Clear blue skies
Crisp air
Leaves on the ground
Smells of pine
Hot chocolate in mugs
Egg nog and apple cider
It's the season

Turkey cooking
Stuffed with special dressing
Family and friends all around
It's the season

Holiday parades
Santa dressed up
Music in the air
It's the season

Goodwill and peace
Feelings of gratitude
Quiet in the air
It's the season

Bright colors everywhere
Trees decorated
Cities put on their best
It's the season

Pies and cookies being baked
Snow gently falling
Fires burning slowly in fireplaces
It's the season

As the sun goes down for the night, clear your mind
As the sun goes down and the heat calms down, look up towards the moon
Notice its white glimmer
Feast upon the beauty of it

As the sun goes down and the world slows down, slow your heart
Think about the good things you have
Think about how precious life it

As you get ready to rest for the night, let your body relax and carry you off to sleep
And as you wake for the next day, smile for a chance at a new start
Treasure each moment and every second as they are a gift

As the sun goes down for the night, clear your mind
As the sun goes down and the heat calms down, look up towards the moon
Notice its white glimmer
Feast upon the beauty of it

As the sun goes down and the world slows down, slow your heart
Think about the good things you have
Think about how precious life is

As you get ready to rest for the night, let your body relax and carry you off to sleep
And as you wake for the next day, smile for a chance at a new start
Treasure each moment and every second as they are a gift

There are cliques everywhere
Some are in school
Others at work and life
Some people belong
They are part of it
Others are on the outside
Perhaps by their choice
Perhaps not
Some accept others
Some don’t
Some are exclusive
Some are intended
Some are not

Cliques

Others are on the outside
Perhaps by their choice
Perhaps not

It’s one of those Sundays
Last one in the month
Still in the midst of winter
Skies gray and cloudy
Air cool and damp

Clouded over

People are moving slowly
Streets are empty
Cafés are full
People getting breakfast
Slowly sipping coffee

Clouded over

Warm beds are tempting
Heavy blankets and jackets
Cups of hot tea with lemon
Soothe the body and soul
Hard to get moving

Clouded over

It’s one of those days
Still in the midst of winter
Skies gray and cloudy
Air cool and damp
Clouded over
People are moving slowly
Streets are empty
Cafés are full
People getting breakfast
Slowly sipping coffee
Clouded over
Warm beds are tempting
Heavy blankets and jackets
Cups of hot tea with lemon
Soothe the body and soul
Hard to get moving
Clouded over
Looking for that ray of sun

It’s one of those days
Still in the midst of winter
Skies gray and cloudy
Air cool and damp
Clouded over
People are moving slowly
Streets are empty
Cafés are full
People getting breakfast
Slowly sipping coffee
Clouded over
Warm beds are tempting
Heavy blankets and jackets
Cups of hot tea with lemon
Soothe the body and soul
Hard to get moving
Clouded over
Looking for that ray of sun

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

It’s winter time
It’s lightly snowing
The pine trees are getting covered with a white blanket
It’s fresh looking outside

Cocoon

The snow glitters like diamonds
A fire is burning in the fireplace
The smell of the wood permeates the air like perfume

Cocoon

You are snuggled in bed wrapped
up in warm blankets like a cocoon

Cocoon

You are comfortable and safe
As sleep approaches you surrender to it without a struggle

You are cocooned

It’s winter time
It’s lightly snowing
The pine trees are getting covered with a white blanket
It’s fresh looking outside

The snow glitters like diamonds
A fire is burning in the fireplace
The smell of the wood permeates the air like perfume

You are snuggled in bed wrapped
up in warm blankets like a cocoon

You are comfortable and safe
As sleep approaches you surrender to it without a struggle

You are cocooned

Folks drinking coffee in a cafe
Surrounded by red cushions that adorn bright white walls

Music playing with a loud hypnotic beat
News playing in the background on a TV
Red cushions cover the seats as well
Tables set with clear dark red glasses

Professional waiters moving to and fro
People sitting outside under red umbrellas offering welcomed shade

On the start to another hot steamy day

Bring a desire for warmth
For coffee or tea
Anything hot
Steaming
So the heat caresses
The face
Offering a hint of warmth

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
Calling one to stay
Seductive
Asking us to stay
Under their protection

Cold mornings
Are refreshing
In their own way
With fresh air
Easy to breathe
And empty street’s
Cold mornings
Have their own charm

Bring a desire for warmth
For coffee or tea
Anything hot
Steaming
So the heat caresses
The face
And the hands
Offering a hint of warmth

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
Calling one back
Enticing
Comforting  
Begging us to stay
Under their protection

Cold mornings
Are refreshing
In their own way
With fresh air
Easy to breathe
Bright skies
Cold mornings
Have their own special charm
Embrace it
Live it

Bring a desire for warmth
For coffee or tea
Anything hot
Steaming
So the heat caresses
The face
And the hands
Offering a hint of warmth

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
Comforting
Calling one to stay
Seductive
Asking us to stay
Under their protection

Cold mornings
Are refreshing
In their own way
With fresh air
Easy to breathe
And empty street’s
Cold mornings
Have their own charm

Bring a desire for warmth
For coffee or tea
Anything hot
Steaming
So the heat caresses
The face
And the hands
Offering a hint of warmth

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
Calling one back
Enticing
Comforting  
Begging us to stay
Under their protection

Cold mornings
Are refreshing
In their own way
With fresh air
Easy to breathe
Bright skies
Cold mornings
Have their own special charm
Embrace it
Live it

Bring a desire for warmth
For coffee or tea
Anything hot
Steaming
So the heat caresses
The face
And the hands
Offering a hint of warmth

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
Calling one back
Enticing
Comforting  
Begging us to stay
Under their protection

Cold mornings
Are refreshing
In their own way
With fresh air
Easy to breathe
Bright skies
Cold mornings
Have their own special charm
Embrace it
Live it

Cold and dark winters night
Raining outside
Sky a deep black velvet
Temperatures cooling off
Hard to feel comfortable outside
Bones starting to ache

My heart, soul and body hunger for the sun
Just a glimpse of it through the clouds

I snuggle into my bed with warm blankets
Enjoying their warmth and comfort as the time passes into nighttime

My cat is by my feet seeking warmth for her body
I enjoy the sound of her purr as she falls asleep
Letting the sound calm me

Come dance with me
Let’s touch the stars
Baila conmigo
Let’s listen to romantic music
Come walk with me
Anda conmigo
Come explore the world with me
Let’s see all there is to see
Let’s watch the stars dance
Watch the moon watching us
Let’s smell the roses
Vamos oler las rosas
Come laugh with me
Give me one hundred smiles
Come be with me
Ven conmigo
Forever

Come dance with me
Let’s touch the stars
Baila conmigo
Let’s listen to romantic music
Come walk with me
Anda conmigo
Come explore the world with me
Let’s see all there is to see
Let’s watch the stars dance
Watch the moon watching us
Let’s smell the roses
Vamos oler las rosas
Come laugh with me
Give me one hundred smiles
Come be with me
Ven conmigo
Forever

Come dance with me
Let’s touch the stars
Baila conmigo
Let’s listen to romantic music
Come walk with me
Anda conmigo
Come explore the world with me
Let’s see all there is to see

Let’s watch the stars dance
Watch the moon watching us
Let’s smell the roses
Vamos oler las rosas

Come dance with me
Baila conmigo

Come walk with me
Anda conmigo
Come explore the world with me
Come laugh with me
Give me one hundred smiles

Come be with me
Ven conmigo
Forever

Come dance with me
Let’s touch the stars
Baila conmigo
Let’s listen to romantic music
Come walk with me
Anda conmigo
Come explore the world with me
Let’s see all there is to see
Let’s watch the stars dance
Watch the moon watching us
Let’s smell the roses
Vamos oler las rosas
Come laugh with me
Give me one hundred smiles
Come be with me
Ven conmigo
Forever

Comfortable places are wonderful
They feel good to be around
They are calming
They can also energize us

Comfortable places ground us when we are not centered
They can inspire and lift us

They are some of our most precious jewels in life

When feeling out of sorts seek one out and let it soothe you

Believe

Comfort

Comfortable places are wonderful
They feel good to be around
They are calming
They can also energize us

Comfortable places ground us
when we are not centered
They can inspire and lift us

They are some of our most precious
jewels in life
When feeling out of sorts seek
one out and let it soothe you

Believe

When I lay my head down upon your lap I feel complete comfort

You bring peace and harmony
Total love

We all seek comfort
Everywhere we can
Whether in our homes
Friends, or  work
It’s important
It keeps us centered
It could be a choice of clothes
Or hairstyle
Or shoes
It’s whatever feels natural
What brings calm and serenity
There are also locations
That can do this
Along with some that don’t
In times of stress
It’s even more important
It can be different for all of us
But the desire is the same
To seek out what soothes
It not only helps the body
But the soul

It’s been a long time
Over 18 months
Things have been closed
Lockdowns coming and going
People in their homes
Afraid to leave
Huge hardships
For people and businesses
So much suffering
All over the world
It’s been like a horror movie
Streets empty
Cities quiet
Then bit by bit
In the last month or so
As vaccinations increase
And things change
People start to return
Businesses open
Streets get busy
Sidewalks fill
Everything is coming alive
Awakening from a deep sleep

A dim light shines across the waters a far distance away
Shining in the dark and fog
The light reflects off the waves of the water creating a path
In the distance is a ship which has been traveling the seas for a long time
The ship lost its way and has been looking for home
Seeing the light off in a distance the ship turns and sets sail for it
As the ship gets closer the light gets brighter illuminating the land by it
The land looks familiar now after so long
The ship is finally coming home

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

Snow lightly falling and blowing around outside
Barren trees with branches moving to the wind
Windows clattering with frost beginning to appear
People dressed in heavy coats with gloves and boots
It is the coming of winter and the start of a new cycle in the
weather for the year
Cold easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces replacing
the warmth of summer with a new found friend
Temperatures dropping outside
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city as it gets ready ready to put
on its heavy blanket in preparation

Controlled Grief

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

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

After several hot days
With searing heat
Humid nights
Fitful sleep
The body on fire
Mother Nature granted
A cool reprieve
Of temperatures
And soothing breezes
To lift up the spirit and body
To heal and invigorate
To inspire

After several hot days
Mother Nature
Granted a cool reprieve
To heal the land
Feed the birds and plants
Refresh and give energy
Nurture the body
To lift up the soul
And light up the world

Cooler breezes tempt me
Bring a smile to my face
The summer brightness
Of the sun is almost gone
Darker mornings greet me
There is a crispness in the air
It’s refreshing
The seasons are changing
Ever so slowly
From summer to fall
Time to change the wardrobe
Time for tea and hot chocolate
Time to get ready
Time to think about soups
Time to think about stews
Cooler breezes tempt me
Fall is coming
My season

After several hot days
With searing heat
Humid nights
Fitful sleep
The body on fire
Mother Nature granted
A cool reprieve
Of temperatures
And soothing breezes
To lift up the spirit and body
To heal and invigorate
To inspire

After several hot days
Mother Nature
Granted a cool reprieve
To heal the land
Feed the birds and plants
To lift up the soul
And light up the world

Cool Reprieve

After several hot days
With searing heat
Humid nights
Fitful sleep
The body on fire
Mother Nature granted
A cool reprieve
Of temperatures
And soothing breezes
To lift up the spirit and body
To heal and invigorate
To heal the land
Feed the birds and plants
To lift up the soul
And light up the world
Once again

Gray skies greet me
Quiet streets almost empty
People sitting at cafes huddled together because of the coolness

Cool Sunday morning
Last day of the weekend
People enjoying the moment before the start of another week

Cool Sunday morning

Gray skies greet me
Quiet streets almost empty
People sitting at cafes huddled together because of the coolness

Cool Sunday morning
Last day of the weekend
People enjoying the moment before the start of another week

Cool Sunday morning

Copacabana Days
Rio nights
Beautiful beaches
Regal hotels lining the street
White silky sand
Turquoise water
Sultry breezes
Swaying palm trees

Copacabana Days
Black and white tiled sidewalks
Umbrellas everywhere
Children running and playing
At night the beach walk outlined with a string of pearl street lights

Copacabana Days
The sound of Portuguese in the air
Ice cream vendors moving along the beach seeking eager customers
Corcovado in the background

Copacabana Days
Beautiful bird kites — all colors
Flying high in the air
People wearing their best swimwear

Copacabana Days
Rio nights

Rio nights
Beautiful beaches
Regal hotels lining the street
White silky sand
Turquoise water
Sultry breezes
Swaying palm trees

Black and white tiled sidewalks
Umbrellas everywhere
Children running and playing
At night the beach walk outlined with a string of pearl street lights

The sound of Portuguese in the air
Ice cream vendors moving along the beach seeking eager customers
Corcovado in the background

Beautiful bird kites — all colors
Flying high in the air
People wearing their best swimwear

Copacabana Days
Rio nights

It's 6am on the east coast
Washington DC
Up high, over the horizon is a wide open sky
As far as the eye can see
threads of cotton candy pink streak across the sky against a pallet of
blue/gray.
It is so beautiful, it almost looks surreal and artificially created.
The city has not yet awoken.
It is still, calm and quiet.
A slight, ever so gentle breeze rustles through the trees.
Then, slowly, the pink cotton candy streaks start to blend together
and dissolve into a bright red ball.
As the ball begins to rise, it announces the coming of a brand new day.
A few birds fly by a balcony and land on a ledge to watch the view.
And once again, Washington DC wakes up

It's 6 am on the east coast

Washington DC

Up high, over the horizon is a wide open sky

As far as the eye can see

Threads of cotton candy pink streak across the sky against a pallet of blue/gray.

It is so beautiful, it almost looks surreal and artificially created.

The city has not yet awoken for the day.

It is still, calm and quiet.

A slight, ever so gentle breeze rustles through the trees.

Then, slowly, the pink cotton candy streaks start to blend together

and dissolve into the sun.

As the ball begins to rise, it announces the coming of a brand new day.

A few birds fly by a balcony and land on a ledge to watch the view.

And once again, Washington DC wakes up.

Set against a pale blue sky
Fluffy with their light pink color
Looking almost appetizing
Dotted with white streaks
Set a distance apart
With birds soaring high
Spreading their wings
In concentric circles
Over the city
As the sun gets ready to set
One more time
Ushering in another evening

There’s a time of year
When the streets
Grow silent
The cities and towns
Are still
People are home
Or somewhere else
Everyone is  watching
Hoping
Praying
That their
Country
Will do well
And win
The coveted prize
It happens with
Many sports
Some every week
Others once a year
There’s nothing like it
It brings everyone together
For one thing
Rooting for their team
Sometimes
Magic happens
And an unknown wins
The world rallies around
As the light they bring
Lifts up the entire world
Country spirit

Courage
It can be found
In unexpected moments
When someone rises
Up to meet the challenge
Either through actions
Or words
Or both
It can be someone
That stands up
Even when it’s hard
For what’s right
What we know deeply
In our hearts of hearts
Or someone that walks
Into danger to help
Or a healer helping the ill
Courage is everywhere
In adults and children
Around the world
There are those
That stand up
Speak out
Even when it’s difficult
Unpopular
They do it
At a time of turmoil
In the world
With pandemics
Wars
Unrest and violence
We need the courageous
More than ever
What are you??

Courage
It can be found
In unexpected moments
When someone rises
Up to meet the challenge
Either through actions
Or words
Or both
It can be someone
That stands up
Even when it’s hard
For what’s right
What we know deeply
In our hearts of hearts
Or someone that walks
Into danger to help
Or a healer helping the ill
Courage is everywhere
In adults and children
Around the world
There are those
That stand up
Speak out
Even when it’s difficult
Unpopular
They do it
At a time of turmoil
In the world
With pandemics
Wars
Unrest and violence
We need the courageous
More than ever
What are you??

Tonight there’s a crescent moon
It’s silvery white
It hangs by a golden thread
Stars dot the sky around it
Like a painters brush
It looks incandescent to the eye
The vision is almost hypnotic
It’s beautiful and calming
It looks too good to be true
It gives the sky a magical look


It’s a crescent moon night
Let the magic begin

We all have a daily life
Jobs and careers
Errands we run
Household chores
Meals we make
Other things
The rhythm of our day
Daily Life

Our lives are separate
Yet similar in what we do
Our needs are separate
Yet also similar
Daily Life

Restaurants have a rhythm
Cafes, shops and stores
Streets and traffic
Everything has a rhythm
Different but also similar
Daily Life

No matter what part of the world
Everyone has a daily life
Whatever that may be
Each has their own rhythm
Whatever the beat
Whatever the music
Daily Life

While our separateness defines us
Makes us unique
Our humanity ties us together
For in the end
We are all one
On this planet
Living our lives
Separate yet together
Daily Life

We all have a daily life
Jobs and careers
Errands we run
Household chores
Meals we make
Other things
The rhythm of our day
Daily Life

Our lives are separate
Yet similar in what we do
Our needs are separate
Yet also similar
Daily Life

Restaurants have a rhythm
Cafes, shops and stores
Streets and traffic
Everything has a rhythm
Different but also similar
Daily Life

No matter what part of the world
Everyone has a daily life
Whatever that may be
Each has their own rhythm
Whatever the beat
Whatever the music
Daily Life

While our separateness defines us
Makes us unique
Our humanity ties us together
For in the end
We are all one
On this planet
Living our lives
Separate yet together
Daily Life

We all have a daily life
Jobs and careers
Errands we run
Household chores
Meals we make
Other things
The rhythm of our day

Our lives are separate
Yet similar in what we do
Our needs are separate
Yet also similar

Restaurants even have a rhythm
Cafes, shops and stores
Streets and traffic
Everything has a rhythm
Different but also similar

No matter what part of the world
Everyone has a daily life
Whatever that may be
Each has their own rhythm
Whatever the beat
Whatever the music

While our separateness defines us
Makes us unique
Our humanity ties us together
For in the end
We are all one
On this planet
Living our lives
Separate yet together
Living our daily life

The gentle dance of the nuances
The nuances are ever so slight and almost hidden, just a slight difference, or way of being, perhaps even thinking or feeling. Sometimes it seems that they are not even there, invisible to the touch and senses.

From one familiar land to another that is somewhat familiar yet unfamiliar. There is a chemistry to a place, and a rhythm which one needs to fit into and the melody may not be exactly the same. Similar to an orchestra, one needs to find the right instrument and music to play.

The dance of the nuances can happen. Between people, between worlds, between almost anything.
What seemed so sure so many times before may seem unsure now, steps feel a bit uneven as one moves out onto new terrain and unchartered territory. Like a baby bird gathering twigs for a new nest.
But, through each step, learned and accustomed nuance, the unfamiliar starts to become more familiar.
The music to the dance is one of patience, time and learning.