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

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

I Am of the Spirit
I am a human being.
I am of the spirit.
Experiencing life.
As it comes.
Mostly in the present.
Somewhere along the road,
I realized that I was a spiritual being.
Within a human body.
I celebrate both.
They are part of the same.
They are one.
When I connect to both.
I remember.
While I was born alone and will die alone.
I am truly not alone.
I am of the spirit.
I am part of the greater whole.
The universe is my home.
I am of the spirit.

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

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’s golden
And everything

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

The summer storm came with a fury
The rain poured down as if coming from a glass
Rushing quickly to the ground
Blinding the eye like a whiteout
The plants danced in the wind
Happy to receive natures elixir
The air got cleansed of the soot and heat
The sky washed fresh

The summer storm came with a fury
The streets were cleaned
The sidewalks scrubbed
Mother Nature at her best

The plants were nourished  to the roots
The summer storm came with a fury
Making everything new once again

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

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

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

After the high heat
The burning sun
When it finally cools down
Even just slightly
It’s a big relief

When the air clears
And the morning cool comes
Once again
So one can sit outside
And breathe freely
Not feeling repressed
It’s a relief

When the sky is blue
With a few clouds
Actually visible to the eye
It’s a relief

There’s a feeling of refreshment
A reprieve has been granted
From the worst of heat
Just for a moment
We are so very grateful

Sitting in a hidden corner
Quietly disappearing
Back tight against the wall
Melting into it
Almost oblivious to the world
Trying to become like a vapor
Translucent
Uncomfortable
Watchful
Like a cat
Eyes wide open
Ready to run
Anticipating
Sitting in a hidden corner
Disappearing from the world

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 inspire

After several hot days
Mother Nature
Granted a cool reprieve
To heal the land
Feed the birds and plants
To lift up the soul
And light up the world

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

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

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

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

It was in the woods
A small cabin
Far from the bustle of the city
Almost buried by trees
In all shapes and sizes
In the fall, it becomes an orchestra of colors
Bright oranges, reds and yellows
The cabin was made out of wood
It had a simple design
Yet it was pure heaven
Comfortable in every way
There was a stillness to it
Which was peaceful and harmonious
The air was always fresh
Especially in autumn
When it became crisp
At night when the wind blew
The leaves would rustle
Making a pleasant sound
It was almost too good to be true
A little bit of heaven
The cabin

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

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

I've got Paris on my mind
The Eiffel Tower
Notre Dame
The Seine
River boats along the river
Louvre and Orsay and so much more
The ambiance of it
The lights at night
Bakeries early in the morning
Smell of fresh bread
Fine cheeses and wine
Great food
And so much more
I've got Paris on my mind...

Life is so fleeting
One minute we are here
The next we may not be
We think we are invincible
Especially when we are young
Yet we are really fragile
Both in body and spirit
Each day we wake up
Is really a true miracle
Because one never knows
What may be waiting
In the shadows
It’s important to focus
On joy and lightness
Pushing the darkness
Away
Because in the end
That’s all we really have
Believe in the possibility
Light up the world
With your own special light
It’s waiting

Coming out of the ground
Rose colored hills and mountains
Against a perfect bright blue sky
Solid jutting rock reaching up high
Forest greenery below
Making a natural blanket
Beholds a lovely sight
As Mother Nature paints a work of art once again

That’s how crisp, cool air is
Glorious
The changing of the guard
The cleansing feeling of a soft breeze
Across the face like a gentle kiss
The soothing feeling
Of the heat dissipating
It’s invigorating
As the season starts to change
The sounds and smells do
Different foods and tastes
Colors change in nature and fashion
It’s a fresh start
Where one can be brand new
Glorious
It’s a time for new beginnings
And magic

In my dreams I see a different time
A time of freedom
A time of no isolation
A time when I can go out
Where there is no disease
Where there’s hope

In my dreams I see a different time
A time when I can walk outside
A time at a local cafe or restaurant
A time to sit with friends
A time of hope

In my dreams I see a different time
A time of renewal
A time of creating a new start
A time of a new destiny
A time of hope

In my dreams I see a different time

The man stood out on his balcony
It looked out on the beach and ocean
From there he could see for miles
As he stood there all of a sudden the wind picked up with no warning

It whipped through the trees causing them to bend violently
His wind chimes which were carefully hung outside played a tune mimicking the rhythm of the wind

The sky begun quickly changing color
It grew dark with huge oppressive clouds hanging over the city
The tempo of the waves also changed as the sea grew rough
as they pounded the shore

It was no longer safe to swim or be outside
People began packing up their things to make their way inside
They knew what was coming

A storm

A beach umbrella was lifted up by the wind and went flying down the beach with its owners chasing after it
A book sitting on a chair was carried into the air and dropped into the sea as its owner ran after it

The man watched the scene unfold from his balcony laughing
While he watched, his tea kettle started to whistle on the stove
He was making a cup of tea

As he finished brewing the tea his cat woke up and went outside to survey the situation

When his tea was ready, the man brought it outside to the balcony and sat with his cat gently sipping the tea watching the scene
He enjoyed the taste of lemon and inhaled the scent of it like perfume

All of a sudden his cat quickly got up and retreated inside
The man knew his cat could sense the storm coming before he would
He quickly turned and followed his cat just in the nick of time
Just as they left, and closed the door, the sky opened up pouring heavy rain

The storm had indeed arrived

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

As the sun goes down for the night, clear your mind
As the sun goes down and the heat calms down, look towards the moon

As the sun goes down and the world slows down, slow your heart
Slow your heart and think about the good things you have

As you get ready to rest for the night, let your body relax and carry you to sleep

And as you wake for the next day, smile for a chance at a new start

And treasure each moment and every second as they are a gift

It’s one of those days
Still in the midst of winter
Skies gray and cloudy
Air cool and damp
Clouded over
People are moving slowly
Streets are empty
Cafés are full
People getting breakfast
Slowly sipping coffee
Clouded over
Warm beds are tempting
Heavy blankets and jackets
Cups of hot tea with lemon
Soothe the body and soul
Hard to get moving
Clouded over
Looking for that ray of sun

After so much time
With great storms and turbulence
Where people have been waiting such a long time
Things are slowly changing
A calm has come

After so much division and sour feelings
After so much pain and illness
Possibilities and hope have arrived
A calm has come

After heavy darkness
Light has shined through
It shines bright through the clouds
Bringing blue sky
Pushing the darkness away
A calm has come

After great sadness
Heavy hearts
Tears and angst
Joy has arrived
Life has gotten a bit better
Smiles starting to return
A calm has come

After people gave up
After too much stress
They want  to try again
To begin again
Together
A calm has come

We were hidden away
On top of the city
For more than a year
The world had been in turmoil
From many things
It was a dangerous time
Yet we were safe
Living above the city
Watching the world below
Come and go
Leaving when necessary
Hoping things will calm down
That they would get better
But was a see saw
So for then
We lived our lives
Happily
Tucked away together
Claiming lost time
From years past
Feeling blessed
That we were safe and healthy
On top of the city

Imagine that you are sitting
High above the world
In a tall building
It is all bright white
The windows are smoky colored glass
The sky is bright blue with a few white clouds scattered through
The sun is out and it is a beautiful bright day
There is a slight breeze moving through the air-- not too much

As you look out, you can see the ocean
It goes on for miles
It is a deep blue
The waves are slow
Hypnotic
The day is perfect
Just imagine

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

When hope is lost
People lose their north
They lose their sense of purpose
Seeking any sliver of light to lift
To show them the way
To guide
Seeking anything to inspire
But the vast void

When hope is lost
and darkness comes
We hunger for the light
We need it
To survive
We long for hope
We pray it comes

He’s gone
I saw him last night to say goodbye
The last time we were together before we parted
Not 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
He’s gone, he is really gone

The brightness has left me
The lightness
The humor and fun
Have all vanished
No more movies, walks, holding of hands. He’s gone
And I am here alone searching for him like a lost ship in the night

My body is tired
My soul is tired
My bones ache
I just want to lay down and rest a little

My body hurts
My soul stings
I just want to lie down and rest a little

My heart hurts
My mind is tired
I just want to lie down and rest a little

My eyes can’t see clearly
My hands can’t grasp
I just want to lie down and rest a little

My ears can’t hear
My nose hurts
I just want to lie down and rest a little

My compass is lost
I don’t know what to do
I don’t know where I am
I just want to lie down and rest a little

My body is tired
My heart hurts
My body aches
My soul stings
I just want to lie down and rest a little

As the sun drops for the night
The streets clear of cars and people
The emptiness is soothing in a way
Cats are the only creatures out
Seeking something to eat
Night quiet
As the sky grows darker
A black velvet blanket covers the sky
The stars start to appear along with a sliver of moon
Decorative lights are shining on a nearby building
Beautiful colors of pink and blue
Stillness is in the air
It is peaceful
It is calming
Sleep will be calling
With dreams
Taking one to magical places
Night quiet has arrived

It was you
That I first met
That entranced me
That I first danced with
That I kissed
Touched
Laughed with
It was you I never forgot
That I always loved
Thought about
Thirsted for
Prayed for
It was you
That I wanted not just for a moment but forever
It was you
My beloved

We all have a daily life
Jobs and careers
Errands we run
Household chores
Meals we make
Other things
The rhythm of our day
Daily Life

Our lives are separate
Yet similar in what we do
Our needs are separate
Yet also similar
Daily Life

Restaurants have a rhythm
Cafes, shops and stores
Streets and traffic
Everything has a rhythm
Different but also similar
Daily Life

No matter what part of the world
Everyone has a daily life
Whatever that may be
Each has their own rhythm
Whatever the beat
Whatever the music
Daily Life

While our separateness defines us
Makes us unique
Our humanity ties us together
For in the end
We are all one
On this planet
Living our lives
Separate yet together
Daily Life

Goodbyes can sting
Over forty years ago I said goodbye to my dream
I watched him walk away
It was almost more than I could withstand
It was to be our final goodbye
It was our first and most gripping

As I watched him walk away
I felt my heart start to crack
Tears streamed down my face
My body shook as if going through withdrawal

Goodbyes can sting
Today felt like deja vu
Unbelievably over thirty years later
I had the chance to see him again

At the end of our visit we had our second goodbye
We had big plans and high hopes
The second goodbye did not sting as much as the first because of hope
Unfortunately our plans were dashed

Goodbyes can sting
Luckily fate found us again
Putting us on the same side of the ocean
Today we had our third goodbye
Once again I watched him walk away

In some ways it stung like the first
Memories flooding back
This pulled at something I had not felt in a long time
While I know I will see him again
The heaviness in my heart will not allay
My emotions are tight like a fiddle
It’s funny they always say it’s easier to leave than to be left

Goodbyes can sting
My heart says that is true
They also say distance makes the heart grow fonder
That has been proven true as well

Goodbyes can sting

It’s December
In one of the most wondrous places
Paris
The skies are painted gray
Rain is in the air
A hint of snow perhaps
Apartments have a cold feel

Paris

Yet the streets are adorned
With holiday decorations
Shops show their prettiest wares
Chocolates and goodies

Paris

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

Beautiful gold purple sky
Mirroring a Monet painting
Rain clouds dotting the sky
Streaks of lightning highlight the clouds
A storm is fast approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
Looks like a work of art
Appears to close out the day
Winds pick up causing the wind chimes to play
Plants move to and fro to the wind
A storm is fast approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
Looks surreal
The color is deep and hypnotizing

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

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

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

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

The Voyager

She was leaving a place
Not like home
Heading to another
She couldn’t wait another second
She was heading home
To a place she had been before
To a place she knew and felt comfortable

She would drive all day and night
It didn’t matter
She knew where she was going and why

She began in the morning with her cat by her side
She would arrive at night before the end of the day

She drove through all types of weather ending her drive in heavy rain

At times it felt like the drive would never end
Rain pounding on the road and her car
It felt like it took forever

Large trucks racing by causing her car to be bathed in water
She was leaving a place
Not like home
Heading to another
She was heading home
Nothing would stop her
This was meant to be

Then she finally saw the signs of home
She smiled
She was getting close
Almost there
She was going home
Leaving a place not like home

Once she arrived where she was supposed to be
She settled herself in for the night
The rain had stopped
The air was cool but not cold
It was springtime
Trees were flowering
Flowers all around
Before sleeping she opened the window
The aroma of the trees filled her lungs and room
She took a deep breath and took it all in
The smell was like intoxicating perfume
She felt great relief and a sense of comfort
Her body started to relax
She knew she was finally home

Wind chimes rattling in the wind
Clattering of the bells ringing against the metal grate as the cold winter wind
whips through them
Trees bending in the wind, void of their foliage and green moving
to their own kind of rhythm

Winter chimes

Snow lightly falling and blowing around like cotton candy strands
before gently falling to the ground or other surfaces
It is the coming of winter and the start of the a new cycle in the
weather and season for the year

Winter chimes

Cold easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces
Temperatures dropping outside creating a frigid feel to
the body
Animals seeking a warm shelter
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city
Once again it puts on its nightcap for the sleep that is slowly coming

Winter chimes

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

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