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

I am a survivor
Many of us are
From the few  last years or so
We have battle scars
From fear, loss, illness
Overall stress from the times
But, we are still here
Still standing
Broken perhaps
But we made it through
To the other side
Though so many did not
Such loss and pain
The war is not over yet
It’s still going on
Quietly
In so many places
The danger is still there
Lurking
Muted only by vaccines
For that we are grateful
Yet we must remain vigilant
More battles may be coming
Yet we have made it to this point
We are survivors
We too are warriors
I am thankful

The little bird pecks it’s way out
It’s coming out of it’s protected shell
It’s being born into the world
Or a turtle poking its head out
That’s how it feels after lockdown
A stranger in a new land
Setting ones feet on familiar ground
Like an explorer
Looking around at the familiar
Yet unfamiliar
What’s the same
Where are the changes
Still aware that there’s danger
Still needing to be careful
Excited yet nervous
Coming out of the shell
Once again
Into the new normal
Been here before
Not so long ago
Hoping this time
It lasts

Wind chimes rattling in the wind
Clattering of the bells ringing against the metal grate as the cold winter wind
whips through them
Trees bending in the wind, void of their foliage and green moving
to their own kind of rhythm

Winter chimes

Snow lightly falling and blowing around like cotton candy strands
before gently falling to the ground or other surfaces
It is the coming of winter and the start of the a new cycle in the
weather and season for the year

Winter chimes

Cold easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces
Temperatures dropping outside creating a frigid feel to
the body
Animals seeking a warm shelter
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city
Once again it puts on its nightcap for the sleep that is slowly coming

Winter chimes

The man stood out on his balcony
It looked out on the beach and ocean
From there he could see for miles
As he stood there all of a sudden the wind picked up with no warning

It whipped through the trees causing them to bend violently
His wind chimes which were carefully hung outside played a tune mimicking the rhythm of the wind

The sky begun quickly changing color
It grew dark with huge oppressive clouds hanging over the city
The tempo of the waves also changed as the sea grew rough
as they pounded the shore

It was no longer safe to swim or be outside
People began packing up their things to make their way inside
They knew what was coming

A storm

A beach umbrella was lifted up by the wind and went flying down the beach with its owners chasing after it
A book sitting on a chair was carried into the air and dropped into the sea as its owner ran after it

The man watched the scene unfold from his balcony laughing
While he watched, his tea kettle started to whistle on the stove
He was making a cup of tea

As he finished brewing the tea his cat woke up and went outside to survey the situation

When his tea was ready, the man brought it outside to the balcony and sat with his cat gently sipping the tea watching the scene
He enjoyed the taste of lemon and inhaled the scent of it like perfume

All of a sudden his cat quickly got up and retreated inside
The man knew his cat could sense the storm coming before he would
He quickly turned and followed his cat just in the nick of time
Just as they left, and closed the door, the sky opened up pouring heavy rain

The storm had indeed arrived

I’m melting
Just like the witch
In the Wizard of Oz
The heat is stifling
Hard to breathe
Or do anything
It’s everywhere
All over the world
Fires
Severe weather
We were warned
For years
But we chose to ignore
Now here we are
Melting
Like butter
In a frying pan
I feel like I am on fire
Never cool
Nor comfortable
Looking for a reprieve
Yet nothing comes
So instead
I’m melting
As is the world

It’s a new day
A brand new year is coming
A time when we can restart
Reinvent ourselves
Try something new
Explore
A time to hope
For something better
It’s a new day
A brand new year
A time to reflect
On what was
But also what is possible
A time to remember
Those sweet memories
That touch us
Ever so gently
Like butterflies
It’s a brand new day
It’s a new year
With new opportunities
Blessings
Believe

Longing for the cool
It is the beginning of summer
Yet the heat keeps coming
Like an unwelcome visitor
That has overstayed

I am yearning for the feel
Of cool crisp air
Cleansing breezes against my face
Clear skies

I am missing the scents of fall
My body and spirit tire from the heat

I am longing for the cool
Crisp, fresh air
The need for a blanket or sweater
I am longing for the cool

Time to get up
Time to get going
It’s another Monday morning
First day of a new month
A new season has begun
Fall
Autumn

Days of colors
Days of crisp mornings
Days of golds, reds and oranges
Days of apple cider
Days of soups
Days of hot steamy pies

It’s Monday morning
Time to get up
Time to get going

Imagine sitting in the desert
Alone
The sand is bright white
You are kneeling
With your eyes closed
It is silent and still
Out of nowhere it starts to rain
Black colored rain drops
However, your mother appears
She stands over you
Smiling
Emanating white light
She holds a special umbrella
One of a kind
Over you
It’s translucent
Made of white light
As the rain drops fall
They hit the umbrella
And roll off
Never touching you
Disappearing into the ground
With no trace
Imagine

I’ve got the Monday blues
Weekends over
Time to go back to work
No more fun
No more sleeping in

I’ve got the Monday blues
Time to focus
Time to work hard
Time to get things done

I’ve got the Monday blues
No more sleepyhead
No more relaxing
Time to work
Time to get things done

I’ve got the Monday blues
Yearning for another weekend

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

No Matter What

I will love you
I will care about you
I will think about you
I will see you in my dreams

No matter what

I will miss you
I will need you
I will treasure you
I will stand by you

No matter what

I will love you
I will care about you
I will remember you
I will keep you in my heart

I will see you in my dreams
No matter what

We all have them
Every country
Across the world
They are vital
Some are our favorites
Others are not
But they help to shape us
They inspire
Encourage us
Their time is golden
Priceless
Beyond words
Because of them
We learn and grow
We expand our minds
We learn to think
Beyond ourselves
They are committed
Beyond reproach
It’s a calling
They ask very little
Just that we learn
They are real heroes
Each and every day
Giving of themselves
To lift us up
To help us become
All we can be
We owe them
Everything

Butterflies, tulips, robins and daffodils
Warm gentle breezes
Leaves beginning to bud
Flowering trees and bushes
Pinks, whites and red
Greenery everywhere
Cherry blossoms out in their full regalia
Bright, hypnotic blue skies
Signs that Spring has once again arrived

Lately glimmer is being used
To describe small moments
Of joy and happiness
Instead of large moments
The focus is on anything
That brings a moment of
happiness and light
Joy
It can be anything
There’s no one thing
A friendly encounter
Seeing something beautiful
Petting a cat or dog
Humor
Glimmers are magical
They offer light
Have you had yours?

It was quiet and still
A couple of birds flew through the air in the distance
The silence was deafening

Sunset

The trees laid out a dark rich green carpet underneath the trees
The color was luxurious

Sunset

The sky was a pale blue grey with pillows of clouds scattered across They broke up the sky with their placement and streaks

Sunset

The sky was also highlighted by light which created a shadow like effect similar to a renaissance painting

Sunset

As I looked at the clouds, they became brighter, and started to turn to a light pink

The longer I looked the deeper the color became

Sunset Mother Nature’s jewel

Silver Gold and Glitter

It’s a time of sparkle
Glitter, silver and gold
Rubies, diamonds and emeralds
Beautifully wrapped gifts
Sugar cookies
Gingerbread
Apple cider
Hot chocolate
It’s a magical time
Where wishes are granted
If we just believe and hope
It’s a special time
It only comes once a year
But when it does
It lights up the world
For just a moment
Bringing silence and peace
Silver gold and glitter

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

Hot heavy air fills the sky
No breeze to feel
The air is heavy
Oppressive
It’s steamy
Wind chimes are silent in the wind
Windows open
Searching for something
Anything light and breezy
Nighttime starts to come 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 night to come
Everyone hoping to feel the coolness against the skin as the day ends and night comes
A slight reprieve from the heat
From nature
For just a moment
Until tomorrow

Longing for the cool
It is the beginning of October
Yet the heat keeps coming
Like an unwelcome visitor
That has overstayed

I am yearning for the feel
Of cool crisp air
Cleansing breezes against my face
Clear skies

I am missing the scents of fall
My body and spirit tire from the heat

I am longing for the cool
Crisp, fresh air
The need for a blanket or sweater

Perhaps tomorrow it will come
I am longing for the cool

Comfort

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

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

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

Believe

At the toughest times
When things seem dark
Get still within yourself

Go to a place of calm and comfort in your mind
Stay there for a while

Imagine light surrounding you and giving you strength
Feel the safety and warmth of it

When you are ready move forward step by step

It's coming to that time of year again
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory and mind
When holiday lights and decorations appear everywhere

Magical times

Holiday tunes are played on the radio
Shoppers abound on the streets, searching for that perfect gift
People take on more hustle and bustle

Magical times

Light snow flakes dance through the air
Coffee shops full of hungry diners
Smells  of hot chocolate fill the air

Magical times

Cities come alive with a different feel
It’s that time of year
When magic comes alive
Once again

Magical times

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

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

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

Life is a series
Of moments
Some sweet as sugar
Some bitter as vinegar

Life is a series of memories
Stretching through years
As time goes on
Some fade
Others become brighter

Life is a series of emotions
Some light and lovely
Some full of happiness
And love
Others
Full of sadness

It’s up to us to treasure
The sweet of life
And see each moment
As a precious jewel
That’s what brings light
Into our lives
Light up the world

I am hiding out
Disappearing
Becoming a phantom of myself
Not seen or heard
Almost not here

I am hiding out
Finding new places
Going back to old ones
Changing my ways
Getting quiet
Calming the spirit

I am hiding out
Disappearing light a cloud
Becoming a phantom
Vapor to the wind

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

It’s the little things in life

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

It’s the little things in life

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

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

I am in a reminiscent mood
Thinking back to a time in my childhood
When I lived overseas
In Brazil
Seems like eons ago
Such a different time
A warm, welcoming place
Especially for children
Full of joy and laughter
The music was intoxicating
The beauty stunning
Remembering the visiting of friends
Whose houses were adorned
With birds of paradise flowers
Visiting the bird sanctuary
With my mother
Seeing every kind of parrot
In a rainbow of colors
Walking the beach in Rio
The Ipanema Beach
Famous for its black and white
mosaic tile
Sitting on the beach
Listening to the waves
While people flew their bird kites
Traveling around with my parents
Seeing the country
North and South
Struck with the humanity and beauty
Those memories never left me
They still haunt the inner recesses
Of my heart

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

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

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
I am Mother Nature

Feast upon the glory of it all

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

It was early morning
It was the in between time of
night and day
She went out onto the terrace
She was dressed all in white
There was a slight cool breeze moving through her clothes
Making them move with a slight rhythm

She climbed up onto a black table
She was barefoot
The table was cool to the touch
As she stood on the table she looked out onto the city

She could see for miles
The city was still asleep
She stood at the back of the table
She then spread out her arms
She started running and leapt

As she started falling she changed into an eagle
She flapped her wings and flew
She soared through the sky
She aimed up towards the clouds
Eventually turning to the sun

She had become her true destiny

If someone touched your life a long time ago, but you lost touch -- reach out
It’s never too late
If someone touched your heart in a very special way -- reach out
If there is someone you never forgot and wish you were still in touch -- reach out
For all those wished second chances -- try again
For all those lost opportunities, try again
This might be the time
For all the times you lost faith, believe once again
You never know
For every time you received a kindness, a break, or something wonderful happened, be grateful
For all the love you have received, love back harder
Fill your heart with love
It’s the greatest gift we can give
At this difficult time, love, give, to remember, to smile and to reach out
We could all use a hug

Light up the world with your special light

I’ve got the sleepy time blues
I am drawn to sleep and dream land

My body fights waking up
Preferring to rest in bed
The blues are dragging me down
Like a hypnotic drug

Craving for the warmth of blankets and the comfort of bed
Sleep has control over me
It won’t let go

My muscles don’t want to move
My mind is quiet
Thinking is hard
Muddled thoughts

When will sleep let me go today and set me free ?

You are a fairytale
Like what is written in books
A true prince in every way
When I look at you I hardly believe it
That after all this time I am here
With you

When I first met you
I couldn’t believe you were real
You were handsome
You were exotic
You were the epitome of perfection
You dazzled like a gemstone
You are rare like a fine wine
You are a fairytale

Together we became a miracle
Together we fit
You were my puzzle piece
I was yours

And over time
We became a fairytale
We still are

They come dressed in white
Covered head to toe
Wearing protective gear
They are the warriors
Here to fight the enemy
They didn’t ask for this fight
It was brought to them
As so many times before


They are on the front lines
Full of courage and care
Making sure the war is won
They are the protectors
The healers
They bring hope at a time of despair
They bring light when there is darkness
They are the warriors

They are our best hope
Every day they fight for the world
To keep us safe
While others may run away
They run towards the enemy
Full of courage and care
They are doctors, nurses and caregivers
They are researchers and scientists
They are warriors
They are heroes

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 on a different direction in your life
But, the choice is hard
So much to ponder and think about
So, you just stand at the fork, not knowing which to choose
The air is clear and the sky is blue
There is no noise to be heard for miles around
Then a wind picks up from nowhere and erases one path
Leaving only one for you to take, towards the light ahead

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 once was a young man that traveled to a different time and place one day

He tripped while walking from his classes and hit his head
When he awoke he found that he had traveled to a different time, place and future

He had no idea how he got there nor how he would return to his own time and place
While there, he discovered a brand new life

One day he met a girl from that time and they became very good friends
They went everywhere together
One didn’t want to be without the other
This continued for quite some time

Until one day a bad storm came with very high winds
The young man was out walking and was swept up into the winds
They lifted him up higher and higher before dropping him hard onto the ground

When he  finally awoke, he found he was no longer in the future but had been returned back to his time and place.
To his great sadness, the girl was also gone

He tried to search for her but couldn’t find her anywhere
He tried to call her but couldn’t reach her
All he could do was think about her
He was at a loss of what to do
He tried everything to return to the other time but couldn’t

He was heartbroken
So was she
She tried as well to find him but had no luck
Sometimes she would dream about him and call out his name

One day he went to the ocean and stared out at the sea. He closed his eyes and called out to her

He removed every thought in his mind except for her hoping she would hear him. Alas nothing happened

He tried doing this over and over during the years with no result

Then finally one day she heard him calling to her across time

She answered
The girl came across all time and distance to see him

She brought herself to his time and place to stay and be with him

Magic
Together forever

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

Go to a place and still yourself
Close your eyes
Sit quietly and listen

Stillness

You will hear the universe speak
Peace and harmony will be found
You will have what you need
Always

Stillness

We find ourselves
Facing the same threat
We thought it had left
That we had won
The enemy had been crushed
But alas it’s still here
Fiercer than before
All that we did before
We must repeat
Because the war is not won
People still need help
We need to be careful
More has to be done
Until one day
In the future
Hopefully not too far away
We can say
It’s over

I’m melting
Just like the witch
In the Wizard of Oz
The heat is stifling
Hard to breathe
Or do anything
It’s everywhere
All over the world
Fires
Severe weather
We were warned
For years
But we chose to ignore
Now here we are
Melting
Like butter
In a frying pan
I feel like I am on fire
Never cool
Nor comfortable
Looking for a reprieve
Yet nothing comes
So instead
I’m melting
As is the world

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
Light up the world
With your special power

Is where the heart is
That’s what they say
It’s where one’s roots are
From where we come
It could be anywhere
It helps define us
There’s comfort
Familiarity
Sometimes
We crave it
We need it
To recenter ourselves
To remember
Who we are
Our roots
To our true self
We all go
Home
Where the heart is
Wherever it is

It’s wintertime.
Imagine walking through the snow into a forest full of tall pine trees and others.
Pine cones litter the ground.
There is a strong scent of pine in the air.
Almost like nature’s perfume.
As you stop amongst the trees, all you can hear is the silence.
A slight cool breeze rustles through the trees moving the limbs.
The branches sway back and forth to the rhythm of the breeze.
Snow left on the branches gently falls down slowly, as small flakes.
As they also hit your coat and face.
Before falling to the ground.
You reach out your hand to try and capture one. It melts instantly.
An owl sits up high on one of the branches looking down at you and the world all around.
Every now and then it hoots. As if greeting the night.
The sky is clear, and there is a glimmer of the moon lighting the path ahead.
At the end of the path, is a log cabin with a light on in the window.
Smoke is coming out from the chimney.
You are returning home.