Another New Normal What’s That?

Are we going back to normal?
That’s what folks say
But what does that really mean
Will it be the same as before?
Is it safe yet?
We’ve been here before
Several times
Will we take some of the last two years and keep it?
Did we learn that we are all one
We need each other to get through this
That things need to change
This is worldwide
Does it feel the same now sitting in a cafe?
Does the coffee taste the same?
Will it be comfortable to me
Or am I always watching
What does comfortable look like now
What will the world look like next year
Covid is returning
More variants
Will it ever leave?

The little cat sat in the window
She was watching the snow falling outside
This was her first winter

The little cat

Inside was at all Christmas tree
It was decorated with bright lights and ornaments
The lights and sunlight made them glimmer
At times it looked like they were covered with diamonds

The little cat

The little cat loved to look at them and sit under the tree
She had never experienced the magic before
Recently she had been adopted

The little cat

As she sat at the window she had a deep feeling of contentment
The snow began to gently fall outside
As she watched the scene outside she heard faint music
She closed her eyes to listen
She was grateful for her new home and owners

The little cat

Marginalization diminishes the spirit
Eventually extinguishing it
Until it no longer exists

Whereas when we uplift someone
We enhance the spirit and life

We create spiritual magic
Lift someone up today and help light the world

Each time we do darkness disappears just a little
Light is always stronger than darkness
Be a keeper of the light and a light worker

The sun is out
Against a bright blue sky
With hints of gray
There’s a slight wind
The air is cool
Winter is coming
It’s not far behind
People sit huddled in cafés
With winter coats and scarves
Seeking warmth
The next season is coming
It’s knocking at our door
The year is almost over
Time to reflect

The little cat sat in the window
She was watching the snow falling outside
This was her first winter and Christmas

Inside was at all Christmas tree
It was decorated with bright lights and ornaments
The lights and sunlight made them glimmer
At times it looked like they were covered with diamonds

The little cat loved to look at them and sit under the tree
She had never experienced the magic before
Recently she had been adopted

As she sat at the window she had a deep feeling of contentment
The snow began to gently fall outside
As she watched the scene outside she heard faint music
She closed her eyes to listen
She was grateful for her new home and owners

The little cat

We all have an edge
If we are willing to admit it
It gives us that extra push
To try harder
To excel
To be our best
It helps energize us
Sometimes we lose it
Not through our own doing
It just vanishes
We need it to feel ourselves
It helps guide us in a way
Some call it our groove
Getting our groove back
Because when we have it
We can do anything

Bright blue skies after a rain storm are as if Mother Nature created a brand new painting to share with the world

It’s as if she’s saying good morning

Look what I created for you today
A brand new start
Fresh and clean

Enjoy the moment it can be whatever you want

Imagine that you are sitting at the top of a building
It is all bright white
The sky is bright blue with a few clouds scattered through
The sun is out and it is a bright day
There is a slight breeze -- not too much

As you look out, you see the ocean
It is a deep blue
The day is absolutely perfect
You are calm and still
Embracing the moment
It is sublime
You feel total bliss
A little taste of heaven

You are standing tall like a warrior in the desert
There is a path before you
Going in two directions
One to the left
One to the right
They look the same
Yet each will go a different way
The choice is hard
So much to think about
You  stand at the fork
Not knowing what to do
Thinking
To the right?
To the left?
The air is clear
You can see for miles
There is complete silence
Only stillness
The sky is blue
The sun is bright
All of a sudden a wind picks up
It erases one of the paths
Leaving only one for you to follow
It will take you towards your destiny

I will love you till I die
Till I take my final breathe
I will cherish you till then
You are my universe
You are my prince
You are my sun and moon

I will love you till I die

I will be in wonder of you
I will be enchanted by your charm
I will be touched by your presence

I will love you till I die

You captured my heart eons ago
You touched into my soul
You knew me like no other
No matter what
No matter where

I will love you till I die
I will cherish you until then

Be someone’s sun
Let them be your moon
Bring out each other’s light
Touch the stars together
Instead of darkness
Bring out the best in them
Let them do the same for you

Light up the world with kindness
A little bit at a time

She’s been with us for six years
She had been born in a school
Was separated from her mother
Way too soon
She’s a orange ball of fluff
She’s our cat
Absolutely beautiful
Stunning
When she came
Her ears were huge
Larger than her head
She looked like a bat
She has piercing green eyes
Sometimes they look deep blue
She talks all the time
Has learned quite a few words
Is mischievous and curious
She’s my angel pie
Her name is Max
That’s a very long story
These days she’s around more than not
Following me around
Or just hanging out
At night when we exercise on the terrace
She sits up on a table
Watching
Overseeing
She spends much of her day
On the terrace
Sleeping and resting
At night she comes in
To sleep
Usually in the sitting room
In the morning
She expects to be greeted
With a good morning
Every day she has her treat
Of yogurt
Before eating, she smiles
She’s part of us now

She’s my angel pie

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

He was always there for me
He was my hero
He never let me down
He seemed immortal
He never walked away
He was my hero

He used to take my hand
He always listened
He inspired me to always try
He was intelligent
He was curious about the world
He was my hero

He taught me about life
He was kind and giving
He was a righteous person
He was my hero

He loved to laugh
He always took care of me
He was strong and handsome
He was my hero

He taught me right from wrong
He had integrity
He was a truth teller
He was my hero

He stood in the light
He was my hero

He was my father

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

I am living the pandemic mode
It was totally unexpected
Never in my furthest dreams
Did it occur to me that I would be going through this

Pandemic mode

It seems so unreal
Like the movie Contagion
Everywhere I look, it’s empty
Very few people are out
There’s a countrywide lockdown

Pandemic mode

Every day people wait for the numbers
Hoping to hear there’s a decrease
All around the world people hold their breath
Every person on the planet is going through this
There’s no discrimination

Pandemic mode

The definition of hero has changed
Instead of athlete or celebrity
It’s doctors, nurses, front line workers
Teachers, scientists
People keeping the world running

Pandemic mode

We stay hidden away
Unable to go out
Afraid to see another
Never knowing where the illness is
Hoping for a miracle
But patience is required

Pandemic mode

Nighttime demons appear
Offering frightening visions
Waking us from our slumbers
Having us crave the morning light
For safety and solace

Pandemic mode

You are a beautiful red maple leaf
Sitting delicately on a branch
You are one of many
The tree is a regal old maple
It has been there for years
With a tall sturdy trunk

The fall season has begun
Leaves are turning to turn colors
This tree has bright crimson red leaves
Some have already fallen to the ground
Others like you are still on branches

There is a slight cool breeze
It causes the leaves to rustle softly
The grasses bend and move to it
The landscape is dabbled in color everywhere

You are part of the landscape
Brightening the yard where you are with your color and shape

Sometimes the words
Just don’t come
No matter what
There’s no inspiration
Nothing strikes me
Nothing is there
Just a blank page
It’s like a winter white out
It’s painful
The desire is there
The want to
But nothing comes
It’s frustrating
Blank Out

I exist
Therefore I am
In this world
However
Am I living
Or just treading water
Avoiding negativity
Hiding from
confrontation
Am I separate
Disconnected
From the world

I exist
But do I live fully
In each moment
Or just go through
Each day
Almost robotic
In movement
I’ve lost my joy
Of life
I find solace
In peace and quiet
I exist
But do not live

Morning chimes
Outside my door
Hanging on a branch
Teasing me
With their gentle tune
Tempting me
Enticing me
Playing music
Melodic
Soothing to the soul
Lifting me up
To start a new day

Music lifts one up
It expresses what we feel
Fills our heart and soul
It can touch the world
Connect all of us
Together
Communicate our story
Tell our history and future
Express pain or joy
It can paint a picture
With sound
It can calm or excite
Causing us to dance
It inspires
Lifting us up
Sometimes makes us laugh
It’s a mirror into the best of us
Into all humanity
It’s healing and powerful
We need it
Without it
We are truly lost
It is magic

You are magic
A magician
Like Merlin
Years ago you cast a spell
It still remains

You are magic

A real magician
Everything you touch has wonder
Your smile is bright like sunshine
Your laughter is generous
You make the world better

You are magic

Your walk is melodic
Your eyes are kind twinkling with mischief
You enchant anyone you meet
Children adore you

You are magic

Everything you do is magical
Everything you touch is golden
You seem to almost float
Your spirit is light

You are magic
In every way

There is no doubt you cast a spell on me

You are magic

At times of darkness
Stand in the light

At times of cruelty
Be kind

At times of hate
Love

At times of judgment
Accept

At times of wrongdoing
Do right

At times of hardship
Help

At times of darkness
Stand in the light

The darkness and stillness of the
night are comforting
They can be hypnotic
Drawing one towards sleep
As the city noises stop

The feeling of the coolness
of the air as the temperature drops
Feels wonderful
After the heat of the day

The sky turns black velvet with a
hint of starlight or perhaps
a sliver of moon

The warmth  of the bed draws you in
Covered with sheets and
blankets wrapped for the night

As you lie there listening to the quiet your body craves sleep as your eyes begin to close

Dreamland awaits

Dreams are what we make
From the ideas, wants and desires
From our minds and spirits
We can take them into reality
At anytime
It just requires will, persistence
And faith
If you believe
Especially in yourself
You can do anything
At anytime, anywhere
Dream big
Watch it grow
Into your reality
We are each an artist
Creating our own worlds

Sometimes we have to wait
Sometimes we are stopped
It’s frustrating
But we don't know why
Sometimes there is a long wait
For something we need or want
Then all of a sudden
For no reason
The wait disappears
And we understand
Why we were stopped
It makes perfect sense
It’s for us
Our protection
Believe
Light up the world
With your special light
Understand
The pause

Ambiance is everything
It can make or break a place
Or a mood
The setting
The decoration
The overall energy

It can be positive or negative
It can bring feelings of great joy
Or sadness

Ambiance is everything
It can set a tone
It can bring people together
It can keep them apart
It can lift them up to a higher place

Ambiance is everything
It can bring peace
It can evoke harmony
It can bring light
Or it can smother
Bringing darkness

Ambiance is everything

Gray dark skies outside
Wet cool air to the touch
Breath almost visible
Like a fine mist
Rain falling sometimes gently
Sometimes harder
Terrace being cleaned by the water
Plants getting needed nourishment
Turning a brighter green
Sky being cleansed anew
The city being bathed and refreshed
A calm cloud hovers
Quiet and peaceful
As the rain continues to fall
Ever so gently
Rainy day

Is more than a city
It is a feeling
It is a place one goes to feel magic
A place that touches ones heart and never leaves
A place to go and touch history
and a place to marvel at all that is there
A place that dances like a gentle muse
Whether one fancies monuments like the Eiffel Tower or just a quiet walk down a street
Or sitting by the Seine
It is all special and sublime
But perhaps the most special thing  is to be there when it rains
To watch the people moving to and fro while the rain gently washes the city while sipping a cup of coffee in a local cafe
That’s Paris

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

You taught me how to live
What to love
How to live

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me how to grow
You taught me how to accept

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me how to read
You taught me how to question
You taught me what to believe

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me everything
You gave me everything

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me about honor
You taught me about integrity

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me to never give up
You taught me to reach high


You taught me how to love
Most importantly
You taught me what to love

Beautiful purple lilacs outside my bedroom window
Lovely to look at and touch
Releasing their exquisite perfume

Beautiful purple lilacs outside my bedroom window
Giving me a fresh bouquet every day

Beautiful purple lilacs outside my bedroom window
Taking me to a different world

Beautiful purple lilacs outside my bedroom window

Bridge to the Sky

Build a bridge to the sky
Reach beyond your means
Touch the stars and beyond

Look at all that there is to see
Embrace the true beauty of it
Let it touch your soul

Build a bridge to the sky

Reach for the sun
Touch the edge of the universe
Let it lift you up

Build a bridge to the sky
Believe in the impossible

I have known you
For such a long time
For the better part of my life
You have always been there
Since we first met
Remember?

I have known you
For such a long time
Ever since I first saw you
You have been a part of me
I have always loved you
You have dwelled in the deep recesses of my mind and heart
Intertwined in all of me like a never ending thread
Never leaving
You are part of me now
Like my eyes, hands or lungs
You bring light and happiness

Without you there is no real life

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

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

The bond between us and animals is sacred
To have the trust of an animal is very special
Whether a pet or wild
When we bond to nature’s creatures
We reach a higher place
The best of ourselves
Our spirits touch on some level
There is communication
Between us
When an animal loves
It’s pure
Like rainwater
There’s no ulterior motive
Of money or power
It’s just love
It is sacred

Come dance with me
Let’s dance up in the stars
Let’s tickle the moon
Let’s fly

Come dance with me
Let’s dance until sunrise
Let’s visit Mars and Venus
And all there is

Come dance with me
Into our future
Hold my hand
And walk along the beach

Come dance with me
Let’s walk by the Seine
Visit the Tower of London
Let’s see the islands of Greece

Come dance with me
Forever

We all have a destiny, a path to follow in our lives

Faith

If we are quiet, and pay attention, we will know what to do when, and where

Faith

The path is lit with a very special light to help guide us on our way

Faith

She is speaking to us
Warning us
Advising us
Comforting us
Helping us
We just have to listen

She’s been telling us about the planet
Warning us what will come
Showing us
With storms
Droughts
Fires
Extreme heat
We just have to listen

She’s been crying for us
For all the creatures that live here
She’s been begging us to change
To respect what’s here
The boundaries between us
And them
All we have to do is listen
Mother knows best

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

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

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

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

Red bird

Golden memories are like gifts
They stay with us for a lifetime
When remembered they
Make us smile
Laugh
Love
Feel joy
Touch us again as if new

Golden memories are like gifts
They stay with us for a lifetime
They are treasures
Like jewels
Some are rubies
Some are emeralds
Some are sapphires
Some like glistening diamonds

Each one is special in it’s own right
Each one touches our soul
Golden memories are like gifts
They last forever

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

We’ve been at this over a year
Learn!
We’ve been told what to do
To stem the tide
Yet we go back to old ways
Hoping things will change
We have the power
To turn things around
All we have to do
Is listen and learn
It’s not hard
It just requires a change
But in the end
It will be worth it
Not just for each of us
But
For the world
Let’s lift up the world
One by one
With our own special light
Learn

Where did fall go?
It was just here
It has disappeared into the wind
Summer is back with a vengeance
No more cool mornings
No more fresh air
The days burn hot
The air is heavy with heat

Where did fall go?
It disappeared into the wind
Freshness has been replaced
With bright sun and humidity
Apples with iced drinks
Stews with light salads
Blankets with sheets

Where did fall go?
I miss it

As the bright sun poured down on her
With its searing heat
It was unbearable
She needed a reprieve
There was the sound of water nearby
She found a beautiful waterfall
She couldn’t wait
The heat propelled her
She walked into the water
Under the waterfall
Letting the cool water run over her
As the water poured over her
It offered a soothing reprieve from the sun and heat
Eventually a cool breeze came
And gently blew across her face
Leaving a sense of peace and calm
It was so perfect
She never wanted to leave
She had found paradise

It’s that time of year when
Candy canes appear
Silver tinsel glimmers on trees
Wreaths are hung on doors

Precious ornaments are taken out
Beautiful ribbons tie presents
Carols are sung
Churches put on their Sunday best
Joy and cheer are felt
Kindness abounds
It’s that time of year when

People remember
Smiles are brighter
Laughs heartier
Love is deeper
People care and hug more
It’s that time of year when

Towns and cities decorate
Snow lightly blankets the ground
The world slows down just a bit

It’s that time of year
It’s special
It’s magical
Believe
Lift up the world
With your own special light

I can feel it
It is trying to come in
It glitters like gold
With rubies
And emeralds
It wants to lift the day
To spread light all around

Hope is outside my door

To erase the darkness and despair
To bring laughter and joy
To bring the bright yellow sun
It’s just waiting

To say everything will be alright
To inspire me
To push me forward

Hope is outside my door

To shine a light
To show me the moon
To show me the stars
To help me remember my path
To bring possibilities

Hope is outside my door
I just have to open it

Some of us are lucky
To be by a golden bucket of peace
It’s calming
It brings a feeling of beatitude
When we immerse ourselves
We can lose our daily troubles
Slipping into a special place
Of safety
Of belonging
Of familiarity
It’s a place one doesn’t want to leave
Ever
Have you found yours?
Treasure it
It’s precious
It’s rare
Believe
In possibilities
Light up the world

Where the grass is bright green, and sounds of running water can be heard there sits a large
weeping willow tree with long, bending branches
It has been there a long time.

The branches of the willow are so long that they can reach to the ground, and then up to my apartment balcony on the top floor

In the wind, the branches sway back and forth to the rhythm of the wind spreading out like the wings of a bird

As the wind blows, and the rain starts to fall, the willow bends down and up as if it’s trying to reach the balcony of my apartment and beyond

The tree almost looks like it is dancing to the rhythm of the wind with its movements back and forth and up and down

Nature is pure magic