Out back are these pristine white blooms
They rise toward the sky
Emitting their sweet fragrance
Into the air
Their message is simple
Christmas will soon be here
The stark white speaks of the perfect
Love of Christmas
Enjoy the beauty
Savor everything they stand for
Breathe in the sweet fragrance
Fully embrace the Christmas promises
Early in the morning, I looked out the kitchen window with only the tiniest hint of light in the early sky. But no, off to the right of this scene, the clouds hanging in the sky were like a stage curtain, scarcely able to contain the light from behind, which was bright white, toned down by the film of clouds hanging in-front of this light source.
One might have considered this a sunrise scene. But no. It was the moon moving behind a layer of clouds so close to the horizon. I ran for my camera, found it and returned. Alas, the clouds were moving in one direction and the moon in another. The moment had escaped me. Yet etched in my memory is the reminder of how God creates blessings each day for those of us willing to look for them.
The shot that I did snap was equally beautiful as rose tones were rising above the horizon and the morning light was lighting up the western skies. Another, but entirely different, beauty to behold.
Enjoy the day, wherever you are!
Where are you?
Really, where are you when you are between “here” and “there” or between “now” and “then”?
Perhaps here?
Or maybe here?
The concept of in-between has been on my mind lately. It started after I did a word study of “twilight.”
I’ve been writing poetry and putting it together for a collection. In looking for a title, I liked the emotions TWILIGHT invoked, but didn’t think it matched the theme of my writing.
I, perhaps like you, thought twilight happened daily as the sun sets. Imagine my surprise when I learned twilight happens twice a day and is defined as the period when the sun is below the horizon by a range of degrees. It occurs before the sun rises, and after the sun sets. Twilight is the “in-between” time occurring twice a day.
So, where do you find yourself when you are between here and there? I like to think I’m in the twilight. The word suggests a mystique. What a fun way to think about life! And really, aren’t we perpetually somewhere between here and there?
Yes, TWILIGHT …the in-between hints at what this poetry is about. The book will be available soon. Keep watching for updates and ways you can help promote the book.
I forget how vast this country is, how rapidly the topography changes as we speed down the highway
I forget within this vastness lays great variety of how daily living plays out
None better, simply different.
I forget how our forefathers struggled to inhabit this land and how the cruelties of climate, geography and wild elements challenged them
I forget how close to the land my own ancestors lived; myself preferring to live in the realms of books and travel
I forget the value of the farmland, as I suspect many who live in an urban environment have similar remissions of thought
I fear that collectively we have forgotten how much we need each other
Those in the rural farmlands
Those in the denser urban areas
Those who work the land
Those who study intellectual matters
Those who perform manual labor
Those who design and build
Those who teach
Yes, collectively we need each other
While traveling, I’m reminded of my life
Of how blessed I am
Of the family and many friends
Who have enriched me and contribute to how rich my life is
News continues to bombard me
I suspect others might say they forget the stories of their youth
I forget the stories where people fought and sacrificed
To create the freedoms I consider part of my life
No one tells those stories anymore
What important truths or stories have been pushed out of your mind?
Please feel free to share your thoughts.
Encouragement for all!
Let your inner beauty shine, with no regard to who is noticing.
Please share with someone who needs to hear this today.
We all entered this life ready to take risks
Emerging into these beings wanting
Adventure
Though many see the adventures of early childhood
They don’t recognize those actions as risky
But merely a part of the growing-up experience
Enter adolescence and the psyche seems more
Inclined toward risk, or risk – averse
Even at this stage of life, seldom do others recognize
This as risk. Those children are often considered
Difficult or troublemakers
Life moves into adulthood
Where most effort is spent trying to survive
Or thrive
Seldom feeling as though you are
Making conscious decisions for yourself
It’s not until later in life
When others are evaluating
Your actions you might hear about
How people respect that
You would take risks
It’s as though a curtain is pulled back
Revealing a part of yourself
You never recognized belonging to you
Yet in retrospect you can see
How one might think that
The adventurous life has been fun
Full of surprises
And unplanned outcomes
Some I wouldn’t wish on anyone and
Others I would love to share and repeat
Personal benefits of risks have
Provided friends in multiple geographical locations
Memories galore
Leaving me with a broad range
Of interests and a rich life
In our overprotective culture
How do we teach children
To be comfortable taking a risk
Teach them to be wise about what risks
Are worth taking and which to walk away from
Most recently, this book has been my quick grab when I’m looking for a pick-me-up.
I first read this selection a couple of weeks ago. I have not felt released to move onto the next writing. The words are deep.
I’m not posting this to elicit spiritual divisiveness or to change anyone’s beliefs. For those who know me, you already recognize my faith is core to who I am. However, the words above contain so much truth, no matter what you believe.
These words reminded me that years ago, I created a notepad as a giveaway for a training session. The little quote on it was something about how “You always find what you look for.” The message is still true.
This writing contains that same truth. In a world that is spinning so rapidly, promoting division and strife, these words speak to a more gentle, kinder nature, asking us to recognize how our thoughts affect everything we come in contact with. It’s our choice.
I want to live in a world where things are more gentle and kinder. How about you?
June 10, 2025
It is not real life…
Awaking early, I couldn’t go back to sleep. An unease hung in the air, which I couldn’t explain. The steady drip, drip, drip of tension has been raining down on us for months. Some go about their days, seemingly oblivious to the erosion of values supposedly held dear by Americans. Others witness this degradation occurring, but cannot process it nor know how to act. Public conversation rarely occurs. People are cautious about their speech and who they are open with. I suspect other homes are as abuzz as ours when the doors are closed, though I do not know what their conversations are.
I feel the need to prepare myself for the days ahead. Yet I do not know what that means, or how to prepare. I expect things to get worse. Much worse.
My hubby asked me if I was anxious. I had no solid answers for his question. Instead, I told him of my feelings. You know the feeling you get when you are on a steep roller-coaster. The whole time the car is slowly edging to the top, you feel the anticipation or dread building within your whole being. Then, many times, the car stops at the top, leaving you suspended in space hanging above the steep drop. In an instant, you are hurtling down the steep drop at record speeds. You scream. Everyone does. Then the ride levels out and gradually slows to a stop. You get out, laughing, barely able to catch your breath or your balance, and finally recognize that you’ll be okay. Right now, I identify with the stage where the car is slowly edging to the top, to pause, suspended in space before dropping. Just not sure how safe the fall will be, not sure what life will look at the bottom, or if I’ll even stand.
It seems to me that the warning signs have been presented to us for months. With each passing event, the acts become more brazen. I listen to people bemoaning how we may be losing our democracy. This morning, I awoke to news that the National Guard and the Marines are in the streets of Los Angeles. Really? Losing our democracy? It is safer to say that the ship has already sailed. It is gone. People think we can return to something. How? Nothing goes backwards.
I have no vision of what is forthcoming, or knowledge of what it will be, or how it will materialize. Yet I believe once the burning is complete, something will arise from the ashes.
I consider we are in for some hard times. Again, I’m uncertain what that means, what it looks like, or how it will affect me and my family. My goal is to continue to focus on individuals, to bring peace and love to those around me. My hubby and I will continue to encourage and support one another. Both of us feel the tension of these days and recognize how important it is to be gentle with one another, to keep seeking things we enjoy, things that bring us peace and contentment.
This won’t happen, but how I would like to awake from this nightmare and declare, “This is not real life,” then sigh and enjoy a sun-filled day.
These photos are from a couple of mornings back. I was up earlier than usual, finding the view breath-taking, I took photos. I’m grateful I was up early enough to witness this, because in a few brief minutes, the marine layer (otherwise known as fog) crept in and clouded the sky, obstructing the view. Everything about the view, changed.
These images are a reminder to me of how every day we are given a new start, the opportunity for a fresh attitude and the chance to find beauty — anywhere and everywhere.
I’m grateful for these gentle reminders. What stirs those emotions in you?
Especially during these days, when many of us are struggling with how to respond to life and all the changes challenging our culture and the world, the truth that artists have a duty to reflect the times seems incredibly important.
Creativity comes in different forms and mediums. I encourage you to mine those gifts from within yourself. That may mean painting, dancing, music, writing, building — simply creating something.
My contribution will be a book of poetry, to be revealed later in the year.
Yikes, I’ve told you what my goal is. Now you all know, and may periodically inquire about my progress.
What will you contribute?
Journey to the Heights 