer

Flowers and flowering plants craving water like an addict
Reaching towards the light
Wind chimes churning in the breeze with a gentle tune
Animals searching for a slice of shade hunting for water

The signs of summer

Women dressed in light flowing dresses
Bright colors and patterns
Looking like butterflies when they move

The signs of summer

Men wearing straw hats
Sunglasses
Light shirts
Linen pants with sandals

The signs of summer

Cool breezes coming late into the night offering a soothing touch to the sleeping

The signs of summer

Some people light up your heart
Others darken your spirit with their poison

Some people bring kindness and compassion
Others bring despair and cruelty

Some people walk in the light
Others hide in dark places

Some people open their heart to love and share
Others bring hate and jealousy

Some offer a helping hand
Others walk away

Some stick in your side like a thorn
Others soothe and heal the pain

Some smell sweet like a rose
Others smell sour

Some light up the world and shine like the sun

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

Marginalization diminishes the spirit
Eventually extinguishing it
Until it no longer exists

Whereas when we uplift someone
We enhance the spirit and life

We create spiritual magic
Lift someone up today and help light the world

Each time we do darkness disappears just a little
Light is always stronger than darkness
Be a keeper of the light and a light worker

He was a beautiful monarch butterfly
Unique in some ways
He had bright colored orange and black wings decorated with an intricate pattern

He was always alone visiting flowers near where he lived
He never ventured out too far

One day he noticed a beautiful blue butterfly close by
He had never seen such a thing
Its color was stunning to him
He flew over to it to ask where it was from

She said she had came a long ways away from the south down by Brazil
She told him there were many more just like her there

The monarch butterfly found the answer incredible
He could not believe it

The blue butterfly told him that he can go anywhere in the world at anytime if he wants

She told him that a group of butterflies would be traveling north the next day and that he was welcome to join them

Early the next morning as the sun began to rise, off in the distance, a large flock of butterflies could be seen flying north
They looked beautiful against the light of the rising sun

One of them was the monarch butterfly

It's coming to that time of year
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory
When holiday lights and decorations appear
Outside trees and houses are decorated
Holiday tunes are played both old and new
Shoppers amass on the streets or online searching for that perfect gift
People take on the holiday hustle and bustle
Smells of hot chocolate and cider tempt permeate the air
Light snow flakes dance before
landing on the ground as art
A bit of magic appears
Bringing feelings of good cheer
Holiday memories

Words are just words
It’s what comes with them
That’s important
Just because one speaks another language
Does not mean they understand the culture
Words are only one part
The rest is nuanced
Smiles, laughter, kindness
Relationship building
Without those
Words are just hollow and empty

It’s  a winter wonderland
The holiday lights are out
Houses decorated with their best
Scents of pine waft through the air
It’s heavenly perfume
Snow is lightly falling
It’s a winter wonderland

Streets are full of people
Running to and fro
Buying their wares
Shops are decorated

It’s like magic
Once a year
That touches the heart
Deep inside
Making people lighter
Hearts bigger
Smiles are brighter and bigger
Laughs deeper
Love is everywhere

It’s a winter wonderland
Believe in the magic

Something serendipitous happened --  I looked up at this young man who looked like a real prince to me and fell for him, head over heels.
All sorts of emotions were welling up in me all at the same time.
Things I had never really felt before, and only read about.

Somehow he had grabbed my heart and pulled it into his. He became part of the fabric of my entire being. He was as important to me as the air I breathed. It was as if I had jumped over a cliff emotionally into something so wonderful it was indescribable. I felt as if I could walk on air or fly. My heart had been given wings.

It has been said, that it only takes a moment, and in this case, that was surely true. From that moment on, from that dance on, we became high school sweethearts and were inseparable.

Magic can happen if one believes. It’s waiting for you.

Chained

She was in the water
Chained
She was struggling to get to the surface
Fish swam all around her
As she desperately thrashed

She wanted to be free
She felt trapped
She had a hard time breathing

She was in the water
Struggling to get free
She wanted to push through
But couldn’t

Whales started swimming around her
Every now and then going to the surface to break free
As their bodies lifted above the water and dropped down they created a huge splash

She watched with envy wishing she could do the same
Then all of a sudden the chains broke
She was free
Her burdens lifted
She felt light

As she made her way to the surface a whale swam beside her
As if it was guarding her
Then she grabbed its back fin and the whale lifted them both out of the water
She felt joy as she broke free
She lifted her head and looked at the sun

She climbed onto the back of the whale
They swam together towards the shore
She climbed off the whale and walked to the beach
She was free
Her burdens had been lifted
She looked out to the sea and smiled
Watching the whale swim back out

When one is surrounded by clouds of darkness
When the burden feels to much to handle
When life is crushing you down
Seek the small light shining in a distance
It will guide your way
It is destiny waiting
It is these small slivers of light that give us hope
They help us try again
They help us begin again
To look for better days
They help to lift us up
Believe

Shes a small baby bird
She’s been quite ill
Got hit with more than one thing
Little by little she’s healing
Taking small steps
One at a time
Trying small activities
She’s spreading her wings
Ever so slowly
Like a baby bird

As each day passes
She gets stronger
Less symptoms
More time feeling better
The feeling lifts her up
Her spirits want to fly
She wants to try to do something
Step to the edge of the nest
Explore
Like a baby bird

We all have a place where we belong
We call them home
We feel a connection to it
It’s as if part of our spirit lives there
Some call them happy places
There are those that have one
Others have may have many
Where one feels comfort
Safety
Bliss and pleasure
The trick is in finding it and in keeping it

When you left that night and walked away a part of me died inside

My heart was weeping from the loss of my better half


My spirit was trapped in darkness
I felt lost without an anchor like a ship without a port

I had lost my North Star

Don’t grudge
Like
Don’t hate
Love
Don’t judge
Accept
Don’t isolate
Join
Don’t disbelieve
Believe
Don’t focus on ugliness
Focus on beauty
Don’t disrespect
Respect
Don’t harm
Help
Don’t despair
Hope
Don’t see smallness
See grandness
Don’t offer darkness
Offer light
Light up the world
With your special light
If we each offer light
The darkness will diminish

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

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

I am a human being, experiencing life mostly in the present time

Somewhere along the road I realized I was a spiritual living in a human body

I celebrate both and let them manifest in resonance with each other

When I connect to another
I remember even though I was born alone and I will die alone, I am not truly alone

I am part of something greater

Believe and light up the world with kindness and care

Once again the weekend is over
They go so fast
Like lightning
Yet the week drags on
Now it’s time to get up and get ready for work
It’s so hard to get up
The comfort of the bed keeps calling

Monday blues

Traffic is heavy for the regular drive
Coffee is on and the odor fills the room
Offering a welcoming smell
A favorite mug is out to receive the brew
Clothes are ready to put on
Keys on the table ready to grab
As one gently slides into the Monday blues

The little bird pecks it’s way out
It’s coming out of it’s protected shell
It’s being born into the world
Or a turtle poking its head out
That’s how it feels after lockdown
A stranger in a new land
Setting ones feet on familiar ground
Like an explorer
Looking around at the familiar
Yet unfamiliar
What’s the same
Where are the changes
Still aware that there’s danger
Still needing to be careful
Excited yet nervous
Coming out of the shell
Once again
Into the new normal
Been here before
Not so long ago
Hoping this time
It lasts

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
Nothing like it
Captivating the soul
Nature’s beauty

What does it mean when we say we miss someone? Does it mean we miss them? Their presence? Their essence? Their look? Smile? Touch? Humor? Being around them? It means all those things and so much more

A new year is coming
Its almost here
This year will be gone
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
Time to embrace a clean slate
Time to renew
The future is before us
The past is a memory
Time to get going
Time to focus
Time to make plans

Anything is possible
The world is our oyster
Time to make things happen
A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

Folks drinking coffee in a cafe
Surrounded by red cushions that adorn bright white walls
Music playing with a soft hypnotic sound
News playing in the background on a TV
Tables set with clear dark red glasses
Professional waiters moving to and fro
People sitting outside under red umbrellas which offer welcomed shade
On the start to another hot steamy day

Summertime

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

At this time of year
Winter is coming
A fresh new start is on the way

At this time of year

Holiday trappings are everywhere
Trees are waiting for a home
Children are anticipating Santa
Presents are wrapped

At this time of year

Choirs are singing
Churches are full
People are feeling good cheer
Smiles are bigger
Special meals being served

At this time of year

Let’s be more kind
Let’s be more positive
Let’s laugh more and criticize less
Let’s be grateful

At this time of year

Let’s remember what’s about
Let’s come together
Let’s love harder
Let’s assume the best
Let’s forgive more

Let’s remember we are all one

At this time of year

It was Sunday morning
In a small city on the east coast
The rain was gently falling
The sky was a muted gray
It was early
There wasn’t much traffic
It was quiet
There was a feeling of stillness

As the rain fell two cats slept
They always slept together
One was. brown and one gray
They were like sisters
It was calming to watch them

The sound of the rain was calming and hypnotic
It was a cool fall day
The leaves were still on the trees
Gold, red, and orange

As the rain hit the side of the building it made a noise like a faint drumbeat

The air smelled clean and refreshed
There was a hint of the wet leaves like a natural perfume

The entire scene evoked feelings of peace

Watching the rain and world was like being transported to another world

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?

He was a large brown tortoise
He was over fifty years old
He lived on an island
Far from the large city
He loved the color of the sea
It was a light turquoise
Which glimmered when the sun hit it like diamonds
It was always warm but not hot
The weather was perfect
The waves made a rhythmic sound when hitting the shore

Sometimes he would wade out into the water eventually swimming to the bottom
The sand was soft as silk
He was looking for food
Slowly he swam and walked around until he found it

He stopped to feed on the coral
Loosening parts of it as he ate
This was his favorite meal
As he ate a school of brightly colored fish swam up to join him
They ate the loosened pieces of coral and algae grateful to their friend the tortoise

When he was done eating he swam back to the surface walking back to the shore
He found a rock on which to settle as he was feeling sleepy after eating
He pulled his head into his shell closing his eyes and napped

While he slept the birds flew by looking for fish
A cruise ship appeared moving slowly towards the city port
Local folk moved about
Music played in the background
As another day unfolded

Beautiful flowers were all around
Their sweet smell filled the air
Like expensive perfume

Markets were full of fruits and vegetables
Artifacts and local wares lined the shelves of shops getting ready for the visitors

Soft island breezes blew swaying the palm trees to and fro rustling their leaves creating a muted noise

It was a peaceful time on the island
It was home to the tortoise
He traveled from time to time
Sometimes far away but always came back to this island
It was home

It’s like Seattle all over again

The feeling is the same
You are in one place
We have an ocean between us
I am in another
We talk on the phone

It’s like Seattle all over again

The feeling is the same
You are in one city and I another
My thoughts and heart are with you
My spirit misses you

Our days are different
As we each go about our lives

It’s like Seattle all over again
The feeling is the same
You are over there
I am over here
With an ocean between us

It’s a Seattle reprise

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

What is special?
When someone says
You’re not that special
That others have more value
Than you
What does that mean
But what is it to compare
People to people
Relationship to relationship
As we are all unique unto ourselves
No one is the same
So if someone says you’re not special
What are they also saying
About themselves
For how can we judge
A person’s worth
To another
Without being in their skin
We are all unique
Each with our own destiny
Different from another
How can we be anything
But special
For we each are an individual square
On the quilt of humanity
Together making up the whole
That’s special

As you look out the window
Nighttime is approaching
You see bright pink streaks against a grey blue canvas
They are hot pink
Like the lipstick
The pink brightens becoming more intense and deep
It’s mesmerizing to the eye
As time clicks by the streaks of pink start to separate like cotton candy
Dusk is fast approaching bringing a coat of light black
The pink color disappears replaced by nighttime once again

Our time was always fleeting
Never enough
We were always running somewhere else
Yet wanting to be together

Our time was fleeting
Never enough
Sometimes we had an hour
Sometimes a half hour or a few minutes
Before it ran out

We always wanted more
But we never got it no matter what we tried
Our time was always fleeting
Like sand in an hourglass

Delicate like a rose petal or butterfly
Impossible to hold onto
Our time was always fleeting
Until….

A little kindness
Goes a long way
It can lighten someone’s day
Soothe the pain
Brighten up the day
Turn a frown into a smile
Replace darkness with light
Inspire
Bring about creativity
It’s one of the best gifts
One can give
A little kindness
Goes a long way
Have you given today??

Red maples surround the empty road
The emptiness is calming
The color of the trees is so brilliant it almost looks false
It’s beautiful
The black asphalt road is a contrast to the color of the leaves
Hints of bright green highlight the red
Almost like a painting
It’s surreal
Even the rain doesn’t dim the leaves
It creates a look like a fairy tale
Or part of a movie set
Yet it’s real
Part of the artistry
Of Mother Nature
Pure magic

Red maple rain

When I look at you
I get lost in your face
I disappear
It’s as if I am looking at a piece of art
I study it
Slowly
Every detail
Every curve
Every nuance
Everything about it
I become mesmerized
That’s all I see
Your face
I am frozen
Unable to move
Time seems to stop
And over the years
Your face hasn’t changed
It’s the same
As the first time I saw you
When I first became lost

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

It’s a time of wonder
Where anything is possible

It’s a time of wonder
Where dreams can come true

It’s a time of wonder
Where magic happens

It’s a time of wonder
Where light overrules darkness

It’s a time of wonder
Where kindness exists

It’s a time of wonder
Where music runs through the air

It’s a time of wonder
Where smiles are bright and laughter is generous

It’s a time of wonder
Where there are bright lights and
holiday decorations

It’s a time of wonder
Where there is good cheer

It’s a time of wonder
Where one can believe

It’s a time of wonder

Wake up
Clear your head
It’s another Thursday
Time to get going
Wake up

It’s another day
Time to get things done
Time to clear the head
Time to get dressed
Time for coffee and breakfast

Wake up
It’s another Thursday
The weekend is almost here
One more day
Time to get busy

Wake up
It’s Thursday
Time to get coffee
Time to have breakfast
Time to get going

You are my light
You are my moon
You are my sun
You are my prince
You are my universe

You touch my heart
You touch my soul
You are perfect
You are my universe

You light my world with your presence
You bring joy
You bring deep happiness
You calm the waters
You are my universe

You are my moon
You are my sun
You are my universe
You are my prince
You are my everything
Without you there is no light
Without you there is no life
Looking at you brings me closer to heaven

Healing wind gently blowing
Softly touching my face
Like gentle kisses
Plants dancing to the rhythm

Healing wind soothing me
Coaxing away the heat of the day
Black velvet sky welcomes me
Settling in for the evening

Healing wind brushing against me
Hypnotizing me with each brush
Tempting me to dance with it

Healing wind bringing energy
Touching the world with its grace

When you feel lost
Follow the light
Just as ships at sea
They look for the lighthouse
The shining light guides them

When you feel scattered
Follow the light
Back to your path
Look to your lighthouse

When you feel lost
Follow the light
Let the beam of light guide you
Back to your path
Let the light comfort you
If you are out to sea
Look for the lighthouse
Shining it’s beam of light
Guiding you back to safety

It’s a war
We can’t see the enemy
It’s invisible
It came with little warning
We weren’t prepared

War

It’s a war
It’s everywhere
Hurting many
We have to fight
With everything we’ve got
We have to be smart
Smarter than we’ve ever been

War

It’s a war
We have to work together
Across the world
To find ways to conquer the enemy
Until then
We must stay inside
To protect ourselves and others

War

It’s a war
They are usually won slowly
It takes time
We must be patient
But in the end it will be over
And at that time
We can begin to rebuild
But let’s not forget how we came together
Anyway we could
Online
Singing from balconies
Applauding the ones going off to fight
Free online concerts
New songs in the air
Online classes and museum tours
Generosity to those in need

In the end
We are all human
We are one

War