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

Let love embrace you
Let it hold you tight
Let it warm your heart on a cold night
Let it bring smiles to your face

Flames of love

Like a warm blanket
Let it gently touch your face
Let it calm your fears

Flames of love

Let it take you to impossible places
Let it make things possible
Let it bring magic

Flames of love

Let it lift you up
Let it help you soar like a bird
Let it touch the world

Flames of love

Let it burn eternally
Let it heal the world
Let it remove darkness

Flames of love

At this time of year
Be the light
Shine brightly everywhere
Light up the world
Shine where there is darkness
Shine where there is despair

Be the light

At this time of year
Shine brightly everywhere
Lift someone up
Help another
Love more than hate

Be the light

At this time of year
Shine brightly everywhere
Laugh more
Cry less
Treasure more
Give more

Be the light

At this time of year
Shine brightly everywhere
Glitter and glimmer
Like fine jewels, gold and silver

Be the light

At this time of year
Shine brightly everywhere Remember we are all the same
We all need and want

Be the light

At this time of year
Count your blessings
Offer gratitude and kindness
Offer grace

Be the light

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are in my blood
My spirit
The total essence of me

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are in my heart
My soul
What makes up my spirit
The total essence of me

You have always been there
Since time began
You never left

You course through all of me
You are part of everything I touch

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are everywhere
You always have been

It’s Friday
Almost the weekend
Many people herald it
It’s the end of a work week
Time to rest
Enjoy
It’s Friday
Time to step back
Calm down
Breathe
Time to look forward
To something else
It’s Friday

When you feel lost
Follow the light
Just as ships at sea
They look for the lighthouse
The shining light guides them

When you feel scattered
Follow the light
Back to your path
Look to your lighthouse

When you feel lost
Follow the light
Let the beam of light guide you
Back to your path
Let the light comfort you
If you are out to sea
Look for the lighthouse
Shining it’s beam of light
Guiding you back to safety

It was a crisp winters day
In the middle of the season
The sun was bright blue with a dotting of a few white clouds

There was a cold wind whipping through the trees
It was bitter to the skin
Branches were bending to it as if they were dancing
Wind chimes could be heard in the distance

The snow was blowing around shifting location creating white dunes like cotton candy

The fireplace was burning with a fresh log creating a hypnotic warmth in the room
The wood gave off a pleasant scent as it burned
It was a good day to be inside

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
Even when there’s hate love will win
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
Be the light
Lift up the world
Take away the darkness
Candlelight

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

I fear that we have lost our way
We have strayed off the path
We have changed
Not as once I remember

I fear that we have lost our way
The direction has changed
Not my choice nor idea
I don’t recognize things anymore
It’s not what I was taught
It’s not what I stand for
Things seem upside down

I fear that we have lost our way
We are mired down in muck and darkness
Struggling to find the light
Struggling to find our way back

I fear that we have lost our way
We have lost that special essence
It made us unique
Unusual
One of a kind

We were dreamers
We were hopers
Anything was possible
At any time

I fear that we have lost our way
We have strayed off the path
I hope we will find our way back

Waking up
Early morning rituals
Watching the sunrise
Surveying the blue sky
Enjoying the coolness
Admiring the beauty outside
Anticipating the day
Waiting for coffee or tea
Breakfast
What to have
Checking out the news
Being alive
Savoring the pure joy of it

When the rain comes
It cleans everything
Streets are washed
Thirsty plants turn greener
Flowers flourish
Grass grows taller
The air is fresher
Everything looks new

When the rain comes
It slows down the world
The sound is calming
Almost hypnotic
Animals seek shelter
Watching
As each drop comes
Knowing the earth is being replenished

When the rain comes
Life comes

If you see me walking in the desert would you offer me a drink water?

If I looked different would you say hello?

If I were tired would you offer me a place to rest?

If you see me walking in the desert would you offer me a drink?

If I looked different would you say hello?

Would you help me?

If I found you on the street would you smile or look away?

Would you offer me a drink of water if I were thirsty?

Would you help me up if I fell?

If I were waiting for you would you see that we are really the same?

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

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

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

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

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

I’ve got the gray blues
Been cold and rainy for days
My bones ache to the core
I’ve got the gray blues

Missing the sun
Those warm golden rays
Shining down on my face
Lighting the way to another day
I’ve got the gray blues
Craving when they go away

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?

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

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

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

She sat in utter silence
In an unfamiliar place
Everything was new
Never experienced before

She was barely noticed
Almost invisible to the eye
Out of her own element
She tried to melt into the wall
She was an outsider

She sat in silence
Barely noticed
Quiet
Almost invisible
Barely seen and heard

She was from another place
Another time
She had traveled a long distance
To be here

She was not seen nor heard
She was insignificant
She was the unfamiliar one
She did not truly exist in some ways

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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.

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