They have held
While other things have weakened
They remained strong
Like a dam

While pushed and threatened
While others spun stories
Trying to change reality
They stood firm
Holding the rushing waters back
Waves frequently breaking  against their wall
Yet it held
Like a dam

The more water that came
The fiercer it was
They held
They stood firm
They did not buckle
Yet it held
Like a dam

While there was an onslaught
Day after day
Never stopping
They stood firm
Never bending
Like a dam

Strong
Unbending
Like a dam
A true warrior for justice

I am hiding out
Disappearing
Becoming a phantom of myself
Not seen or heard
Almost not here

I am hiding out
Finding new places
Going back to old ones
Changing my ways
Getting quiet
Calming the spirit

I am hiding out
Disappearing light a cloud
Becoming a phantom
Vapor to the wind

Smells of fur trees fill the air
Doors decorated with festive wreaths
Ornaments glisten as they are hung on trees
Red, silver, gold, green and blue
Houses adorned with lights
Make the streets look bright
Smells of cookies being baked
Hot chocolate filled mugs with marshmallows
Choirs singing carols
People running to and fro shopping
Cities and towns decorated up in their holiday best
It’s the time to celebrate the season

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

Early in the morning, on a crisp bright day, seagulls soar high against a clear blue sky

High above the ocean, they swirl around so fast you can barely see them

They almost look unreal

Quickly without warning, the gulls turn and aim towards the sun reaching higher and higher in their flight before disappearing

All the while, the dark blue ocean pounds the shore offering a pungent smell of salt as the waves hit

Onlookers stop to watch the dance of nature once again as it hypnotizes them into a state of calm

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

Cold and dark winters night
Raining outside
Sky a deep black velvet
Temperatures cooling off
Hard to feel comfortable outside
Bones starting to ache

My heart, soul and body hunger for the sun
Just a glimpse of it through the clouds
It’s been days of gray
I would take anything
I snuggle into my bed with warm blankets
Enjoying their warmth and comfort as the time passes into nighttime

My cat is by my feet seeking warmth for her body
I enjoy the sound of her purr as she falls asleep
Letting the sound calm me
Eventually my eyes feel heavy
Sleep is calling
On another winter’s night

He’s leaving again
He hasn’t left in a long time
It reminds me of years ago
When he left for good
There was no choice
It isn’t the same this time
But it brings up memories
Brings back that pain

He’s leaving again

On a jet plane
The feeling is so strange
Surreal
At times quite bothersome

It reminds me of years ago
With a young girl dressed in pink
Standing by a street light
Saying goodbye
Watching him leave

He’s leaving again
It pulls at my heart strings
It stings in a way
Leaving me here alone
What’s different this time is
He’s coming back

I can stand in darkness
I can be consumed by the sheer heaviness of it
How it over powers and takes over

Or I can walk towards and stand in the light
Letting its brilliance soothe and heal me
Letting the warmth massage my soul and body
Giving me much needed relief

I can stand in the darkness and be alone
No one around only silence
Where heavy clouds abound

Or I can stand in the light and be surrounded by love
Bathed in its beauty

Letting the light open and fill my heart and all corners of my life

Longing for the cool
It is the beginning of October
Yet the heat keeps coming
Like an unwelcome visitor
That has overstayed

I am yearning for the feel
Of cool crisp air
Cleansing breezes against my face
Clear skies

I am missing the scents of fall
My body and spirit tire from the heat

I am longing for the cool
Crisp, fresh air
The need for a blanket or sweater

Perhaps tomorrow it will come
I am longing for the cool

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 dim light shines across the waters a distance away
Shining in the dark and fog
The light reflects off the waves of the water
It’s beautiful
It creates a path through the waves
In the distance is a ship which has been gone for a very long time
The ship lost its way and has been looking for home ever since
Seeing the light off in a distance the ship turns and aims for it
This could be the way back
As the ship gets closer the light gets brighter illuminating the land by it
The land looks familiar now after so long
The ship is coming home

It's been too long
Since I touched your face
Looked upon your smile
Heard your laugh
Felt your touch
Held your hand

It's been too long
Since we walked the beach
Smelled the sea air
Watched the waves
Wrote our names in the sand

It's been too long
Since we danced
Watched a movie
Ate popcorn
Sat in a cafe
Sipped coffee

It's been too long
Since I felt your presence
Near me

It's been too long...

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

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

When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
We wish for something familiar
Something we can cling to
Something we know
We will do anything for it
It’s precious

When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
The flowers
The trees
The landscape
The people and the food
The feeling of it

It becomes an intoxicating perfume
For the soul and heart
To comfort and calm
When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
It never leaves us
It’s in our heart

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

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

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

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

It’s another Saturday morning
Start of the weekend
Sitting at a cafe
It’s crowded
Waiting on coffee and croissant
People come to and fro
Warm inside
But very cold outside
Another winters day
Sun is out to brighten the sky
Last Saturday of the month
Almost time for a new month
The city is waking up
Time to get going
Things to do

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

May the luck of the wind carry you in times of duress

May the luck of the wind bring you happiness at times of sadness

May the luck of the wind
take you to unexplored places

May the luck of the wind touch
your cheek gently like
butterfly kisses

Let it protect you
Keeping you safe
May it bring you peace and comfort

She had gone to see the Sahara
She had never been before
She wanted to see the sun rise
Over the desert
The night before she was in a camp
It was hot at night
Hard to sleep and rest
Before sunrise
She was wakened from her sleep
Time to walk to the top of the dunes
It was hard with the sand shifting
It was almost slippery
Once at the top
She sat down
Her feet dangling over the edge
She waited
Patiently
Quiet and serene
For the moment
That moment
When the sun begins to rise
Over the desert
She was excited, anticipating
The view and experience
After a while
Slowly
The sun began to come up
A bright red ball
Lifting high
It was incredible
Almost indescribable
Natures art
She felt her spirit lift
Towards the heavens
Just as the sun finally came up
Sahara Dream

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.

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

It’s like Seattle all over again

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

It’s like Seattle all over again

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

Our days are different
As we each go about our lives

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

It’s a Seattle reprise

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

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

It’s time to rise up
Lift ones spirit
High towards the sky
To leave behind the little things
To leave behind the mundane
It’s time to rise up
To something bigger
Grander

It’s time to lift oneself towards the sky
Towards the universe
Towards the stars
Towards all that is good

It’s time to rise up
To take the spirit to a higher place
It’s time

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

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 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

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

It’s a chaotic place
Like a carnival
Lots of bright colors and noise
Crowds of people
Going to and fro
Shoppers and diners
Cafés full
Laughing
Huge amounts of traffic
Cars and bikes
Sounds of horns
Music and dance in the street
Horses and carriages
Yellow taxis carrying fares
People standing around
Music pounding
It’s a carnival

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

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

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

Our lives are treasure chests
Filled with memories and experiences
Feelings
Every emotion possible
Images, smells, sensations
Each one is precious
Unique to us

Like a gemstone
Each one helps to define us
Each one helps us grow
To become who we are
Who we are meant to be

Our lives are like treasure chests
Valuable like a diamond or ruby
As time moves on they take on more value
Each one is a thread that helps mold us

Our lives are treasure chests
Beautifully designed
Intricate in every way
Filled with memories
Filled with experiences
Each one precious

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

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

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

Oh how I miss the fall
The crimson time
I miss everything about it
In some ways it is a fresh start
It is my favorite season
I miss the colors
The regal essence of it
The trees dress up in splendor
With reds
Yellows
Oranges and golds

There is a smell of leaves on the ground
The sound of leaves crunching as you walk on them
The sound of raking
Big piles of leaves in yards

The crisp clear air
The cool night
Leaves rustling in the breeze

Smells of pumpkin cookies and pies

Cinnamon, apple cider and
hot chocolate
Halloween decorations and candy corn

Oh how I miss the beauty of the trees and countryside as the colors dabble the landscape like a painting

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

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

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

Lift yourself up

Bring comfort
Offer calm
Give one a sense of belonging
Help one feel centered
They are important
They are most needed
During times of trouble
We all have them
Without them
We feel lost
We can’t find our way
They are like a lighthouse
Steering a ship to port
They clear out the fog
Erasing darkness
Bringing in the light

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

There’s so much rage
It’s everywhere
Seeping into the crevices
Hidden
Not just in one country
But over the world
Trust has been broken
Little things become huge
The light is being replaced
By heaviness and darkness
Yet every now and then
Some light sneaks in
Even if it’s just a little
And when that happens
Rage dissipates
It runs
Replaced by brightness
We must treasure
Those moments
Through them
We will heal
We can move forward
If we believe
We can light up the world

It was quiet and still. A couple of birds flew through the air in the distance
The trees created a rich green carpet covering the grass
The sky was a pale blue gray with fluffy pillows of clouds scattered about
They broke up the sky with their placement and artistic strokes
It looked like an impressionistic painting
The sky was also highlighted by a background light which created a shadow

As I watched the clouds, they became brighter, and started to turn to a light pink color ever so slightly

Mother Nature making magic

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

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

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