Hints of apple cider were wafting through the air

A beautiful beige pottery mug was sitting on a table awaiting it
Cider was heating on the stove
Steam rising from the pan spreading the scent

A cinnamon stick sat next to the mug
It would add the extra touch
Hints of apple cider

It was that time of year again
Apple cider time
Time for the smells and scents of fall
Apples
Cider
Stews and soups
Freshly baked bread
Pies
Hot chocolate

The mug was impatiently waiting to be filled
The cider was almost ready
Once done it would be gently poured into the mug

A cinnamon stick would be placed inside the mug with the cider
The smell was intoxicating and inviting
Hints of apple cider

It was a special treat to close ones eyes and smell it
It almost had a calming effect

It was almost to good to drink

Once ready, the man picked up the mug full of cider
Perfectly prepared
He walked over to his favorite chair
A rocking chair

He sat down by the fireplace
A fire was burning
The wood was crackling as it burned

He gently sipped the cider
Closing his eyes
Savoring every drink
Hints of apple cider

As he drank the cider
He watched the fire
The radio softly played music in the background

Outside the wind was blowing
Leaves were flying through the air
Landing in different places
Light snow had begun to fall

It was going to be a perfect fall night
Hints of apple cider

Once done with the cider the man returned his mug to the kitchen and cleaned the dishes

He then went to the bedroom to get ready for bed

He changed his clothes
Put on his pajamas and folded down the bed

The man could still smell hints of apple cider in the house

His black and white cat jumped onto the bed to get ready to sleep

The man climbed into bed and picked up the newspaper

He started to read when sleep overcame him

He set the newspaper down along with his spectacles and settled in for a long sleep

At the other end of the bed his cat was curled up fast asleep purring

The fire was slowly burning in the fireplace

As they both slept another night rolled in bringing peace and quiet

Hints of apple cider

It's coming to that time of year
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory
When holiday lights and decorations appear
Outside trees and houses are decorated
Holiday tunes are played both old and new
Shoppers amass on the streets or online searching for that perfect gift
People take on the holiday hustle and bustle
Smells of hot chocolate and cider tempt permeate the air
Light snow flakes dance before
landing on the ground as art
A bit of magic appears
Bringing feelings of good cheer
Holiday memories

It’s the season
It comes just once a year
It’s special
It brings
Lots of memories
Togetherness
Good cheer
It’s the holiday spell
It’s magical
It’s a time to come together
Bring light not darkness
To reach out
Offering kindness
and glad tidings
To one and all
So free yourself
By letting go
Allowing the
magic to touch you
Lifting you up

It’s the season
It comes once a year
It’s special
It brings
Lots of memories
Togetherness
Good cheer
It’s the holiday spell
It’s magical
It’s a time to come together
Bring light not darkness
To reach out
Offering kindness
Light up the world
With your special power

It’s the season
It comes once a year
It’s special
It brings
Lots of memories
Togetherness
Good cheer
It’s the holiday spell
It’s magical
It’s a time to come together
Bring light not darkness
To reach out
Offering kindness
Light up the world
With your special power

It’s the season
It comes just once a year
It’s special
It brings
Lots of memories
Togetherness
Good cheer
It’s the holiday spell
It’s magical
It’s a time to come together
Bring light not darkness
To reach out
Offering kindness
and glad tidings
To one and all
So free yourself
By letting go
Allowing the
magic to touch you
Lifting you up

It’s the season
It comes once a year
It’s special
It brings
Lots of memories
Togetherness
Good cheer
It’s the holiday spell
It’s magical
It’s a time to come together
Bring light not darkness
To reach out
Offering kindness

Candy canes and gingerbread
Peppermint and tea
Carolers

Holiday spirits

All sorts of goodies baking in the oven
Tunes playing on the radio
Scents of turkey and roasts

Holiday spirits

Brightly colored lights
Tall fir trees standing proudly
Snow gently falling outside

Holiday spirits

Crisp cold air
Icicles hanging
All set the scene for holiday cheer

Holiday spirits

As Christmas approached everything started to slow down.
It became still and quiet.
One could hear a pin drop.
It’s as if the world stopped.
Just for a minute.
It was still and peaceful.

This feeling comes once a year.
This year it’s important to take time to listen to the silence.

Remember we are all human.
We are all one.

Let the stillness cover you like a warm, soothing blanket.

Look around at all the treasures and goodness in your life.
Peace and joy.

People out running to and fro
Cold breath hanging in the air
Its holiday time
The season is upon us
Markets are full of people
Bright colors and tinsel
Lots of good energy
People selling their wares
Stores fully decorated
With their best
Streets full of holiday lights
People smiling brightly with cheer
Trees decorated inside and out
Children running and playing
Parents shopping for the perfect gift
It’s that time of year
Street scene

People out running to and fro
Cold breath hanging in the air
Its holiday time
The season is upon us
Markets are full of people
Bright colors and tinsel
Lots of good energy
People selling their wares
Stores fully decorated
With their best
Streets full of holiday lights
People smiling brightly with cheer
Trees decorated inside and out
Children running and playing
Parents shopping for the perfect gift
It’s that time of year
Street scene

Holiday Time

It’s holiday time
Get ready for tinsel and gold
Decked out trees and snow
covered streets
It’s holiday time

Hot chocolate
Apple cider and pies
Turkey and roast beef
Cookies and candies
Children laughing
It’s holiday time

Choirs and concerts
Presents under the tree
Good cheer and smiles
Beautiful cities decorated
Bright lights and colors everywhere
It’s holiday time

Family, loved ones and friends
Special places and memories
Cinnamon and pine scents

It’s holiday time

It’s holiday time
Get ready for tinsel and gold
Decked out trees and snow covered streets

It’s holiday time

Hot chocolate
Apple cider and pies
Turkey and roast beef
Cookies and candies
Children laughing

It’s holiday time

Choirs and concerts
Presents under the tree
Good cheer and smiles
Beautiful cities decorated
Bright lights and colors everywhere

It’s holiday time

Family, loved ones and friends
Special places and memories
Cinnamon and pine scents

It’s holiday time

It's coming to that time of year again
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory and the mind

Holiday times

When holiday lights and decorations appear
The smell of pine trees permeates the air like perfume
Holiday tunes are played on the radio
Shoppers abound on the streets

Holiday times

People take on the holiday hustle and bustle
Light snow flakes dance through the air offering a beautiful white covering

Holiday times

Pleasant childhood memories of going out  with my father in search of
the "perfect tree"

Holiday times

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

You are standing on a beach
The sun is out, the sky is a clear blue
There are a few white clouds in the sky -- very delicate
The sun is not hot, the air is not cool. It is just right.
There is a light breeze.

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances like the stone -- glimmering like diamonds.
As you walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as that of the water.
And, as you walk out further into the water, your shape
and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.
You are home. You are the sea.

You are standing on a beach
The sand is warm and soft to the touch
The sun is out and the sky is a clear brilliant blue

There are a few white clouds in the sky -- very delicate
The sun is not hot, the air is not cool. It is just right
There is a light soothing breeze
There is the smell of salt in the air
It’s intoxicating

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise
The water dances making the waves look like diamonds sparkling in the light
As you begin to walk into the water, you do not feel wet
Your color changes to the same as the water

As you walk further out into the ocean, your shape and consistency change
You melt and meld into the sea
You feel warm, safe and at peace
You are finally home

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

Home

Home is where the heart is
It offers sanctuary
It can be anywhere
Home is where one belongs
It can be at anytime
It feels comfortable
It feels safe
It soothes us when we are troubled
Is where one feels loved and cared for
Home is everything
Home

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

You are standing on a beach.
The sand is warm and soft to the touch.
The sun is out and the sky is a clear brilliant blue

There are a few white clouds in the sky -- very delicate.
The sun is not hot, the air is not cool. It is just right.
There is a light soothing breeze.
There is the smell of salt in the air.

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances making the waves look like diamonds sparkling in the light.

As you begin to walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as the water.

As you walk further out into the ocean, your shape and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.

You are finally home.

Home is more than a place, or a location
Its where you are cared for, and where you belong
It’s where you are meant to be
It can be anywhere, not where you were born
It can be anyplace in the world
Home is not an idea
It’s a feeling

Home can be anywhere
Home can be at anytime

Home is where the heart is
Home is where one belongs

Feels comfortable
Feels safe

Is loved and cared about
Home is everything

You are standing on a beach.
The sand is warm and soft to the touch.
The sun is out and the sky is a clear brilliant blue

There are a few white clouds in the sky -- very delicate.
The sun is not hot, the air is not cool. It is just right.
There is a light soothing breeze.
There is the smell of salt in the air.

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances making the waves look like diamonds sparkling in the light.

As you begin to walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as the water.

As you walk further out into the ocean, your shape and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.

You are finally home.

Home can be anywhere
Home can be at anytime
It can be a city
Or a country
Or a place
Even a person

Home is where the heart is
Home is where one belongs
Feels comfortable
Feels safe

Is where there is love and care
It can offer peace and serenity
We each have one
We just have to find it
Home is everything

Sitting at home on a cold winters night
Bundled up under blankets with someone you love

Reading a good book or watching a movie

Sipping hot tea or cocoa as the rain or snow gently falls outside
Feeling safe inside

Smells of beef stew cooking on the stove remind one of home as a child

Hot bread baking in the oven
The warmth filling the kitchen

Warm sweaters of bright colors
Fleece lined jackets with mittens and gloves

All bring back feelings of home and comfort

Sitting at home on a cold winters night
Bundled up under blankets with someone you love
Reading a good book or watching a movie
Sipping hot tea or cocoa as the rain or snow gently falls outside
Feeling safe inside
Smells of beef stew cooking on the stove remind one of home as a child
Hot bread baking in the oven
The warmth filling the kitchen
Warm sweaters of bright colors
Fleece lined jackets with mittens and gloves
All bring back feelings of home and comfort

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

She has a honey lemon voice
When she speaks its hypnotic
Her voice sounds like music
To the ear
It has a rich tone like fine wine
Honey lemon voice
She can calm frayed nerves
Elevate someone
Soothe rawness
Just by speaking
Honey lemon voice
She doesn’t have to yell
Or shout or jump up and down
She just has to speak
People smile and listen
Honey lemon voice
It’s as if her voice were gold
With spoonfuls of honey
And just a touch of lemon
Honey lemon voice

She has a honey lemon voice
When she speaks its hypnotic
Her voice sounds like music
It has a rich tone like fine wine

Honey lemon voice

She can calm frayed nerves
Elevate someone
Soothe rawness
Just by speaking

Honey lemon voice

She doesn’t have to yell
Or shout or jump up and down
She just has to speak
People smile and listen

Honey lemon voice

It’s as if her voice were gold
With spoonfuls of honey
And just a touch of lemon

Honey lemon voice

When hope is lost
Heavy darkness comes
Light diminishes
The idea of tomorrow fades
We feel mired down
Like we are stuck

When hope is lost
People lose their north
They lose their sense of purpose
Seeking any sliver of light to lift them
To show them the way
Seeking anything to inspire
Once again

When hope is lost and darkness comes
We hunger for the light
Desperation enters
We long for hope
We need it

When hope is lost
Heavy darkness settles in
Light diminishes
The idea of tomorrow fades
We feel mired down in muck
We are paralyzed
People lose their north
They lose their sense of purpose
Seeking any sliver of light to lift them
To show them the way
Seeking anything to inspire
When hope is lost and darkness comes
We hunger for the light
We tire of the heaviness
We long for hope
Anything
When hope returns
We lift ourselves up
We seek the light
Want to stand in the sun
And never leave
Let the light and warmth heal
When hope returns
We have a can do feeling
We believe once again
We are willing to try
We offer a hand
We smile brightly
Laughter can be heard
We are inspired
We can create
Music gets louder
People dance
Hope is everything

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

Believe

Even when there is darkness all around, light will 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

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

They can be unexpected but needed

In those times, we should never give up, and believe

We will be given what we need when we most need it

We are here for a purpose with our own destiny

It’s elusive
But needed
Without it
It’s hard to move forward
It’s hard to function
There’s a heavy feeling
Of darkness and despair
When we are knocked down
Hope lifts us up
To try again
To reach again
To be
Beyond ourselves
And our own limits
Hope inspires us
To new heights
It fills us with light
It gets us to look for better days
To focus on the possible
To open our hearts
Hope is everything

It’s elusive
But needed
Without it
It’s hard to move forward
It’s hard to function
There’s a heavy feeling
Of darkness and despair
When we are knocked down
Hope lifts us up
To try again
To reach again
To be
Beyond ourselves
And our own limits
Hope inspires us
To new heights
It fills us with light
It gets us to look for better days
Hope is everything

It’s elusive
But needed
Without it
It’s hard to move forward
It’s hard to function
There’s a heavy feeling
Of darkness and despair
When we are knocked down
Hope lifts us up
To try again
To reach again
To be
Beyond ourselves
And our own limits
Hope inspires us
To new heights
It fills us with light
It gets us to look for better days
To focus on the possible
To open our hearts
Hope is everything

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

Hope outside my door

I can feel it
It is trying to come in
It glitters like gold
It wants to lift the day
To spread the light

Hope is outside my door

To erase darkness and despair
To bring laughter and joy
To bring the sun

Hope is outside my door

To let say everything will be alright
To inspire me
To push me forward

Hope is outside my door

To shine a bright light
To show me the moon
To help me remember my path
To bring possibilities

Hope is outside my door

I can feel it
It is trying to come in
It glitters like gold
With rubies
And emeralds
It wants to lift the day
To spread light all around

Hope is outside my door

To erase the darkness and despair
To bring laughter and joy
To bring the bright yellow sun
It’s just waiting

To say everything will be alright
To inspire me
To push me forward

Hope is outside my door

To shine a light
To show me the moon
To show me the stars
To help me remember my path
To bring possibilities

Hope is outside my door
I just have to open it

Summer is coming 
It’s that time of year
The sun is intense 
Almost burning
Skies are clear 
It’s heating up
Hot as hades
I am not good with heat
I prefer cooler weather 
With calming breezes
When it gets like this
Chocolate can melt
An egg can fry
Cats seek shade
Anywhere 
Because of their fur coats
Birds seek needed water
Plants turn brown 
Wilting 
Seeking reprieve
Water becomes valuable
Like gold

Summer is here
Arrived with a fury
The sun is intense
Burning
Skies are crystal clear
It’s getting hot
Hot as hades
I am not good with heat
I prefer much cooler weather
When it gets like this
Chocolate can melt
I can melt
An egg can fry
Animals seek shade
Anywhere
Because of their fur coats
Birds seek needed water
Plants turn brown
Wilting
We all want a reprieve
Seeking something cool
Hot as hades

Summer is here
Arrived with a fury
With vengeance
The sun is intense
Burning
Skies are crystal clear
It’s getting very hot
Hot as hades
I am not good with heat
I prefer much cooler weather
When it gets like this
Chocolate can melt
I can melt
An egg can fry
Animals seek shade
Anywhere
Because of their fur coats
Birds seek needed water
Plants turn brown
Wilting
Dying
My cat looks miserable
We all want a reprieve
Seeking something cool
Hoping for a break
Hot as hades

Green palm trees trying to keep their green
Bright blue skies without a hint of white clouds
Steaming sidewalks
The signs of summer

Warm sultry breezes at night
Blow across my face
Gently seducing me
Black velvet skies
Decorated with sparkling diamond stars
The signs of summer

Flowers and flowering plants craving water
Reaching towards the light
Wind chimes churning in the breeze
Animals searching for a slice of shade
The signs of summer

Women dressed in light flowing dresses
Bright colors and patterns
Making them look like butterflies when they move
The signs of summer

Men wearing straw hats
Sunglasses
Light shirts
Linen pants with sandals
The signs of summer

Cool breezes coming late into the night offering a soothing touch to the sleeping
The signs of summer

Hot burning days
Green palm trees trying to keep their color
Bright blue skies without a hint of white clouds
Searing sun
Steaming sidewalks

The signs of summer

Warm sultry breezes at night
Blow across my face
Gently seducing me
Black velvet skies
Decorated with sparkling diamond stars

The signs of summer

Flowers and flowering plants craving water like an addict
Reaching towards the light
Wind chimes churning in the breeze with a gentle tune
Animals searching for a slice of shade hunting for water

The signs of summer

Women dressed in light flowing dresses
Bright colors and patterns
Looking like butterflies when they move

The signs of summer

Men wearing straw hats
Sunglasses
Light shirts
Linen pants with sandals

The signs of summer

Cool breezes coming late into the night offering a soothing touch to the sleeping

The signs of summer

Hot Burning Days

Green palm trees trying to keep their green
Bright blue skies without a hint of white clouds
Steaming sidewalks
Hot to the touch
Searing sun
The signs of summer

Warm sultry breezes at night
Blow across my face
Gently seducing me
With their hypnotic tickles
Black velvet skies
Decorated with sparkling diamond stars
The signs of summer

Flowers and flowering plants craving water
Reaching towards the light
Wind chimes churning in the breeze
Animals searching for a slice of shade
The signs of summer

Women dressed in light flowing dresses
Bright colors and patterns
Making them look like butterflies when they move
The signs of summer

Men wearing straw hats
Sunglasses
Light shirts
Linen pants with sandals
The signs of summer

Cool breezes arriving late into the night
Offering a soothing reprieve
The signs of summer

As you look out the window
Nighttime is approaching
You see bright pink streaks against a grey blue canvas
They are hot pink
Like the lipstick
The pink brightens becoming more intense and deep
It’s mesmerizing to the eye
As time clicks by the streaks of pink start to separate like cotton candy
Dusk is fast approaching bringing a coat of light black
The pink color disappears replaced by nighttime once again

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

As you look out the window
Nighttime is approaching
You see bright pink streaks against a grey blue canvas
They are hot pink
Like the lipstick
The pink brightens becoming more intense and deep
It’s mesmerizing to the eye
As time clicks by the streaks of pink start to separate like cotton candy
Dusk is fast approaching bringing a coat of light black
The pink color disappears replaced by nighttime once again

Ribbons of purple and gold
Scatter across the sky
Against rose colored buildings
Like a Monet painting

Hot pink sundown

A bright golden ball slowly lowers
Another day is closing
Nighttime awaits in the wings

Hot pink sundown

There’s a small  sliver of moon
Sitting high up in the sky
Against the gray blue backdrop
Almost invisible

Hot pink sundown

The air is crisp and cool
It’s wintertime once again
Animals and people bundled up
Staying off the cold

Hot pink sundown

Small white lights abound
Decorating a terrace
A remnant of the season past
Offering a welcome feeling
Darkness is not far behind
Welcoming in a new night

Hot pink sundown