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.

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.

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

Every now and then we find
a special doorway
It leads to magic
Where anything is possible
It is a beautiful place unlike any other
It looks like a fairytale

Every now and then we find
a special doorway
It leads to magic
Where dreams come true
Where we can do the impossible
We can climb any mountain
Cross the deepest river

Every now and then we find
a special doorway
It leads to magic
To a special place and time
Unlike any other
Where dreams come true
And the impossible becomes possible

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

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

Hints of apple cider were wafting through the air

A beautiful beige pottery mug was sitting on a table awaiting it
Cider was heating on the stove
Steam rising from the pan spreading the scent

A cinnamon stick sat next to the mug
It would add the extra touch
Hints of apple cider

It was that time of year again
Apple cider time
Time for the smells and scents of fall
Apples
Cider
Stews and soups
Freshly baked bread
Pies
Hot chocolate

The mug was impatiently waiting to be filled
The cider was almost ready
Once done it would be gently poured into the mug

A cinnamon stick would be placed inside the mug with the cider
The smell was intoxicating and inviting
Hints of apple cider

It was a special treat to close ones eyes and smell it
It almost had a calming effect

It was almost to good to drink

Once ready, the man picked up the mug full of cider
Perfectly prepared
He walked over to his favorite chair
A rocking chair

He sat down by the fireplace
A fire was burning
The wood was crackling as it burned

He gently sipped the cider
Closing his eyes
Savoring every drink
Hints of apple cider

As he drank the cider
He watched the fire
The radio softly played music in the background

Outside the wind was blowing
Leaves were flying through the air
Landing in different places
Light snow had begun to fall

It was going to be a perfect fall night
Hints of apple cider

Once done with the cider the man returned his mug to the kitchen and cleaned the dishes

He then went to the bedroom to get ready for bed

He changed his clothes
Put on his pajamas and folded down the bed

The man could still smell hints of apple cider in the house

His black and white cat jumped onto the bed to get ready to sleep

The man climbed into bed and picked up the newspaper

He started to read when sleep overcame him

He set the newspaper down along with his spectacles and settled in for a long sleep

At the other end of the bed his cat was curled up fast asleep purring

The fire was slowly burning in the fireplace

As they both slept another night rolled in bringing peace and quiet

Hints of apple cider

Snow covered pine trees blanketed white
Muted lights outside
Cold air clean to the breath
That hangs in the air
Winter is Here

Slow walking people bundled up
Bright colored scarves
Hats of all shapes and sizes
Mittens and gloves
Winter is here

Birds seeking their next meal
Cats on the prowl
Dogs running through the snow
Fireplaces burning
Winter is here

Pies in the oven
Cookies being made
Roasts awaiting the oven
Scents of hot chocolate or cider
Winter is here

Sweaters and boots
The fare of the time
Warm flannel PJs
Heavy blankets
Winter is here

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

Believe the rest of your life
Will be the best of your life
Every day is a fresh start
We have opportunities to reinvent ourselves
Wake up every day anew
Looking for ways to savor life
We have a chance to push the positive
Negating the negative
As was told many times
Light pushes out darkness
Be someone’s light
Offer a smile to a stranger
Love instead of hate
It matters
We have the power
To lift up the world
One step at a time

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

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??

Gold, silver and red everywhere
It dazzles the eye
Blue and green glimmer
Pine trees standing high
Waiting to be taken home
People looking for the perfect gift

Wreaths hung with care
Adorned with ribbons
Lights strung on houses
Decorations in cities and towns
Holiday smells in the air

Presents wrapped under the tree
Children smiling and playing
Music fills the air
Families getting together
Memories fill up the heart

Gold, silver and red

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

Light

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through

Light

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures

Light

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

Light

When you feel alone
Help another

Light

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

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

It may seem that there’s is a drought
Everything is dry and harsh
Sparseness all around
The path is hard to find
Dust and muck have covered it
Drought

Life seems fast asleep
Nothing going on
Waiting for something
Dry winds blowing fiercely
Erasing everything before
Drought

But after a time the rain will come Bringing new life with it
The dust will settle
Dryness replaced with green
New life growing

Drought

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

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

After feeling pulled underwater
For some time

I can breathe

After feeling uncomfortable

I can breathe

My shackles have been released

I can breathe

I can move without effort

I can breathe

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

I can breathe

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

Fresh air

Sitting at home on a cold winters night
Bundled up under blankets with someone you love
Reading a good book or watching a movie
Sipping hot tea or cocoa as the rain or snow gently falls outside
Feeling safe inside
Smells of beef stew cooking on the stove remind one of home as a child
Hot bread baking in the oven
The warmth filling the kitchen
Warm sweaters of bright colors
Fleece lined jackets with mittens and gloves
All bring back feelings of home and comfort

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

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

Don’t worry
You won’t see me
You won’t hear me
I am gone like the wind
Quietly quickly
Just a quiet wisp
I am part of the sky
I have spread my arms
Like a bird
To soar
Upward
Undetectable
A slight vapor remains
Perhaps a light mist
As if I never existed
I will be gone
Just gone

Search your heart
Find the meaning of love
Find your destiny
Find comfort and care
Find where you belong
Find kindness
Find tolerance
Find what you were searching for
Find the best in people
Find beauty
Find why you are here
Search your heart

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

When you feel all muddled
Go into the forest
Sit amongst the green
Surround yourself
Let your eyes feast upon the beauty
Inhale the perfume of nature
Free yourself of everything
Let the beauty and stillness calm you
Go to another place
Away from the noise and bustle
Become one with nature

Be at peace

Every day she goes out
Putting on her red coat
She gets her things together
Heads outside and starts her day

She visits her favorite café
Slowly sipping her coffee
Thinking about her

As she finishes her coffee
She gets ready to leave
Putting her coat on
Packing up her

She has had the coat for years
It came with her to a new land
When she wears it it feels like an old friend
Red is a favorite color of her
In a way the coat helps define her

Woman in the red coat

Christmas jazz fills the air
Scents of pine and cinnamon
Beats pounding in the background
Elton John
Trees sitting on display

Christmas jazz fills the air

Holiday trappings all around
Silver, gold and red
Shops showing their best
People walking and looking
Warm coats, hats and scarves

Christmas jazz fills the air

Bright lights glimmer everywhere
Music spins through the air
Bright paper and ribbons

Christmas jazz fills the air

American rock music plays softly
The street scene comes alive
Cafés full of people sipping coffee

Christmas jazz fills the air

What is it?
Nobility or something more
If someone has it
What does that mean
Are they acting in a higher way?
Doing good things ?
Or is it a title only
When someone supports a noble cause
Is it for the greater good ?
Do we all have nobility in us?
Can we
Does it lift up the world ?

Street scene
People out running to and fro
Cold breaths in the air
Its holiday time
The season is upon us
Once again
The street scene is active
Markets full of people
Bright colors and tinsel
Everywhere
Lots of good energy
People selling their wares
Stores are fully decorated
With their best
Streets full of holiday lights
People smiling brightly with cheer
Music in the air
Trees decorated inside and out
Children running and playing
Parents shopping for the perfect gift
It’s that time of year
Street scene

Life is not about perfection; it is about growth and development. Growth comes from pushing through challenges and obstacles that happen. Whatever you do to consistently will shape your life will determine whether you meet your challenges with courage, faith and determination or if you allow them to overcome you with fear, and frustration.

Never give up
Always believe in your own potential for greatness
You are your own best coach
Believe
Light up the world

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

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

We all can create magic
We can do amazing things
Impossible things
We can bring wonder
We have the power to change the world
Into a wondrous place
Where anything is possible
For anyone, anywhere
We can bring in light
To chase away the darkness
We just have to believe
And use our own special light
To lift up the world
To new heights
We have the most powerful energy in us
Love
With that we can create
We are magicians
We just have to believe

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

Every night
Since the beginning
Fairies arrive
They are tiny creatures
Almost invisible
They have delicate wings
Like a hummingbird
They have always existed
They come to the believers
All over the world
To grant their wishes and dreams
As they sleep
Fairies sprinkle magic dust
To bring sweet dreams and protection
As night ends they return to their land
Awaiting the next night

A new year is coming
Soon
This is the last Friday of the year
On New Year’s Eve
At midnight
All over the world
We will 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 will be 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
A new day is coming

As the sun goes down
and the eve of Christmas begins
A silence and calm comes across the world as a soft layer of clouds
hover over the world
Christmas Quiet

Traffic slows down to a snails pace across the land and world
Christmas Quiet

Streets and stores become empty and activity slows down
Christmas Quiet

And as the hours pass and the time to Christmas comes closer
the world takes a breath and the air becomes still and peaceful
Christmas Quiet

Lights glisten with their holiday beauty and splendor
Trees decorated up for the holiday
Christmas Quiet

Families come together for a moment of holiday joy and sharing
Christmas Quiet

And for just a moment in time, the focus is on peace, goodwill and tranquility throughout the land during this time
Christmas Quiet

So, take a moment to listen to the quiet and stillness
To the bells ringing, the snow falling
Christmas Quiet

And let it fill you with peace, joy, and goodwill

Imagine walking into a forest full of pine and other trees
They are all colors and sizes

As you stop amongst the trees, all you can hear is the deep silence
and the sound of your boots as you walk along on the dirt path

A slight cool breeze rustles through the trees moving the limbs
as the branches sway back and forth to the rhythm of the breeze

It is pleasant and calming
There is a scent of freshness in the air
It is invigorating

The sky is clear, and there is a glimmer of the sun gently hitting the path ahead
As you look up through the trees, the sun seems to shimmer

You keep walking
At the end of the path, is a small log cabin with a fire burning in the fireplace
waiting for its owner to return
You can smell something baking in the oven
A bit of smoke leaves the chimney
A dog is quietly sleeping on the porch
A cat is busy chasing bugs in the yard
Wildflowers are everywhere
All shapes and colors
It’s a peaceful day
Summer

Misty mornings wake me with their beauty
From my deep within my slumber they greet me
They cover the earth like a warm blanket

Glimmers of sun can be seen from underneath the mist as it struggles to get free
Green trees pop up their heads
searching for the sun

Misty mornings wakes me
From my deep slumber
Where dreams rule over me
Imagination is king and logic takes a break

Hypnotic mist rises up
Covering the ground with a thick blanket
Like a Sherlock Holmes movie
Entrancing me with its beauty

Let joy touch you

Let it reach into you
Let it touch your heart
Let it stroke your face gently
Let it hold your hand
Let it lift you up towards the sky

Let joy touch you

Let it fill your heart with happiness
Let it bring you laughter
Let it bring you the moon
Let it bring love and comfort

Let joy touch you

Let it make you dream
Let it make you believe
Let it bring you sweetness
Let it soothe your soul

Let joy touch you

If you see someone with a frown, smile
Choose laughter over tears
If you see someone that could use a dollar, give
If someone needs help, reach out
Offer kindness instead of harshness and cruelty
Love instead of hate
Don’t judge, accept
Stay in the light instead of darkness
Give instead of taking
Lift up instead of tearing down
Trust instead of distrust
Open ones heart instead of closing it
There’s too much darkness and hate in the world right now
If we can just light the world a little through kindness and love, it’s a start
Every bit matters

In between the noise of life
There can be quiet times
Time to still ones being
Both body and soul
Time to calm things down
Time to center oneself
Time to remember
Our true self
What is truly important
Time to listen to the calm
Before the noise of life
Starts up once again

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

When she went out
When she was with others
While she slept
Whatever she needed
Came to her
When there was hurt and pain
She healed
When there was peril and danger
She was safe

It wasn’t of the spirit
It was something else
But it was always there
Covering her
Protecting her
It would never leave her
It would be there till the end
Like a shield
A force of protection

I was standing in the valley
By a mountain
The grass was so green
Like emeralds
The air was clean and fresh
Wildflowers were everywhere
All colors and sizes
Like a Monet painting
I had been waiting
For a long time
It seemed like forever
Then I looked up
And I saw
Slowly walking
A man
It was you
My heart leaped
I started trembling
I couldn’t believe it
After so long
After so many prayers
You were here
Standing in front of me
I reached out my hand
You smiled and took it
We started walking
Disappearing
Into the green valley

Candy canes and gingerbread
Peppermint and tea
Carolers

Holiday spirits

All sorts of goodies baking in the oven
Tunes playing on the radio
Scents of turkey and roasts

Holiday spirits

Brightly colored lights
Tall fir trees standing proudly
Snow gently falling outside

Holiday spirits

Crisp cold air
Icicles hanging
All set the scene for holiday cheer

Holiday spirits

I live among ghosts
Phantoms
They keep calling me
I walk by memories
Old haunts
I touch them ever so slightly
Carved through year’s of life
There are spirits
Vapors of life
I feel them touch me
They hover above
They watch
They listen
They are always there
I see remnants of where they were
I feel them
I can’t escape them
Every where I turn
Everywhere I look
I feel them
Echoes of them embedded
I feel them in the air
I feel them in thoughts
I feel them in faces
I live among ghosts and memories
Of another time

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

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
Safety
Peace and harmony
She belonged
She had come home
To her east coast heaven