It may seem that there’s is a drought
Everything is dry and harsh
Sparseness all around
The path is hard to find
Dust and muck have covered it
Drought

Life seems fast asleep
Nothing going on
Waiting for something
Dry winds blowing fiercely
Erasing everything before
Drought

But after a time the rain will come Bringing new life with it
The dust will settle
Dryness replaced with green
New life growing

Drought

I’ve got the gray blues
Been cold and rainy for days
My bones ache to the core
I’ve got the gray blues

Missing the sun
Those warm golden rays
Shining down on my face
Lighting the way to another day
I’ve got the gray blues
Craving when they go away

It’s a gray, foggy Sherlock Holmes looking morning outside

The sky is painted in dark muted colors
It resembles a black and white photo

There’s heavy gray mist floating amongst the trees
The streets are barely visible and deserted

There’s an eerie silence outside
It’s almost too quiet
Looks like a mystery movie about to begin

Hot Steamy Coffee

Hot steamy coffee
On a cold day
With breathe visible
Bones chilled
Body aching
Longing for warmth

Hot steamy coffee
To soothe the cold
To warm up the soul
To calm the mind and set it free

Hot steamy coffee
To jumpstart the day
To motivate the body

Hot steamy coffee

A summer wind quickly whips through the air and the trees
Lightning dabbles the sky like a quick paint brush stroke

Tree limbs bend as the wind moves through them shaking the branches and leaves

The sky lightens up from the electric charge moving through
The air fills with the sound of loud crushing thunder

A summer storm is fast approaching
Causing the wind chimes outside to play like a musical instrument
As they clang back and forth to the rhythm of the wind

The summer wind has arrived

The leaf had been attached to a branch for decades
Every year it returned
To the same place
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

In a time of negativity
It’s time for some good will
Think better than not
Time to extend kindness
Instead of hate
Time to feel love

In a time of negativity
It’s time for some good will
Time to walk towards the light
Away from darkness

In a time of negativity
It’s time to lend a hand
It’s time to lift someone up
Not pull them down
It’s time for some good will

In a time of negativity
It’s time for some softness
Not harshness
It’s time for some good will
Time to show some love
Not hate

It’s time to reach out
To accept
Not hide
Not pull away
It’s time for some good will

She was in the water
Chained
She was struggling to get to the surface
Fish swam all around her
As she desperately thrashed

She wanted to be free
She felt trapped
She had a hard time breathing

She was in the water
Struggling to get free
She wanted to push through
But couldn’t

Whales started swimming around her
Every now and then going to the surface to break free


As their bodies lifted above the water and dropped down they created a huge splash

She watched with envy wishing she could do the same

Then all of a sudden the chains broke
She was free
Her burdens lifted
She felt light

As she made her way to the surface a whale swam beside her
As if it was guarding her

Then she grabbed its back fin and the whale lifted them both out of the water

She felt joy as she broke free
She lifted her head and looked at the sun

She climbed onto the back of the whale
They swam together towards the shore
She climbed off the whale and walked to the beach
She was free
Her burdens had been lifted
She looked out to the sea and smiled

Every morning I wake with joy
Joy in my heart
Joy in my soul
Every morning I wake with joy
Because of you
You fill my life with love and hope

Every morning I wake with joy
Joy in my day
Joy every hour
Joy every minute
Because of you

Every evening I fall asleep with joy
Because of you
I dream sweet dreams
Filled with joy
I awake refreshed
Filled with joy
Because of you
You fill my life with love and hope
Joy

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

It's coming to that time of year again
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory and the mind
Putting up the tree
Decorating
Scents of pine
Pies and cookies baking
Cards and letters being
When holiday lights and decorations appear
And holiday tunes are playing
Shoppers  crowding the streets, looking for the perfect gift
People take on the holiday hustle and bustle
Light snowflakes dance through the air to their own rhythm

Holiday memories make everything special

Words can hurt
They can cut into the soul
Leaving deep wounds
Sometimes they remain
Never healing
Words can also uplift
They can heal
Touch one’s spirit
Inspire
Bring hope
Or they can break the spirit
Playing over and over
Bringing darkness
Destroying creativity
Or they can bring light
Inspiring great artwork
Literature and music
Tempt the imagination
They can break hearts
Or mend them
Cause tears
Or stop them
It all depends
Which words are used
Choose carefully
Words

There is a grey colored mist floating through the air almost like a haze in the air

The sun is starting to come up over the horizon – a hot pink ball slowly rising over the sea

A man is standing on the beach facing out to the water, bare feet buried in the sand

He lets the ocean waves gently wash across his feet

The water is neither too hot nor cold, it is just right

He is wearing a muted grey colored sweater

Standing with his hands in his pockets, he is facing the water, watching, listening to the pounding of the

waves as a soothing drum beat ever so slowly

He closes his eyes to listen and smell the salt in the air like perfume

The sounds and smells calm him – leave him with a sense of peace

He then opens his eyes and looks off to the right, down the beach

He sees a woman slowly approaching him from a distance

She is walking slowly to the beat of the waves

He closes his eyes once again, waiting for her

Then he opens his eyes and sees her standing by him now watching and listening to the roar of the raspy

They smile to each other, grasp hands, turn and continue walking down the beach together....

When in doubt
Trust
When in doubt
Believe
When in doubt
Pause
When in doubt
Meditate
When in doubt
Follow the light
When in doubt
Stay calm
When in doubt
Seek comfort
When in doubt
Trust

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

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.

In the end, our legacy is about how we were and how we lived our lives.

Believe the rest of your life
Will be the best of your life
Every day is a fresh start
We have opportunities to reinvent ourselves
Wake up every day anew
Looking for ways to savor life
We have a chance to push the positive
Negating the negative
As was told many times
Light pushes out darkness
Be someone’s light
Offer a smile to a stranger
Love instead of hate
It matters
We have the power
To lift up the world
One step at a time

When covered in darkness
Seek the light
Let it cover you like a coat
When full of despair
Seek the light
When the mind is empty
Seek inspiration

Light

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through

Light

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures

Light

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
When bored
Learn something

When the heart is empty
Seek art and music
Let it lift you up

Light

When you feel alone
Help another

Light

White lights glitter against the black grill
The terrace is door open
A view of the plants can be seen
Highlighted by the lowering sun
Creating an impressionistic look

A slight breeze moves through the awning gently moving it back and forth

The light plays against the rose colored buildings giving them a magical hue
It’s almost surreal

Another day is coming to a close as nighttime encroaches
The change from light to darkness is in a holding pattern like an aircraft waiting to land
The shades of pink change as the sun drops

As the sun continues to drop
It’s time to relax and slowdown
People are gravitating to cafes
For coffee and a chat with friends
Evening is on its’ way

As you go out into the night, look up at the sky and remember

Look at the moon in all its glory
See how the light
shines upon the clouds
Feast upon the stars and pure beauty of the darkness

Gather peace and tranquility from the stillness

Realize we are part of something greater than ourselves
Feel the energy which is part
of everything

Remember where you come from, and what you truly are

Believe

Butterflies in the forest
Gently flying to and fro
On an early spring day
The sun gently slips through the trees
The air is crisp and clear
The scent of pine trees fills your lungs like expensive perfume
A few white clouds dot the powder blue sky

The butterflies are light pastel colors of blue, white and violet
As you stand silently and watch they fly close to you
Teasing you with a light touch like angels breath before flying away

Waking up
Letting sleep leave
Early morning rituals
Watching the sunrise
Surveying the blue sky
Enjoying the coolness
Admiring the beauty outside
Grateful
Anticipating the day
Waiting for coffee or tea
Breakfast
What to have
Checking out the news
Being alive
Savoring the pure joy of it
Heart filled with lightness

If someone touched your life and your heart a long time ago, but you lost touch -- reach out
If there is someone you never forgot and wish you were still in touch -- reach out
For all those wished second chances -- wish and try again
For all those lost opportunities, try once more
For all the times you lost faith, believe again
For every time you received a kindness, or a break, or something wonderful happened, be grateful and smile
For all the love you have received, love back
For all the smiles you have received, smile back
This is a magical time, whether or not one practices these holidays
Take advantage of this time, to love, to give, to remember, to smile and to reach out
Believe
Light up the world

It was dark outside-- almost grayish in color
There was a hint of mist in the air
I was in another country
Your country -- searching
For you
We had lost each other for some time
I was trying to find you
I was told to come here
I was out in the land somewhere
Then I came upon a cave
Very large and dark
Musty inside
I entered it
And walked towards the back
Shadows of flames danced on the walls
The air was cool
As I approached the fire I saw you sitting beside it
Wearing a brown fabric robe
After so long you were there
Before me
It was incredible
You did not speak
I asked where you had been, how you were
You did not answer
In an instant you disappeared
All that remained were the remnants of the burning fire
I called out your name desperately
Only silence answered me
Once again I was alone without you
Lost in my dreams

When covered in darkness
Seek the light
Let it cover you like a coat
Protecting
When full of despair
Seek the light
It will warm you
When the mind is empty
Seek inspiration

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through
One step at a time

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures
Whatever they may be

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
It doesn’t matter what
When bored
Learn something

When the heart is empty
Seek art and music
Anything creative
Let it lift you up
Cleanse you

When you feel alone
Help another
Stand in the light
It will guide you
Always

She bought it
Not long after arriving
From one of the stores
Something for summer
It gets very hot
Searing heat really
It’s cotton
A rose pink color
With a design
Cotton
The skirt is flared
It’s cool in the heat
Comfortable against the skin
Every season
She pulls it out
Though it is old
It’s a part of her now
She has some others
But this is her favorite
The age is showing now
The color is a bit faded
And there are some small holes
Nevertheless she loves it
Like a security blanket
The dress

The scent of her perfume permeated the room
Her room
It was decorated in muted rose colors

The perfume had a scent like delicate flowers
It was unforgettable
A bottle of it sat on her dresser
It had a unique look to it
Classic and sophisticated
It was a gift from her husband
She always wore it
It was her perfume
Chanel No 5

Now when I think about it I can almost smell it again
That unforgettable scent
That was part of who she was
It helped define her

Nowadays if I see the perfume in stores or get a whiff of it
I always remember memories of her

They are both sweet and bittersweet

It was snowing
The flakes were large and fragile
They looked like Queen Anne’s lace
The trees were covered with a white blanket
It created a canopy of sorts
The air was crisp and cool
In the distance was a cabin
It had been there for years
It was made out of wood
Handmade by the owner
Snow was piling up on the roof
Inside a fire was burning to combat the cold
Smoke was rising gently from the chimney
A kettle was on the stove to make tea
It was a good night for it
A dog was sleeping by the fireplace comforted by the warmth
Outside the snow continued to fall
Creating a postcard view
Not a sound could be heard on this peaceful night

Canopy of white

Without You

Without you things seem bland
There is no pizzazz

Without you
There is less fun
There’s an emptiness

Without you
I am missing part of me
The sun isn’t as bright

Without you
The moon loses its luster
The stars don’t glitter

Without you
The ocean isn’t the same
The city seems dull

Without you
The apartment is empty
My heart hurts

Without you
I am not me
Life isn’t as sweet

Without you

Sitting in a café
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Languages of the world

Watching the staff
Coming and going
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
Languages of the world

People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Laughing
Languages of the world

Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying bread
Languages of the world

Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
Languages of the world

Street Scene

Sitting in a café
Facing the street
On a sunny day
Watching the traffic pass
People on the street
All shapes and sizes
Different colors of clothing
A Coke truck across the street
Horns honking
It’s life
In the city
The café has plants
Large green ones
They offer a slice
Of nature and calm

White lights glitter against the black grill
The terrace is door open
A view of the plants can be seen
Highlighted by the lowering sun
Creating an impressionistic look

A slight breeze moves through the awning gently moving it back and forth

The light plays against the rose colored buildings giving them a magical hue
It’s almost surreal

Another day is coming to a close as nighttime encroaches
The change from light to darkness is in a holding pattern like an aircraft waiting to land
The shades of pink change as the sun drops

As the sun continues to drop
It’s time to relax and slowdown
People are gravitating to cafes
For coffee and a chat with friends
Evening is on its’ way

Search your heart
Find the meaning of love
Find your destiny
Find comfort and care
Find where you belong
Find kindness
Find tolerance
Find what you were searching for
Find the best in people
Find beauty
Find why you are here
Search your heart

There were two stones that had been together
They had never been apart
They sat in the bottom of a river
Peaceful
Sublime

Then all of a sudden one day they were separated by storms and rough waters
They ended up being pushed into different parts of the sea
Settling eventually on to the floor where they each sat alone

After several decades and stormy weather one day they were moved  close to each other once again

Like magnets they were uncontrollably drawn to the other and somehow managed to lock together as if made only for each other
Over time they became one piece
Destiny had arrived in all its glory

It’s magic

It was a remote island
Away from everything
Quiet and peaceful
Absolutely beautiful
Very tropical
The ocean was
Turquoise colored
and warm
Like bath water
Surrounded by
White sandy beaches
With the feel of silk
To the touch
Soothing on the feet
Palm trees swayed
In the breezes
All kinds of flowers
All colors and scents
Everywhere
Other types of trees
Abundant flora and fauna
With deep rich greens
Off in the distance
Whales and dolphins
Swim by every now and then
Rising up into the air
A regal sight
It’s pure paradise

Not too far away
Is a small village
Filled with restaurants
Small stores
And places for food
Various other sundries

Music usually plays
In the background
Creating a lazy feel
to the place

She sits on the beach
In early morning
As the sun rises
Watching the waves
Their rhythm
The sound
It’s hypnotic
Like meditation
As she watches
Her mind clears
Her heart slows
And she relaxes
She’s in paradise
Her forever home

I was standing in the valley
By a mountain
The grass was so green
Like emeralds
The air was clean and fresh
Wildflowers were everywhere
All colors and sizes
Like a Monet painting
I had been waiting
For a long time
It seemed like forever
Then I looked up
And I saw
Slowly walking
A man
It was you
My heart leaped
I started trembling
I couldn’t believe it
After so long
After so many prayers
You were here
Standing in front of me
I reached out my hand
You smiled and took it
We started walking
Disappearing
Into the green valley

Hot heavy air fills the sky
No breeze to feel
The air is heavy
Uncomfortable
It’s steamy
Wind chimes are silent
Windows open
Searching for something
Anything light and breezy
Nighttime starts arrive against the  dark sky
Temperatures hopefully will start to drop
Doors wide open to welcome the cool air
Things starting to slow down
In preparation for the coming night
Everyone hoping to feel the coolness against the skin as the day ends
A slight reprieve from the heat
From mother nature
For just a moment
Before tomorrow

When we forget our roots
We lose our humanity
We are all one
When we forget our roots
We lose who we are
We are all one
When we forget those that helped us
We lose our history
We are all one
When we don’t respect others
We lose respect
We are all one
When we are cruel
We diminish ourselves
We are all one
When we lift up one
We lift up the world
We are all one
We are all the same
Believe
Light up the world

It’s a beautiful day.
Bright white fluffy clouds in the sky.
A slight cool breeze is blowing.
The air is clear and fresh.
Off in a distance, a horse has jumped the gate of a corral.
He’s a beautiful horse.
Chestnut colored.
He’d been planning for months.

Now, he’s running free towards the mountains.
Moving faster and faster.
Till he finally disappears into the distance.
Like a mirage.
After all this time.
Freedom

Listen to the music
Let it guide you

Listen to the music
Let it lift you up

Listen to the music
Let it heal you

Listen to the music
Let it touch your heart

Listen to the music
Let it soothe your soul

Listen to the music
Let it make you smile

Listen to the music
Let it show you the world

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 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 back

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

We all can create magic
We can do amazing things
Impossible things
We can bring wonder
We have the power to change the world
Into a wondrous place
Where anything is possible
For anyone, anywhere
We can bring in light
To chase away the darkness
We just have to believe
And use our own special light
To lift up the world
To new heights
We have the most powerful energy in us
Love
With that we can create
We are magicians
We just have to believe

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

We all need to belong
To have a special someone
Have a place to hang our hat
To put our feet up and call home
Where friends and family are
Somewhere
Somehow
To something
To be loved and love
Without it we feel lost
Untethered
Like a balloon loose in the sky

We all need to belong

Somewhere
Somehow
To something greater than ourselves
We need to matter
We need to have a purpose
A reason to keep moving
We need to feel a place in this world
We all need to belong

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

She had a hard time sleeping
Tossing and turning
Morning came too soon
Sleep had left her
Though tired, she gave up
It was still early
Birds were chirping outside
The streets were quiet from the night
A cool breeze was blowing
Moving the branches of the plants
Colored bags hung outside moved
It was refreshing after the heat of the day
The cat was sleeping on a chair outside
It was peaceful and serene
A stillness was in the air
The sun had not fully risen
City noises had not fully started
Early morning rise

I am a human being.
I am of the spirit.
Experiencing life.
As it comes.
Mostly in the present.
Somewhere along the road,
I realized that I was a spiritual being inside a human body.
I celebrate both.
They are part of the same.
They are one.
When I connect to both.
I remember.
While I was born alone and will die alone.
I am truly not alone.
I am of the spirit.
I am part of the greater whole.
The universe is my home.
I am of the spirit.

Life is not about perfection; it is about growth and development. Growth comes from pushing through challenges and obstacles that happen. Whatever you do to consistently will shape your life will determine whether you meet your challenges with courage, faith and determination or if you allow them to overcome you with fear, and frustration.

Never give up
Always believe in your own potential for greatness
You are your own best coach
Believe
Light up the world

Our time was always fleeting
Never enough
We were always running somewhere else
Yet wanting to be together

Our time was fleeting
Never enough
Sometimes we had an hour
Sometimes a half hour or a few minutes
Before it ran out

We always wanted more
But we never got it no matter what we tried
Our time was always fleeting
Like sand in an hourglass

Delicate like a rose petal or butterfly
Impossible to hold onto
Our time was always fleeting
Until….