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

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

Are you real?
Are you just a dream of my imagination?
You seem too good to be true
I can hardly believe it
Imagination

Are you really here?
You are perfect in every way
The way you look
The way you walk
Your handsome face
You seem to good to be true
Imagination

Are you real or a dream?
You are like a melody
The sweetest of music
The finest piece of art
Imagination

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 we may fail
We may even feel like a failure
We may fall down or not meet expectations
Ours or others
But if we try, including new things are we?
As long as we get up and try again

People judge others all the time
Holding them up to their standards
Whether they are appropriate or not
How can one truly know about another
Without being in their shoes

If we take a risk and try something
If we reach beyond our means
If we find our own way
Even if different and unique
If we define ourselves based on our choices
Are we a failure?
It’s in the eye of the beholder
Especially ours
Failure

Warm spring breezes move through the air
Wind chimes gently playing a quiet melody
Branches swaying slowly
Sun shining down on the flowers and flowering trees
Bright colors abound
Green everywhere
A fragrant scent of the season in the air like light perfume

It was quiet and still. Not a sound could be heard.
A couple of birds flew through the air in the distance almost invisible.
The trees laid out a dark rich green carpet underneath the trees.  It looked luxurious.
The sky was a pale blue grey with pillows of clouds.
They broke up the sky with their placement and streaks.
The sky was highlighted by a light which had a shadow resembling a renaissance painting. Perhaps Monet.
As I looked at the clouds, they became brighter, and started to turn to a light pink color.
It was so beautiful and indescribable.

As the bright sun poured down on her with its searing heat, she stepped under the waterfall and let the cool water cool and refresh her

Waterfall

As the water poured over her it offered a soothing reprieve from the sun and heat

Waterfall

Eventually a cool breeze came and gently blew across her face

Leaving a sensation of peace and calm

Waterfall

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

When the air clears
And the morning cool comes
Once again
So one can sit outside
And breathe freely
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
Just for a moment
We are so very grateful

Streets bustle with crowds of people walking to and fro filled with energy and excitement of the coming holiday

Christmas Time in New York

Diners and restaurants are full of hungry and thirsty shoppers

Christmas time in New York

Street corners become impassable because of the large throngs of people trying to get somewhere making the city look like a giant mosh pit

Christmas Time in New York

Trees are brightly light up for the season

Christmas Time in New York

Carolers and musicians can be heard along the streets playing to the beat

Christmas Time in New York

Giant nutcrackers adorn one building on 6th Avenue along with giant ornaments and strings of lights

Christmas Time in New York

Street vendors sell their wares up and down the street from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry. Even movie scripts are for sale

Christmas Time in New York

Hundreds of Santas and elves move throughout the city spreading their holiday cheer

Christmas Time in New York

Tourists and residents participate in the 12 bars of Christmas bar crawl while strolling through the city

Christmas Time in New York

Lines go around the corner for the Radio City Christmas show

Christmas Time in New York

Police line the streets to keep people moving along putting up barricades to move the crowds

Christmas Time in New York

The Hilton Hotel bar area is filled to capacity with folks needing refreshment before finishing their shopping

Christmas time in New York

The tree at Rockefeller Center is fully decked out with lights and glitter

Christmas time in New York

Streets bustle with crowds of people filled with energy and excitement
The holiday is coming
Street corners become impassable
Because of large throngs of people trying to get somewhere fast
Trees decorated brightly and lit up for the season
Store windows adorned with holiday decorations
Coffee shops full of customers seeking warmth
Vendors selling coffee, hot chocolate and pretzels
Carolers and musicians out along the streets
Giant nutcrackers adorn and ornaments adorn a building
Holiday markets full of potential buyers
Street vendors sell their wares up and down the street
From cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry at a discount price
Radio City Music Hall is open for business
Police line the streets to keep people moving along
Hotel bars and restaurants filled to capacity
Taxis moving to and fro filled with fares
Horse drawn carriages offering rides around Central Park
Nothing like Christmas time in New York

Misty mornings wake me with their beauty
From my deep within my slumber they greet me
They cover the earth like a warm blanket

Glimmers of sun can be seen from underneath the mist as it struggles to get free
Green trees pop up their heads
searching for the sun

Misty mornings wakes me
From my deep slumber
Where dreams rule over me
Imagination is king and logic takes a break

Hypnotic mist rises up
Covering the ground with a thick blanket
Like a Sherlock Holmes movie
Entrancing me with its beauty

If you hurt me I will not hurt you
I will walk away

If you love me
I will love you back

If you offer a chair
I will sit with you

If you offer peace
I will join you

If you hurt me I will not hurt you
I will walk away

If you love me
I will love you back

She comes from afar
She lives overseas
She has for some time
She speaks differently
But that’s okay
She came for a reason
The nazarene

Every morning
She walks up the street
To visit a café
For coffee and croissant
To run errands
The nazarene

While she sits
She writes
Poetry
If the muse are there
She listens to music
She watches the people
She listens
The nazarene

She watches the city
As she walks
She has a strident step
She passes shops
Pharmacies
Bakeries
Hotels
People selling their wares
The nazarene

Sitting in a café
Sipping my coffee
Nibbling on a croissant
Trying to write
Feeling blocked
It’s a bad vibe day
Not much coming
See a blank page

Sitting in a cafe
Struggling to find the words
Not much there
It’s a bad vibe day
Looking for inspiration
Seeking a nudge
The energy needed isn’t there

It’s a bad vibe day

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

We all have a chance every day in how we will be with each other

We can be pleasant or not
We can bring light or darkness
A laugh or a frown

One of the most joyous things is to bring a smile to someone

It doesn't take much to do that

You never know when someone might bring one to you as well

Smile

Love lifts us up
It can power the world
With its energy
With its light
Whereas hate puts down

Cruelty destroys our spirit
It minimizes us
Pushes us down
Kindness soothes and inspires

Small mindedness shrinks
Tolerance opens up
It  helps us spread our wings
To open up our heart to others

Start every day start smiling
With the pure joy of being alive
Offer kindness and laughter
Especially in difficult times

Let’s makes a difference
Push away darkness
To help light up the world
To heal our wounds

In our own special way
Light up the world

It was a warm summers day
The sky was a bright blue
He was walking in a field of grasses
Some flowers were around
All colors
Blues, reds, pink, yellow and orange
Amongst them were butterflies
Going around the flowers
Some larger and some smaller
Multi colored ones
As he walked he stopped to admire them
At one point a group of them surrounded him and flew around in a circle
They then left and flew away

As they left he continued to walk coming across a small pond
A heron was standing on the other side of it watching the small fish
He sat down on a wood log to watch
As he sat watching the bird lifted off and flew over the water diving down to catch a fish
When the bird lifted its head it had a fish in its mouth
It swallowed the fish and flew off

The man got up and continued to walk
He came to a forest of tall trees
They hovered over him like giants
He felt so small against them
As the light breeze blew they swayed back and forth ever so slightly
He was awed by their size and beauty

He continued to walk until he came across a small log cabin
It looked well made
There was smoke coming out of the chimney
He looked in the window but didn't see anyone
He knocked on the door but no one answered
Eventually he opened the door and went inside
He noticed soup cooking on the stove and fresh coffee in a ***

There was a living room to the side with a fire burning in the fireplace
A rug was in front of it with a comfortable couch and a rocking chair
No one was there

He noticed stairs leading up to another floor with rooms
While the cabin looked small from the outside it was quite large inside
He sat at the kitchen table for a while waiting to see if anyone came
When they didn't he decided to eat as he was hungry
He helped himself to some coffee and soup

When he was finished he cleaned up
He sat in the living room still waiting
No one came
It was getting late, too late to walk back
So he got ready for bed using the blanket by the couch
As he readied himself a cat appeared and lay down by the fire
By then he was sleepy craving sleep
He put his head down and fell into a deep sleep
The cat watched over him all night as if standing guard

When he woke in the early morning there was still no one there
After making some coffee and breakfast the man cleaned things up and got ready to leave

As he opened the front door to go out he noticed a note pinned to the door
The note had his name on it
He opened the note and read it
It said "welcome home" it has been a long time
The man couldn't believe it
The cabin was his
He was actually home after all this time

In the end
Light wins over dark
Love over hate
Goodness over evil
Freedom over oppression

Balance

Truth over lies
Integrity over corruption
Right over wrong
Kindness over cruelty
Healing over pain

Balance

Love is the most powerful energy
It can change the world in an instant
Light up the world with one small act
It can make a difference

Balance

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

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

Soft, lilting sounds
Almost hypnotic in their tone
Laugher rolling down green hills covered with grass
Giggles and the Wizard of Oz
Magic everywhere one looks

Times with a friend playing cards
Traveling down the yellow brick road to other places
Different places, new adventures

Spring is warm and soft like Primavera
Flowers perfume the air with their scent and perfume

The time of season has started where the air is clear
Nights are cool and nature wakes up once again to the start of a new year after the cold dark winter

Primavera
Time of renewal

Purple with pink bands streak across the sky

The purple has a hint of gray
It resembles a Monet painting which sets the stage for the coming night

The streaks create a look that is almost unreal in its beauty
It is pure art

Nature is an absolute artist second to none

At this time of year
Winter is coming
A fresh new start is on the way

At this time of year

Holiday trappings are everywhere
Trees are waiting for a home
Children are anticipating Santa
Presents are wrapped

At this time of year

Choirs are singing
Churches are full
People are feeling good cheer
Smiles are bigger
Special meals being served

At this time of year

Let’s be more kind
Let’s be more positive
Let’s laugh more and criticize less
Let’s be grateful

At this time of year

Let’s remember what’s about
Let’s come together
Let’s love harder
Let’s assume the best
Let’s forgive more

Let’s remember we are all one

At this time of year

It is gently snowing. Large size flakes fall very slowly to the ground. 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. You close your eyes to listen to the quiet and feel the pure stillness. Snowflakes gently touch your face but you are not cold. There is a feeling of total peace. When you open your eyes, you see a doe looking at you. Still and quiet. You don’t move. You are enchanted. It’s a moment of pure bliss and joy.

He was from a different place
He had come to her home
He was very handsome
He had a different look
But it was pleasant to look at

He was from a different place
He had come to her home
She had never seen anyone like him

He was from a different place
He had come to her home
He was exotic
He was intriguing
He was sublime

He was from a different place
He had come to her home
He was like a new melody
He was like a new dance
He was hypnotic

Some people light up your heart
Others darken your spirit with their poison

Some people bring kindness and compassion
Others bring despair and cruelty

Some people walk in the light
Others hide in dark places

Some people open their heart to love and share
Others bring hate and jealousy

Some offer a helping hand
Others walk away

Some are a thorn in the side
Others soothe and heal

Some light up the world and shine like the sun

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

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

I live among ghosts
Phantoms
They keep calling me
I walk by memories
Old haunts
I touch them ever so slightly
Carved through years of life
There are spirits
Vapors of life
I feel them touch me gently
They hover above
They watch everything
They listen to everything
They know everything
They are always there
I see remnants of where they were

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

I feel them in the air
I feel them in thoughts
I feel them in faces I see
I live among ghosts and memories
I am in spirit land

When you are sleeping
Do you dream of me

When you are sleeping
Do you want me

When you are sleeping
Do you miss me

When you are sleeping
What do you think about

When you are sleeping
Where do you go

When you are sleeping
Do you visit beautiful places

When you are sleeping
Do you dream of me
As I do of you

It was wintertime
On the border between Colorado and Wyoming
The area was empty
No people for miles
It was lightly snowing
Large flakes slowly coming down
They were by a forest
The trees were bare

He stepped out of the car
Walked towards the trees
He was hungry for the quiet and solitude

A skidoo was put on the ground for him to use
It was gleaming white and matched the snow on the ground
He turned it on to get ready to disappear
He would ride into the trees seeking nature

He started driving
The further he went the quieter it got
He was amongst the trees now
Totally alone
He felt peaceful and still
This was what he wanted
He stepped off the Skidoo and walked into the trees

He smelled the air which was clean and fresh
He took deep breaths to cleanse his lungs and spirit
He was free
He was calm
As he turned he saw a rabbit
It was still hoping he didn’t see it
They both froze for a moment
Then the rabbit ran off into the trees

He kept walking deeper into the forest as the snow fell
Flakes onto his face but he wasn’t cold
He was home and at peace

In our hardest times
The darkest times
When there seems to be no hope
Never give up
Keep trying
Always walk towards the light
Away from darkness
As it will protect you
And keep you safe
Believe
Light up the world
With your own special light

Sitting on the train
In a country not my own
Riding to another city
Casablanca
It’s known for its intrigue
Mystery
History
A famous movie
My husband at my side
As we ride
Listening to the sounds
As we move along
Looking at the scenery
It changes as we go
More greenery north
Some seagulls fly by
We will be close to the sea
The car is quiet
People on their phones
Or sleeping
The rhythm is
Hypnotic
Coaxing sleep
Peaceful
In many ways
It’s no different
Than any other place
With trains
Finally we arrive
Seeking a taxi
To take us to our destination
Once we are done
The mission completed
We will head back
On another train
Happy we finished
Resting as we travel
Tired
But peaceful

I was dreaming
In a deep sleep
When I heard your voice
So real
Saying “honey”.
I thought you were there
With me
But you weren’t

I was dreaming
In a deep sleep
Body relaxed
Letting go
When I heard your voice
Saying “honey”
I thought you were there
With me
But you weren’t

You were in another place
Not here
Not with me or by me
But in my mind
You were there
In my heart you were there
With me

Sweet memories like melodies that gently play in our minds that help define us as we weave our ways through our lives.

These memories have a sweet perfume of experience and life which touches our cheeks ever so gently each and every day.

Whenever I touch your hands
They are warm
Their feeling takes me to a special place
They exude a calmness
Whenever I touch your fingers
They offer kindness and care

Whenever I touch your hands
I am struck by their warmth
As I hold them
They touch my spirit deeply
With care and love

Whenever I touch your hands
I touch my heart
I touch my spirit
With your kindness and care

Memories come flooding back
When I first held your hand
When I first looked into your eyes
When I first hugged you

Hands carry memories
They never forget

Like I never forgot you

Even when it looks like it there is no hope. Don’t give up

Believe

Even when there is darkness all around, light will always find a way through

Believe

Even when things seem difficult and impossible, things will get done

Believe

Because in the end everything will work out. The impossible becomes possible and light wins over darkness

Believe
Never lose hope
It lights up the world

You are my light
My sun, moon and stars
The universe
My heart
You are life
When you smile, bright light shines
Like a sunbeam
Since I first saw you
You became part of me
You took over my heart
You have always been there
No matter what
You are the best of me
The best of the world
You bring life and happiness
Calm and peace
You are the world

Will you be there in the darkness
Will you be there in the light
Will you be there to pick me up
When I fall down
Or will you not

Will you be there to help
Will you be there for me
Or will you not

Will you walk with me
Will you care for me
Or will you not

No matter what
Will you be there always
Or will you not

No matter what
Will you think about me
Or will you forget

No matter what
Will you love me
Or will you not

No matter what
Will you remember
Or will you not

Will you

Sweet memories like melodies that gently play in our minds that help define us as we weave our ways through our lives. These memories have a sweet perfume of experience and life which touches our cheeks ever so gently each and every day.

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

We all need to belong

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

We need to feel a place in this world

We all need to belong

Warm hypnotic breezes blow
The weeping willow and flowers bend  to and fro

Branches reaching out towards the sky
The sky is night blue with a scattering of cotton white clouds
The air is a perfect comforting temperature which lulls one into a state of peace and stillness
Wind chimes play their melody to the rhythm of the wind
The tree leaves glisten from the sunlight hitting

All is good and peaceful

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

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

It was quiet and still outside
A couple of birds flew through across the sky in the distance
All I could see was the shadow of them
The trees laid out a  rich green carpet underneath the trees below
The sky was a pale blue grey with pillows of white clouds scattered
They broke up the sky with their placement and streaks
The sky was highlighted by light which created a shadow
Looking a renaissance painting
Perhaps Monet
As I looked at the clouds
Their color became brighter
Eventually turning to a light pink color
The view was absolutely stunning
I couldn’t stop looking at it
It was like watching art being created
By the greatest artist of all
Mother Nature

As the season is about to begin look around at all the gifts you have been given

Feast upon the special moments you have had in your life

Pause for a while and see the world around you and realize in the end we are all the same

We all have our own destiny to fulfill and our own journeys

But in the end it is love and kindness that truly fills our hearts and spirits

Where did that 16 year old girl go?
What about the 28 year old?
Where are they?
Life passed so quickly
Where is the strength and freedom of youth?
The excitement of the new?

How do I find her and bring her back ?
Is she in the recesses of my mind and heart ?
Is she hiding ?
Dimmed by life’s travails

Where is that 16 year old girl
Filled with energy and emotion
How can I find her?
Where is she?
Is she in me when I look in the mirror ?
How can I feel free?
To run on the beach or fly like a bird

As the gentle breezes blow across my face, and the sun starts to set it’s a brief moment of paradise

As the air cools down for the night people start to relax and let go a bit from the day

It’s been a harsh day with all the heat for all concerned

Plants are thirsty for their daily drink, which they need to survive
By nighttime they are parched

People dress for the heat in light colored clothing and sandals
Seeking some respite where they can hide from the searing heat

As I sit on the terrace, I relish the soft breezes blowing across my face

I am grateful for the moment of grace and peace