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

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

Light a candle
Save the world
Sit in stillness and pray
Light a candle
Save the world
Sit in stillness and pray

Light a candle
Ask for help at this troubled time
Stand in the light repelling the dark
Ask for healing for all
Ask for that we may move forward

Light a candle
Lift up yourself
Then lift up the world

Believe

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

Time to renew and refresh
Time to reflect
Time to forget and forgive
Time to clear out the cobwebs

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

Time to embrace a clean slate
Time to renew
Time to get ready

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

The future is before us
The past is a memory
Time to get going
Time to focus
Time to make plans

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

Anything is possible
The world is our oyster
Time to make things happen

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

She was just 16 years old
Yet she loved like someone older
She met her true love in high school
At a dance
He was handsome and dazzling
She was enchanted
He was her prince

All she wanted was to be with him
Forever
Yet life offers us twists and turns
Which we cannot control or change
Even when we want to

There was going to come a day when he would leave
She didn't think she could bear it
But she made him a gift so he wouldn't forget
A small book with important dates and photos
It was made with all the love in her heart

So at their final time together, she gave him the book which was a small part of her

She knew that we all have to follow our destiny
Even if it hurts
So she watched him leave her
Hoping some day that she  would  be given her dream

Please be kind
Have patience with others
They may not be like you

Please listen
Take time to understand others

Please be careful
It’s a dangerous time
Your actions may affect others

Please don’t harbor anger
It doesn’t help a situation
Step away if you have to

Please offer love instead of hate
It lifts us all up
Offer someone a smile

Please stand in the light
Instead of the darkness
Lift up the world
With your special light

Let joy touch you
Let it reach into you
Let it touch your heart
Let it stroke your face gently
Let it hold your hand
Let it lift you up towards the sky
Let it fill your heart with happiness
Let it bring you laughter
Let it bring you the moon
Let it bring love and comfort
Let it make you dream
Let it make you believe
Let it bring you sweetness
Let it soothe your soul

Let joy touch you

Search your heart
Find the meaning of love
Search your heart
Find your destiny
Search your heart
Find comfort and care
Search your heart
Find where you belong
Search your heart
Find kindness
Search your heart
Find tolerance
Search your heart
Find what you were looking for
Search your heart
Find the best in people
Search your heart
Find beauty
Search your heart
Find why you are here
Search your heart
You will find the answer
It’s always been there

At the toughest times
When things seem dark
Get still within yourself
Until you hear nothing

Go to a place of calm and comfort in your mind
Close your eyes
Stay there for a while

Imagine light surrounding you and giving you strength
Let it fill you up
With hope and love
Feel the safety and warmth of it

When you are ready move forward step by step
Knowing the light will never leave
It resides in you

I am elusive
Transparent
Hard to find
Sometimes I disappear into the night
Sometimes I look like a ghost
A vapor barely there
I can be the light mist in the wind
Touching your cheek
I am invisible

I can be a shadow on the wall
A faint outline of a person
Almost disappearing
Almost not there
But there

I am elusive
Hard to pin down
Always moving to and fro
I am a phantom
I am the dream that is not real
That disappears when you wake
The butterfly you cannot keep
The sunset that leaves
A moment in time that passes

I am elusive
Never really there

Know now whenever we see each other, there will be a feeling of great peace

We will feel safe
We will feel cared for

We will remember and continue as if there was never a break in time and space

There will always be the feelings of great care and connection
We will feel as if we have arrived home. We will be home

When we look into each others eyes, we will feel great comfort.
When we laugh, we will feel great joy

And, no matter how far the cord stretches, there will always be a thread between us
That is gold and white light called the universe

We are friends
We are one

Streets bustle with crowds of people filled with energy and excitement
Street corners become impassable because of large throngs of people
Trees are brightly lit for the season
Store windows are adorned with their best holiday decorations
Carolers and musicians can be heard along the streets
Giant nutcrackers adorn one building
Another with giant red ball ornaments
Street vendors sell their wares from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry
Coffee stands are on every corner
Police line the streets to keep people moving along
The hotel bar areas fill to capacity with folks needing refreshment or a comfortable seat before finishing their shopping
Nothing like Christmas time in the city

Xmas in the city

Holiday trappings everywhere

Bright colored lights
Reds, blues and greens
People running to and fro
Beautiful ornaments which glitter
Tinsel and candy canes
Bells ringing

Holiday trappings everywhere

Wreaths hung  on doors with bright red bows
Trees adorned with decorations
Scents of pine and cinnamon
Choirs singing

Holiday trappings everywhere

It’s the season
A time of joy and good cheer
A time of family and friends
A time of giving and gratitude

Holiday trappings everywhere

Cookies and pies baking
Special meals being planned
Gifts and music abound

Holiday trappings everywhere

The sun is about gone for the day
It is that time before nightfall and daytime
A slight warm breeze is blowing, teasing the face just a little
Seductive to the touch

The branches of the plants are gently moving to and fro
A touch of sun can still be seen in the distant horizon

The city street below is full of life
Restaurants and cafes are open
People moving about

A drum beat of music can be faintly heard in the background
Voices talking from the restaurant and bar next door

Lights of the city coming on for the night
As the city prepares for nightfall to come

The wind chimes are clanging outside the window
Making their own type of music

The wind is whipping through the trees at such a furious pace the large weeping willow outside is bending and swaying to its own dance
Branches moving like the conductor of an orchestra

The clouds have turned dark and menacing dropping lower to the ground
The sky is color changing to match

A storm and rain is on the horizon
Get ready

There’s a hint of Christmas

You can feel it in the air
Bright music can be heard
Choirs singing carols
Scents of pine and cinnamon
Apple and mince meat pies

There’s a hint of Christmas

Cities decorating up their towns
Lights hung
Wreaths on doors
Shop windows decked out
Trees lined up for sale
Children writing to Santa
Gingerbread cookies

There’s a hint of Christmas

Presents being wrapped
Songs on the radio
Old favorites
Families coming together
Smiles full of cheer
Troubles forgotten
Laughter louder

There’s a hint of Christmas in the air
Can’t you feel it?

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 bit
Light is always stronger than darkness

Be a keeper of the light and a light worker

He was a large brown tortoise
He was over fifty years old
He lived on an island
Far from the large city
He loved the color of the sea
It was a light turquoise
Which glimmered when the sun hit it like diamonds
It was always warm but not hot
The weather was perfect
The waves made a rhythmic sound when hitting the shore

Sometimes he would wade out into the water eventually swimming to the bottom
The sand was soft as silk
He was looking for food
Slowly he swam and walked around until he found it

He stopped to feed on the coral
Loosening parts of it as he ate
This was his favorite meal
As he ate a school of brightly colored fish swam up to join him
They ate the loosened pieces of coral and algae grateful to their friend the tortoise

When he was done eating he swam back to the surface walking back to the shore
He found a rock on which to settle as he was feeling sleepy after eating
He pulled his head into his shell closing his eyes and napped

While he slept the birds flew by looking for fish
A cruise ship appeared moving slowly towards the city port
Local folk moved about
Music played in the background
As another day unfolded

Beautiful flowers were all around
Their sweet smell filled the air
Like expensive perfume

Markets were full of fruits and vegetables
Artifacts and local wares lined the shelves of shops getting ready for the visitors

Soft island breezes blew swaying the palm trees to and fro rustling their leaves creating a muted noise

It was a peaceful time on the island
It was home to the tortoise
He traveled from time to time
Sometimes far away but always came back to this island
It was home

It’s a bright bright Friday

The sun is shining and
The sky is blue
No clouds in sight
The city is getting ready

It’s a bright bright Friday

Last day of the work week
The weekend has arrived
People are making plans
Looking forward to the night

It’s a bright bright Friday

People are out and about
Visiting cafes
Drinking coffee
Eating breakfast

It’s a bright bright Friday

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

Sunlit corners are special

Places hidden away
Mother Nature’s treasure
Where the sun peeks through
Greens are brighter
Air is fresh and clear

Sunlit corners are special

Touched by dirt paths
Outside the city
Surrounded by woods and grass
Archways of green and wood
Naturally made

Sunlit corners are special

Places to go for peace
Stillness surrounds
Smells of clover in the air
Offering solace from the frenzy

Sunlit corners are special

When you are sad
Get up and look at the sun
When you are crying
Dry your tears
Get up and look at the stars
When you are hurting
Get up and look at mother nature
When you can't go on
Get up and remember those that went before you
When you want to give up
Get up
Remember you have your own destiny
You are not done
You are special
You have work to do
You are loved
You are not alone

Believe

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...

Golden threads tie us together
No matter the distance
No matter the time
They bind us as one

Golden threads tie us together
No matter the language
No matter the culture
They bind us as one

Golden threads tie us together They can stretch across the universe
Never ending
They last forever
Never breaking
They bind us as one

Imagine walking through the snow into a forest full of pine trees
As you stop amongst the trees, all you can hear is the silence
and the crunch of your boots as you walk through the snow.
A slight cool breeze rustles through the trees moving the limbs
as the branches sway back and forth to the rhythm of the breeze.
Snow left on the branches gently falls down slowly, as small flakes
As they hit your coat and face, they sit for a moment before melting away.
An owl sits up high on one of the branches looking down at you and the world all around.
The sky is clear, and there is a glimmer of the moon lighting the path ahead
And, at the end of the path, is a log cabin with a light on in the window
and a fire burning in the fireplace, waiting quietly for its owner to return.

I am in a reminiscent mood
Thinking back to a time in my childhood
When I lived in Brazil
Seems like eons ago
It’s a warm, welcoming place
Especially for children
Full of joy and laughter
The music was intoxicating
The beauty stunning
Beyond words
Remembering  visiting friends
Whose houses were adorned
With birds of paradise flowers
Visiting the bird sanctuary
With my mother
Seeing every kind of parrot
In a rainbow of colors
Walking the beach in Rio
Ipanema Beach
Famous for its black and white mosaic tile
Sitting on the beach
Listening to the waves
While people flew their bird kites
Traveling around with my parents
Seeing the country
North and South
Struck with the humanity and beauty
Those memories never left me
They still haunt the inner recesses
Of my heart

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

White lights glitter against the black grill
The terrace is door open
A view of the plants can be seen
Highlighted by the lowering sun
Creating an impressionistic look

A slight breeze moves through the awning gently moving it back and forth

The light plays against the rose colored buildings giving them a magical hue
It’s almost surreal

Another day is coming to a close as nighttime encroaches
The change from light to darkness is in a holding pattern like an aircraft waiting to land
The shades of pink change as the sun drops

As the sun continues to drop
It’s time to relax and slowdown
People are gravitating to cafes
For coffee and a chat with friends
Evening is on its’ way

There are times etched in my life that are indelible
Unforgettable
They have always been there
Part of what makes me

They are indelible
Unremovable
They sit in my inner most being
Like old friends

There are times in my life that are indelible

They are part of my being
Always been there
Weaved into my fabric
What makes me, me

There are places that call me
Like an unending echo in my mind
They call tugging on my heart
They are also weaved into my fabric
Sitting in my most inner being

There are indelible times in my life
Unforgettable
They are woven into my fabric
They have always been there
Like old friends

You are one of those indelible memories
Never forgotten
Always there
Woven into my fabric
Like golden threads
In my most inner being and heart

Fall breezes blowing
Dark grey skies
Bright colored leaves
Red, orange and yellow
Look like precious gemstones
Rustling in the wind
Creating a hypnotic sound
Hugging to their branches
Not wanting to break free
Chimes ringing in the wind
Playing their own muted tune
The coming of a new season
Fall is fast approaching

Controlled Grief

Things are changing
In a new direction
Not expected
My head hurts
My heart is cracked
I feel lost
Not sure what to do
It’s hard

I have always hoped
In some way
Things will improve
The world would
Stand in the light
Darkness would recede
And yet
I am left waiting
Like so many others
Mired down
Seeking relief
Because
In the end
We are all one

As you leave look back at me so I know I will see you once again

Let me look into your eyes and memorize them

Let me place your face into my heart

Let your smile lift me up

Then return to me

It’s a difficult time
It’s crushing
Heartbreaking
It’s been like this for a while
The world is tired
Frustrated
Frightened
Wondering if it will ever end
Yet it continues
Wave after wave
Variant after variant
But we can help
In our own way
Do our part
Mask up
It’s not hard
It helps
Makes a difference
At this time of year
Of giving
Of charity
Let’s step up
Mask up
Light up the world
With our belief
We each matter
Make a difference
In our own way
Mask up

It has been dark for so long
The air has been heavy and oppressive
It’s been difficult to hold ones head high
Every day negativity oozed everywhere
Like a heavy weight
Everything became hard
In spite of it
People kept trying
People kept helping
People kept caring
Though they were tired
But hope was diminishing
Getting fainter
But, after some time
A small sliver of light shone through
In the darkness, it seemed even brighter
People began to focus on it
Watch it
Fascinated
They then started walking towards it
The closer they came, the brighter it became
Almost like a lighthouse beacon
The light was soothing
It was also healing
Eventually the light increased
Shining down everywhere
Causing the darkness to finally recede
Hope grew
Faith grew
The heaviness lifted
For the first time in a long time
People saw possibilities
They actually started to see the people around them
Their neighbors, friends, co-workers
And they were also seen
They talked and were heard
They listened and understood
Empathy started to grow
Care for one another grew
It was a brand new day

Possibilities

It’s morning
Saturday
The weekend
People are just waking up
Searching for their coffee
The sun is out shining

People are walking about
Cafés full of breakfasters
Cities waking up
Everyone has the slows
Newspapers sit on sidewalks
Street vendors full of magazines
and papers
Stores getting ready for another day

It’s Weekend Morning Treasure

Fall breezes blowing across my face
Tempting me
Like a gentle lover
Dark grey skies set the tone for the day

Bright colored leaves dot the landscape
Red, orange and yellow
Like previous jewels

Rustling in the wind
With a hypnotic sound
Hugging to their branches
Some falling to the ground

Chimes ringing in the wind
Playing their own muted tune

The music of the season

Is where the heart is
That’s what they say
It’s where one’s roots are
From where we come
It helps define us
There’s comfort
Familiarity
Sometimes
We crave it
We need it
To recenter ourselves
To remember
Who we are
We all go
Home
Where the heart is

It is wintertime.

You are in the forest.
There are pine trees and other trees around.

There are some snow and pine cones scattered on the ground. A light covering.

It is gently snowing large sized flakes very slowly.

As you stand in the forest -- there are no sounds except a few birds in the trees.

It is so quiet you can almost hear the snow fall.

It takes your breath away.

Christmas is more than a day
It's more than a holiday
It's an idea, a feeling
It brings good cheer, smiles and laughter

People are kinder
People love a bit more
Animosity is put aside
Christmas is an idea

It's as if the world was sprinkled with magic sparkles

For a moment things slow down and magic appears

The world becomes lighter and darkness fades

Christmas is an idea
It's a feeling
It's magic

Believe and light up the world with joy

It’s a gray, foggy Sherlock Holmes looking morning outside

The sky is painted in dark muted colors
It resembles a black and white photo

There’s heavy gray mist floating amongst the trees
The streets are barely visible and deserted

There’s an eerie silence outside
It’s almost too quiet
Looks like a mystery movie about to begin

Life is like a tree
It has many branches
Over time it grows
There are new avenues and nuances
The roots reach deeper into the soil
Seeking out precious nutrients and water
New leaves appear in the spring
Turning colors in the fall
Eventually falling to the ground
As winter approaches trees sit bare
As if almost asleep
Waiting again for a new season to start anew
Reborn

What if I were just gone
In the snap of a finger
Vanished like vapor or mist

Would it truly matter
Have I had any impact at all
Or am I like a feather blowing in the wind with no place
Here one moment
Gone the next

What if I were just gone

Would it truly matter
Would anything change
Or would my time here have truly been of no consequence

What if I were just gone

I live among ghost
Phantoms
They keep calling me
I walk by memories
Old haunts
I touch them ever so slightly
Carved through year’s of life
There are spirits
Vapors of life
I feel them touch me
They hover above
They watch
They listen
They are always there
I see remnants of where they were

I live among ghosts
I feel them
I can’t escape them
Every where I turn
Everywhere I look
I feel them
Echoes of them embedded

I feel them in the air
I feel them in thoughts
I feel them in faces
I live among ghosts and memories
Of another time

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

Fall breezes blowing
Dark gray skies
Decorate
The sun hides
For a late entrance
Bright colored leaves
Red, orange and yellow
Tease the senses
Smells of fallen leaves abound
Rustling in the wind
Some clinging to their branches

Chimes ringing in the wind faintly
Playing their own muted tune
Warming up the heart

Tea and apple cider brewing
Pies in the oven
As the temperature drops winter is not far behind
It’s a glorious season

You look out the window as nighttime approaches
It’s that time of day
You see bright pink streaks against a grey blue canvas
The pink brightens as night inches closer
The color becomes more intense and deeper
It’s almost a bright hot pink
As time clicks by the streaks of pink start to slowly pull apart like cotton candy threads
It’s stunning to watch
Dusk is approaching bringing a coat of light blackness
The lipstick pink color disappears replaced by the start of nighttime darkness once again

Mornings
When it’s quiet
Peaceful
Are sacred
Times of stillness
When the soul
Is most present
It’s those times
When we find
Our true self
When the chaos of life
Subsides
Music is also a key
So is nature
To sacred times
They are precious
Like a rare jewel
Treasured
Always

The time between darkness and light
When it is neither
The sun is preparing for its entrance
Animals are awakening
Donkeys are braying
Roosters are crowing
Chickens are clucking
All to announce
the start of a new day
Night is beginning to leave once again
With the blackness turning to gray eventually to a bright blue
As a new morning slowly begins to approach the day starts

Sometimes in our darkest times, we are given a miracle of hope

Rays of hope

It reaches out like a golden rope for us to grab and hold onto

Rays of hope

Sometimes it’s a bright light that shines through the darkness

Rays of hope

Offering a path towards the light

Rays of hope

When this happens we should know things will get better

Rays of hope

It is affirmation to never give up

Rays of hope

Even in the toughest of times we should believe

Rays of hope

We are each unique and here for a reason

Rays of hope

Our purpose is before us

Rays of hope

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

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

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

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