Snow covered pine trees blanketed with white
Muted lights outside
Cold air clean to the breath
Winter is here

Slow walking people bundled up
Bright colored scarves
Hats of all shapes and sizes
Winter is here

Birds seeking their next meal
Cats on the prowl
Fireplaces burning
Winter is here

Pies in the oven
Cookies being made
Roasts awaiting the oven
Winter is here

Sweaters and boots
The fare of the time
Warm flannel PJs
Winter is here

Warm mellow breezes brush against my face
The sky turns light purple as the sun goes down
Carmel cappuccino sits on the table
Waiting for me
While a candle burns
Bossa nova music plays
In the background

As the sun continues to drop
The breezes increase taking some of the heat away
The smell of the cappuccino fills the air
As the bossa nova plays
It’s a special time
A time of magic

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I have walked a different path
I traveled a long distance
In many ways to arrive

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I have walked a different path

I can be like a feather
Blowing in the wind
Untethered
Light to the touch
Almost invisible

I can be like a bird
Soaring high in the sky
Enjoying the glory of flying

I can be like a cat
Quiet and watching
The world go by

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I walked a different path
I traveled a long distance
In many ways to arrive

I am on a path and journey
There have been twists and turns
That’s what took me here
At this place and time

It’s early morning
The city is still somewhat quiet
Not much traffic yet
The sun is out, but not fully
Another day is just beginning
Time for coffee and tea
To catch up on the news
And the world
Breakfast is needed
So many choices
Still time to rest
Before starting up the day
The coolness of the air
Refreshes after a hot day
Cleansing the body
It’s time for stillness
To calm the spirit

Get your groove
Find a rhythm
Beat it loudly
With energy
Let the sound carry
Far and wide
Beat it
For the ill
For the dying
For the suffering
For all the lost souls

Beat the drum

For the living
As loud as you can
March down the street
Proudly
Let others hear you
Let them join you

Beat the drum

For the world
For all of us

She was staying at the beach
Her room was on the boardwalk
The beach was beautiful
White sand
Smooth as silk
Turquoise water
Warm sun but not too hot
When the sun hit the water
The reflection looked like shimmering diamonds

One night after dinner she sat on a bench
Facing the ocean
Watching the moon and sea do their dance together
The moon shone brightly down on the waves
Highlighting the white tips of the waves
As the moon continued to shine
The water seemed to move in an almost hypnotic way
Getting stronger and stronger
Drawing her to it

She was entranced
She could not pull herself away
Though time passed and it was time to go
She couldn’t
She was transfixed
By the moment
She watched the dance of the moon and the sea
As they spun their magic together

It was a cool gray day
No hint of sun
The sky had a heaviness to it
It had rained the night before
The cool air seeped into ones bones leaving a dull ache

People were sitting in the café having their breakfast
Many seats were empty
The atmosphere was muted

It made one long for the freshness of spring

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

Bring comfort
Feel like home
Offer calm
Instead of chaos
Give one a sense of belonging
Help one feel centered
They are important
They are most needed
During times of trouble
We all have them
Without them
We feel lost
We can’t find our way
They are like a lighthouse
Steering a ship to port
They clear out the fog
Erasing darkness
Bringing in the light
They are everything

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

We’re addicted
We can’t quit
We talk about it
Yet it continues
Sad event after event
Year after year
American addiction

No matter how awful
The pain and horror
We can’t quit
Oh there’s talk
Hand wringing
Crying and shouting
Yet nothing changes
American addiction

When will courage
Appear to stop this
When will life
Truly be valued
Lately it’s been children
Paying the price
American addiction

Life is precious
Beyond materialism
Beyond power
We each have one
It’s up to us
How we choose
To live
It’s time to stop
The carnage
Look after each other
American addiction
Can we quit
Are we ready??

If you see someone with a frown, smile
Choose laughter over tears
If you see someone that could use a little money, give if you can
If someone needs help, reach out
Offer kindness instead of harshness and cruelty
Love instead of hate
Don’t judge, accept

Walk towards the light instead of darkness
Give instead of taking
Lift up instead of tearing down
There’s too much darkness and hate in the world right now
If we can just light the world a little through kindness and love, it’s a start
Every bit matters

Hundreds of brilliant white seagulls soaring
High above the dark blue ocean

Seagulls

Swirling around so fast they are hard to distinguish
They are just a blur

Seagulls

Suddenly they turn, aiming towards the sun
Flying higher and higher

Seagulls

So  that they can no longer be seen
But their faint cries can still be heard

Seagulls
As they disappear into the clouds
Watching their flight is majestic

Seagulls

The movements and speed
Like witnessing something being created
Part of the artistry of Mother Nature

Seagulls

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

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

Many years ago a young man traveled to a far away land
He met a young woman while there
They became sweethearts
When Valentines Day came he had never experienced it
But he went and found a gold heart box of chocolates decorated with an orange rose
He put it in a brown paper bag with a card to give to his sweetheart
When he saw her, he handed her the bag and smiled a big, bright smile

He said happy Valentines Day!

The sweetheart box

Get your groove
Find a rhythm
Beat it loudly
With energy
Let the sound carry
Far and wide
Beat it
For the ill
For the dying
For the suffering
For all the lost souls

Beat the drum

For the living
As loud as you can
March down the street
Proudly
Let others hear you
Let them join you

Beat the drum

For the world
For all of us

They have held
While other things have weakened
They remained strong
Like a dam

While pushed and threatened
While others spun stories
Trying to change reality
They stood firm
Holding the rushing waters back
Waves frequently breaking  against their wall
Yet it held
Like a dam

The more water that came
The fiercer it was
They held
They stood firm
They did not buckle
Yet it held
Like a dam

While there was an onslaught
Day after day
Never stopping
They stood firm
Never bending
Like a dam

Strong
Unbending
Like a dam
A true warrior for justice

The bond between animals and humans is sacred
To have the trust of an animal is very special
It is hard earned
Whether a pet or wild
When we bond to nature’s creatures
We reach a higher place
The best of ourselves
Our spirits touch on some level
There is communication
Between us
Though not with words
When an animal loves
It’s pure
Like rainwater
There are no ulterior motives
Of money or power
It’s just love
It is sacred
We should treasure it
Always

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are in my blood
My spirit
The total essence of me
You are in my heart
My soul
What makes up my spirit
The total essence of me
You have always been there
Since time began
You never left

You course through all of me
You are part of everything I touch

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are everywhere
You always have been

Everything is a balance
In the end
Light wins over dark
Love over hate
Goodness over evil
Freedom over oppression
Truth over lies
Integrity over corruption
Right over wrong
Kindness over cruelty
Healing over pain
Love is powerful energy
It can change the world
In an instant
Light up the world
With one small act
It can make a difference

Balance

When I first met you
I couldn’t resist touching your face
Or you touching mine
Or running my fingers through your hair
It was devine
During our time together
It was a form of heaven
A form of true bliss
Total happiness

When you left
I missed that
Like being withdrawn
From a wondrous drug
Things felt hollow
Empty
I missed your touch
Or to be able to touch you

Now decades later
We are together
I can reach out
To touch you
Or you can touch me
It’s like being delivered
Back to heaven
I never want to leave

Come dance with me
Let’s dance up in the stars
Let’s tickle the moon

Come dance with me
Let’s dance until sunrise
Let’s visit Mars and Venus

Come dance with me
Into our future
Hold my hand and walk along the beach

Come dance with me
Let’s walk by the Seine
Visit the Tower of London

Come dance with me
Forever

After a long delay
Of regular daily life
The signs are there
Life is starting to return
Bit by bit
Cafes are busier
Laughter is in the street
Shoppers are out
Musicians performing
It’s been a long time
Lots of starts and stops
Hopefully it will remain
This time
But that remains to be seen
The weather is changing
Colder now
People are going inside
Instead of outside
Life is returning
At least for now

As the semblance of the facade fades away like a coat being taken off for the night what lies underneath is a beating heart where the soul and spirit reside. Take off your coat and lay it down for a rest and let me feast upon your heart for a while

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
Hope instead of despair
Step forward

We are all makers of it
With an action
Or a sharp word
We can bring darkness
Hurt and pain
We can also lift up
Inspire
Create great beauty
Art
Dance
Music
Wonderful things
In an instant
We can bring despair
Hopelessness
Deep pain
Or tremendous light
It’s all about choices
Each and every day
We have the power
To light up the world
If we want

Sometimes we are left out
Excluded
Forgotten
Or treated differently
Than others
We may be given less
Or cared about less
Because of who we are
Or what we are
Or where we come from
But that doesn’t mean
It’s true
Because no matter
Where or what
We are all the same
Even if our language
Is different
Our beliefs
Our home
We come from
The very same place
And will eventually return there
Yet exclusion happens
It hurts
The spirit
The mind
And the heart

The start of a new week
End of the weekend
A new beginning
A fresh start
For some it’s dreaded
For others it’s a look forward
Cities clean up
Streets swept
Getting ready for a new week
Stores replenish their stock
Employees return
It’s time to get busy
And start anew

As the semblance of a facade fades away like a coat being taken off for the night what lies underneath is a beating heart where the soul and spirit truly reside
Take off your coat and lay it down for a rest
It will be there
When you need it
Let me feast my eyes upon your heart for a while and see you
See who you really are
Let me listen to your heart and soul as they play the music of you
You are beautiful
You are unique
You are treasured

As you get ready for Christmas, and start planning for the new year, may you be with people you love and treasure -- family, loved ones and friends.

May the world slow down just a little, and may kindness be extended beyond what is usually done.

Love a little more, care a little more, and give a little more. Have a generous heart. See light instead of darkness.

It is the time of year, for me when miracles can happen, and the goodness in people comes out even stronger, and this year, with the world in such turmoil, may our better angels win out.

And, once again, on Christmas Eve, as I have done for years, I will step outside on the terrace and listen to the quiet, as the world slows down just a little.

I will place a wish as I always do as well, wishing for peace and harmony all across the planet.

Happy holidays to one and all. May you have a blessed holiday and a happy New Year.

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

Beautiful gold purple sky
Mirroring a Monet painting
Rain clouds dotting the sky
Streaks of lightning highlight the clouds
A storm is fast approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
Looks like a work of art
Coming to close out the day
Winds pick up causing the wind chimes to play
A familiar melody
Plants sway to the wind
A storm is approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
No doubt nature is an artist
The sky has a surreal look
It’s  entrancing

Come walk with me
Take my hand
Let’s stroll down a path
To see where it takes us
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
Let’s go towards the forest
Covered in snow
Let’s listen to the quiet
Enjoy the stillness and peace
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me

Let’s go towards the beach
Let’s walk along the shore
Enjoy the sound of the waves
Smell the salt laden air
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me

Let’s walk home
Holding hands along the way
Just like we used to
So many years ago
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
Let’s share our journey
Build some more memories
Let’s laugh and joke
Play like children
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
It’s been a long time
I am waiting

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

Into the night
Dream sweet and long
May your it heal you
Take away your troubles
Take you to wonderland
Be peaceful and calm
Till morning
When the sun greets you
With its beautiful brightness
Revel in the start of a new day
Once again
A fresh start

Dream on

Fall breezes gently blowing
Dark gray painted skies
Highlighting the trees below
Cool temperatures
Crisp and clean air
Bright colored leaves
Red, orange and yellow
Like precious jewels
Rustling in the breeze
Hugging the branches ever so tightly
Before falling to the ground
Chimes ringing in the wind
Moving back and forth
Playing their own muted tune
Serenading
On another day
Fall Memories

You taught me how to live
What to love
How to live

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me how to grow
You taught me how to accept

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me how to read
You taught me how to question
You taught me what to believe

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me everything
You gave me everything

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me about honor
You taught me about integrity

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me to never give up
You taught me to reach high

You taught me how to love
Most importantly
You taught me what to love

Every morning there is a  parade Carriages head across the city
Beautifully decorated in green and gold
Proud horses confident in their stride
Take them to their destination
The drivers sit up high as they make their way
Winding through the streets
Every morning there is a parade Carriages carrying passengers
Beautifully decorated in green and gold
Proud horses pulling them to their final destination

Every morning there is a parade
Beautiful Carriages march across the city
It’s a magical site

For just a little while
One fleeting moment
I went home
To a place like it
I sat and had a cup of coffee
Like times past I visited
A small slice of America
One tiny sliver
For one moment it felt familiar
I looked around and felt
Just a slice of my country
The look, the feel, the smell

Oh I know there are problems now
Severe ones
A lot has to be done and change
But within me are threads from there
Those ties that bind
Once in a while they tug at me
Touching my heart
Memories
Life adventures
Family
Roots

This is true for all of us
We have roots to a place
Where we began

But, for just a little while
I touched home
Sat in a small slice of America
Drank my coffee
Same as years ago
Ate my cinnamon roll
Savoring the taste
Remembering my voyage through life and all that brought me here

The sun is almost gone for the day
It is that time before nightfall and daytime
The in between
A slight warm breeze is blowing
Teasing the face just a little
Seductive to the touch
Like a lover
The branches of the plants are gently moving
Like a slow dance
A touch of sun can still be seen in the distant horizon
The city street below is full of life
Restaurants and cafes are open
People are moving about
A drum beat of music can be faintly heard in the background
Voices talking from the restaurant and bar next door
Lights of the city coming on for the night
As the city prepares for nightfall to come

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.

Cool balmy breezes brush against my face
Soothing my spirit and body
Calming my mind
I focus on the moment
Taking it all in
Deep purple colors the sky
As night sets in for the city
Lights twinkle in the background like glistening pearls
Traffic sounds play their tune from below
Plants sway to and fro to the cool breezes
As if they were dancing
A cool respite fast approaches
To heal from the blistering heat
Once again nighttime is coming
Bringing a gift of coolness

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

As the semblance of a facade fades away like a coat being taken off for the night what lies underneath is a beating heart where the soul and spirit truly reside
Take off your coat and lay it down for a rest
It will be there
When you need it
Let me feast my eyes upon your heart for a while and see you
See who you really are
Let me listen to your heart and soul as they play the music of you
You are beautiful
You are unique
You are treasured

Our lives are treasure chests
Filled with memories and experiences
Feelings
Every emotion possible
Images, smells, sensations
Each one is precious
Unique to us

Like a gemstone
Each one helps to define us
Each one helps us grow
To become who we are
Who we are meant to be

Our lives are like treasure chests
Valuable like a diamond or ruby
As time moves on they take on more value
Each one is a thread that helps mold us

Our lives are treasure chests
Beautifully designed
Intricate in every way
Filled with memories
Filled with experiences
Each one precious

She was just 16 years old
Yet she loved like someone older
She met her true love in high school
At a dance
He was handsome and dazzling
She was enchanted
He was her prince

Heartache

All she wanted was to be with him
Forever
Yet life offers us twists and turns
Which we cannot control or change
Even when we want to

Heartache

There was going to come a day when he would leave
She didn't think she could bear it
But she made him a gift so he wouldn't forget
A small book with important dates and photos
It was made with all the love in her heart

Heartache

So at their final time together, she gave him the book which was a small part of her

She knew that we all have to follow our destiny
Even if it hurts
So she watched him leave her
Hoping some day that she  would  be given her dream

Heartache

There is forest and quiet
The trees reach to the sky
Darkness abounds
The air is cool and clear
A cabin sits
Surrounded by snow and trees
Mountains are in the background
A light is burning in the cabin
Smoke coming out the chimney
Scents of pine trees in the air
A dog sits on the steps
He’s a husky
Beautiful white and black
Waiting for it’s owner
A pie is baking in the oven
Apple perhaps
Coffee is on the stove
A fire burns in the fireplace
There is sublime quiet
There is a sense of calm
It is intoxicating
Like a sanctuary

Deep in the woods

Sitting in a café
Quietly
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Watching the staff
Coming and going
Efficiently
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying things
Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
The city is awake

Languages of the world

Hot steamy nights
Heavy night air
Just hanging
No clean air to breathe or feel
It’s just hot
Not comfortable
No refreshment on the horizon
Just pure heat
Breezes come
But don’t cool
No solace offered
I crave a hint of freshness
Anything
Torturing my dreams
Taking away calm sleep
Causing dreams of winter
Praying it will end soon
Hot steamy nights