They are the flying Wallenda trapeze artists of the squirrel world
As I was enjoying their act in the trees on a wire above the humans and their traffic
My phone told me our dear friend was dying
As the tears fell and details are forthcoming, I was grateful for Mother Nature's children entertaining me
I hope my dear friend will smile down as  his time wih us is coming to an end
Nutella and Chunky taught me about magic and so did he

Sunflowers are tbe symbols of CBS Sunday Morning
They are both happy and sad
Warm and Welcoming
Spending time at CBS studios as a Media student left an amazing impression
CBS has a long and loyal viewer in me
It starts my Sundays and some weeknights are ended with Steven Colbert
So,when I visit South Dakota will look for Sunflowers
Seems they have been part of my life more than I realized
Thanks to Jane Pauley and all those behind those Sunflowers
Til next Sunday

Meant to be broken
Adapted
Some are steadfast about them
It is not about closing doors
It is about change and acceptance
As a writer,maybe seeing things on a different plane
Kindness and consideration will always matter
Gratitude and Grace
Going  it alone is sometimes the best way
You hold accountable what you hear in passing
In one ear and out the other is a mantra I abide by
Life Rules matter as do all of us

I have loved and enjoyed butterflies since I was a little girl.
The Monarch is my favorite
Today, after a COVID vaccine, she followed me home.
Loved the company since there's too much toxicity surrounding me
Many others as well
If the squirrel greeted me, and he knew his treat would come another day
Unsalted nuts in shells
Jif comes down his tree and makes eye contact with me
We don't want to lose Nature's wonders
A Monarch followed me home a greeting from Heaven

Failure is a hurdle we wish we did not have to jump or deal with
The conversaton is needed and listened to
Not just heard
The feckkess never understand just not capable
If you have been down lower than you thought possible then you have learned how to climb
Some goodbyes are necessary and painful
Maybe that is why I adore rainbows after life's storms
Heaven' s residents greetings and a sigh of relief
If you win easily that is great
The lessons learned along the way make it worth the challenges
Toxic people are not needed or wanted in my life or yours

One of a kind
Nearly Sublime
Sarcastically charming from the start
An amazing warm and golden heart
How lucky can you get?
He is beyond amazing you can bet!
How did I deserve to get one of the very best?
He always stands out from the rest!
They don't make them like that anymore
They don't make them like that anymore

A seven year old blue eyed doll of a young boy dancing and running in the sand
The seagulls flew over his head swooping down trying to catch
a snack or meal on the beach
He ran to greet them and kept returning
His great grandfather used to name them all
As I told him, he asked if he knew them?
I guess he did I replied
Thinking he is smiling down as his great grandson
runs with the gulls
His great grandfather's words are alive in his heart

Certain circumstances
Special circumstances
Beyond our control
Are they excuses?
Something created
Not always AI
Something beyond one's grasp
How out of control are we?
Who should we blame?
Due to circumstances beyond our control
Go for it
Whatever it is
Know your role
If you don't know, find it
Don't let go
Don't lose control
Circumstances

We are different
Who would want to be the same?
It's not about the blame.
It's about being unique.
We are different
No cookie cutter assembly line
Just to be resilient and stand in or out
You can resemble someone, but you are not the same
Isn't that shame?
Reminding someone of somebody special who was here yesterday
Where is the sparkle?
What about the shine?
Some yours
Some mine
Colors are brighter
Colors are clear
Enjoy the difference in your heart and mind
We are Different
It made itself so clear

Not a beauty queen
No silver screen
No Emny though I want one
Just you and me
Me and You
Never going to be
Feet on the ground
Reaching for stars yet unseen
You know want I meant
You know what I mean
Never going to be more than what I am
Not sure what that will turn out to be
Still a work in progress stlll hard to be believed
No greater love in tbe world than what we share
For some never going to be
Never going to be

Started Graduate school
Never expected you to walk into my life
I was not looking and just wanted my degree
Large black shoes and gray trousers
This tall guy with bespectacled blue eyes
Few, if any, knew you, but magically you fit right in
Not easy in a Graduate school TV Studio
We earned two post master's degrees since then
The Love of my life and best friend
So, we met forty-six years ago
Married forty-five in October
An MS and an MRS
Still hard to believe, but grateful and love you more than I can write enough poems about

Never visited
Hope too
Video was amazing
Thanks Sunday Morning on CBS
Melancholy
Peaceful
Tranquil
Helped after Thunder and lightning all night
Park in Minnesota
Sacred to some and amazingly breathaking to others

Let the words and flow come
Be prepared to remember or jot them down
Be honored and hone your craft
Be proud you see things differently
You are sensitive and unlike the rest
High maintenance in ways they never would accept or understand
Be grateful
We want the world to be a better place
Poet's Prayer

It is not about education
Ignorance
Stupidity
Perhaps acceptance?
To think that every aspect of life does not change is ludicrous
It could improve or get worse
Going forward is optimal
What is and what was should learn from the other
Some don't learn
Reason does not matter
Or does it?
Excuses
Resistance
Too much

Stomped on
Torn
Broken
Repaired
Renewed
Not only should you care
Take care of yourself
Learned the hard way
Close the door with a bit of light shining through
Final break of the heart
You are stupid
We know who is smart
Better separated and apart
Final Break of the Heart

First for writing and always
Now for all parts of good mental and physical health
Viewing Nature and basking in the quiet
Sometimes accompanied by music
Petting and greeting dogs of different breeds and sizes
Sometimes with company
Usually alone by choice
In all kinds of weather
Walking

Opinions are fine
Keep your Dooms day comments to yourself
Those scenarios just make little sense for me
You have become a chronic pain
Treating it is another story
So here is a tip
Life is short but you are making it shorter
Your way or the highway?
Poured on my parade still pouring
Have slicker and umbrella ready
Enjoy yourself and so will I
Given in too many times
You wonder way sharing things with certain people no longer works?

It is not necessarily the way you might want it to be
It is what it is, and others must be considered,
Beloveds too
Narcissists are not welcome, and their insults are ignored
Sometimes a permanent Goodbye is necessary
Sometimes you can't shake it off
Going back may not work.
It is the way it is
It is the way it is
Very necessary to accept the status quo
Despite your opinion
The Way it is
Not for others to understand, but they must accept it

Always have been
Always will be
Not in my husband's eyes
Plain Jane comment from mother stayed with me always
Does Mother know best?
Funny when she wanted or needed something she knew whom to call upon
As good,klnd,and thoughtful as I am
It was never good enough.
Second best always and forever?
Looks were more important that application and being honest with myself
Second Best

When you don't seek and look
You find and get found
September 14 is when my future husband walked into my life quite unexpectedly.
Graduate school started
I was twenty-one
That is when my life changed
When you don't look, you find and get found
How lucky can you get?
My Prince Charming and first Master's degree

Nobody is going to tell you what to do
What to say
You go and find your own way
There will be those who put you down
Don't listen
Don't make a sound
Make sure you stand your own ground
Nobody
Nobody  
Should put anybody down
Nobody
Nobody
Nobody

You can accept
Be grateful
You cannot expect anything in this world
Regardless of the relationship or source
The reasons don't matter
Be gracious
Walk away with your head held high
Let go and move forward

Selfless never selfish
Just not in my DNA
Cruelty and self absorption sicken me
It surrounds us
Nail salons with claws surrounded with those I run from
They sit on thrones of their own creation
Good for you if you like that
Escaping to Nature and Beauty
With a lens or a pen
Refuse to give up  
Museums,Zoos,live shows,and travel for me
The Prince and Princess bergade not for me
Listen to words and music they just hear
Refuse to be a joiner
So the loner reappears
Just like that

Hear when you listened
In one ear and out the other
What is being said and happening around you or anyone for that matter
Must not and should not afffect your health and well being
Dealing with it and moving on
Shut it off
Tune it out
But continue being the.kind and caring human being you are and always have been
Take care of yourself before it does a number on you like it did a number on me

Barely knew you
Very tall blue-eyed guy
You called to see where I was
Missed classes due to an accident
That twenty year old girl in your class
You didn't have to call but you did
You drove me home from grad school
You didn't have to do that but you did
We talked til one am after a full day's work and  grad school
class
You invited me to meet your parents and placed a diamond ring on my finger
October is forty-five years married and still in love
And loving
You are magic and love you more than 1320 poems will ever express
You

Cascading
Flowing
Tiny Pools
Horrible storms
Droplets
In joy
In Sorrow
Not enough tissues
Lovely Linen hankies
On his collar
On his shoulder
In my hair
Everywhere
Tears

A white shepherd with one blue eye and one brown eye
Greeted me at a high÷end shop
We played with his flannel doll until I had to leave
The dog looked so sad
So I returned with a small golden retriever toy
After the scent check ,the dog took it and snuggled next to it on
the pillow on the hardwood flooring
If there is a heaven,a dear departed love said Hello.
Sorry sweet doggie had to go home.
Daddy,hope it was you.

Victim
Survivor
Living in the past doesn't work
However it pops up from time to time
This time the current state of affairs
News must be reported however the language used must be very carefully crafted
Audience watching might be affected too
With great respect and admiration for the commentator and writer
Pain and bad memories are the Antihesis

A song from Carousel
Last song Sang at a telethon long ago
Truth is that once you stand tall
Straight with your head held high
Pain disapates and returns as a reminder
Those you can no longer see in forms unrecognizable are cheering you on
Standing besides you
They want to be remembered
You never walk alone

Our Mom died five years ago today.
Covid took her.
I prefer to be alone in my foul mood
In the big park on an empty bench sat yours truly and a ten pound bag of nuts
Others were having a lively Sunday far from the bench
The nuts were placed between two trees
One squirrel chomped on the shell
Nine nuts later looking for more
Three other squirrels some smaller partaked
Lovely company on a sad day
Leaving they continued their banquet by their trees

Two squirrels chasing each other on a large oak tree
Another trying to decide how to eat a large walnut and almond
Still Another watching my every move while laying in a big tree branch up high
Cloudy skies with a tiny drizzle of rain
Awaiting thunderstorms but nice company walking home up tbe hill

Walking and writng work in tandem
Even in intense heat and pouring rain
Could be a word or phrase
A memory
It is needed and necessary because it works for me
That is why I leave music home
Silence the mobile phone
Never really alone

I can find you in the dark
By touch
The blue eyes shine and glow
The music is soft rock
Cotton
Satin
Silk
With all the laughter
The Joy
The tears
Hoping for many more loving and lovely years
For your eyes only

Always been a female Charlie Brown and Linus with Marcie thrown in for good measure
There are Lucys in my life, but they still scare me
Been a victim and now a survivor with flashbacks
Don't go there, please
Loner but not lonely
Having to accept that things change won't dare come for an answer
Sometimes, I'm too kind and good for my own good
Harder for teachers to learn lessons
Yet, they do
Moving on to the right direction and journey
Nearing Gravitas

You listened
You stopped looking and you found him
Love is love
Your face told the story you shortened for the sake of time
Mr and Mr will walk down tbe aisle
Listen for Evergreen you said
I will dance at your wedding with my husband
Much happiness and looking forward to celebrating your Love

Nobody to read
Nobody to listen
Will my books sell?
Who am I?
What good is it to be a writer?
Sometimes the words don't come
They don't work
How dare I call myself a writer?
What good is it?
Wait and see

Have I heard the music with tbe words
Were there always lyrics there?
Did I know the words were there?
See they were always there
Nobody around to listen
Nobody to talk to or with
I talked to blank pages
Sometimes I still do
That became volumes thst befriended me
They helped me belong
My poetry song

Not saying goodbye or farewell just yet
Fifty year friendships should be treaured
Alas there is tarnish and strange vibes around it now
Calls are lessened and get togethers far and few between
When next time comes play it by ear?
We will see how it goes
Drastic change so hard to know you
Who are you?
You are unrecognizable
Not sure that I want to continue this
Fond next time

Some friendships are timeless
Some don't stand the test of time
You can listen and care but can't fix them or repair them
Once that risks your health
You limit visits and communication
It hurts but change is never easy
A new  life lesson
Unfortunately,still learning
Debbie and Donny Downer limited
Polly and Paul Positive Welcome

Brody the Collie came by to say Hello
He received a pat on the head and was petted .
A couple of monarch butterflies flew near me
Those above saying Hello?
The humidity calmed down for a gem of a day
The giant lemon tree shone a brilliant yellow
Standing in the center of the Garden in the Art museum
So many flocked to see this little beauty by the park
Exquisite delight it is with beautiful weather
Lovely day

You know me
I know you
Some don't see it
We do
No matter tbe ups and downs
Trials and tribulations
We are in it no matter whatever
The truth is clear no ties to sever
You see what otners fail to see
Somebody said I could do better
You know I couldn"t love you more

Not rehearsed
Automatic because it is real
No time element
Passion rising
Fun because it is supposed to be
Not a game
It is not something to do to pass tbe time
No comparing notes
Like fine wine it gets better with time
Try magnificent
Never ever dialed it in

The wonder
The journey
The pathos
Knowing
Absorbing
The release.
Eclipse

If you can donate to your local PBS station ,please do so.
It is a treasure and a great educational tool
Think Reading Rainbow and Sesame Street
Write your Senator and ask them to save PBS.
Write CBS and tell them to save Stephen Colbert show.
Share with friends and family



Thanks

FCC and CBS not simpatico
Now do we boycott CBS because of the end of Colbert?
Very wrong Paramount and CBS!
He can"t speak the truth while Grand Orange lies?
The end of PBS because quality means nothing to them?
They want Education of any kind otber than their idea of it to end?
Spoken as an educator!
Pathetic

Somethings stay the same
It is what is
It is what you want and because it works
Your comfort and soul requires that
Change is not only difficult but the need outweighs the means
Easy to say put it behind you
Another to actually do it
Holding on might be easier for some
Holding on can stifle what you need
You might want something you never considered before
Well enough might be what the universe ordered for you

Rock n Roll
Soul
Jazz
R and B
Rap
Hip Hop
Pop
Oldies
Classics
Film
TV
Broadway
Your decade or now
Can you feel it?
Sing it at the top of your lungs
Dance to it
Sing loud and proud
Your Song no matter
How you listen
How you sing it
Your Song

Doesn't matter what tbe mountain is
Could literally be a mountain to climb
A dream or obstacle
A long overdue goodbye
You just know it is time
Short lived or subline
Excuses will no longer do it
One step at a time
Fresh attitude

Five tears ago this August we lost our Mom to Covid.
In March 2025 we were in a train derailnent and our car was demolished.
Luckily we were not hurt.
We felt the jolt
2022 Cancer came to call and luckily he beat it.
He is checked by physicians and grateful does not express how we feel.
My book Beautiful Heart does.
Inspite and Despite the News and Politics
We find something joyful everyday.
My dad died in August when I was fifteen
1973 was long ago and I was with him when he passed on
The flashback remains
You move forward but never get over it
He and our Mom watch over us,,their grandchildren and great grandchildren
I detest August but Life Happens
Be grateful,joyful,appreciate your loved ones and friends
That meglomaniac thinks he is the Godtather.
The Godfather left too