Hot Steamy Coffee

Hot steamy coffee
On a cold day
With breathe visible
Bones chilled
Body aching
Longing for warmth

Hot steamy coffee
To soothe the cold
To warm up the soul
To calm the mind and set it free

Hot steamy coffee
To jumpstart the day
To motivate the body

Hot steamy coffee

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

Deep in the woods

There is forest and quiet
The trees reach to the sky
Darkness abounds
The air is cool and clear

Deep in the woods

A cabin sits
Surrounded by snow and trees
Mountains are in the background

Deep in the woods

A light is burning in the cabin
Smoke coming from the chimney
Scents of pine trees in the air

Deep in the woods

A dog sits on the steps
He’s a husky
Beautiful white and black
Waiting for it’s owner

Deep in the woods

A pie is baking in the oven
Coffee is on the stove
A fire burns in the fireplace

Deep in the woods

There is sublime quiet
There is a sense of calm and peace
It is intoxicating

Deep in the woods

Is a sanctuary of sorts

White lights glitter against the black grill
The terrace is door open
A view of the plants can be seen
Highlighted by the lowering sun
Creating an impressionistic look

A slight breeze moves through the awning gently moving it back and forth

The light plays against the rose colored buildings giving them a magical hue
It’s almost surreal

Another day is coming to a close as nighttime encroaches
The change from light to darkness is in a holding pattern like an aircraft waiting to land
The shades of pink change as the sun drops

As the sun continues to drop
It’s time to relax and slowdown
People are gravitating to cafes
For coffee and a chat with friends
Evening is on its’ way

It’s important
To be grateful
For whatever we have
Whom ever we know
For those that care
And love us
For our lives
And experiences
It’s important
To be grateful
For each sunrise
And sunset
For the moon
And nature
For the beauty
We see
It’s important
To be grateful
Each and every day

It’s another Saturday morning
Start of the weekend
Last one this month
Sitting at a cafe
There’s a slight breeze
Feels soothing
Waiting on coffee and croissant
People come to and fro
Sun is out to brighten the day
The city is waking up
Time to get going
Things to do

She had been in hell
Things had been impossible
Nothing worked
Things were hard
She didn’t fit
Everything hurt
Physical and emotional
There was no peace
Nor harmony
Finally one day
She had a chance to leave
To change things for the better
So she headed East
Driving through rain
Big storms and darkness
When she arrived
The rain had stopped
The air was fresh
With the scent of sweet flowers
All she felt was comfort
Peace and harmony
She belonged
She had come home
To her east coast heaven

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

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

The ocean was tranquil
Waves gently flowing
In and out
Hitting the shore
As they did, they left white foam
Their rhythmic sound was hypnotic
The salt smell  was pure perfume
The scene was calming
Seductive
Like meditation
As the sun hit the turquoise water
It glistened and glittered
Looking like a sea of diamonds
Turquoise diamonds
The scene was sublime
Absolutely perfect
For a hot summers day

Sunday night is fast approaching
It won’t be long
Another weekend is 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
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
Until then here comes another Sunday

It was snowing
The flakes were large and fragile
They looked like Queen Anne’s lace
The trees were covered with a white blanket
It created a canopy of sorts
The air was crisp and cool
In the distance was a cabin
It had been there for years
It was made out of wood
Handmade by the owner
Snow was piling up on the roof
Inside a fire was burning to combat the cold
Smoke was rising gently from the chimney
A kettle was on the stove to make tea
It was a good night for it
A dog was sleeping by the fireplace comforted by the warmth
Outside the snow continued to fall
Creating a postcard view
Not a sound could be heard on this peaceful night

Canopy of white

Springtime Memories

Butterflies, tulips, robins and daffodils
Warm gentle breezes
Leaves beginning to bud
Brown being replaced by rich green
Flowering trees and bushes starting to bloom
Lush grassy lawns coming back
Flowers decorating the streets
Bright blue skies dotted with clouds
Nature's perfume filling the air
All signs that Spring arrived

When hope is lost
Heavy darkness comes
Light diminishes
The idea of tomorrow fades
We feel mired down
Like we are stuck

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
Once again

When hope is lost and darkness comes
We hunger for the light
Desperation enters
We long for hope
We need it

Ocean breezes fill up my lungs
Their air cleansing and healing
Invigorating me
The sound of the waves is hypnotic and calming
Almost like meditation
The turquoise color of the water is mesmerizing
My eyes are transfixed on it
Like a impressionist painting
Walking along the shore is like coming home
Picking up shells and exploring
Seeing the white foam of the waves
The cries of seagulls makes me smile
The feeling of warm sand on my feet
Makes me feel at home

Ocean 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

It was sundown
The sun had just set
The moon was out
A large white ball on the horizon
It almost looked surreal
Just hanging there
As if on a thread
Against a gray blue backdrop
Clouds painted the sky
Fluffy and white
With two openings
From which white bands of light shone down
It’s as if they came from heaven
Natures art
From the master
Of everything

Music and memories go together
Like salt and pepper
One complements the other
One triggers the other
Listening to a song can easily transport one back to a memory or time
A certain memory can bring back a certain feeling
It’s as if one stepped into a time machine to relive that moment
Music can also inspire, ignite and calm the soul
It can heal ones wounds and evoke strong feelings
Music can take me back to a sweet memory of my father shoveling the snow outside during a winter storm
Or my father taking my hand as a small girl to enter a Brazilian ceremony many decades ago
Or to remember a colleague playing a song by the Temptations in the office one Friday morning to help start the day
Music and memories inspire our lives to be so much more like an artists’ painting

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

Gray skies greet me
Quiet streets almost empty
People sitting at cafes huddled together because of the coolness

Cool Sunday morning
Last day of the weekend
People enjoying the moment before the start of another week

Cool Sunday morning

A new year is coming
Tomorrow
This is the last day of the year
Tonight
At midnight
All over the world
We turn a new page
One by one
A new year is coming
We can’t stop it
It’s running towards us
Like a horse
It’s a new day
To start anew
Fresh
Create a new beginning
It’s not hard
Just one step
At a time
We can all remake ourselves
To whatever we want
Just have hope
Just believe
Just light up the world
It’s a new day

When covered in darkness
Seek the light
Let it cover you like a coat
Protecting
When full of despair
Seek the light
It will warm you
When the mind is empty
Seek inspiration

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through
One step at a time

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures
Whatever they may be

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
It doesn’t matter what
When bored
Learn something

When the heart is empty
Seek art and music
Anything creative
Let it lift you up
Cleanse you

When you feel alone
Help another
Stand in the light
It will guide you
Always

A summer wind quickly whips through the air and the trees
Lightning dabbles the sky like a quick paint brush stroke

Tree limbs bend as the wind moves through them shaking the branches and leaves

The sky lightens up from the electric charge moving through
The air fills with the sound of loud crushing thunder

A summer storm is fast approaching
Causing the wind chimes outside to play like a musical instrument
As they clang back and forth to the rhythm of the wind

The summer wind has arrived

Bring a desire for warmth
For coffee or tea
Anything hot
Steaming
So the heat caresses
The face
And the hands
Offering a hint of warmth

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
Calling one back
Enticing
Comforting  
Begging us to stay
Under their protection

Cold mornings
Are refreshing
In their own way
With fresh air
Easy to breathe
Bright skies
Cold mornings
Have their own special charm
Embrace it
Live it

I used to think that people and their feelings were like china plates
Beautiful
Unique
Fragile and delicate
Easily broken

When we are born
Our plates are flawless
No cracks or chips
They are new and perfect

As we go through life
They can get hurt
They get chips
And cracks
Sometimes they break
Or a piece breaks off

Life does that
The ups and downs
The good and the bad
Relationships can do that
Hearts can break
Bodies can get hurt or age
And our plates reflect it

Life is like a china plate
Delicate
Fragile in some ways
Something to always be treasured

Wild Crazy Hair

It’s a time of wild crazy hair
No stylists or salons
Everything is locked down
Due to a pandemic
It’s time to let it go
See what happens
All I can do
Wild crazy hair

It’s a time for no cuts
Except home made
No color
No shaping
No style
Hair growing like a ****
Wild crazy hair

It’s a time for little control
Of ones wayward style
Out of control
Trying not to look like an alien
Wild crazy hair

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?

The sun is out
Showing its face
After a dark storm
With lots of pouring rain
Heaviness
High winds
Dark gray skies
When the sun finally comes
Like a welcome friend
Bright, golden, warm
Enticing
Blue sky returns
Set against marshmallow white clouds
Sunshine bliss

Everything is clean
Washed by nature
The city takes on a new look
Streets look better
Windows shine
Flower colors are striking
Trees stand taller
Reaching up towards the sky
Grass is greener
Sunshine bliss

Moods brighten
Smiles are bigger
People feel lighter
If freed from something
Laughter is louder

Sunshine bliss

It's 6am on the east coast
Washington DC
Up high, over the horizon is a wide open sky
As far as the eye can see
threads of cotton candy pink streak across the sky against a pallet of
blue/gray.
It is so beautiful, it almost looks surreal and artificially created.
The city has not yet awoken.
It is still, calm and quiet.
A slight, ever so gentle breeze rustles through the trees.
Then, slowly, the pink cotton candy streaks start to blend together
and dissolve into a bright red ball.
As the ball begins to rise, it announces the coming of a brand new day.
A few birds fly by a balcony and land on a ledge to watch the view.
And once again, Washington DC wakes up

A man walking on the solitary beach
A gray cloudy day
Cool but not cold
He is in pain as he slowly walks
Then he comes a glass ball partially buried in the sand
He stops to look at it
He uncovers it and lifts it up
He sees a gold clasp and opens it
Inside is a piece of rich red velvet cloth
On the cloth sits a folded piece of bright white paper
Curious he opens the paper
Written on the paper are instructions:
Touch the areas where you feel pain on your body
Then touch your fingers to the cloth
Close up the ball
And put it back in the sand as you found it
The man follows the instructions and continues walking down the beach
He hears a sound and turns around to see the glass ball lifting towards the sky the inside turning a bright gold color
And then there is a slight explosion and a shower of gold stars rain down
And as they cover the man
His pain is gone

When will things calm down
When will there be some normality
When will the suffering end
When will calm come
A time of peace
Not turmoil
It’s been a long time now
That things have been upside down
It’s been a long time since there was peace
I pray all the time
For peace
For safety
I am waiting
When

I’ve got the gray blues
Been cold and rainy for days
My bones ache to the core
I’ve got the gray blues

Missing the sun
Those warm golden rays
Shining down on my face
Lighting the way to another day
I’ve got the gray blues
Craving when they go away

Busy streets where I live
Cafés full
People out and about
Signs of life returning
The quiet leaving
For the sounds of the city
Tourists returning
Daily life returning
Bit by bit
All over the world
In cities and towns
Humanity is restarting
A new normal has arrived
After a long time away
Busy streets

I am alone
Always have been
I’m on my own
Finding my way
On my path
Destiny
Even if I am around others
There’s an aloneness to it
Sometimes it’s a struggle
Navigating the pitfalls of life
Not always knowing the best course
Not all choices were positive
Though the intention was surely pure
I’ve been with people
There’s been closeness
But in the end
I walk alone
I think about my roots now
Often
Missing that
Craving familiarity
Going back to that
Looking for comfort
We all do in a way
It’s not lonely actually
It’s seeking
Looking for something more
To add to life

I’ve got the Monday blues
Weekends over
Time to go back to work
No more fun
No more sleeping in

I’ve got the Monday blues
Time to focus
Time to work hard
Time to get things done

I’ve got the Monday blues
No more sleepyhead
No more relaxing
Time to work
Time to get things done

I’ve got the Monday blues
Yearning for another weekend

After the rain everything is fresh
The city has been given a redo
There is a scent of clean in the air

Rain

Plants are greener
Flowers brighter
Streets are washed
Dust is gone

Rain

The sky is clear and blue
Bright white clouds decorate the horizon
Mountains are visible

Rain

The rain washes away yesterday
And makes room for today
It’s the start of a brand new day

Cool Reprieve

After several hot days
With searing heat
Humid nights
Fitful sleep
The body on fire
Mother Nature granted
A cool reprieve
Of temperatures
And soothing breezes
To lift up the spirit and body
To heal and invigorate
To heal the land
Feed the birds and plants
To lift up the soul
And light up the world
Once again

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 here for a reason.
The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.
Our legacy is how we lived.
How we will be remembered.
We are all unique. We each have a gift.
We just have to discover it.
Each day we can choose to stand in the light.
Instead of the darkness.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.
Let’s light up the world.
With our own special light.

Hot heavy air fills the sky
No breeze to feel
The air is heavy
Uncomfortable
It’s steamy
Wind chimes are silent
Windows open
Searching for something
Anything light and breezy
Nighttime starts arrive against the  dark sky
Temperatures hopefully will start to drop
Doors wide open to welcome the cool air
Things starting to slow down
In preparation for the coming night
Everyone hoping to feel the coolness against the skin as the day ends
A slight reprieve from the heat
From mother nature
For just a moment
Before tomorrow

As you go into the night, look at the sky and remember
Look at the moon in all its glory
See the light and how it shines
Feel the energy which is part
of everything
It’s part of you
Remember where you come from
And what you truly are
Let your spirit lift from your body and fly
Fly with the wind, both
warm and cold
Soar like an eagle through the universe
As you pass planets, circle
around and gaze at the wonder
of them and all that is there
Then look at yourself, a spirit of pure white light
As you fly and pick up speed, look at how light and free you are
Realize that you are a part of the universe
You are everything, and everything touches you
Close your eyes
Notice you don’t feel cold nor pain
Only peace to be in the place where
you are truly loved for what you are
Feel comfort and acceptance
You are loved
The air is still and you can hear the planets turning in the silence
Let the waters of the universe cleanse your soul
Remember that you are a child of the universe

We are all here for a reason. The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.

In the end, our legacy is about how we were and how we lived our lives.

There once was a young man that traveled to a different time and place one day

He tripped while walking from his classes and hit his head
When he awoke he found that he had traveled to a different time, place and future

He had no idea how he got there nor how he would return to his own time and place
While there, he discovered a brand new life

One day he met a girl from that time and they became very good friends
They went everywhere together
One didn’t want to be without the other
This continued for quite some time

Until one day a bad storm came with very high winds
The young man was out walking and was swept up into the winds
They lifted him up higher and higher before dropping him hard onto the ground

When he  finally awoke, he found he was no longer in the future but had been returned back to his time and place.
To his great sadness, the girl was also gone

He tried to search for her but couldn’t find her anywhere
He tried to call her but couldn’t reach her
All he could do was think about her
He was at a loss of what to do
He tried everything to return to the other time but couldn’t

He was heartbroken
So was she
She tried as well to find him but had no luck
Sometimes she would dream about him and call out his name

One day he went to the ocean and stared out at the sea. He closed his eyes and called out to her

He removed every thought in his mind except for her hoping she would hear him. Alas nothing happened

He tried doing this over and over during the years with no result

Then finally one day she heard him calling to her across time

She answered
The girl came across all time and distance to see him

She brought herself to his time and place to stay and be with him

Magic
Together forever

We all need to belong
To have a special someone
Have a place to hang our hat
To put our feet up and call home
Where friends and family are
Somewhere
Somehow
To something
To be loved and love
Without it we feel lost
Untethered
Like a balloon loose in the sky

We all need to belong

Somewhere
Somehow
To something greater than ourselves
We need to matter
We need to have a purpose
A reason to keep moving
We need to feel a place in this world
We all need to belong

When in doubt
Trust
When in doubt
Believe
When in doubt
Pause
When in doubt
Meditate
When in doubt
Follow the light
When in doubt
Stay calm
When in doubt
Seek comfort
When in doubt
Trust

When will things calm down
When will there be some normality
When will the suffering end
When will calm come
A time of peace
Not turmoil
Not upset
It’s been a long time now
That things have been upside down
It’s been a long time since there was peace
We need more light
Not darkness
I pray all the time
For peace
For safety
I am waiting
When

Show a Little Kindness
Just 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??

It's 6 am on the east coast

Washington DC

Up high, over the horizon is a wide open sky

As far as the eye can see

Threads of cotton candy pink streak across the sky against a pallet of blue/gray.

It is so beautiful, it almost looks surreal and artificially created.

The city has not yet awoken for the day.

It is still, calm and quiet.

A slight, ever so gentle breeze rustles through the trees.

Then, slowly, the pink cotton candy streaks start to blend together

and dissolve into the sun.

As the ball begins to rise, it announces the coming of a brand new day.

A few birds fly by a balcony and land on a ledge to watch the view.

And once again, Washington DC wakes up.

Sometimes when we are delayed
Or slowed down
In doing something
There’s a reason
We may not know it
But there is
We shouldn’t fight it
Those pauses are for protection
To stop us
From doing something
Not really meant for us
Later on as we look back
We will see and understand
When you are delayed
Or stopped
Just become still
The universe is looking out for you

Street Scene

Sitting in a café
Facing the street
On a sunny day
Watching the traffic pass
People on the street
All shapes and sizes
Different colors of clothing
A Coke truck across the street
Horns honking
It’s life
In the city
The café has plants
Large green ones
They offer a slice
Of nature and calm