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

Red Velvet Blues

He’s got the red velvet blues
He loves the feeling of the fabric
Smooth and silky to the touch
Intoxicating in its beauty

Red Velvet Blues

He once saw a girl wearing one
He was mesmerized
He’d never seen anyone like her
Nor the dress
Together they were beyond belief

Red Velvet Blues

She looked like an angel
Almost not human
So beautiful and fresh
The dress was stunning
So was she

Red Velvet Blues

He asked her to dance
Held her close
The red velvet dress soft to his touch
He never wanted to let go

Red Velvet Blues

Even to this day
Many years later
He remembers the girl and that dress
He never forgot
She was embedded in his soul

Red Velvet Blues

It was a perfect day on the island
It was miles away from the main city


To get there one had to ride the ferry for an hour across the blue waters


The sand on the beach was white and fine to the touch like fine silk
The water at times was turquoise

The beach was little lined with large umbrellas stuck in the sand
They were numerous colors and multi colored


People were sitting under them watching the waves
The waves pounded the shore breaking with bright white foam

The air was warm but not hot with a slight breeze soothing to the touch

Palm trees swayed to the breeze their leaves glistening in the sun
As the sun hit the ocean the surface looked like a million diamonds

Children were running up and down the beach laughing and playing games while parents kept a watchful eye

A man pushed an ice cream cart down the beach selling ice cream treats

A mother and her daughter played in the waves
The daughter eventually sitting in the water letting the waves run over her

It was a perfect day in every way

Everyone was grateful for the perfect day and a little slice of heaven

You are on a Greek isle
There’s a bright blue sky
With a few white clouds
Bright fuchsia flowers
Adorn the area
The ocean is sapphire blue
Nearby is some laundry
Hanging in the wind
Bright white sheets
Just washed
That move to the rhythm
Of the wind
Giving off a scent
Of cleanliness
It’s calming and hypnotic
Magic

What is special?
When someone says
You’re not that special
That others have more value
Than you
But what is it to compare
People to people
Relationship to relationship
As we are all unique unto ourselves
No one is the same
So if someone says you’re not special
What are they also saying
About themselves
For how can we judge
A person’s worth
To another
Without being in their skin
We are all unique
Each with our own destiny
Different from another
How can we be anything
But special
For we each are an individual square
On the quilt of humanity
Together making up the whole
That’s special

When feeling lost
Go to the forest
Smell the trees
Take in the freshness

When feeling unease
Go to the forest
Feast upon nature
Walk amongst the trees
Listen to the wind

When feeling confused
Go to the forest
Sit amongst the beauty
Let it calm your soul
Let the beauty fill your heart

When you’re not sure what to do
Go to the forest
Listen to answers
Let it inspire you

Sometimes when we are delayed
Or slowed down
In doing something
There’s a reason
We may not know it
But there is
We shouldn’t fight it
Those pauses are for protection
To stop us
From doing something
Not really meant for us
Later on as we look back
We will see and understand
When you are delayed
Or stopped
Just become still
The universe is looking out for you
Trust and believe
Light up the world

There is a very special place a long, long ways away.....it is thousands of years old with traces back to Spain and before. In the land of a thousand and one nights. It is a city built of light rose pink buildings with turquoise window frames and a feeling of a great pace. Things move slowly here as there is no reason to rush. At night, a calm falls over the city and takes on a lavender hue. People sit in cafes enjoying their coffees and the hypnotic breezes that brush across their faces. Some call this feeling the purple haze. It seeps into buildings, through the walls and windows covering its residents with a soft blanket while they sleep. It has a delicate scent of lilacs and the color is a pale colored lavender with flecks of gold and silver woven through it like a fine tapestry or fabric. As the mist penetrates the air, it brings about a feeling of total peace and tranquility second to none. The origin is a mystery,  though some say it comes from the snow capped Atlas mountains near by.

There’s a small sliver of moon tonight
It hangs in a thick, rich black velvet sky

The moon glimmers a soft white
The sky looks rich enough to touch
In the distance is a pink glow of the city

Another day closes with a new night beginning
The air has cooled to the breath
The lungs feel refreshed
A slight healing breeze is blowing
It soothes the heat beaten brow

plants welcome their daily drink
People move on the street enjoying the cool reprieve and coming night

Every now and then someone looks up and smiles at the moon
It’s magic

The moon looks down at the earth and smiles

Open your eyes
Abre sus ojos
See what you can see
Feel what you can feel
Touch what you can touch
Take in all the fragrances
See the wonder of life
See me for who and what I am

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
Take it all in
Look everywhere
See Mother Nature
In all her glory
See the oceans
See the forests and mountains
See the animals
See me for who and what I am

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
See the woman before you
See her heart and spirit
Where she has been

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
The world is waiting

It’s that time of year
Fall crispness is in the air
Trees abound with bright colors
There scents of apples, cider and pies wafting through the air
Oranges, reds and golds are the colors of choice
Sweaters are pulled out
Vests and coats are worn
Boots and warm socks
Thoughts of holidays fill the mind
Light snow tickles the landscape
Piles of leaves in yards
Holiday decorations in stores
The mindset changes
To a holiday mode
Thoughts of sugarplums
Love, care and charity appear
It’s the season

He had been a professional player
A linebacker
They were built tough
And big
When he left, he created something new
Something different
A business
And a non profit to help kids
One day unexpectedly
A woman came to work for him
Her background was different
She had stepped out of her field
To try something new
She had never been this close to a celebrity
It’s a different world
He had never known someone with her background
They decided to try and make it work
Using the strengths of each
She became his chief of staff
Surprisingly it worked
They both grew from the experience
The linebacker

Step forward instead of backward
Lift up instead of put down
Help instead of hurt
Love instead of hate
Inspire instead of limit
Kindness instead of harshness
Integrity instead of corruption
Lightness instead of darkness
Hope instead of despair
Laughter instead of tears
Creativity instead of bland
Dancing instead of sitting
Tolerance instead of none
Positivity instead of negativity
Possible instead of impossible
Step forward

The children lived near a large field
It was summertime
The grass was brown
Almost a taupe color

Sometimes they would play softball or just run around the entire field
Hoping to take off into the sky like birds

By the field was a forest
It was full of tall pine trees and others
The pines seemed to touch the sky
The children used to climb the trees and sit on the branches looking out on the land
They felt free

One day they decided to build a tree house in one particular pine tree
It was their favorite

They gathered wood and other supplies from their houses to make it
They spent hours building it
It was their secret
They swore an oath to not tell their parents

When finished they climbed inside
Hidden from the world
They stayed for hours
Enjoying the breezes and listening to the branches and leaves rustling
The smell of pine filled the air
It was intoxicating

The children were so happy
They felt on top of the world
They never wanted it to end

It’s the little things in life
That make all the difference
Like saying good morning
Smiling at someone
Saying thank you
Offering a hug
That brighten up a mood

That sweeten a day
Lift someone up
Lighten the world just a bit

Like saying good morning
Offering a compliment
Sharing a joke
Laughing
That make all the difference

It’s the little things in life
That make the difference

In the darkness
I am there
My hand is on your shoulder
In the darkness
I am there
I am standing behind you

In the darkness
I am there
I am holding your hand

In the darkness
I am there
When you can’t see
I am your eyes
When you can’t walk
I am your legs

In the darkness
I am there
When you can’t go on
I will help you
When you can’t stand
I will for you

In the darkness
I am there
When you cry
I will wipe your tears
When you laugh
I will laugh with you

In the darkness
I am there
I have always been there

Bridge to the Sky

Build a bridge to the sky
Reach beyond your means
Touch the stars and beyond

Look at all that there is to see
Embrace the true beauty of it
Let it touch your soul

Build a bridge to the sky

Reach for the sun
Touch the edge of the universe
Let it lift you up

Build a bridge to the sky
Believe in the impossible

She had gone to see the Sahara
She had never been before
She wanted to see the sun rise
Over the desert
She heard it’s spectacular
The night before
She was in a camp
It was hot at night
Hard to sleep and rest
Before sunrise
She was wakened from her sleep
Time to walk to the top of the dunes
It was hard with the sand shifting
It was almost slippery
Once at the top
She sat down
Her feet dangling over the edge
She waited
Patiently
Quiet and serene
So still
For the moment
That moment
When the sun begins to rise
Over the desert
She was excited, anticipating
The view and experience
After a while
Slowly
The sun began to come up
Greatest show on earth
A bright red ball
Lifting high
It was incredible
Almost indescribable
Natures art
She felt her spirit lift
With the sun
Towards the heavens
Just as the sun finally came up
Sahara Dreams
Nothing like it

Silver bells
Sweet memories
Of times past
Run through my mind
Like a quiet stream
Hints of cinnamon in the air
Apple cider
Hot chocolate
Beautiful trees and wreaths
Decorated everywhere
Scents of pine trees
Burning wood
In fireplaces
Snow covered ground
Looking like a winter wonderland
Silver bells
Sweet memories
If I close my eyes
They come as dreams
Making me wish they never end

I am lost
In the fog
I pray for guidance
Something to hold on to
As I walk forward
Looking for signs
I feel lost
My guideposts are gone
Or hidden
I reach out my hand
To feel one
Yet nothing is there
I keep walking
Hoping the fog lifts
Then as I walk
A glimmer of light
Down the road appears
Not much but something
As I get closer to it
The light brightens
The guideposts reappear
I reach over to touch one
I feel more secure
That eventually
I won’t feel as lost
The light will shine
Once again

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
With your brightness and light

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours

You found a place and never left
You took me to new places

Many many years ago
You lifted up my spirit
You touched my heart with love
You gave me care

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
You showed me the world

You showed me the moon
You gave me the sun
You gave me everything
You touched my heart with yours
You never left

Imagine walking into a forest full of pine and other trees
They are all colors and sizes

As you stop amongst the trees, all you can hear is the deep silence
and the sound of your boots as you walk along on the dirt path

A slight cool breeze rustles through the trees moving the limbs
as the branches sway back and forth to the rhythm of the breeze

It is pleasant and calming
There is a scent of freshness in the air
It is invigorating

The sky is clear, and there is a glimmer of the sun gently hitting the path ahead
As you look up through the trees, the sun seems to shimmer

You keep walking
At the end of the path, is a small log cabin with
a fire burning in the fireplace, waiting quietly for its owner to return
You can smell something baking in the oven

It’s a perfect summer day

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

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

It’s been a long time
Many things have changed
Everything feels strange
Unsettled
Almost new
What was familiar now seems different
Reentry is hard
Cumbersome
Gaining that comfort again
The trust
Finding the rhythm
Knowing what’s what
It’s a new day
In a changed world
Hard to know what to expect
Danger still lurks
It’s not a soft landing
Reentry

Sweet Moments

Sweet moments
Those small moments
Sometimes fleeting
Make life worth living
They can pass quickly
Touching our hearts
Touching our souls
Hard to hold onto
Delicate
Somewhat fragile
Like a butterfly

Sweet moments
Make lasting memories
Taste like honey
Decorating our days and nights
Brightening our lives

Put them together
They form a life

We are all here for a reason.
The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.
Our legacy is how we lived.
How we will be remembered.
We are all unique. We each have a gift.
We just have to discover it.
Each day we can choose to stand in the light.
Instead of the darkness.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.
Let’s light up the world.
With our own special light.

You are standing tall like a warrior in the desert
There is a path with two directions
One to the left
One to the right
Each will take you in a different direction in your life
But the choice is hard
So much to think about
So you just stand at the fork not knowing what to do or which direction to go
To the right?
To the left?
The air is clear and it is silent not a noise in the air
The sky is blue with a bright sun overhead
Then all of a sudden a wind picks up and erases one of the paths
Leaving only one for you to follow towards the light and your destiny

Safe spaces
Loving ones
We all need them
They are sacred
Places we can go
And feel safe
Comfortable
Cared about
Stress free
They are very important
To our well being
They can be anywhere
Anything really
Home
Restaurant
Park
A bar
Cafe
Salon
Store
Forest
Beach
Country
It doesn’t matter
What’s important
Is how we feel
When we are there
They bring comfort
Love and care
They are precious
Invaluable
Safe

He’s got the red velvet blues
He loves the feeling of the fabric
Smooth and silky to the touch
Intoxicating in its beauty

Red Velvet Blues

He once saw a girl wearing one
He was mesmerized
He’d never seen anyone like her
Nor the dress
Together they were beyond belief

Red Velvet Blues

She looked like an angel
Almost not human
So beautiful and fresh
The dress was stunning
So was she

Red Velvet Blues

He asked her to dance
Held her close
The red velvet dress soft to his touch
He never wanted to let go

Red Velvet Blues

Even to this day
Many years later
He remembers the girl and that dress
He never forgot
She was embedded in his soul

Red Velvet Blues

You are a beautiful red maple leaf
Sitting delicately on a branch
You are one of many
The tree is a regal old maple
It has been there for years
With a tall sturdy trunk

The fall season has begun
Leaves are turning to turn colors
This tree has bright crimson red leaves
Some have already fallen to the ground
Others like you are still on branches

There is a slight cool breeze
It causes the leaves to rustle softly
The grasses bend and move to it
The landscape is dabbled in color everywhere

You are part of the landscape
Brightening the yard where you are with your color and shape

They work on their own or in groups
They are brilliant
They are miracle workers
They hunt an enemy we can’t see
It’s changed the world
Like a war
They are miracle workers
They are trying to stop it
All day and night they watch it
They are miracle workers
They study it
They begin to understand it
They work for labs
They work for universities
They work for companies or governments
They are miracle workers
They all want the same thing
To find a cure
To find a vaccine or treatment
They are miracle workers
The world waits hoping
Praying that something is coming
To turn the tide
To bring things back to normal
They are miracle workers
The scientists and doctors

The leaf was attached to a branch for decades
Every year it retuned
Suddenly one day the branch was no longer there
It had disappeared
Into nothingness
The leaf lost its anchor
The leaf fell free
As it floated to the ground
It was lost
With no grounding
No home
No protection
It only had
Sweet memories
To offer comfort
The lost leaf

I move into the mist slowly
The sky is a gray black
The moon is out shining
bright through the gray
I have lost my way
I struggle to find you
but I can not
I come across a fire
burning bright amongst
the mist and the gray
Surrounding it are spirits
dancing in the shadows of the night
Figures highlighted by the light of the fire moving rhythmically
I look around, and then I see you
Shadow dancing with my heart
I take a breath and I realize I am now free

Bright blue skies
A few white clouds
Golden rays
Multi colored flowers everywhere
Green trees swaying
Fragrant scents adorn the air
Like perfume

Sunbeam days
Light calming breezes
Blow across the face
Teasing it ever so slightly
Like gentle butterfly kisses

Sunbeam days
Ocean waves pounding the shore
Turquoise water
Endless sandy beaches
Smooth as silk
Umbrellas everywhere

Sunbeam days
Music in the air
Hints of summer
Fill my mind

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

The darkness and stillness of the night are comforting
They can be hypnotic
Drawing one towards sleep
As the city noises stop

The feeling of the coolness of the air as the temperature drops
Feels wonderful
After the heat of the day

The sky turns black velvet with a hint of starlight or perhaps a sliver of moon

The warmth  of the bed draws you in
Covered with sheets and blankets wrapped for the night

As you lie there listening to the quiet your body craves sleep as your eyes begin to close

Dreamland awaits

A quiet time
A time of reflection
Some people sleep in
When things slow down
Before the start of a new week
Some practice their faith
Others spend time with family
Some walk through nature
Cities are emptier
Less traffic and honking horns
There’s a stillness in the air
It’s peaceful

He stands at the shore
The water gently brushes his toes
He is alone
He has done this before
Many times
Across the waters
It’s a cool day
The sky is light gray
No clouds are in sight
The waves are slow and deliberate
Across the waters
He has been standing  for some time looking  west
He is also watching the waves
Their rhythmic movement
It’s hypnotic
Across the waters
He breathes in the air deeply
It has the aroma of salt
It’s refreshing
It has a calming effect
Across the waters
He thinks about what is on the other side of the ocean
He prays this time it will work
He concentrates with all his might
He’s trying to send a message
Across the waters
Will it arrive?
Will they hear him?
Hello, can you hear me?
Please answer back
He waits for a long time
Across the waters
Hoping for an answer
Anything
Once again nothing comes
He is left with emptiness
He turns and walks away
Across the waters
Over the years,  he tried many times
Hoping his message would be received
It traveled thousands of miles
Hello, can you hear me?
I am calling you
Please answer me
Across the waters
Finally after years of nothing
He gets an answer back
He can’t believe it
Is it real?
How is this possible?
Across the waters
Hello is it you?
I heard you calling me
I have tried to find you
But could not
How are you?
I have missed you so
I can’t believe it’s you
Across the waters

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

When you left that night forever part of me died
You were my bright North Star
You glimmered like diamonds
Without you I wasn’t grounded
I had no center
My heart was weeping from the loss

My spirit was trapped in total darkness
I felt like I was slipping away
Lost without an anchor
Like a ship without a port
I was unable to find my way home
Everything was upside down and backwards

I had lost my bright North Star

What’s in a name?
Besides our identity?
Our family?
Roots?
What does it mean?

What’s in a name ?
Does it one carry more weight?
Does it have special meaning?

What’s in a name ?
Is it more than a name?
Does it bring back treasured memories?
Does it represent a time?
Does it evoke feelings?

What’s in a name ?
Why does it matter?
Can someone else own it?

What’s in a name?
Is there hidden meaning?
What’s in a name ?

Besides the obvious ?
Does it have special powers?

Sitting in a café
Slowly drinking my coffee
Enjoying the light breeze blowing across my face
Teasing me tenderly
Watching the world pass by
Streets full of cars and people
Motorbikes and bicyclists

I’m street watching

Watching the trees swaying
Taking in the scene
Checking out the news
Feeling mellow and calm

I’m street watching

From where I sit I can see several streets, restaurants, cafes and shops
People walking to and fro
Seeking what they need or desire

I’m street watching

The horse was a beautiful black color
He was stunning
He was a proud stallion
Perfect and strong
He looked like black velvet

Sometimes he would run along the shore as fast as he could
His hooves almost lifting off the ground like flying
It was magic to watch

He was so perfect he almost didn’t look real
His coat gleamed against the sun
His favorite time to run was sundown
When the water glimmered like gold dust
As he ran, his mane flew behind him like wings galloping as fast as he could

As he ran people along the way stopped to admire him almost mesmerized by his beauty
They had never seen anything like him

He was special and unique
It was nature’s magic

Even though you are tired climb to the top of the mountain
Even though you are worn down -- keep going
Even though you hurt keep living
Climb to the top
See the world
See everything
Climb walk run
Never stop
Even though you are tired
Live
Breathe
See
Feel
Even though you are tired
Take just one more step

Your destiny awaits

Red maples surround the empty road
The emptiness is calming
The color of the trees is so brilliant it almost looks false
It’s beautiful
The black asphalt road is a contrast to the color of the leaves
Hints of bright green highlight the red
Almost like a painting
It’s surreal
Even the rain doesn’t dim the leaves
It creates a look like a fairy tale
Or part of a movie set
Yet it’s real
Part of the artistry
Of Mother Nature
Pure magic

Red maple rain

Sitting in a café
Slowly drinking my coffee
Enjoying the light breeze blowing
Teasing me tenderly
Watching the world pass by
Streets full of cars and people
Motorbikes and bicyclists

I’m street watching

Watching the trees swaying
Taking in the scene
Checking out the news
Feeling mellow and calm

I’m street watching

From where I sit I can see several streets, restaurants, cafes and shops
People walking to and fro
Seeking what they need or desire

I’m street watching

When you feel all muddled up go into the forest and sit amongst the green
Let your eyes feat upon the beauty

Inhale the perfume of nature
Let the beauty and stillness of it calm you

Be at peace

There’s darkness outside with a glimmer of light
Slowly the darkness cedes
Traffic is slowly moving
The morning has begun
Coffee and tea being made
The quiet of night being replaced
By familiar noise
The sun starts to rise
A golden ball
It’s a glorious sight
Another morning has arrived
As the city wakes up once again

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