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

I am a survivor
Many of us are
From the last year or so
We have battle scars
From fear, loss, illness
Overall stress from the times
But, we are still here
Still standing
Broken perhaps
But we made it through
To the other side
Though so many did not
Such loss and pain
The war is not over yet
It’s still going on
In so many places
The danger is still there
Muted only by vaccines
For that we are grateful
Yet we must remain vigilant
More battles may be coming
Yet we have made it to this point
We are survivors
We too are warriors
I am thankful

Even in darkness there will be a lit candle to show the way

We just have to believe

It’s light will be enough to light the world

We just have to believe

Even in times of hardship things will work out

We just have to believe

Even when there’s hate love will win out

We just have to believe

When darkness is all around in the end light will prevail

We just have to believe

Light a candle and help light up the world

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

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

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

You are the love of my soul
My true hope
My inspiration
The glimmer of the stars
Light in the darkness

You are the love of my soul

My impossible dream
My Prince
The most perfect part of me
My best

You are the love of my soul
The sun and moon
You are everything right with the world

You are the love of my soul

After decades of nothingness
Did you ever expect to see me dancing outside your door?

Miracles can happen

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?

Ever since I was in high school
I’ve had you on my mind
You have been in my heart
You have been part of me
Ever since high school

You never left
You were always there
Through time
Through distance
Through culture
Through language
Ever since high school

To me you were and are perfect
To me you were a prince
To me you were elegant
To me you were unique
Ever since high school

I’ve got you on my mind
I’ve got you in my blood
You are like air I need to breathe
You are like food I need to eat
Ever since high school

You are part of my spirit
You are more than my life
You are my life and universe
Ever since high school

You define what is good
You define perfection
I’ve got you on my mind
Ever since high school

Soft 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

Corcovado in the background
Watching everything

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

It was a beautiful night,
Comfortably warm
The sun was going down for the day
There was a slight breeze in the air soothing to the touch

The trees had begun to flower
Tulips and daffodils everywhere
Mother Nature was in her glory
Spring had arrived

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
Ever so slightly
From summer to fall light
The suns brightness less intense

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The air is crisper
The nights cooler

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The heat of summer is leaving
The beauty of fall is coming

Its that time of year
When leaves start to turn
Orange, yellow and red
Dabbling the landscape
Like a fine painting

It’s that time of year
When colors are bright
There is a special shine to everything
Moods are high
The world puts on its best face

I am in the murky waters of life
The water is cold to the touch
Up to my knees
Hard to walk
The bottom feels like sand with dirt mixed in
I can see into the bottom
Small fish swim around my legs
They gently tickle me
Reminding me that they are there
and so am I
Together. Alive

We start to move in the same direction
I am no longer alone
I am with them
Together we find clearer water
It takes some time but we do
As the water clears it becomes warmer

As we continue to walk the bottom becomes white sand
Soft to the touch
The color of the water changes
It becomes a light blue

The fish swim away leaving me at a new place and path
With open, warm waters no longer murky

When I feel lost I will rise up
I will reach towards the stars
To find my way back

When I can’t find my way
I will rise up to see the light
I will follow it back to my path

When I have no words
I will rise up to let you inspire me
I will let you guide me

When I am full of despair
I will rise up towards the sky
Letting it carry me on to my destiny

When I am full of darkness
I will rise up towards the sun
Letting it fill me with light
Pushing the darkness out

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

When the air clears
And the morning cool returns
So one can sit outside
And breathe
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
And for a moment
We are grateful

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

Some say things just happen
Others say destiny assists and guides
Some say what is meant to be will be
Others say we shape our own path
Some say our futures our pre written
Others say this isn’t so
Some say there’s something called destiny
Some of us choose to dance with it

Some say things just happen with no rime or reason to them
Others say destiny always has a hand
Some of us choose to dance with it
Some say what is for you can’t be stopped no matter what
Some say that isn’t so

All I know is
I am on a path before me
That I believe to be true
Things have happened in my life to ease my traverse down that path
I am dancing with destiny

I am doing the impossible
What is hard is made easy
When the waters ran deep I didn’t falter
When the mountain was high I climbed to the top
When the distance was far I traveled it
I am dancing with destiny

I am living a miracle
That I could not have created on my own
I am where I am supposed to be
If that’s not destiny then what is?

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

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

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 strong wind cut through the weeping willow causing the branches to dance to their own tune

A storm was coming

The wind chimes played a melody tuned to the movement of the wind and trees

Mother Nature was creating her own music

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

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

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

I am sitting in a café by the street
I am scene watching
People coming to and fro
Coats and hats on
Scarves around necks
It’s cold outside
Winter

Seeing what is going on outside
Watching the people inside
Sipping coffee
Eating breakfast
Smiling and laughing

People from all over
Different languages in the air
Baked goods on display
Like valuable jewels

Trees full of oranges decorate
Fountains nearby against pink
Crisp day
Sun brightly shining

I am scene watching

As the semblance of a facade fades away like a coat being taken off for the night what lies underneath is a beating heart where the soul and spirit truly reside

Take off your coat and lay it down for a rest

Let me feast my eyes upon your heart for a while and see you

Let me listen to your heart and soul as they play the music of you

I offer you a rose
Many of them really
You deserve them
And so much more
I think deep red ones
Would be perfect
As for me
You were perfect
In all ways
You gave me everything
From life to guidance
You were all a person
can be
Mother
Teacher
Guide to life
At troubled times
You offered me comfort
At happy times
You smiled and laughed
You had grace
besides great beauty
You gave me the world
In all ways

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

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

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

Today I am wearing a ring
It’s special
It was my mother’s
She got it while in college
When she visited the southwest
It’s turquoise and silver
With a simple setting
It’s over 50 years old
Today I wanted to feel her presence
So I put it on
As I paused at a street light
Just for a moment
I felt her there with me
Treasured memories
Of beloved people
Give us comfort

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

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Light hypnotic breezes
Trees gently swaying
Wind chimes playing
Scents of lilac in the air

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Walks along the beach
Sounds of waves hitting the shore
Gulls flying by

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Dinner by candlelight
Romantic music playing
Slow dancing

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Soft touches
Gentle smiles
Bright laughter

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Hidden places
Cherished moments

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
With you

You and the lights of Paris
Walking along the Seine
Holding hands
Taking in the beauty
Of the moment
It’s sublime
Admiring the lights
As they glimmer
Like diamonds
Creating a mood
Of love and romance
Never wanting to let go
You and the lights
Of Paris
Forever entwined
In the threads of life
And love
Always

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.

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

Sometimes I feel like my life is surreal
That it’s not real
When I look back  I can’t believe my age
Have I really lived this long?
Where did the years go
They just flew by
In an instant
Yet I remember things as if they just happened
And deep inside I still feel like me
Even if I don’t look the same
My hopes are still there
So are my dreams
Yet I am at the last third or so of my journey now instead of the beginning
How did that happen
Is this all a dream and I will wake up some day
Surreal

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

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

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

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

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

I am a human being
That’s all
Nothing more
Nothing less
Just trying to live my life
Like everyone else
Somewhere along the road
I realized I was also a spiritual being
I celebrate both
This awareness is empowering

When I connect with another person
I remember
Even though I was born alone
And will die alone
I am not truly alone
We are all part of the same thing
Everything here
In the universe
Animals
Plants
Oceans
Mountains

Believe
Light up the world
With your special light

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

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

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

I’m addicted to you
To your look
Your eyes
Your smile and laugh
The way you walk
Your face
Hands and feet
To everything
I’m addicted
Like a drug
When I’m near you
I need more
It’s never enough
I crave to be near you
It’s painful when I’m not
It’s like a sweet drug
Sending me to paradise
Where everything is right
In the world and with me

Sometimes in our darkest times
We are given a miracle of hope
When we want to give up
A thread to something
Comes
A light shining through
A hand reaching out
To lift us up
In the deepest darkness
We need to have faith
To believe
We should never give up
Even in our toughest times
Light will get through
Eventually
Believe
Let that faith light up the world
Lifting us to a better place
In the darkness

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