Winter is coming
Gray, dark skies outside
Wet cool air
Rain falling
Sometimes gently
Sometimes harder with vigor
The terrace is being cleaned
Plants are getting nourishment
The sky and streets being cleansed
Once again
A calm cloud hovers
Quiet and peaceful
As the rain continues to fall
A good day to nap
Warm under the blankets
It’s a rainy day

Gray dark skies outside
Wet cool air to the touch
Breath almost visible
Like a fine mist
Rain falling sometimes gently
Sometimes harder
Terrace being cleaned by the water
Plants getting needed nourishment
Turning a brighter green
Sky being cleansed anew
The city being bathed and refreshed
A calm cloud hovers
Quiet and peaceful
As the rain continues to fall
Ever so gently
Rainy day

Gray dark skies outside
Wet cool air to the touch
Breath almost visible
Like a fine mist
Rain falling sometimes gently
Sometimes harder
Terrace being cleaned by the water
Plants getting needed nourishment
Turning a brighter green
Sky being cleansed anew
The city being bathed and refreshed
A calm cloud hovers
Quiet and peaceful
As the rain continues to fall
Ever so gently
Rainy day

Gray dark skies outside
Wet cool air to the touch
Breath almost visible
Like a fine mist
Rain falling sometimes gently
Sometimes harder
Terrace being cleaned by the water
Plants getting needed nourishment
Turning a brighter green
Sky being cleansed anew
The city being bathed and refreshed
A calm cloud hovers
Quiet and peaceful
As the rain continues to fall
Ever so gently
Rainy day

It was the morning
In a small city on the east coast
The rain was gently falling
The sky was a muted gray
It was early
There wasn’t much traffic
It was quiet
There was a feeling of stillness

As the rain fell two cats slept
They always slept together
One was. brown and one gray
They were like sisters
It was calming to watch them

The sound of the rain was calming
and hypnotic
It was a cool fall day
The leaves were still on the trees
Gold, red, and orange

As the rain hit the side of the building it made a noise like a faint drumbeat

The air smelled clean and refreshed
There was a hint of the wet leaves like a natural perfume

The entire scene evoked feelings of peace

Watching the rain and world was like being transported to another world

It was Sunday morning
In a small city on the east coast
The rain was gently falling
The sky was a muted gray
It was early
There wasn’t much traffic
It was quiet
There was a feeling of stillness
It was calm

As the rain fell two cats slept
They always slept together
One was brown and one gray
They were like sisters
It was peaceful to watch them

The sound of the rain was hypnotic
It was a cool fall day
The leaves were still on the trees
Gold, red, orange and yellow

As the rain hit the side of the building It made a noise like a faint drumbeat

The air smelled clean and refreshed
There was a scent of the wet leaves
Like a natural perfume
The entire scene evoked feelings of beatitude

Watching the rain and world was like being transported to another world

It was Sunday morning
In a small city on the east coast
The rain was gently falling
The sky was a muted gray
It was early
There wasn’t much traffic
It was quiet
There was a feeling of stillness

As the rain fell two cats slept
They always slept together
One was. brown and one gray
They were like sisters
It was calming to watch them

The sound of the rain was calming and hypnotic
It was a cool fall day
The leaves were still on the trees
Gold, red, and orange

As the rain hit the side of the building it made a noise like a faint drumbeat

The air smelled clean and refreshed
There was a hint of the wet leaves like a natural perfume

The entire scene evoked feelings of peace

Watching the rain and world was like being transported to another world

It was Sunday morning
In a small city on the east coast
The rain was gently falling
The sky was a muted gray
It was early
There wasn’t much traffic
It was quiet
There was a feeling of stillness

As the rain fell two cats slept
They always slept together
One was. brown and one gray
They were like sisters
It was calming to watch them

The sound of the rain was calming and hypnotic
It was a cool fall day
The leaves were still on the trees
Gold, red, and orange

As the rain hit the side of the building it made a noise like a faint drumbeat

The air smelled clean and refreshed
There was a hint of the wet leaves like a natural perfume

The entire scene evoked feelings of peace

Watching the rain and world was like being transported to another world

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
His pants are rolled up as to not get wet
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 waves
They smile to each other, grasp hands, turn and continue walking down the beach together

BRM 2012

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

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

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....

Sometimes in our darkest times, we are given a miracle of hope
It reaches out like a golden rope for us to grab and hold onto
Rays of hope

Sometimes it’s a bright light that shines through the darkness
Offering a path towards the light
Rays of hope

When this happens we should know things will get better
It is affirmation to never give up
Even in the toughest of times we should believe
Rays of hope

We are each unique and here for a reason
Our purpose is before us

Rays of hope

Sometimes in our darkest times, we are given a miracle of hope

Rays of hope

It reaches out like a golden rope for us to grab and hold onto

Rays of hope

Sometimes it’s a bright light that shines through the darkness

Rays of hope

Offering a path towards the light

Rays of hope

When this happens we should know things will get better

Rays of hope

It is affirmation to never give up

Rays of hope

Even in the toughest of times we should believe

Rays of hope

We are each unique and here for a reason

Rays of hope

Our purpose is before us

Rays of hope

At a time of strife
It’s important to reach
Lift one’s self up
Higher and higher
Strive forward
Not backwards
Following your dreams
Don’t give up
Try for the moon
Or better yet
The stars
With true belief
Anything is possible
Light always wins
Against darkness
Miracles happen
Every day
Look around
Just believe

Reach
Stretch beyond yourself
Lift up as far as you can
See the night sky
With the twinkling lights
Send yourself there
Reach for the stars
Higher if you can
Towards the heavens
Let the voyage inspire
You
To explore
To try
Never giving up
On yourself nor
The precious gift
Of life
For you too
Sparkle
Like a star or diamond
With so much to give
Believe
Light up the world

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

If someone touched your life a long time ago, but you lost touch -- reach out

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 -- wish and try again

Reach out
For all those lost opportunities, try once more
Reach out

For all the times you lost faith, believe again

Reach out

For every time you received a kindness, or a break, or something wonderful happened, be grateful and smile

Reach out

For all the love you have received, love back

Reach out

For all the smiles you have received, smile back

Reach out

This is a magical time, whether or not one practices these holidays

Reach out

Take advantage of this time, to love, to give, to remember, to smile and to reach out

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

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

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are in my blood
My spirit
The total essence of me

You reside in the recesses of my mind
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

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

A  red bird sits on a branch
It is winter
He is elegant
He looks proud
Looking at him is entrancing

Red bird

He brightens everything
He sets the scene
Snow is whiter
Trees are greener
Winter is brighter

Red bird

His feathers are perfect
On top of his head sits a crown
He has a dark black face
Surrounded by red
His beak matches his color

Red bird

A bevy of them are lovely
Sitting in bushes or a tree
They look too good to be true
They are beautiful

Red bird

A  red bird sits on a branch
It is winter
He is elegant
He looks proud
Looking at him is entrancing

He brightens everything
He sets the scene
Snow is whiter
Trees are greener
Winter is brighter

His feathers are perfect
On top of his head sits a crown
He has a dark black face
Surrounded by red
His beak matches his color

A bevy of them are lovely
Sitting in bushes or a tree
They look too good to be true
They are truly beautiful
Nature’s art

Red bird

A  red bird sits on a branch
It is winter
He is elegant
He looks proud
Looking at him is entrancing

He brightens everything
He sets the scene
Snow is whiter
Trees are greener
Winter is brighter

His feathers are perfect
On top of his head sits a crown
He has a dark black face
Surrounded by red
His beak matches his color

A bevy of them are lovely
Sitting in bushes or a tree
They look too good to be true
They are truly beautiful
Nature’s art

Red bird

Red Bird

A  red bird sits on a branch
It is winter
He is elegant
He looks so proud
Looking at him is entrancing

He brightens everything
He sets the scene
Snow is whiter
Trees branches are less stark
Winter is brighter

His feathers are perfect
On top of his head sits a crown
He has a dark black face
Surrounded by red
His beak matches his color

A bevy of them are lovely
Sitting in bushes or a tree
They look too good to be true
They are absolutely beautiful

Red bird

The air was hot
Steamy
Fog was rising from the water
It was palpable
Clothes sticking to the body
Off in the distance
Was a group of flamingos
They were regal and beautiful
Standing in the water
Probably looking for food
Against their pink bodies
Was a deep red sunset
Painting everything
In it’s path
It accentuated the heat
And their pink color
Giving a surreal look
To the moment
In a way creating
A piece of art
Too beautiful
To be real

Red maples surround the empty road
The emptiness is calming
The color of the trees is so brilliant it almost looks false
The black asphalt road is a contrast to their color
Hints of bright green highlight the red
Almost like a painting
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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’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

It was hot as blazes
Sun burning down
Though it was early
It was going to be very hot again
Part of summer
No reprieve was in sight
For weeks
Yet the woman sought relief
She desperately needed it
So she went outside
Turned on the sprinkler
Grabbed the hose and let
The water run over her
Clothed and all
She didn’t care
It felt wonderful
So good
She was alive
It calmed
A reprieve
Even if just
For a moment
It was worth it

It was hot as blazes
Sun burning down
Though it was early
It was going to be very hot again
Part of summer
No reprieve was in sight
For weeks
Yet the woman sought relief
She desperately needed it
So she went outside
Turned on the sprinkler
Grabbed the hose and let
The water run over her
Clothed and all
She didn’t care
It felt wonderful
So good
A reprieve
Even if just
For a moment
Sh felt alive
Calmed
It was worth it

After the high heat
The searing sun
When it finally cools down
Even just slightly
It’s a relief

When the air clears
And the morning cool returns
So one can sit outside
And breathe
Not feeling repressed
It’s a relief

When the sky is blue
With a few clouds
Actually visible to the eye
It’s a relief

There’s a feeling of refreshment
A reprieve has been granted
From the worst of heat
And for a moment
We are grateful

After the high heat
The burning sun
When it finally cools down
Even just slightly
It’s a big relief

When the air clears
And the morning cool comes
Once again
So one can sit outside
And breathe freely
Not feeling repressed
It’s a relief

When the sky is blue
With a few clouds
Actually visible to the eye
It’s a relief

There’s a feeling of refreshment
A reprieve has been granted
From the worst of heat
Just for a moment
We are so very grateful

After the high heat
The burning sun
When it finally cools down
Even just slightly
It’s a big relief

When the air clears
And the morning cool comes
Once again
So one can sit outside
And breathe freely
Not feeling repressed
It’s a relief

When the sky is blue
With a few clouds
Actually visible to the eye
It’s a relief

There’s a feeling of refreshment
A reprieve has been granted
From the worst of heat
Just for a moment
We are so very grateful

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

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

Do you remember?
We met long ago
In a different time and place

Things were simpler then
The pace was slower and easy

We came from different worlds
But it didn't matter
Not then and now

Do you remember?
We met long ago
In a different world

Now we are in the same world
Do you remember?

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

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

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

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

I am in a reminiscent mood
Thinking back to a time in my childhood
When I lived overseas
In Brazil
Seems like eons ago
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