Music lifts one up
It can express what we feel
Fills our heart and soul
It can touch the world
Connect all of us
Tell our history and future
It can paint a picture
With sound
It can calm us or excite
Causing us to dance
It inspires us
Sometimes it can make us laugh
It’s a mirror into the best of us
It’s healing and powerful
We need it
It is magic

It’s the little things in life

That make all the difference
Like saying good morning
Smiling at someone
Saying thank you
Offering a hug
That brighten up a mood

It’s the little things in life

That sweeten a day
Lift someone up
Lighten the world just a bit

It’s the little things in life

Like saying good morning
Offering a compliment
Sharing a joke
Laughing
That make all the difference

It’s the little things in life

Warm spring breezes move through the air
Wind chimes gently playing a quiet tune
Branches gently swaying
Birds out singing their song
Building nests
Sun shining down on flowers and flowering trees
A fragrant scent of spring in the air
The season has changed

He was asleep dreaming
Yet he still felt her hand in his
It was as if she was really there
It wasn’t
He felt the warmth of the touch
It gave him comfort and peace
Sometimes reality isn’t everything
Dreams and memories are
The power of care and love

Busy streets where I live
Cafés full
People out and about
Signs of life returning
The quiet leaving
For the sounds of the city
Tourists returning
Daily life returning
Bit by bit
All over the world
In cities and towns
Humanity is restarting
A new normal has arrived
After a long time away
Busy streets

We all need to belong
To have a special someone
Have a place to hang our hat
To put our feet up and call home
Where friends and family are
Somewhere
Somehow
To something
To be loved and love
Without it we feel lost
Untethered
Like a balloon loose in the sky

We all need to belong

Somewhere
Somehow
To something greater than ourselves
We need to matter
We need to have a purpose
A reason to keep moving
We need to feel a place in this world
We all need to belong

After the storm
When the winds stop
When the rain ceases
When the skies finally clear
In the morning
A new day comes
It looks brand new
It brings bright blue skies
Fluffy white clouds
Clean, fresh air
It’s invigorating

After the storm
The trees seem taller
The streets are cleaner
The plants are greener
Flower colors brighter
Rivers run higher

After the storm
Animals come out
Seeking a needed drink
Gardens grow a bit more
People come out from the shadows
Smiling
Laughing
From the gift
Mother Nature brought

I’m a New York girl
Some of my family is from there
It feels like home to me
There are roots there
I like it
The hustle
The bustle
The vibe
I’ve been to other cities
In county and out
But there’s nothing like it
There’s an energy
I’ve not seen it other places
A toughness and resilience
Other cities have their charms
No question
But for me
I’m a New York girl

Look through the darkness
Into the light
It may be hard to see
At first
But it’s there
It’s always been there
Since the beginning
It offers comfort
It offers healing
Each time you do this
Darkness lifts

Close your eyes
Smell the air
The freshness
Notice the slight aroma in the air
The flowers
Their sweet perfume
It flavors the world
With their scent
Each time you do this
Darkness lifts

Listen to the birds
Singing their songs
Notice their beauty
Their grace
As they fly through the air
With such ease
Each time you do this
Darkness lifts
Look

Copacabana Days
Rio nights
Beautiful beaches
Regal hotels lining the street
White silky sand
Turquoise water
Sultry breezes
Swaying palm trees

Copacabana Days
Black and white tiled sidewalks
Umbrellas everywhere
Children running and playing
At night the beach walk outlined with a string of pearl street lights

Copacabana Days
The sound of Portuguese in the air
Ice cream vendors moving along the beach seeking eager customers
Corcovado in the background

Copacabana Days
Beautiful bird kites — all colors
Flying high in the air
People wearing their best swimwear

Copacabana Days
Rio nights

Brazilian music plays
Barely heard
The rhythm of the beat pounding
Samba
Bringing smiles to faces

Palm trees blowing in the wind
White sandy beaches
Smooth as silk
Colored umbrellas
Children playing by the water
Kites flying high in the air
Some resembling birds

Corcovado in the background
Watching everything
Sugar Loaf mountain

Beautiful tiled sidewalks
Make a mosaic
Glorious blue skies
Dotted with clouds
Soft Brazilian music plays
Barely heard
Samba
Bringing smiles to all

It’s a Brazilian lilt

Dark cloudy gray day
Coolness to the air
Dankness permeates
Birds on the roof eating
Chirping sounds in the air
Creates stillness and quiet
A cat cozied up sleeping
Looks like rain is possible
Good day for coffee or tea
Inside
Safe and warm
Offers needed respite
Doing quiet things
It offers comfort

There’s a feeling of discomfort
Uneasiness
It’s hard to know
What’s what
Different messages coming
It’s confusing
To know what to do
To know what’s real
It’s been like this for a long time
Almost two years
Everything feels different
Yet in some ways
It looks the same
The aura is different
My desire to write
Gets stifled sometimes
The muse is still there
But struggles to come out
There’s always a discomfort
In the background
Causing my spirit to stir and churn
Uneasy

Sitting in a bakery sipping coffee
Watching the wait staff moving to and fro
People eating weekend breakfast
Talking and smiling
Streets full of people

Bakery heaven

Precious baked goods for sale
Beautiful to see
The scent of them like perfume
Intoxicating to the senses

Bakery heaven

He stood on one side of the grill
She stood on the other
The grill was black wrought iron
Somewhat ornate in the design
There were openings throughout it
That’s all that separated them

As they stood on either side he moved closer to her
They looked at each other
Deep into the others eyes
For a moment they got lost in the moment

It was magic
Then he leaned into her and kissed her gently between the openings in the grill
It lasted only a moment

He then smiled
His eyes twinkling
As he laughed with joy
He turned around to leave

She stood at the grill watching him
leave

Once she could no longer see him she closed the door
Savoring the moment
It was magic

Winter

Snowflakes gently touch your face but you are not cold

The air is refreshing
As you breathe you focus on your each breath

There is total peace around you
There is a scent of pine in the air
It reminds you of the coming season

You close your eyes to listen to the quiet
When you open your eyes, you see a doe looking at you.
Still, quiet and peaceful

It was a cool sunny morning
Spring on the horizon
The sky had a crispness to it
Sky was bright blue
The cool air was refreshing
Before the heat of summer

Tourists were coming back
After a slight hiatus
People were out sitting at cafe
Coffee and goodies
Some seats were empty
The atmosphere was somewhat muted
It made one long for the coming of spring
It’s just around the corner

As the new year begins, may you have a wonderous year filled with blessed moments and magic.

A fresh start

At this time of great rancor in the world let’s try and reach for the light instead of darkness.

A fresh start

To light the world step by step.

A fresh start

One small thing can brighten someone’s day.

A fresh start

If we can each shine a light the darkness will lessen.

A fresh start

Smile when you can
Share laughter
Offer kindness
Judge less
Hug frequently
Love harder

A fresh start

Treasure what you have
And always be grateful

A fresh start

We all have a brand new blank page.
Let’s make it count.

A fresh start

Sayonara
Good bye
Adios
See you later
Sometimes it’s the best thing to do
Friends grow apart
Needs change
Have differing interests
That shift like the sand

Sayonara
Good bye
Adios

Sometimes the best thing is to walk away
No need to explain
No need to discuss
Just let things fade away
Like the mist of fog

Sayonara

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

He stands at the shore
The water gently brushes his toes
He is alone
He has done this before
Many times

Across the waters

It’s a cool day
The sky is light gray
No clouds are in sight
The waves are slow and deliberate

Across the waters

He has been standing  for some time looking  west
He is also watching the waves
Their rhythmic movement
It’s hypnotic

Across the waters

He breathes in the air deeply
It has the aroma of salt
It’s refreshing
It has a calming effect to him

Across the waters

He thinks about what is on the other side of the ocean
He prays this time it will work
He concentrates with all his might
He’s trying to send a message

Across the waters

Will it arrive?
Will they hear him?
Hello, can you hear me?
Please answer back
He waits for some time

Across the waters

Hoping for an answer
Anything
Once again nothing comes
He is left with emptiness
He turns and walks away

Across the waters

Over the years,  he tried many times
Hoping his message would be received
It traveled thousands of miles
Hello, can you hear me?
I am calling you
Please answer me

Across the waters

Finally after years of nothingness
He gets an answer back
He can’t believe it
Is it real?
How is this possible?

Across the waters

Hello is it you?
I heard you calling me
I have tried to find you
But could not
How are you?
I have missed you so


Across the waters

There’s a small sliver of moon tonight
It hangs in a thick, rich black velvet sky
The moon glimmers a soft white
The sky looks rich enough to touch
In the distance is a glow of the city

Another day closes with a new night beginning
The air has cooled to the breath
The lungs feel refreshed
A slight healing breeze is blowing
It soothes the heat beaten brow

Plants welcome their daily drink
People move on the street enjoying the cool reprieve and coming night

Every now and then someone looks up and smiles at the moon
It’s magic
The moon looks down at the earth and smiles back

Delicious goodies
Bright colored ornaments
Gorgeous colors
Red, green, blue, gold and silver
Beautifully decorated trees
Scents of pine

Candy canes and tinsel

Tables adorned with chocolates
Holiday cookies all around
Smells of turkey and roasts
Pies baking
And all things good

Candy canes and tinsel

Snow covered lawns
Glistening white like diamonds
Outside trees adorned with lights
Carolers and choirs singing

Candy canes and tinsel

Sounds of music in the air
Feelings of good cheer everywhere
Smiles and laughter

Candy canes and tinsel

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...

We all have hidden treasures

Precious gems that mean the world to us

Unique things
Special moments
Memories
Family
Friends
Loved ones
Pets

We all have hidden treasures

We may not think about them
But we do
They are always there for us

Each is like a precious jewel

A diamond, ruby or emerald
Each one glistens with its own special beauty

We all have hidden treasures

It’s important to cherish them
Each and every day

When will things calm down
When will it be over
Will it be over
Ever?
What will the new normal be
When will the chaos stop
The danger
The fear and frustration
When will life return
To the sweetness
Of a spring day
With bright blue skies
Fields full of wildflowers
When?
I am waiting

Appreciate each new morning
Marvel at it
The start of a new day
Notice the beauty of the moment
At you being there to enjoy it
Look around
Notice your surroundings
Take note
Remember
Use the day as best you can
In the end, it’s a gift

Love no matter what
Open your heart
To all that there is
Believe
Keep it wide and free
Be kind no matter what
Accept
Believe
Love no matter what

Open your heart
Let others in
Feel deeply
Care no matter what

Love no matter what

In our lives we leave traces
Of ourselves
Our being
Our lives

It might be our clothes
Our smile
Our touch or laugh
Our face
We leave traces

It might be our perfume
Or cologne
The way we walk
Or leave a room
We leave traces of ourselves
Through the people we touch
The people we meet and know
Our family and friends

The stranger we smiled at
The child we helped
We leave traces
There are vapors of us
Always

Warm hypnotic breezes blow
The air is fresh and clear
Comfortable to breathe
A weeping willow bends to and fro
Its branches reaching towards the sky
The sky is light blue with a scattering of white clouds
Lulling one into a state of peace
Wind chimes play their melody to the rhythm of the wind
The willow tree leaves glisten from the sunlight
What a perfect summer day if only it could go on forever...

I cry my tears alone
I feel my pain deep inside
The hurt runs through me
I truly stand alone
What I knew is gone
The rules have changed

I am on my own
My muse has left me
The joy of writing disappeared
Leaving a vacuum of nothingness
I feel lost not knowing how to express myself
Feeling misunderstood
Afraid to speak
I am on my own

It was a cool sunny morning
Spring on the horizon
The sky had a crispness to it
Sky was bright blue
The cool air was refreshing
Before the heat of summer

Tourists were coming back
After a slight hiatus
People were out sitting at cafe
Coffee and goodies
Some seats were empty
The atmosphere was somewhat muted
It made one long for the coming of spring
It’s just around the corner

Come sit with me and hold my hand as we watch the last sun of the day before evening arrives

Let’s treasure this moment together
Let me gaze into your eyes and disappear
I have waited so long for this moment

When you left I wanted to scream
I wanted to run after you
To stop you
I wanted to grab your hand and go somewhere
Anywhere we could be together

When you left I wanted to scream
Every inch of me ached with the pain of you leaving
Like a hot burning knife searing my soul
I wanted to stop you
Take you anywhere where we could be together

When you left I wanted to scream
I wanted to run after you
To stop you
To do anything to keep you with me
Forever

In a far off distance stands a man
He is alone
On a desert-plain surrounded
by sand and sun

In the sky burns a bright yellow sun against a bright blue sky
No clouds can be seen

On his face is a big, bright smile
Surrounding him is a circle of bright light
And as he moves forward
the light follows him on and on
to his next destiny

Oh, if only he will be to see me

It’s been a long time
Since I really saw you
Saw deeply into you

We pass like two ships
Barely seeing the other
Barely touching the other

It’s been a long time
Since I felt you close to me
Felt your spirit
I’ve missed you
All that you are to me
I’ve missed you
Where did you go?

It’s been a long time
Since I really saw you

I am blocked
I can’t write
The muse isn’t there
It’s gone for the moment
No matter how hard I try
The inspiration has left
The heat burns through my mind
I am blocked
I can’t write

Peaceful images are gone
Searing heat has replaced them
Stress
Discomfort
I am blocked
No matter how hard I try
I can’t write

I feel insignificant
Lost my purpose
Part of my identity
Who am I now?
Where did I go?
I am blocked
I can’t write
My mind is burning
From the heat

There is no relief in sight
The muse is gone

Courage
It can be found
In unexpected moments
When someone rises
Up to meet the challenge
Either through actions
Or words
Or both
It can be someone
That stands up
Even when it’s hard
For what’s right
What we know deeply
In our hearts of hearts
Or someone that walks
Into danger to help
Or a healer helping the ill
Courage is everywhere
In adults and children
Around the world
There are those
That stand up
Speak out
Even when it’s difficult
Unpopular
They do it
At a time of turmoil
In the world
With pandemics
Wars
Unrest and violence
We need the courageous
More than ever
What are you??

The ocean waves are moving back and forth on a sunny day.
The sky is a bright blue.
The air is warm but not too hot. There is a slight breeze in the air. There is a tint of salt in the air like a sweet perfume but the smell is not too heavy.
The water is a deep blue with hints of white as the waves roll in and out. As the sun hits the water, diamonds show up and glisten against the light and the water..............

Hot burning days
Green palm trees trying to keep their green
Bright blue skies without a hint of white clouds
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
Reaching towards the light
Wind chimes churning in the breeze
Animals searching for a slice of shade
The signs of summer

Women dressed in light flowing dresses
Bright colors and patterns
Making them look 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

Brrrr today
Baby it’s cold outside
Jackets and scarves required
The air is crisp and clear
The sky is clear
The sun is out in it’s full regalia
The city is awake
Traffic moving
The café is almost empty
Too cold to come out
People huddled with their coffee
The steam offering warmth
Baby it’s cold outside
Hard to go out
Bed sounds nice where it’s warm
Winter is here and
Brrrr

How does one fit a an entire life into just two bags?
How does one decide what to keep?

A life in two suitcases

How does one protect all the treasured memories?
How does one decide what to leave behind?

A life in two suitcases

It can be done
Life can fit into anything
If one has the will and desire

A life in two suitcases

The idea of starting anew is exciting
To go somewhere unexplored
To see something different

A life in two suitcases

What drives one to do this?
Perhaps the most perfect love

A life in two suitcases

You slowly walk through the entrance of a cave.  At the end of the darkness is a small pool of water. The water is warm, not too warm, the temperature is just right and the color is a deep turquoise. You walk into the water and stand in the middle. As you stand there, a waterfall starts to pour over you, but very gently with rays of bright light from an opening above shining all around  making the water sparkle like diamonds. You are in the most perfect place. The feeling of serenity pours over you.

When I first met you
I couldn’t resist touching your face
Or you touching mine
Or running my fingers through your hair
During our time together
It was heaven
A form of bliss

When you left
I missed that
Like being withdrawn
From a drug
Things felt hollow
I missed your touch
Or to be able to touch you

Now decades later
We are together
I can reach out
To touch you
Or you can touch me
It’s like being delivered
Back to heaven

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

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

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

At a time of difficulty
Reach for the easy
Believe
Achieve
Inspire
Be thankful

Look around you
See what there’s to see
Experience life to the fullest
Give love
Make someone smile
Be thankful

We all build walls
Some are to hide behind
Some to prevent
Some to keep out
Some to mark areas
Some are real
Some are imaginary
Some are brick or wood
Some are stone or concrete
They are boundaries
Or borders
Or let limiters
Some are old
They can be high and reach the sky
Or low easy to jump or climb
They can lock someone out
Or keep them in
Let’s tear them down
And come together
We are all human
Believe

When I first saw you I knew
I would cross oceans for you
First
I would climb mountains
for you
First
I would traverse great
distances for you
First
I would give up what
I knew for you
First
I would do anything to see
you once again
First
To look upon your face and
touch your cheek
First
Eventually I did just that
First
Believe anything is possible
Light up the world

We have the power to heal
We have the power to touch
Deep inside
We have the power to love

We can lift up ourselves
We can lift up others
We can lift up the whole world

We can warm the coldest night
We can embrace others
We can stand in the light

We have the power to change
We have the power to grow
We have the power to heal

All we have to do is try
Believe

After Covid
After the New Normal

What happens after the new normal
When we try to become just normal
When we try to put life back
Can we recreate some semblance of order
When is it the right time to even try
Or do we continue as we have been
Until the hidden enemy is at bay

What happens after the new normal
Is there yet another one
Do we continue to wait
For the rescue
Or does patience get the best of us
Does the world take on another new look
Does it become a quieter, more solitary time

What happens to the new normal
When it becomes just normal

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
I was indeed alone
For some reason it hit me hard
Like a punch
Right in the heart
It felt like a form of withdrawal
I think I am addicted to you

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
The apartment seemed empty
Even hollow
Only filled with my noise

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
It hit me deep into my core
My spirit shook
It remembered another time
The feeling was similar
Long, long ago

This morning I woke up alone

The feeling was crushing
The silence deafening

I miss you dearly