They had been together for almost a year
Their time was ending
They had gone out to dinner
In the big city
One last time
Spent time walking around enjoying their time together
They were with her parents
It was spring
The weather was perfect
She wore a lilac colored dress
It was a perfect night
The city was full of magic

Soon they would have to leave
To head back home north
They didn’t want to leave
They didn’t want the night to end
But it had to
They had no choice

When the car came around
They sat in the back
Her parents were in front
As her father drove
They were quiet
Then his hand reached out to her hand
Touching it ever so gently
They sat holding hands the entire drive
Quiet
Together

Once again we wait
After diminishing
The enemy has returned
With a fury
Touching all parts
Of the world
No one is immune
Even the vaccinated
So we take a pause
Slow down our excitement
And wait
We are frustrated
We are tired
Both emotionally
And physically
Yet we go on
We have no choice
We return to past practices
To protect ourselves and
Loved ones
Watching for signs
That once again
We can finally stop waiting
And start to return
To life

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 season
Of holidays
A special time for many
Full of bright colors
Reds, gold, greens and blue
The smells of baking
Cookies, cakes and more
Hot chocolate and apple cider
Hints of snow all around
Store windows dressed for the season
Scents of pine trees wafting through the air
People’s moods improve
Thinking of the common good
Instead of the one
A desire for peace
Stillness
Harmony
It’s coming
The season

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
It’s Tuesday already
Days go so fast
Time to get up again
Get dressed and ready for work
Traffic is heavy
Coffee is on and the odor fills the room
It’s a welcoming smell
Like an old friend
A favorite mug is out to receive the brew
Clothes are ready to put on
Coat waiting close by
As one gently slides into the weekday blues

Music

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

It is gently snowing. Large size white flakes very slowly. Looking like queen Anne’s lace. As you stand in the forest -- there are no sounds except a few birds in the trees. It is so quiet you can almost hear the snow fall. You are aware of your breathing which slows. You close your eyes to listen to the quiet and feel the stillness. You are one with nature.

Snowflakes gently touch your face but you are not cold. There is total peace.When you open your eyes, you see a doe looking at you. Still, quiet and peaceful. You don’t want to ever leave this moment.

The sand on the beach was light pink in color and was fine to the touch
The water at times was a brilliant turquoise blue

The beach was lined with large umbrellas stuck in the sand at an angle
They were numerous colors and some were multi colored
They painted the beach as a work of art

People were sitting under them watching the waves through their sunglasses or basked in the sun seeking the perfect tan

The waves pounded the shore breaking with luminous white foam as they reached the shore

The air was warm but not hot with a slight breeze soothing to the skin
A hint of salt wafted through with each breeze which was refreshing

It was another hypnotic day at the beach

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

Red bird

He brightens everything
He sets the scene
Snow is whiter
Trees are greener
Winter is brighter

Red bird

His feathers are perfect
On top of his head sits a crown
He has a dark black face
Surrounded by red
His beak matches his color

Red bird

A bevy of them are lovely
Sitting in bushes or a tree
They look too good to be true
They are beautiful

Red bird

The street is washed in a morning hush,
Tiles whisper stories under rush.
A woman walks in crimson grace,
her dress flowing behind her
A building in the background keeps watch
Over all that’s there
Like a silent protector

Between the stone and sky’s soft blue,
The city breathes in something true.
Modern windows, ancient light—
the city begins the day just right.

We all want to be free
To feel we can do and be
As we choose
Without being controlled
We need to be able to find our way
Unencumbered
Whether it’s taking a walk
Or shopping
Or sipping coffee
Or reading a book
Or just living
When freedom is taken away
Or stifled we feel smothered
Creativity ceases
The spirit grows quiet
Our light dims

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.

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

It’s early
On a Saturday
The city is quiet
Peaceful
Not many people out
There’s a stillness to it
Refreshing
The air is clear
Shops not open yet
It’s the beginning
Of another day
Soon the quiet will leave
Replaced by people and noise
But for now
There’s a little bit of heaven
In the quiet and peace
Early morning

Dark blue velvet accented by soft white lights giving off a magical glow
A winding river decorated with pearls
Ducks fishing for their dinner
Light breezes brushing against my face
Quiet all around
It looks like something out of a movie
Too perfect to be real
But it is
It’s magic
Pure magic

Believe
In yourself
Your abilities
Believe
in others
The possibility for good
Believe
in the impossible
Believe
it will get better
Believe
In light over darkness
Believe
In kindness and love
Believe
In magic
Believe
In your own value
Believe
In possibilities
When you do
You light up the world

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 jumped
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

I am a person
I am alive
I have feelings
I have needs
I am no different than another
I need love
I need care, a home and sustenance
I want to walk free
To be able to live my life without pain or hurt
At times I am alone
Other times I am not
I am no different than another
I am human

Writing is in my blood
It runs through me like a running stream
It is intertwined into my inner most being
I am driven to do it
It is part of the air I breathe
It is life
It lifts me up
Like meditation
I disappear to another world

Writing is my blood
It is intertwined into my inner most being
Without it I am lost
Without it, I am not me

Writing is part of my life
It lifts me up
Like meditation
I need to write
I crave to write
It is like giving birth
Creating a new work
From nothing


Writing is my blood
It gives me peace
It brings harmony

There is a very special place a long, long ways away.....it is thousands of years old with traces dating back to Spain and before.

In the land of a thousand and one nights. The place of myth and rumor, is a city built of light rose pink buildings with turquoise window frames and a feeling of a great peace and harmony.

Things move slowly here as there is no reason to rush. At night, a calm falls over the city and it takes on a lavender hue.

People sit in cafes enjoying their coffee while the hypnotic breezes brush across their faces tempting smiles and laughter. Some call this feeling the purple haze. It seeps into buildings like a vapor, moving through the walls and windows covering its residents with a soft blanket while they sleep.

It has a delicate scent of lilacs and the color is a pale colored lavender with flecks of gold and silver woven through it like a fine tapestry or fabric.

As the mist penetrates the air, it brings about a feeling of total peace and tranquility second to none. The origin is a mystery,  though some say it comes from the snow capped mountains near by.

All anyone knows for sure is that it is a precious gift.

It’s magic

Look for Joy
At times of darkness
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 it fill your heart with happiness
Let it bring you laughter
Let it bring you the moon
Let it bring love and comfort
Let it make you dream
Let it make you believe
One more time
Let it bring you sweetness
Instead of sour
Let it soothe your soul

Let joy touch you

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

At a time of negativity
Be positive
Be thankful
For loved ones, family and friends
For the life you have

Gratitude

At a time of great strife
Be thankful
For the many blessings that have graced you

Gratitude

At a time of darkness
Reach for the light
Let it lift you
Let it inspire you
Be thankful

Gratitude

At a time of difficulty
Reach
Persevere
Believe
Achieve
Inspire
Be thankful

Gratitude

Look around you
See what there’s to see
Experience life to the fullest
Give love
Offer care
Make someone smile
Offer light instead of darkness
Lift up someone
Then the world
Be thankful

Gratitude

The gentle dance of the nuances
The nuances are ever so slight and almost hidden, just a slight difference, or way of being, perhaps even thinking or feeling. Sometimes it seems that they are not even there, invisible to the touch and senses.

From one familiar land to another that is somewhat familiar yet unfamiliar. There is a chemistry to a place, and a rhythm which one needs to fit into and the melody may not be exactly the same. Similar to an orchestra, one needs to find the right instrument and music to play.

The dance of the nuances can happen. Between people, between worlds, between almost anything.
What seemed so sure so many times before may seem unsure now, steps feel a bit uneven as one moves out onto new terrain and unchartered territory. Like a baby bird gathering twigs for a new nest.
But, through each step, learned and accustomed nuance, the unfamiliar starts to become more familiar.
The music to the dance is one of patience, time and learning.

After hardship
After pain
It’s important
To seek joy
Even if for a moment
Let it fill your heart
With light and warmth
Let it chase away darkness
Joy can be found
In so many ways
Large and small
It doesn’t matter
It’s the feeling
That’s important
So always
Seek joy
Because
In the end
That’s really
all we have
Use it to
Light up the world
With your own special light
Believe

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

If you hurt me I will not hurt you
I will just walk away

If you love me
I will love you back
With all my heart

If you offer a chair
I will sit with you
I will give my time

If you offer peace
I will join you
Hand in hand

If you hurt me I will not hurt you
I will just walk away

If you love me
I will love you back
With all my heart

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

A summer wind whips through the air and the trees
Lightning dabbles the sky like a quick paint brush
It’s stunning
Tree limbs bend as the wind moves through them
Like a dance
The sky lightens up from the electric charge moving through
The air fills with the sound of thunder
It’s pounding a rhythm
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
Hold on
It’s coming

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

Memories

Slide in and out of the
recesses of our mind
Like clouds floating by
Some stay a while
Others rush past
Some make us smile
Some make us frown
Some make us laugh
Some seem so real
it is as if we can touch
them once again....

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

Whispering winds blow across my face
Soothing my troubled soul

Whispering winds blow across my face
Bringing sweet scents of flowers

Whispering winds blow across my face
Lifting me up

Whispering winds blow across my face
Healing my pain

Whispering winds blow across my face
Reminding me of you

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

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

When one is surrounded by clouds of darkness
When the burden feels to much
From weight and darkness
Look for the small light shining in a distance
It will guide your way
It is your destiny awaiting
It is these small slivers of light that give us hope
Believe
Light up the world

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

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

Winter is coming
Gray, dark skies outside
Wet cool air
Rain falling
Sometimes gently
Sometimes harder with vigor
The terrace is being cleaned
Plants are getting nourishment
The sky and streets being cleansed
Once again
A calm cloud hovers
Quiet and peaceful
As the rain continues to fall
A good day to nap
Warm under the blankets
It’s a rainy day

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

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

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

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

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

There’s something
to be said about quiet
and peace
It can calm the spirit
Clear the mind
Slow things down
The world is so hectic now
So much noise
Rarely silent
With social media
There’s always something
It’s hard to find a moment
Yet we all need it
Crave it really
That little bit of peace
It refreshes us
Feeds inspiration
It’s golden
And everything

He was just 17
He came from a faraway land
Across the ocean
He had been preparing his entire life
To travel
To venture forth
He had studied another language
Other customs and a different way of life

He was chosen to do this
To leave and travel to a distant land
As part of a special program
He was the first in his family
To do this

He was the traveler
He would leave his home and go to a new place
He went by plane flying for a long time
Landing in a very large city where everything was new
He would stay there for several days before moving on to his final destination

He ventured out at night to see the sights
He had never seen anything like this
He was intrigued and curious
He walked and walked exploring
Until he could walk no more
When it was time, he returned to his resting place for a meal and sleep
Because of all the travel and walking he slept well

The next day he went out with his friends to explore more of the city
They had one more day before leaving
They went everywhere
Going into shops
Eating new foods
Observing people
Watching the rhythm of the city
At the end of the day
As the sun went down
They returned to their resting place for dinner and much needed sleep

The next morning they would leave and go to other places
They would be there for a year
The traveler slept well to get
ready for his next adventure
He was excited by what he would see and find
Everything would be new to him

He was the traveler coming from a different land
He came a long distance
To where he was going
He had been chosen
He was special
His future awaited him
The best was yet to be
Destiny was just around the corner

Look deep inside yourself
Look in your heart
See what is really there
Feel what is there

Trust yourself
Always
Follow your path
Spin up your dreams

Look deep inside yourself
For the answers
You are seeking
They are there

When in doubt
Trust yourself
Follow your destiny
Never doubt
Through it all
You will always persevere

When in doubt
Trust yourself
Follow your heart
Follow your dreams
Reach for the stars

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

Sometimes we may fail
We may even feel like a failure
We may fall down or not meet expectations
Ours or others
But if we try, including new things are we?
As long as we get up and try again
Failure

People judge others all the time
Holding them up to their standards
Whether they are appropriate or not
How can one truly know about another
Without being in their shoes
Failure

If we take a risk and try something
If we reach beyond our means
If we find our own way
Even if different and unique
If we define ourselves based on our choices
Are we a failure
It’s in the eye of the beholder
Especially ours
Failure

Ocean breezes fill up my lungs
Their air cleansing and healing
Invigorating me

Ocean breezes

The sound of the waves is hypnotic and calming
Almost like meditation

Ocean breezes

The turquoise color of the water is mesmerizing
My eyes are transfixed on it
Like a impressionist painting

Ocean breezes

Walking along the shore is like coming home
Picking up shells and exploring
Seeing the white foam of the waves

Ocean breezes

The cries of seagulls makes me smile
The feeling of warm sand on my feet
Makes me feel at home

Ocean breezes

It’s a new day
A brand new year
A time when we can restart
Reinvent ourselves
Try something new
Explore
A time to hope
For something better
It’s a new day
A brand new year
A time to reflect
On what was
But also what is possible
A time to remember
Those sweet memories
That touch us
Ever so gently
Like butterflies
It’s a brand new day
It’s a new year
With new opportunities
Blessings
Believe

There is forest and quiet
The trees reach to the sky
Darkness abounds
The air is cool and clear
A cabin sits
Surrounded by snow and trees
Mountains are in the background
A light is burning in the cabin
Smoke coming out the chimney
Scents of pine trees in the air
A dog sits on the steps
He’s a husky
Beautiful white and black
Waiting for it’s owner
A pie is baking in the oven
Apple perhaps
Coffee is on the stove
A fire burns in the fireplace
There is sublime quiet
There is a sense of calm
It is intoxicating
Like a sanctuary

Deep in the woods

It’s been almost 2 years
Of lockdowns and isolation
Masks and very little contact
Today I saw a friend
For coffee
We talked and laughed
For hours
It was cathartic
I felt like a kid in a candy store
Wow
Like a release
It was a gift
I will always treasure
Hopefully more outings
Will come
It felt good
After so long
Wow