New Baby, verse # 6

A Prayer for your new baby…

Bless this little life with joy as he grows,
may health and happiness abound,
in moments of indecision give him strength and wisdom,
and in moments of grace help him to share,
bless this child with courage and with laughter,
bless him with kindness and self-respect,
and as he walks through this world,
bless him with the inner peace
of knowing that You are always near.

Wedding, verse # 2

Congratulations on your marriage…

A new dress of white,
a gift wrapped in blue,
the old love of family,
a borrowed heirloom or two,
will make this day perfect,
a day to remember, ‘tis true,
when you stand at the altar
and you say, "I do,"
to begin a new path,
a new journey to take
with the love of you both
a life you shall make
of joy and of happiness
for this we do pray
for the two hearts uniting
on this beautiful day.

Wedding, verse # 1

On your wedding…

A bouquet of flowers,
petals line the path to tomorrow,
behold, the future awaits,
two glowing candles become one,
an altar crossed with linen and lace,
with a wave of a hand a time comes to pass,
with a word, a dream begins to engage,
a glass of wine to toast to new life,
wishes from those that you know,
begin with a dance in shimmering light
behold, the future is now.

Thank You, verse # 5

Thank You For Helping Me….

I’ve never been any good at asking for help, too proud or too shy to admit that I couldn’t do it on my own, too independent to admit that I might need someone.
But, you’ve shown me that working together is not a sign of weakness but a sign of unity, of hope and kindness, of strength. Thank you for helping me through this process, for sharing your wisdom, and for helping me grow.

Thank You, verse # 4

Thanks For Being A Good Example….

Because I know you,
I find the courage to face my own experience.
When I hear you tell of your battles,
your struggles, your experience,
I find the will to fight.
In this war of reds and whites,
knives and needles,
you fight bravely, with a desire to live.
When the chemo weakens you,
you smile brightly and laugh,
proud of your battle scars
and determined to win this war.
The strength you own
you graciously share with others
and because of this
I feel strong even when my body is weak
and I will fight courageously
and I will share my strength with others
and together we will all be stronger
and someday the war will be over
and we all will have won.

You already have the answers

Look within the soul tonight…

Look within the soul tonight
and there you’ll find within a light,
a needle pointing to the north
that shall guide you along your course,
check the compass at every turn
and along your journey you shall learn
that within your heart are answers true,
waiting for questions to come from you,
so journey on and bravely go
and trust within that you shall know
the compass will serve as your guide,
this needle forged within the light.

A verse for inner peace

When life seems chaotic, repeat three times…

Powers that be, grant me strength
and bless me with tranquility,
release the chaos from my mind,
this I ask, let it be mine.

Three O'clock Angels

Three o’clock angels…

Three o’clock angels,
whiskey and wine,
comforting hearts until closing time,
bottles on tables,
bartenders wiping the bar,
peeling off labels, sweeping up hearts,
as lost souls tell stories
of heartbroken homes,
of hearts searching for love and love that’s gone wrong,
as three o’clock angels
and whiskey and wine,
try to heal broken hearts until closing time,
but three o’clock angels, wiser ghosts from the past,
look past the torn labels and through broken glass,
and point to reflections,
the lost yesterdays,
when whiskey and wine didn’t cloud memories,
and three o’clock angels
recall better days
when this bottle wasn’t leading the way,
and three o’clock angels will show us the clues
and the key is the wisdom from facing the truth
but for now three o’clock angels
and whiskey and wine,
watch over this heart until closing time,
no one could have told me
that I’d end up here
trying to drown memories in whiskey and beer,
though three o’clock angels try to show me the way,
it’s still hard to admit the mistakes that I’ve made,
but when the bartender says
it’s time to go home
three o’clock angels remind me why I’m going alone,
and three o’clock angels
recall better days
when this bottle wasn’t leading the way,
and three o’clock angels will show us the clues
and the key is the wisdom from facing the truth
but for now three o’clock angels
and whiskey and wine,
watch over this heart until closing time.

Happy Birthday, verse # 28

Happy Birthday…

Freedom is the result of courage,
looking out over the edge of the nest and
stepping out, trying your wings and learning to fly,
earning the right to soar through the clouds,
gracefully gliding on the winds
and exploring the world around you.
May this next year bring you the courage of flight
and the beauty of freedom.

Happy Birthday, verse # 27

Happy Birthday…

Over the past year,
you’ve been through ups and downs,
you’ve pondered options,
and made some difficult choices.
You’ve admitted to weaknesses
but remained strong through it all
and you’ve grown along this journey.
I am so proud of you
and I’m proud to know you
and I hope you have
a wonderful birthday.

Don't Give Up, verse # 4

Keep going…

The world is full of history,
colorful characters, wars won and lost,
with stories of mountains climbed and
lessons learned and bridges crossed;
The view from the mountaintop is worth the climb,
the exploration worth the toll,
for it is there that we will find the key
to engage and release our souls;
Though the mountain may be rocky, the battle hard, the river wild,
the struggles endured, the lessons learned we’ll find are worth it all
because when we reach the top and as we view the world
we learn that the journey taught us who we are.

Don't Give Up, verse # 3

Never give up…

Hold on to determination, that power that propels you over and around obstacles,
and never give in to doubt, the demon that steers one away from their dreams.
Hold tight to hope, the lighthouse that will guide the way,
and always, always, believe in yourself
like I believe in you.
Never give up and, in time, you’ll find your way and reach your goal.

Thank You, verse # 3 (thanks for the memories we've made together)

Thanks For The Memories We’ve Made Together…

The mind snaps a picture,
an imprint upon the mind of a memory,
a moment captured in time to remind us of the past
and to remain with us forever.
And the mind snaps a picture,
emotions painted gently with hues,
faces sketched in time as they were long ago
or merely just yesterday.
And the mind snaps a picture,
building a collection of moments,
a treasury of intangible history to remind us
of the fortune of laughter and joy we have known.

Thank You, verse # 2 (thanks for being you)

Thanks For Being You….

Everyone changes the world in some small way. Bringing laughter to others, listening when someone needs to talk, and lending a hand are just a few of the things you do to make the world a better place.

Thank You, verse # 1

Thank You…

It’s not Mother’s Day or Father’s Day or a holiday of any kind.
It’s just a simple day when I’m reminded of all you’ve done for me.
Thank you.

Just to say Hi, verse # 6

Cooking tip #589,003:

There is no such thing as fat-free biscuits. However, in trying, I created a new recipe for stones. Hope you have better luck.

Just to say Hi, verse # 5

Cooking tip #589,002:

Any pot not watched will certainly boil over and make a mess on the stove.
Hope your day is going better.

Just to say Hi, verse # 4

Just to say hi…

Cooking tip #589,001:

Too much baking powder will make batter cook over the sides of the pan very, very quickly!!! So, how’s your day going?

Freedom

Freedom…

As you venture out on your own with dreams and plans for the future, considering all you’ll do with your new freedom, the things to try, new experiences to be had, remember that the light of home always shines and a familiar voice is only a phone call away.
Along your travels, as roads stretch out before you and choices are made, remember that true freedom rests not without, but within. Many lessons you’ll have to learn on your own, and some are harder to learn than others. But, as you journey, perhaps the following lessons that I’ve learned will be of some use to you as you explore new worlds and forge your own path.
Freedom is knowing that you hold the key to your own happiness.
Freedom is being comfortable with accepting responsibility for your own actions, successes and mistakes.
Freedom is knowing who you are and liking yourself.
Freedom is holding the treasure box within that makes you the guardian over your own life, your thoughts, wishes, and dreams.
Freedom is knowing that you always hold the power of choice.
Freedom is joy.
I hope that each year of your life to come brings new adventures and fresh possibilities to your door. I wish you to be proud of each choice that you make along your journey. I dream for you to know the value and the experience of true freedom. And, I hope that no matter how far you may travel or what options you may choose, you’ll always remember that home is never very far away.

The First Day of School

The First Day Of School…

(enter child's name) knew the day was coming,
her very first day of school,
and she was so excited
to learn to write and to get to carry books.
“Will I learn to write big words,”
____ asked her mother with a smile.
“Yes, you will learn how to write,” her mother said,
“and spell and add and tell the time.”

So, _____ and her mother went to town,
to a big store they did go,
to buy _____ some school supplies
like a pencil and new clothes
and a lunch-box with a princess on the front
and a yellow coat in case it rained
and a tablet with some paper
and, just for fun, a candy cane.

They shopped all day, then drove back home,
and _____ looked again at all her new things.
Then, ____ began to wonder
how far away from home school would be.
“Will you show me the way to school,”
____ asked her mother with a smile.
“Well, sure I will,” her mother said,
the school is just down the road a mile.

On the very next morning,
_____ and her mother went for a walk,
and along the path they followed,
they talked and talked and talked
about _____’s mother’s first day of school
and how much fun she’d had
and how she’d walked to her first day
with her mother and with her dad.


As _____ and her mother walked,
_____ made sure to try to remember
about all the places she was passing
as she and her mother walked together
as ____’s mom showed her the way to school,
the path that she would take.
____ was sure that she’d be allowed
to walk alone to school someday.

So, ______ made sure to see the little white house
with blue shutters and a little white gate.
She would need to remember to turn beside there
or else to school she would be late.
And the row of red flowers along side the drive,
no, no, she would not forget those
because when she passed those pretty red flowers,
she had to stop and scratch her nose.

Along the way, they passed a fence
and behind it was a friendly yellow dog
who would chase around his tail
and then he would chase around a ball.
Just down the road from the dog
lived a big white cat
with fluffy hair and a long fluffy tail
who just sat upon a mat.

“This is the way,” _____’s mother said
as they kept walking on,
“it’s just a little further
so it won’t take very long.”
And _____ looked about her
at a house that was painted pink.
“I would like to live someday,” ____ said,
“in a house painted pink, I think.”

And as ____ and her mother walked some more,
they passed a pretty tree,
“The school is that big building there,” her mother said,
“the one that is painted white and green.”
_____’s mother pointed ahead and ____ joined in.
“I see it now,” _____ said, “Yes, I really do,
I see the place where I will go
when I have my first day of school.”

And, with a turn, they headed home,
a short walk it had been
as she had walked beside her mother
along the path to school, hand-in-hand.
As they walked home, ______ began to dream
about learning books and math
and time and words and things.

Then the day finally came,
and _____ jumped right out of bed
to hurry and get ready for school,
to brush her teeth and make her bed.
“Slow down and eat your breakfast,”
______’s mother said with a smile,
“don’t worry, you’ll get there on time,
the school is just a mile.”

“I know the way,” _____ said, “I really do,
I can walk it by myself,
I can find my way to school,
yes, I can find it without any help.”
“Okay,” her mother finally said,
though she had a plan of what to do,
“you can try, yes you can try
to find your own way to school.”

So ______ picked up her lunch and
she picked up her pack,
she stretched out her arms
and put the pack on to her back,
she kissed her mom on the cheek
and went out the front door,
and began walking the path
she had walked with her mother before.

With a smile she waved
to the little white house with shutters of blue
and turned right beside it
as she knew to do.
And she waved, “Hello” to the friendly yellow dog
who did not see her
because he was busy chasing a frog.

And, she walked and she walked,
but she saw no big fluffy cat
that was the color of white
lying asleep on a mat.
And, she saw no pretty house
in the color of pink
and saw no building
of white and of green.

“This is not the way,”
____ thought to herself,
“where am I, where am I,
I need some help,
but I was so sure I could walk
to school on my own,
on my first day of school
just a mile from home.”

By a pretty tree, _____ turned around
and headed for home, sad that she had not found
her own way to school on her very first day.
She had been so sure that she knew the way.

Back down the path, ____ headed for home,
past the little white house with shutters of blue.
Her head hanging down and tears in her eyes,
____ said, “Mommy, Mommy, I need to talk to you.
I walked down the path, I did really try,
but I could not find the way on my own.”
“It’s okay,” mother said, “I was following you all the way,
I just couldn’t let you walk to school all alone.”
“Will you take me to school,” _____ asked as she dried her eyes.
“Yes I will take you school,” her mother said with a smile.

Hand-in-hand, together they walked
past the little white house, past the friendly yellow dog,
past the flowers of red and the big fluffy cat,
past the pink little house, yes, they passed that.

Then, as they passed by a pretty tree,
_____ said, “This is where I turned back for home.”
“I know, I saw,” her mother said with a smile,
“but you didn’t need to when you walked on your own.
There is the school, that building, you see,
the building painted of white and of green.”
And ____ looked at the yard with the crowd,
but before she had not seen the building she saw now.

Her mother led her into the school,
then down the hall, and then into her classroom.
But ____’s first lesson she had learned very well,
you don’t have to do everything all on your own,
it’s always okay to ask your mother for help.

Happy Birthday, verse # 26

Happy Birthday…

On this day and all that follow,
may you have the strength to follow your heart
and the courage to fight for your dreams;
May you always be true to yourself
and may your soul feel inspired;
And, may you always feel blessed by grace
and surrounded by hope,
never feeling alone
and always knowing that you are loved.

Happy Birthday, verse # 25

Happy Birthday…

There once was a time, a long time ago,
when we were perplexed by the thought of getting old,
then there came a day, then there came a year,
when we realized we were getting older, old was getting near,
now we are old, another birthday arrives,
and we realize how blessed we are to have had such a life,
a life filled with laughter, some joy, some tears,
and a life that has lasted for years upon years,
so this is your day, another milestone has come,
and I wish you a happy day with more yet to come.

Happy Birthday, verse # 24

Happy Birthday…

A birthday is like a treasure,
a monument to life
to remind us of our fortunes and our deeds,
a testament not made of stone
where our history is written with invisible ink,
a substance made of memories and emotions,
with words engraved by the hands of time
that also direct us toward the future,
of life to come,
and shows us all a treasured respect for life.

Happy Birthday, verse # 23

Happy Birthday…

May your birthday and each day that follows bring you sunny days with blue skies and red birds brightening the landscape with their beauty and happy singing, laughter that comes from the heart and reminds you of the simplicity of childhood innocence, and joy that fills your soul with prisms of light, contentment, and peace.

Happy Birthday, verse # 22

Happy Birthday…

On your birthday,
I wanted to take a moment to tell you
how much I enjoy having you in my life.
You’ve taught by example about
the joy of giving and the peace of compassion and the power of hope.
You’ve willingly shared your smiles, your laughter, your heart, and your time,
and these have become blessings for others.
For your birthday,
I hope the love and happiness that you have shared with others over the years
returns to you… multiplied.

Happy Birthday, verse # 21

Happy Birthday…

Your birthday is my chance to tell you
that in the time I have known you
I have seen someone grow in maturity,
in intellect, and in spirituality.
I have seen someone accept responsibility
for their own personal growth
and succeed in meeting the challenge head on.
I have seen someone learn who she is
and someone who has learned to be proud of herself.
I am very proud of you.
Your achievements have been great and
you are deserving, at the very least, of the
most wonderful birthday.
May your birthday and every day
be filled with happiness and laughter.

Thanks for being a friend

Thanks for being a friend….

A real friend is someone that you can talk with
as if you’ve just spoken only a few moments earlier
and are simply picking up in the middle of a conversation
even though much time has passed since contact was made.
A real friend is someone in whom you can confide
with your most heartfelt secrets
and trust that they will be stored away in a safe place
and treasured for the confidence they hold within.
A real friend is someone who can help you laugh at yourself
and help you be strong and encourage you to grow,
someone who will be there during the good times and the bad times,
someone who over time becomes family.
A real friend is someone like you.

Thinking of you, verse # 7

Thinking of you...

As we get older, we seem to forget the little things
like picking up a gallon of milk on the way home
or what it was we came into the kitchen to get.
Good thing we remember who are friends are.

Thinking of you (at winter), verse # 6

Happy Winter…

Sitting here, curled up in a cozy blanket,
keeping the chill at bay with its warm layer of memories
that can warm the soul as if sinking the body slowly into
the comfort of a warm bath,
the winter is seen through the window;
Sitting here, looking through the window
and remembering the winters that have passed,
remembering the snow falling quietly as if
each flake were an angel coming to Earth from Heaven
to spread the joy of the winter season,
the fire begins to glow in anticipation of the winter arrival.
Sitting here, as the fire shares its golden light with the room,
quietly telling tales of beautiful snowfalls and romantic dreams
and gentle laughter, the walls softly reflect the shimmer of light
as if responding to the tale being told, adding to the conversation
their own tales, legends it would seem,
of snow blanketing the world with hope and peace.
In this winter wonderland of memories of laughter,
of hope for a blessed season for all,
of wishes for hearts to experience the serenity of peace this winter,
while sitting here, thinking of you,
the snow begins to fall.

Happy New Year, verse # 5

Let this be the year…

You’ve spent so much of life running, climbing, winning, doing for others, and living life too fast to notice that life is passing you by.
Let this be the year to listen to the wind chimes gently sing outside the window beneath a sun of golden rays, let this be the year to begin to see the colors of life around you, the passionate reds and the healing blues, let this be the time to taste the drops falling from the sky as you dance in the rain, let this be when you feel the power of the heartbeat within you.

Don't Give Up, verse # 2

Don’t give up…

Listen to the voice within, though the smallest of a whisper it may be,
for angels will speak words of hope in moments of silence,
encouraging you forward and strengthening your spirit
as they keep the light of tomorrow lit brightly in your soul.

Let the dream guide the way

Dream…

The only known is the here and now,
tomorrow a mystery yet to be,
live for today and plan for tomorrow,
let your guide be the dream,
learn from the past,
only a heartbeat away,
unable to be recaptured,
from attempts turn away,
live in each breath,
in each moment, each day,
the Sun shall encourage,
let the dream guide the way.

Don't Give Up, verse # 1

Don’t give up…

When the mountain seems too jagged and each step too steep,
keep moving, climbing higher and higher,
each step a bit closer to the summit,
each obstacle overcome a lesson learned for later use,
and, in time, though some lengths may be more difficult than others,
you’ll reach the pinnacle, you’ll find the dream,
and you’ll stand on the tallest peak,
looking about at all you’ve accomplished, and know
you’ve made it, you’ve earned it, and you deserve it all.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 13

Happy Anniversary…

Time has come and time has gone
but the laughter has remained,
and in the memories we have shared
the smiles never fade,
and in the time that is yet to be,
more joy we shall make,
as my heart shall grow to love you more,
I love you now and always.

New Baby, verse # 5

Congratulations on your new baby…

Count ten little fingers
then count ten little toes,
study his eyes
and then decide whose nose,
he has a tiny heart
but an enormous soul,
inside a tiny body
that, over time, will grow
into a man on a journey,
making a life of his own
and basing his actions
on memories of home,
so, love him dear,
godliness sow
and time will tell
of the love he was shown.

Easter, verse # 3

Happy Easter…

We weren’t there to see the thorns,
we weren’t there to hear the crowd,
we weren’t there to feel the pain,
we weren’t there to shout His name,
we never saw the stone,
moved in or out of place,
and we never saw the cloak,
that draped across his face,
but now we sing the songs
and recite the poems
and speak the words,
and now we know the name
and know the ways
of a voice we never heard,
but believe,
yes, believe,
we weren’t there to see ascension,
we weren’t there when He awoke,
we weren’t there when books were written,
we weren’t there to hear the words,
but believe,
yes, we believe,
and we give thanks,
and we have hope,
and we have faith,
and we celebrate,
and we believe.

Easter, verse # 2

Happy Easter…

Somewhere between creating boiled eggs with pastel colors topped with artistic designs
and hiding them out in the yard for the kids to find;
Somewhere between creating Easter baskets filled with marshmallow birds and chocolate bunnies, situated in green plastic grass and wrapped in clear paper tied with colorful ribbon;
Somewhere between school parties and town parades and spring carnivals,
we look to the sky and remember,
and our hearts sing because He lives.

Easter, verse # 1

Happy Easter… (The Lily)

In the garden of life there is a flower,
a flower of beauty, a flower of peace,
with petals of innocence
meant to trumpet the news,
carrying the fragrance of hope
across the meadows of time.

Merry Christmas, verse # 14

Merry Christmas…

As the snow gently falls on the rooftops up above
and the streets are lit in red and gold and green,
as the snowmen and the reindeer and the Santas wave from lawns
and the angel glows from atop the Christmas tree,
as the lights twinkle silent melodies around ornaments of ol’
and the fire warms the light within every soul,
may you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too
and may each day grant peace and happiness to you.

Merry Christmas, verse # 13

Merry Christmas…

I wish for you this Christmas wish,
that your stockings may be filled with gifts,
and that the lights upon your tree
shall light up the dark as if a dream,
and may the angel sitting high above
look down from its branch with hope and love,
and bring to your life prosperity, peace,
for the new year, I wish for you these.

New Baby, verse # 4

Congratulations on your new baby...

When you were born, the angels blessed me with the greatest gift---the gift of being allowed to mother such a beautiful spirit as you.
Though I was the parent, over the years you have taught me so much about loving, giving, sharing, helping me to appreciate the warmth of playful sunny days and the vigor of snowflakes upon my skin and reminding me of the joy in life, the joy within each breath.
I am so grateful that you are my daughter and I want you to know that my greatest wish for you is that you will know the same joy that you have always given me.

New Baby, verse # 3

Congratulations on your new baby…

Hear her small heart beating strongly
as a tiny hand grasps a single finger,
listen to her softly breathing
as you study the face you’ve known for months
but never seen until this moment,
and you’ll understand why life is a miracle.

New Baby, verse # 2

Congratulations On Your New Baby…

A baby is a seed entrusted to two people, a privilege bestowed, a responsibility awakened. Teach a child goodness and goodness he shall learn and take with him into adulthood and teach his own children.

New Baby, verse # 1

Congratulations On Your Baby…

Treasure each moment as you watch him grow,
remember that what you teach him is what he will know,
and that as you live, so shall he,
be a good example and good he shall be,
love and protect this incredible soul,
and, in return, love and respect you shall know,
always cherish this gift you have received,
and your baby will grow and a good person be.

Merry Christmas, verse # 12

Merry Christmas…

Impatient packages beneath a tree of green,
wrapped in pretty paper tied with bows or tied with string,
lights along the hearth give the room a pretty glow,
the angel upon the treetop is dressed in silver and in gold,
the cat is pawing gently at the tinsel hanging loosely from the tree,
but then climbs upon the packages and quickly falls asleep,
and what the cat shall dream of, humans never know,
but could it be he dreams of treats wrapped in packages with bows,
and when you smile at the beauty of your Christmas tree of green,
and see impatient packages tied with ribbon or with string,
what is it that you wish for in your heart and in your soul,
as you wish upon the pretty lights that give the room a glow,
so write it down on paper, fold it up, make a hole for string,
then hang it near the Santa Claus upon the tree of green,
and whisper it to the angel dressed in silver and in gold,
as the lights along the hearth give the room a pretty glow,
and have faith that you shall receive all your Christmas dreams,
and that you’ll find your heart’s desire on this Christmas Eve.

Grandparent's Day, verse # 4

Grandparent’s Day…

You give me hugs and kisses and birthday wishes
and cookies and candy and cake when I visit,
we play in the dirt and we play in the water
and if my clothes get dirty, it’s really no bother,
you don’t get upset, I don’t get in trouble,
I don’t take a nap, you don’t tell my mother,
that’s why you’re my favorite, you’re better than the rest,
you’re my favorite grandparents, and I love you the best.

Grandparent's Day, verse # 3

Happy Grandparent’s Day…

With words of wisdom and gentle embraces, you were there when I felt I could talk to no one else and when I needed a shoulder on which to cry. With a loving guidance tempered with experience and discipline, you helped me find my way from childhood to now. No one could ever ask for a greater gift than all of the affection and knowledge you have shared with me through the years. By your light, I have been truly blessed.

Grandparent's Day, verse # 2

Happy Grandparent’s Day…

Pinch pennies for rainy days, be careful where you place the eggs,
hold your head up high, don’t live life too close to the edge,
do right by your name, be proud of your past,
lend a helping hand, always do your best,
just a few of the lessons you’ve taught me through time
and I need to say Thank You for influencing my life
with love and with kindness, humanity and grace,
all that you taught me helped me to become who I am today.

Grandparent's Day, verse # 1

Happy Grandparent’s Day…

You bring me candy when you come to visit, with hugs and kisses, too,
and I don’t have to eat any vegetables when I spend the night with you,
and we play games together, (Don’t worry, I’ll let you win a few),
whenever we’re together, there’s always something fun to do,
we laugh and play but then you go and they make me take a nap,
how mean they are, I know there’d no nap at Grandma’s house,
but next time that you visit, be sure to bring a treat,
some sweet piece of candy with love meant just for me.

Earth Day, verse # 3

Happy Earth Day...

Protect the land,
protect the water,
protect the air, the sun,
protect the animals,
and we shall find
that they shall care for us.

Earth Day, verse # 2

Happy Earth Day…

Blessed be the Earth beneath us,
may Her fertility remain eternal,
blessed be the Air around us,
may it forever blow,
blessed be the Sky above us,
reaching out into the future,
blessed be the creatures,
big and small, weak and strong,
blessed be the Water,
from the open ocean to the tiny creeks,
on this day and always,
may our environment blessed be.

Earth Day, verse # 1

Earth Day…

The world keeps spinning ‘round, seasons come and go,
can you hear the broken-hearted angels’ tears crying for the world,
but we can heal their heartbreak, we can save our planet’s path
by changing how we live each day, just by doing what we can,
plant a tree, grow a flower, conserve, recycle, or reuse,
so that the world keeps spinning ‘round for future souls to use,
so that they’ll have fields of green, clean rivers and clean lakes,
the future will be protected if wise choices we will make,
so that the world keeps spinning ‘round, seasons come and go,
and we’ll hear the joyful-hearted angels singing to the world.

April Fools, verse # 4

Happy April Fools Day…

At the start of spring,
coming with the flowers and the rain,
is a day of pranks and jests,
but take this as true,
as true as the golden rule,
I wish you the very best,
and hope that your day is spent
with loved ones and with friends
in a fun-filled sunny day,
with blissful peace,
and sweet memories
on this foolish April Day.

April Fools, verse # 3

Happy April Fools Day…

There have been days
when people have claimed
to have changed math or maps,
all just in fun,
no harm meant done,
just a joke meant to bring on a laugh,
and some have tried
with screams or with cries
to convince another to run
to an address not existing,
they just couldn’t resist it,
on this day meant for fools and for fun,
but don’t bother to worry,
you won’t have to scurry,
for I’ll neither trick you nor fool,
I just wanted to tell you
that I happen to wish you
the happiest of all April Fools.

April Fools, verse # 2

Happy April Fools Day…

For centuries, at the start of spring,
when the flowers begin to bloom,
some souls take pride in a ritual
of playing jokes on fools,
but when all is said and done
and laughter has ended the game,
the ones at risk of looking the fool
are the ones who play the pranks,
so with all in mind on this April day,
the wish I wish for you,
on the first, this day of hoax,
is a safe and happy April Fool’s.

April Fools, verse # 1

April Fool’s Day…

No jokes, no puns,
no pranks just for fun,
no tricks, no lies, no stunts,
no gags this day,
no fool to play,
just wishing you lots of luck
in staying away from antics,
in staying away from ghouls,
and wishing for you that on this day you’ll have
a carefree and happy April Fools.

St. Patrick's Day, verse # 5

Happy St. Patrick’s Day…

May you find four-leaf clovers before each step
and a leprechaun at your table,
may you find heavenly rainbows and pots of gold
and angels always able,
may you have sunny days and peaceful nights
and wishes that come true,
and may St. Patrick bless you much
and always watch over you.

St. Patrick's Day, verse # 4

Happy St. Patrick’s Day…

In dreams,
sail toward the isle,
walk along the rocks,
feel the mist from off the waters,
in dreams,
let the northern winds embrace you,
the southern winds shall warm,
feel the mist from off the waters,
in dreams,
feel the cloak pulled tight around you,
the ground is damp beneath your feet,
feel the mist from off the waters,
in dreams,
stand upon the highlands,
on the isle, home again,
feel the mist from off the waters,
in dreams.

St. Patrick's Day, verse # 3

Happy St. Patrick’s Day…

The color of the day is green and fertility shall reign
on this day of Spring with celebrations, pints, parades,
make a toast, raise it high, may St. Patrick reign,
and may laughter, love, and peace grace your life
on this St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick's Day, verse # 2

Happy St. Patrick’s Day…

Leprechauns dance around with grins,
pots of gold within their reach,
the end of the rainbow is glowing,
and as they dance they sing,
a key to dreams is in their hands,
a key that holds the magic,
but you must catch the leprechaun
to catch the key that has it,
close your eyes, pass through the veil,
the nightfall, it shall lead,
the leprechauns are dancing
in a world of make believe,
and as they dance around and grin,
drinking pints there near the gold,
singing songs of merriment
there where the rainbow glows,
they hear your step along the stones,
a golden path that led you here,
but no luck in grabbing key or gold,
when they heard you they disappeared,
but never give up hope or heart,
always keep the faith,
the leprechauns will wait again for you,
they like to play this game,
maybe, someday, you’ll cross the veil,
a four-leaf clover on your ring,
sneak upon the little leprechauns
as they dance and sing,
catching one near a pot of gold,
he’ll give you his magic key,
every wish you make, you shall have,
the leprechaun shall make it be.

St. Patrick's Day, verse # 1

Happy St. Patrick’s Day…

On this day of frolic and fun
may St. Patrick himself watch over you,
showing you fields of shamrocks to walk through
while protecting you from the serpent
as you breathe peacefully beneath the sign of the cross.

Happy Valentine's Day, verse # 4

Happy Valentine’s Day…

Thank you for teaching me the most valuable lessons in life:
How to love and be loved.

Happy Valentine's Day, verse # 3

Happy Valentine’s Day…

This is the Valentine’s Day card I’m sending to all my friends to let you know that I love you all and that my wish for you this year is that you all will be happy, that you’ll all know love and grace, and to let you know I’m thinking of you on this Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine's Day, verse # 2

Happy Valentine’s Day…

Once upon a time, a long time ago,
a God was born to govern love.
With his arrows and his bow
Eros filled hearts with romance
and stomachs with butterflies
and heads with dreams,
bringing soulmates together
for harmony and happiness.
I feel so fortunate that he smiled favorably on us.
Happy Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine's Day, verse # 1

Happy Valentine’s Day…

As the world decorates itself with papier-mâché hearts
and balloons painted with arrow wielding cherubs,
as it flavors boxes of chocolates with love
and wraps teddy bears in bows of red,
I am reminded of how you have brightened my life with your spirit
and decorated my world with joy.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 12

Happy Anniversary…

Writers have tried to describe it in verse and in prose,
this feeling that begins as the sweetest little twinge
and grows over time into something magnificently unique,
overwhelming at times, subtle at others, but always present,
as I look back over the years we’ve been together,
sorting through boxes of memories, smiles and tears,
I grin when I remember that sweet little twinge that started it all,
and I feel grateful joy when I think of all that it’s grown to be.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 11

Happy Anniversary…

In the autumn of our life,
I look back and remember our beginnings,
humble as they were but sweetened with the taste of promise
and blessed with tomorrows,
and as our tomorrows became our yesterdays
and promises came to pass,
we loved and we grew,
reaching this wonderful place in our life together
where we can look back at our yesterdays with learning and fondness,
celebrating each day,
and looking forward to the winter of our life together
and the promises of tomorrows yet to be.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 10

Happy Anniversary…

Congratulations on your anniversary,
to a couple who has set an enlightening example
of what it means to be married, to share a life with someone,
to build a legacy, a family,
strengthened by time, nourished by respect,
and surrounded with love.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 9

Happy Anniversary…

Looking about this house, one can see the life from the past (insert # of years) years in the memories hanging on the walls, photographs of the years gone by, children and grandchildren, graduations and weddings, faces aging through laughter and smiles, sunny days and snow storms, fashion trends and hair styles. And woven through them all, in this tapestry of family and friends, are photographs of the two of you, together, with a gleam in your eyes meant only for each other.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 8

Happy Anniversary…

Through the passage of time you have traveled together,
through peaceful waters and over stormy seas,
holding fast to each other and
holding tight to your faith,
trusting God would oversee your journey,
knowing when to drop the anchor or sail toward the horizon;
Over time you have learned the lessons of sailing,
of trusting the compass, of minding the wheel,
and of balancing upon the waves of life;
And together you’ll hoist the sails,
continuing to travel into the future
with God as your Captain,
and with love in your sails.

Happy Birthday, verse # 20

Happy Birthday…

Birthdays are a map through a life full of treasure,
each celebration leading us to another locked box
that can only be opened with the heart,
a box containing a smile or a laugh or a hug,
a box containing a memory in the making,
or a memory past,
and when our life nears the end,
the treasures within the invisible boxes
are worth more than silver and gold.

Happy New Year, verse # 4

Happy New Year…

This year, may Mystical Visions of a life yet to be inspire Reality to fire the bricks with which you shall lay the path to the future.

Happy New Year, verse # 3

Happy New Year…

Raise a glass in celebration,
speak a toast in honor of
a new time, a new chance,
a new year just begun.
Let’s begin with laughter
and as the year goes by
we’ll take a risk or two
to help our dreams come to life.
So, from one friend to another
my wish for you is clear
that you shall see your dreams come true
and make this the best New Year.

Merry Christmas, verse # 11

Merry Christmas…

To the north, a guiding star,
to the south, a humble place to rest,
from the east, the wisdom of sages,
the passing of one era setting in the west,
celebrate the coming,
a new beginning with a birth,
a celebration across the world,
to remind us of our worth,
let the bells ring out the spirit of the season,
let the stars direct us from high above,
let us join in the celebration,
and spread good tidings to the world.

Merry Christmas, verse # 10

Merry Christmas…

Trees adorned with velvet red ribbons and golden bells,
gifts wrapped in silver and green,
candles aglow with a bright warm flame,
and angels about, yet unseen;
Christmas is here and a spirit lives on
of joy, good tidings, and cheer,
a reminder of peace, all things that are good
and the hope that comes this time of year;
So, with faith, hope, and love we send this to you,
a wish that you may warm cooler days
with laughter and moments with family and friends
and treasured memories that will last for always.

Back when the world was a safer place

This verse was submitted to Associated Content. Follow the link to read the poem.



http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1008922/back_when_the_world_was_a_safer_place.html?cat=42

Winter, verse # 1

Happy Winter…

Did you see the snowman winking from behind a peppermint eye?
Can you feel the chill of winter winds sending snowflakes from the sky?
Did the reindeer in the front yard just sing a little tune?
Did you just see a smile cross the face of a big, bright moon?
Well then it must be winter, a little magic in the air,
to help us enjoy the season, there’s excitement everywhere,
a chill invigorates the senses, then the fire warms the soul,
and we all seem kinder to each other as through our days we go,
so have a happy winter, I wish you lots of fun,
and remember not to be alarmed if the moon winks from up above.

Just to say Hi, verse # 3

I hope you have…

I hope you have one of those days when you begin thinking about your favorite song and then, suddenly, it’s played on the radio.
I hope you have one of those days when the temperature outside is not too hot and not too cold, but just perfect for a stroll through beautiful scenery.
I hope you have one of those days that seem easy and bright, when things fall into place and your life seems at peace, traveling into the future at a comfortable pace and in an inspiring direction.
I hope you have one of those good days that you’ll remember always.

My prayer for you, my daughter

My prayer for you, my daughter…

I pray that you will grow to feel
a sense of worth
and a sense of responsibility in the world,
I pray that you will know
the blessings of love and family
and grow to learn the value of each,
I pray that God shall watch over you,
keeping you safe
and that you’ll recognize the safety of his lighthouse
in the center of your soul,
I hope that you shall live life with courage,
unafraid to take a risk from time to time
in the search for love or dreams,
And, I pray that you will greet life each day
with peacefulness and joy
and that both shall return to you three-fold.

Hope, verse # 2

Remember that angels hover over the world,
quietly gliding around city streets and country towns,
whispering into the hearts of mankind words of hope
and softly singing songs of peace to whomever will listen,
guiding our footsteps into the future
with gentle persuaders of dreams, cautioning us of doubt,
and humming promises of a brighter tomorrow,
carefully softening our thoughts into positives
as we live through each day with the hope from the angels
hovering about us and wishing us well.

Hope, verse # 1

Hope…

Hope is the hand to lead you, a quiet voice to guide,
blowing a gentle breeze towards the sky to clear the clouds and let the sun shine in;
Hope is the sword forged in the heart, cutting through a web of darkness,
a blade sharpened by rays of light after use against the cold and lost night;
Hope is above and within and surrounding,
enveloping the spirit with encompassing arms to comfort souls on the journey of life.

Summer, verse # 1 (a summer wish for you)

A summer wish for you…

May you have the time to walk in the light of the sun, feeling the warmth of its rays embrace you as the scent of honeysuckle on the breeze allows your mind to drift back in time to dreams you knew long ago, filling your senses with courage and confidence, and leading your steps with certainty toward the future.

Happy New Year, verse # 2

Happy New Year…

The moment of New Year holds a magic all its own, a single moment of time where one year is ending and a new shall begin, a moment that evolves into a day filled with the invigorating sense of anticipation and wonder, a day when the world seems to feel the future opening new doors that will lead us toward new experiences, new opportunities, and newfound hope. May the upcoming year be a happy one that presents before you the chances you’ve been waiting on and working toward.

Happy New Year, verse # 1

Happy New Year…

Throw away the chaos,
and throw out all the fear,
and make this a clean new start
and a wonderful new year,
filled with brand new confidence
to take some risks and make some plans,
and make this the year you’ve wanted,
the year you deserve to have,
so, focus on the future,
keep both eyes straight ahead,
and pay attention to the signs
that say, “ Dreams await ahead,”
work hard toward tomorrow,
keep taking small steps every day,
soon you’ll be making progress,
though challenges come your way,
but try to learn amongst the errors,
and face each and every fear,
then your dreams shall come true for you
in this wonderful New Year.

Merry Christmas, verse # 9

Merry Christmas….

My favorite Christmas memory of you is when you were a child and Santa bought you a wonderful toy, and you could not have had more fun playing with the box!
Although you’re grown and on your own, that memory still brings a smile to my face.

Merry Christmas, verse # 8

Merry Christmas…

On a winter night when all is quiet, look towards the star
and know He watches over you no matter how near or far,
so light a candle, a golden flame, remember the man who died,
may His warm comfort surround your heart on this Christmas night.

Merry Christmas, verse # 7 (the snowman)

Merry Christmas…

Merry man made of snow,
mitten hands and a carrot nose,
peppermint eyes and licorice lips,
if he can, we’ve never seen him flip
or dance or smoke his coal black pipe
but he glistens in the cold moonlight
as he looks up to the Heavens above,
this man of snow, made with love
that fell to Earth as snow and ice,
watch real close, maybe he’ll come to life
but if nothing else, he’s a happy elf
standing there all by himself,
a man of snow with a constant smile,
he’ll smile on us for a little while,
until it warms and he melts away,
perhaps new snow will fall on Christmas Day,
and again we’ll build a man of snow,
a merry man with a carrot nose,
who will dance if only in our dreams
in an overcoat and old worn jeans.

Merry Christmas, verse # 6

Merry Christmas…

Greeting cards and mistletoe,
Christmas trees and snow,
carols sung by candlelight
and miracles of long ago
unite as one to tell the tale
of the Christmas reason.
May you and yours
be blessed by miracles
throughout the Christmas season.

Thinking of you, verse # 5 (at Christmas)

Thinking of you…

Snow is falling softly,
the fire flickers in the hearth,
and candles light the room with the golden glow of warmth,
bows hang on the mantle,
stockings hang just off to the side,
as they hang there waiting for the holidays, for Santa to arrive,
but as the Christmas tree lights sparkle,
the room smells like evergreen,
and presents wrapped in shiny paper sit beneath the tree,
I sit here in the quiet,
and through the window see,
snowflakes falling down to Earth like crystal memories,
then as the candle flickers,
the clock hands cease to move,
stopping time as the candlelight shows me memories of you,
like magic in a moment,
scenes are shown upon the flame,
the two of us at winter time in the snow and playing games,
the bows smile at the memories,
stockings laugh at the snowball fights,
and the Christmas tree seems to sigh as it stands there in the light,
but then the candle flickers,
its flame a golden glow again,
and as if they had never stopped, the clock hands move again,
counting down to midnight,
as the fire flickers in the hearth,
and candles light the room with the golden glow of warmth,
the snow is falling softly,
Christmas gently lighting up the room,
and I sit here in the glow and warmth, thinking about you.

Happy Birthday, verse # 19 (Treasure Hunt)

Happy Birthday… (Treasure Hunt)

(1st clue/note, given to the receiver)

A series of riddles, a series of clues
will lead you to the gift just for you,
it’s just what you wanted, but hidden it is,
a mystery for solving, for fun and for cheers,
just search along walls and walk about floors,
the answers you seek shall all be indoors;
First solve this riddle, for it is the key
to finding the present for you just from me,
your next clue is pressed between pages within
a book quite the whiz of win and of when.

(2nd clue/note, hidden in a dictionary)

Congratulations on finding this clue,
a map to lead you to a present for you,
now look near the Footprint and search about Form,
and there is a clue that will lead you along,
but if you should question the path you should take,
remember the answer will help you with cake.

(3rd clue/note, hidden beneath the tray of the fork drawer)

Oh, birthday, oh, birthday, and cake there shall be,
after you find this present from me,
and now that you’ve found the fork in the road,
you must now further search your abode,
where it lets in the light until it is veiled,
where it lets in the beauty of outdoors quite well,
where the sun smiles in from its home high above,
you’ll find a clue tucked in tight like a glove.

(4th clue/note, hidden between the window panes)

You’re getting closer, so don’t give up now,
four clues of five already you’ve found,
you’ve searched between words, amongst silver and glass,
between knowledge and present, now look to the past,
for taped behind an image of love you will find,
the next clue you’ll need, yes, clue number five.

(5th clue/note, hidden behind a photograph)

This is the end, the last clue you shall seek,
for with it you’ll find a gift just from me,
wrapped up in paper and tied with a bow,
hidden amongst prints and linens and folds,
open the door and there you shall see,
a gift just for you, a gift just from me.

(6th note, attached to a gift hidden in the closet)

Congratulations on solving the quest,
using the riddles, the notes, the books, and the rest,
and now that you’ve found the treasure within,
with heartfelt wishes, may a new year begin,
filled with more maps to treasure you’ll find,
filled with laughter, smiles, and time,
so that you enjoy each day of this year,
may each day of your future be filled with great cheer.

Happy Birthday, verse # 18 (the future astronaut)

Happy Birthday…

Fire streams below you,
engines fire off,
you quickly go to another plane
with cameras, plans, and logs,
exploring in your starship
planets, stars, and moons,
studying through your window
the Earth, the Sun, the Moon,
excitedly you sail past Jupiter,
Venus, Pluto, Mars,
and marvel at the beauty
and the brightness of the stars,
then you slide along Saturn’s rings,
laughing all the way,
as you travel in your starship
heading toward the Milky Way,
then you wave to Hercules
and find that he waves back,
then you race with Pegasus
to the edge of the universe and back,
and as you keep your journal,
your notes along the way,
you have had a dream come true,
but uncertain when you awake,
was it real or just a dream,
this birthday trip you’ve made,
but study hard and study well,
someday for real this trip you’ll make.

Happy Birthday, verse # 17 (For my birthday)

For my birthday…

Though it’s my birthday, I’m sending a card to you,
to let you know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me through the years, everything you’ve taught me;
Since I was born, you have been so much more than a mother,
you have been a teacher, a confidant, a friend,
teaching me through example of the value of life
and the power of finding joy and gratitude in each day;
I may have a birthday because of you, but, more importantly, because of you it is always a happy one with a multitude of reasons to celebrate.

Happy Birthday, verse # 16 (to Mom)

Happy Birthday, Mom…

It was on this date that a life began that has been such a positive influence, a life that has been full of giving of herself, sharing knowledge, and working hard each day to make life easier for others. It is on this date that we celebrate the milestone of a life that means so much, grateful for another year that we have had with you and hopeful for many more to come. This day is your birthday and I hope it is a wonderful one to remember, containing as much joy as your heart can hold.

Happy Birthday, verse # 15

Happy Birthday…

Each year there are cards and each year there’s a cake,
there are the wishes from others and the wishes you’ll make;
but this year, as candles glow and you count the years gone by,
is the dream that you knew long ago part of your life?
Do you wake in the night and wonder what your life could have been?
Do you think about having chosen a different path, why, and when?
So make this year different, make this year count,
build a map to the dream, begin by marking the route;
then return to the past, a step backwards in time,
create the future with what you want for your life.
And know as you travel, you are not alone,
for I will be there with you, encouraging you on,
as you find life’s meaning, remember your reason to be,
and return to walking the path of your dream.

Happy Birthday, verse # 14 (Alaskan adventure)

Happy Birthday…(Alaskan adventure)

If I could wish a dream for you,
a dream, a wish that would come true,
you’d find yourself in faux fur and hide,
beneath a cold Alaskan sky,
and from behind the dogs you’d go,
through the fields and over snow,
sledding toward the western seas,
finally living out a dream;

And as you sled at quiet speeds,
so as to see the lakes, the trees,
the sun would set, the moon would rise,
but you’d be warm in faux fur and hides,
and as the dogs would rest and eat a bite,
you’d watch the lights in the northern sky,
as shades of green and blue would dance around,
and at times seem to touch the ground;

Through the night the fire would glow,
crackle and pop, keep warm your temporary abode,
but when the morning dawns, you’ll pack the gear,
and as you pack, solar winds you will hear,
speaking in words understood only within
by those traveling this land, exploring Earth’s ends,
and with a gentle crack of the whip, once again you will leave,
exploring new territory to find what else you can see;

You travel through Anchorage, Fairbanks and more,
all on your way to the western seaboard,
through whiteouts and blizzards and lots of deep snow,
yet westward you dream and so westward you’ll go,
but you’ll stop in Denali to see what is there,
to see if you’ll eye wolves or a moose or a bear,
and you’ll study McKinley, how the sun glistens the snow,
but be on your way for you have far to go;

Along freezing miles, through snow and through ice,
you travel along and study this time,
an era much earlier from where you belong,
an era known to you only through stories and song,
and in quiet hours as time passes by,
you remember the stories of explorers and mines,
and with gratitude you smile up to the sky,
and breathe in your chance to relive this time;

Across the mountains and across the plains,
across the snow and rivers and lakes,
then resting again to pay respect to the past,
you take heed of this beauty and listen at last,
to the silent stories told by the mountains and then
you take them to heart, these lessons, and then,
you close your eyes, let them show you the scene,
of the earlier times and the struggles they’ve seen;

The mountains will tell you of all who have come
along this trail with their precious serum,
and the water, now ice, will point out the road
used by those who came searching for gold,
and the endless fields of snow will join in,
telling you silent stories of land
explored and settled by those from afar
who came searching for hope or for gold or for hearts;

You inhale the knowledge and breathe in the day,
then you prepare once again to be on your way,
rested and warmed in the light of the sun,
with these hardworking dogs, you’ll be back on the run,
a silent respect for the undisturbed snow,
this undisturbed land, this beautiful road
that sits all alone in the warmth of the sun,
enjoying life with his friends, the land, water, mountains;

Traveling by day and resting at night,
you sled over snow, led by the light,
as westward you travel, to Anvil City you go,
to see Norton Sound, to search for some gold,
to search for a dream, more within than without,
to search for a chance, for new beginnings you scout,
to have an adventure, one to remember it’d seem,
this snow, this land, this travel your dream;

And when you begin to feel the spray of the sea,
hear the cry of an animal hid behind trees,
when you begin to see the cabins about
and hear miners exclaim, “Tis gold that I found,”
you’ll settle the dogs into their temporary abode,
with pans and patience, search through fields made of gold,
and with the sun in your hair and mud beneath nails
you’ll search for the treasure in buckets and pails;

Time will pass on and adventures you’ll know,
hiking, fishing with new friends dreaming of gold,
then, after time, with the season near o’er,
when your heart has grown weary and the dogs have grown bored,
at the end of the day you’ll glance down at the pan
and see flecks of gold amongst dirt and some sand,
through buckets and buckets as the night will wear on,
you’ll find more and more gold, the challenge you’ve won;

As the sun rises, excited you’ll be,
having found the gold, having lived the dream,
and with your new friends you’ll celebrate soon,
and share of the wealth, there’s enough for them too,
and the dogs will receive the greatest feast all around,
enough for all of the dogs in the little Anvil town,
and the water and mountains around you shall see,
to later recite to others who come here in search of a dream;

In a gentle howl of the wind you will hear,
a gentle reminder that you don’t belong here,
not in this era of stories and song,
no, sadly, this era is not where you truly belong,
so with a hug and a wave, you’ll say goodbye to your friends,
put on your coat, harness the dogs again,
and you’ll travel with the magical dogs from behind,
and slip through the veil, back to this time;

Then you’ll awake as if from a dream,
yet, inspired, somehow, from your journey it’d seem,
you’ll see the fur in the corner and a dog on the floor,
and wonder if somehow, you’d really been there before,
in that land made of snow and of ice and of gold,
that land from songs and stories you’ve been told,
and then a big smile will come across your face,
perhaps it was real, your dream of that place.

Happy Birthday, verse # 13 (Hollywood dream)

Happy Birthday… (Hollywood Dream)

If I could make a birthday wish for you,
it would be a dream of yours that would come true,
and you’d find yourself beneath the lights,
on the Boulevard, dressed in white,
and everyone would know your name,
know of your work, know of your fame,
and the cameras would flash and the fans would scream,
yes, this would be part of the dream;
The diamonds on your hand would shine
from all the lights there at the Shrine,
as stars would make their way within,
the carpet red, on your face a grin,
as you meet and greet and chat and shmooze
about gowns, awards, projects, shoes,
you’re the main attraction, it would seem,
just another part of the dream;
Once inside, the show would start,
awards handed out for all sorts of parts,
comedy, drama, leads and guests,
action, adventure, all the rest,
by actors who are all the rage,
seen on film, seen on stage,
and there in the front row you would be,
yes, this would be part of the dream;
And when they presented the award for heart,
for kindness, patience, courage, smarts,
it would be your name they would call,
yes, your name would echo through the halls
of the legendary Shrine in Hollywood,
yes, you would win, we knew you would,
you deserve the award, the crowd would deem,
all a part of the dream;
And, later still, the award declared
for the best performance of the year,
and again your name they would call,
yes, your name would echo through the halls,
as you gracefully step upon the stage,
to say appreciations, thanks,
you’re the best actor, the crowds would deem,
just another part of the dream;
And from the wins, more scripts arrived,
and you made your choices with a well-trained eye,
then each day you’d be on the set,
acting, working, learning, yet,
and you would find yourself, it’d seem,
living the life you’d always dreamed,
and if I could make a dream come true,
I’d see that your dream would come to you.

When confusion reigns

When confusion reigns…

When confusion reigns and doubt battles for the crown,
when the kingdom seems in chaos and the land seems barren,
find peacefulness inside of your self
by searching your heart for your lost dreams,
removing them from the web of the forgotten
and breathing new life into them with a memory.
As your energy resurges, you’ll find the sword
to battle desolation and the cloak of mourning shall fall and
within your soul you’ll renew the magic of life
and witness the kingdom around you return to its glory.

Just To Say Hi, verse # 2

Just to say hello...

Along the telephone wires high above the ground
and by the tree stumps down below,
the squirrels greet each other with their acrobatic dance
Just to say hello.
With jumps and leaps and twirls,
hanging upside down or spinning on their toes,
the squirrels will grin and prance about
Just to say hello.
But I’ve found balancing difficult
no good for dancing to and fro,
so I thought I’d find another way
Just to say hello.
So I’m sending you this message,
this special little note
to let you know you’re in my thoughts and
Just to say hello.

Just To Say Hi, verse # 1

Just to say Hi…

In a land far, far away, where magic reigns,
a simple twist of the wand and the house shall be clean,
as gnomes rake the leaves and elves scrub the floor,
as fairies do dishes and ghosts can do chores,
and never a day is there dust or there grime
lurking in corners or clothes hanging on lines,
a simple twist of the wand and it all shall be done,
and work for us to do, there shall be none.
…oh, don’t you just love fairytales!

A source of strength

A source of strength…

Paper torn up in pieces on the floor,
words in black and white, but nothing more,
no longer have the control that they once knew,
bind the powers within the hues,
break their bond and set me free,
their power is now released from over me.
Repeat this oft and you shall find
this pain is gone from your heart and mind.

Lottery, verse # 2

The Lottery…

Each week I buy two tickets,
each week I play the game,
money on a chance
that money might have my name,
raffle off the numbers,
scratch away a chance,
guess the gumdrops in a bottle,
winners born of circumstance,
lessons within losses,
but someday my time will come,
and each night I look
and find a star to wish upon,
someday, somehow,
toss a coin, turn around,
buy the ticket, play the game,
the money whispers someone’s name,
could be mine, could be yours,
maybe tomorrow, maybe today,
one chance is all it takes, maybe endures,
so each week I buy two tickets,
wish on a wing and a prayer,
cards foretell the future,
chances with stories to tell,
but if the money ever called my name,
fortune enough to share,
if the numbers ever struck the gold,
riches beyond compare,
I’d give you a call,
speak with a friend true through time,
rich beyond your dreams, you’d be,
I’d share the money, friend of mine.

Lottery, verse # 1

On the lottery…

Sit in the seat and rub the ticket stub,
hoping and praying for better luck,
betting on the numbers that match that pot of money,
what I’d do with a million bucks,
pack a bag and load the pick-up truck,
head out west if I won that pot of money,
but the world doesn’t revolve around,
dreams or bar room kings with crowns,
day by day, the world just keeps on spinning,
they say there happiness can’t be found,
it’s only a root that will tear you down,
it’s the simple day to day that makes life worth living,
but each week I rub that ticket stub,
hoping and praying for better luck,
betting on the numbers that’ll win that pot of money,
and if I had that million bucks,
I dream as I sit in the pick-up truck,
I’d move off from here in search of milk and honey,
so, I close my eyes as I blow away
any doubt and all the scratches made,
and say a little prayer that this might be the day,
that my luck will change and I’ll win that pot of money,
and then I hold my breath and open my eyes,
wondering aloud what I might find,
as I hold that ticket in my hand
and see two the same and one different again,
but the world doesn’t revolve around,
dreams or bar room kings with crowns
with a simple day to day I just keep on living,
I crumble that ticket as I drive away,
laughing with a smile across my face,
‘cause I know someday I’m gonna win that pot of money.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 7 (to parents)

Happy Anniversary…

In the quiet moments when I contemplate life, I remember days as a child, laughing as though I had not a care in the world, playing in the sun, and feeling like the luckiest child in the world each time I received a hug or a story---or a lollypop that usually got stuck in my hair. But, everything would always be all right because I seemed surrounded by people with answers, people with patient hearts and joyful spirits, people who loved me. Now that I’m older with children of my own, I strive to be the type of parent I had. And, it’s in these quiet moments when I realize that the type of person, the parent that I am today, I owe to you, my parents. Happy Anniversary to the couple who taught me more than any other; your encouraging examples shall travel on through generations.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 6

Happy Anniversary…

Together, we have sailed,
our sails filling with the breeze of each day as we travel towards tomorrow,
as we mind the wheel and steady the compass,
dropping an anchor now and then,
taking the time to appreciate the beauty of the ocean and of the sky,
making the time to take advantage of our time together;
and, together, we have weathered the storms,
braving high winds by holding tight to each other
and having faith that God will show us the way;
and, as our sail through life continues and our future awaits,
there are blue skies ahead, dotted with smiling clouds
pregnant with years of cherished memories yet to be born,
waiting for the day that they will take flight into our sails.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 5

Happy Anniversary…

When we’re young, we think of marriage as being a fairytale, a life of princess dresses and carriage rides and princes on bended knee.
But, you’ve shown me that a real marriage has a foundation of love and is a structure built of trust and respect that is strengthened each day by the two of us working together, supporting each other as we travel through life, and helping each other to always maintain hope and faith…and your example reminds me each day that what we have is better than any fairytale.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 4

Happy Anniversary….

Our love has been like a tree,
growing from a glance, a seed, into a relationship of strength and trust.
And, now, after years of deepening our roots to anchor us during the storms
and growing branches to welcome in the beauty of the sun
we have reached a new milestone, another ring for our tree, our anniversary.
Thank you for being my source of strength and grace through the years,
of being an example of wisdom,
and thank you because, together, we have weathered all the storms.

Happy Anniversary, verse # 3

Happy Anniversary…

If I could double the joy you’ve given me
and give it back to you
it would never be enough to show you
how much you mean to me.

Happy Holidays, verse # 3

Happy holidays…

The holiday season is about so much more than
a delicious meal, desserts, football, and gifts.
This is the season of humanity,
of opening our hearts and our homes to loved ones,
of expressing the good tidings that we feel throughout the year,
and of sharing our hope for the future.
And, my holiday wish for you is that your heart and your home
be filled with joy, friends and family, and peace.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 16

Happy Thanksgiving…

As autumn winds whistle a happy tune,
sorting through leaves of red and orange,
a leaf takes flight, traveling on the winds as it gracefully soars,
dancing along its journey, its partner the spirit of peace,
and as it travels away, I wonder if it’s traveling to you,
preparing to land near a foot or float unseen into a woolen pocket
or fall into a freshly raked pile of autumn color,
transporting the message from an old friend
that hopes that you have a joyful holiday
with many memories of many reasons for you to be
dancing with the spirit of thankfulness.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 15

Happy Thanksgiving…

As leaves cascade to the ground and you gather around the hearth,the scent of turkey baking drifting on the air, may you enjoy the magic of the season and know the warmth of thankfulness in the company of family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 14

Happy Thanksgiving…

Unseen angels dance amongst the golden leaves
to the music of an autumn breeze,
swirling inspiration across the land
as another year nears its end,
as we celebrate the year we’ve lived,
thankful for the gifts we’ve been given,
we wish that the angels dancing
bless you and yours with a bountiful season.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 13

Happy Thanksgiving…

Blessed by another year of living,
amazed by the wonders of the Earth,
quieted by the beauty of the seasons,
and humbled by the land left undisturbed;
Favored with the love that lives around us,
joyful with each new birth that comes to be,
content yet always striving for tomorrow,
and hopeful of the tomorrow it shall be;
Indebted for the wonders all around us,
grateful for all we have received,
knowing they are prayers that have been answered,
and willing to be prayerful in thanksgiving;
So, as we gather ‘round the family table,
as we enjoy the fellowship of friends,
may we remember the love we have been granted,
and be thankful for all the gifts we have received.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 12

Happy Thanksgiving…

As we gather around the family table in the midst of loved ones,
may we be truly honored and humbled by all that we have
and may the gratitude within our hearts give birth to the spirit of sharing with those less fortunate than ourselves.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 11

Happy Thanksgiving…

As loved ones sit around the family table,
giving thanks for all they have,
the bond between them grows deeper in the laughter
and in the quiet moments
as loved ones gather together and celebrate each other,
sharing of their hearts as they share of the bounty of their lives.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 10

Happy Thanksgiving…

You give of your time, your heart, and your self,
asking for nothing in return,
so on this Thanksgiving may we take the opportunity to say
how blessed we are to have you in our lives
and that we wish you the happiest of seasons.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 9

The best part of the holiday season
is spending time with those we consider family
and letting them know how we feel.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 8

Happy Thanksgiving…

We’ll put up the lights
and check out the sales
and eat some pumpkin pie;
we’ll watch the parade
and we’ll watch the game
and eat some more, my, oh, my;
we’ll wrap some gifts
and do some catching up
with family not seen in a while;
then we’ll fall asleep
after a busy day
of food and fun and smiles.
Hope your Thanksgiving is just as good with joy and fun for all and that this day is just the beginning of a wonderful, joyful holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 7

Happy Thanksgiving…

What better time than this time of year
to remember days gone by,
to recall midnight conversations on the telephone
or gossip over chocolate pie,
to awaken memories long forgotten
as time will sometimes do,
what better time than this time of year
to let you know that I am thankful for you,
my friend.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 6

Happy Thanksgiving…

Smell the cinnamon in the air,
the delicate aroma of pumpkin pie baking in the oven beside the turkey
while the sounds of the cheers of the parade on television give way to the
cheers of the big game or the quiet voices of an old black and white movie.
And, through it all,
children run to and fro, laughing and playing with childhood innocence
as adults sit around the kitchen table or in the living room,
laughing at old memories set in photograph albums and
talking about when they were young,
building new memories as the day passes by.
Our family’s wish is that your family shall build some wonderful memories this Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 5

Happy Thanksgiving…

In this season of blessings,
in this time of family and friends,
on the day we remember to be thankful
for all the little things we have
in the moments of hurry,
and in the moments of calm,
may your holiday season
be happy and warm.

Mother

Mother….

I watch you play with your grandchildren, your pride growing with each new step they take, each skill they learn. I see your hands, a bit older than before but still strong enough to work, still the loudest hands applauding the younger ones. Your hair is now highlighted with wisdom from years of living and learning, highlights woven by time and earned by successes and failures. And, in your eyes, which still sparkle as brightly as the sun, I see the joy of living and loving and sharing, and I know that your grandchildren, like myself, are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and giving Professor of Life.

Thinking of You, verse # 4 (a little prayer for you)

A little prayer for you…

To help you through a difficult day,
I said a prayer for you.
I prayed that you could feel a sense of
calmness in your heart
and a sense of hope in your soul.
I prayed that you could feel your
personal strength increase as the hours passed
and that you might feel enveloped with peace.
And, I prayed that you might be able to see the sun
and feel the comforting warmth of sunrays
wrapping around you protectively like a good friend.

Get Well Soon, verse # 3

Get Well Soon…

In the west there is a place
where Heaven sits on land
and angels take the form of rocks
with interlocking hands,
and here awaits a power,
if you have the faith,
to voice a quiet question
and then await the change,
here, prayers are answered,
here, silent voices sing,
here, a prayer was spoken,
angels whispering your name,
may your mind be at rest,
may your health be restored,
may your spirit be encouraged,
may your faith be strengthened forevermore.

Get Well Soon, verse # 2 (poison ivy)

Hope you get over the Poison Ivy soon…

It’s so pretty and green, those leaves of three,
who’d guess it could be such a pain,
just out for a walk and busy with talk
didn’t notice it there by the way,
guess it felt slighted, avoided, rejected,
and plans for revenge it did make,
now it got some attention, yes, it’s got it all now,
and attention it intends to retain,
with itching and scratching and blotchy reactions,
you’ve tried soaps and lotions and sprays,
this torture is harsh when you feel the remorse
for not noticing it there by the way,
but now you know better, next time you’ll take care
to notice it there as you pass,
just a friendly hello from far, far away,
that’s all this poor plant requests.

Merry Christmas, verse # 5

Merry Christmas…

The lights circling the tree remind me of a time
when we waited for the midnight, trying not to close our eyes,
praying sleep would wait until we could see the man
dressed in red with a big bag of toys in his hands;
The lights twinkling on the tree remind me of a time
when we’d peak inside the fireplace and have to wonder why,
a magical man traveling the world, carrying all of those toys
wouldn’t simply stop to think to use the window or the door;
But, Christmas changes as we pass through the years of time,
a deeper meaning emerges, more than gifts beneath the lights,
no longer do we listen for the distant sound of hooves
that are made by the reindeer as they land upon the roofs;
No longer do we wonder about the yearly trip through time
or how a man could travel the entire globe in a single night,
and Santa becomes a fantasy we pass on to our kids,
as they try to stay awake to see the man who brings the gifts;
Yet, as I stare at the lights that remind me of a time
from outside, in the distance, I think I hear a chime,
could it be a sleigh bell, the clock nears the stroke of twelve,
oh, silly me, silly me, there’s no such thing as elves;
Yet, as the lights twinkle and remind me of a time,
there it is again, in the distance, another chime,
and then, there it is, an odd-sounding scuffling on the roof,
it must be a really big bird, because it simply could not be hooves;
My heart begins to quicken and I look again to see the time,
“Could there really be a Santa,” I find myself thinking in my mind,
I check to see no one’s watching as I peak up the fireplace,
to see if there really is a man in red with reindeer and a sleigh;
But, my eyes must be effected by my age or by the time,
so I dash off to the kitchen to find some kind of light,
and upon my return there are gifts beneath the tree,
but no sign of any man, not even footprints did he leave;
In the morning, when the dawn awakes at the appointed time,
I find that I have slept beneath the tree with pretty lights,
and I have but to wonder if it was all nothing but a dream,
yet there is the flashlight still sitting by the tree;
Perhaps the wishes of childhood that we think are lost to time
are simply buried deep within the recesses of our minds,
and perhaps one night you and I shall fight to stay awake
to see if there really is a Santa with elves who drives a sleigh.

Merry Christmas, verse # 4

Merry Christmas…

Sway and dance around the tree,
wait ‘til the man in red and his helper come,
clap and shout and chant and sing,
on this night for the year we’re judged,
good or bad, wrong or right,
the man in red and his helper know,
as they fly about this night,
dispensing gifts, dispensing coal,
the moon is high, the dawn is near,
the tree is ablaze with light,
may you find good tidings on your doorstep
on Christmas Eve night.

Merry Christmas, verse # 3 (to the postal carrier)

Merry Christmas (to the postal carrier)…

For bringing us greetings and letters filled with news,
for delivering good tidings from friends and family, too,
for bearing any weather and for the heavy load
of letters, cards, and other mail that you deliver to this road,
and even for the bills you bring that should remind us all
of everything we have and how fortunate we are,
we thank you for helping make our Christmas bright and for everything you do
and hope that you and yours shall have a Merry Christmas, too.

Happy Holidays, verse # 2

Happy Holidays…

Looking out a veiled window,
one can see the twinkling lights of lawns
as they come to life at nightfall
as if sending an invitation to the world to celebrate,
and as the veil is pulled back
and one looks up high above,
the moon is smiling down with pride,
enjoying this peaceful holiday night
and wishing the world below a joyous holiday season.

Happy Holidays, verse # 1

Happy Holidays…

Christmas trees and candles decorate the homes,
snowmen and reindeer sit upon the lawns,
good tidings spread across the land as carolers go by,
and the winter winds sing a melody that rings throughout the night,
joy flies from the mountaintops down to the city streets,
whispering words of kindness to the people that it meets,
as the winter wraps around us like a warm and comfortable coat,
inviting all to come together in harmony and love,
the magic of the season comes in on the winter air,
wishing Happy Holidays to people everywhere,
so from all of us to all of you, we’re wishing you the same,
may you feel the magic of the season and have Happy Holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 4

Happy Thanksgiving…

In the Fall,
when the leaves cascade like a colorful shower,
inviting the world to dance in their rain,
when the breeze presents an invigorating chill
that reminds us all, with a smile, that we’re alive,
families and friends remember and share the past
and create hope for the future.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse #3

Happy Thanksgiving….

Thanksgiving is the time when people
who have threads of life woven between them
remember the value of what they have in common.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 2

Happy Thanksgiving…

Thanksgiving Day is a reminder of the people who traveled from another shore to reach this land, willing to risk their lives for the glory they hoped to find, working and struggling until they built a dream and had passed to future generations the responsibilities of freedom. On this Thanksgiving, may we all be truly grateful for the fortunes that have come our way during the past year and for the generations of people who have sacrificed for the freedom we are privileged to enjoy today.

Happy Thanksgiving, verse # 1

Happy Thanksgiving…

The air inside is stirring with the aromas of turkeys, hams, and pumpkins with vanilla and cinnamon as luscious delicacies are baked until golden brown;
the air outside carries the kiss of an invigorating chill that sparks imaginations and opens treasured memory boxes with an invisible key,
memories that have been stored away but protected by time;
and, together, families and friends shall feast upon the tastes of the season and the memories of lifetimes, sharing hope for the future,
while the flickering flames of the fireplace soothe the room with their warmth and glow.

Congratulations on your New Car, verse # 2

Congratulations on your new car…

The sign said Sale! and you went inside,
wondering about power, insurance, and price,
and you went for a test drive, around corners, up hills,
talking talk with the man who could make you a deal,
so you went over numbers and talked about loans,
and in no time at all the sign, it said, “Sold,”
so you called up the insurance and called up the bank,
you stopped by the station to fill up the tank,
on your way home to show all whom you love,
your brand new car and all that it does,
stereo soft as you showed the features it has,
some climbed in the front, others climbed in the back,
taking all for a spin to show off your wheels,
talking talk of how this car was really a deal,
and as you travel along, a big smile on your face,
congratulations on your new car….always drive safe!

Congratulations on your New Car, verse # 1

Congratulations on your new car…

Paint that shines brighter than a smile,
with not a sign of rust,
hear the engine rev,
taillights glare through mists of dust,
the engine sounds as smooth as wine,
with not a single cough,
speakers blasting tunes from every side,
this car won’t be stopped,
pressure’s okay, hubcaps shine,
tread as good as gold,
new car smell and new car smile,
you’ll look sharp driving down the road.

Standing at the corner of Yesterday and Tomorrow

Standing at the corner of yesterday and tomorrow…

Standing at the corner of yesterday and tomorrow
and the light is changing from reflective yellow to go;
decide, you must.
See the image upon the storefront glass,
your shadow from within, pointing towards the west?
Do you see it there? Will you listen?
Do you even recognize the whispers from within?
To remain is not an option, for time carries on,
but will you choose to step in to the future or to live in the past,
when standing at the corner of yesterday and tomorrow?

Going Home

Going home…

Watch the hands of time turn backward,
see the memories that haunt the mind erased,
feel the winds of change surround you,
sweet memories remain;
Hear the sounds of echoes stirring,
smell the jasmine on the vines,
as memories from long ago
remove the veil of time;
Return to passages from long ago,
see the faces as they were then,
feel the sun atop wildflowers,
finally, home again.

What do you ask of your spirit guide

Ask the question, await reply, what do you demand of your spirit guide?
Ask the question, put your life on hold awaiting an answer.
Ask the question, ask again, is the answer as you wish, the answer is what it is,
a message from beyond the rainbow, words in unrecognizable form,
a message from the other side, though not always the message we’d like to hear;
Ask the question, await reply, what do you ask now of your spirit guide?
Wants and wishes replace guidance, formed as hopes and prayers,
dissatisfied we are with the answer;
Ask the question, ask again, is it peace you seek?
Ask the question, await reply, what do you demand of your spirit guide?

Happy Birthday, verse # 12, Birthday Fairytale

Happy Birthday (fairytale)…

Once upon a time, a long time ago,
there lived a princess, though no prince did she know,
so down to the magical lake did she go
to see if ever a prince she would know,

placing her finger into the water of blue,
clockwise she turned it until the water did move,
then a reflection appeared and she asked, “For who are you?”
and the reflection replied, “Must you ask? For I am you.”

Then the face in the water said, “I am your guide
that guides you through each day, that guides you through life.
I am your spirit and I am the light
that shines within you and brightens the night.”

“Tell me, please tell me, then, what do you see?
Is love in my future? Please, tell me, please.
Do you see romance and the prince of my dreams?
Will love ever find me? Please, tell me, please?”

And the reflection said, “Yes, I think that I may
see in your future a special day.
Yes, a day surrounded by love, oh, but wait,
‘tis not a wedding I see, but a birthday.”

“But, magical lake, please tell me the time
when a prince shall find me and love shall be mine?”
“Dear princess, dear, water knows nothing of love.
‘Tis the moon you should be asking that hangs up above.”

The princess left the lake and went back inside
dreaming of what was to come in her life.
And, when the clock struck twelve the princess went back outside
to talk to the moon and ask about love in her life.



“For answers, to the magical lake did I go
though no answers did the lake know.
Will love ever find me? I want to know.
Will I ever have a romance, a wedding, love?”

“Princess, dear princess,” the white moon replied,
“tis not me you need ask about love in your life.
for I only hang here and shine in the night.
‘Tis the all-knowing hermit that you need to find.”

The princess sighed as night passed into day
and she walked up the mountain as morning came
to a lonely abode, she walked into the cave,
and met with the hermit, asking right away.

“I first went to the magical lake of blue,
who did not know and sent me then to the moon,
and the moon in its glory sent me here to you.
Do you know the questions I seek answers to?”

“Yes, I know,” the hermit said,
“what answers you seek, what questions you have.
For the questions are all the same,” he said,
“you wish to know if love awaits ahead.”

“Yes, yes,” the princess cried,
“I want to know if love will come to my life,
a romance, a prince, will I ever be a bride,
will love ever come to me in my life?”

The hermit looked deep into the stone
and then his face seemed to turn very old.
“Do you know why I live here all alone,
up here in this mountain, in this lonely abode?

‘Tis because people often think love is a prince
on a white horse with gold reins and they wish
that the horse will ride up with eyes that glint
and upon the horse will sit their prince.”

And the princess said, “I don’t understand.”
And the hermit replied, “A prince is just a man.
Your search for love will one day end,
but don’t search for the horse or crown, he will be a friend.”

“But, who is he, who is he, tell me please,
who is it that the love of my life shall be?”
“Dear, princess, dear, I cannot predict such things,
I’m just a hermit. It is a crystal ball you need.”

So, back down the mountainside she did walk
and on the way to herself she did talk.
The mysteries of love she tried to unlock
as she passed by the water and the trees and the rocks.

And, then to the old witch did she go,
up to the old castle made out of stones.
“Crystal, oh, crystal ball, you may be my last hope,
tell me, please tell, love will I ever know?”

And in the glass, mist began to swirl.
“Yes,” the witch said, “I see a boy and a girl.
A dance, and a dress with a skirt that can twirl,
on the happiest day for them in this world.”

“But who is it, who? Please tell me, please.
Who it is, this love of my dreams?”
“I cannot say, for that I cannot see,
I cannot help you with the answers you seek.”

“Who shall I seek, then, who will know
where is it that I shall go
to find the name of my future love.
To the lake, the moon, the hermit I have already gone?”

“Dear, princess, dear, don’t you yet see?
You are the only one with the answers you seek.
Love is something for which your heart shall reach
when you find the man, the love that you seek.”

The princess returned to the water, “What now do you say?”
“Yes, I see in your future a special day,
a day surrounded by love, oh, but wait,
‘tis not a wedding but another birthday.”

And the princess enjoyed her birthday plans
and on that day, she happened to meet a man,
and he had a horse, yes he did, indeed,
but could this be the prince of her dreams?

Here’s hoping your birthday is a happy one
with lots of laughs and lots of fun
and if love happens to be your birthday wish
than I do hope that this year you shall find your prince,
but look not to the lake or to the moon hanging up in the sky
or the witch on the hill or the hermit living way up high,
look to your heart and there you shall find
the answer to your questions about love in your life.

Happy Birthday, verse # 11, A Birthday Surprise

A Birthday Surprise…

(enter child’s 1st name)_ (last name) awoke from his sleep,
(name) sat up in bed and he began to think,
“What day is this,” and his eyes looked at his room,
knowing his birthday was coming soon.
“What if I clean it and make the room nice,
put away toys and let in the light,
sweep up the floor and straighten the bed,
hang my clothes in the closet,” he said.
“Then, I wonder if I might find
a bigger gift as my birthday surprise.”

“Birthdays are great, there’s so much to do,
with presents and cake and candles, balloons,
there’s games to be played and friends get to come,
there’s no doubt at all, birthdays are fun!”
So, with that thought in mind, ________ got out of bed,
and went straight to work on the list he had made in his head
of things that needed to be cleaned in the room,
knowing his birthday was coming soon.
And, as he cleaned, he dreamed with delight,
wondering what his birthday surprise would be like.

______ crossed his fingers and then made a wish
of what he would want for his birthday gift,
a train, a truck, a robot that walks,
a game, a ball, a car that can talk,
a cowboy hat, a horse that can sing,
why, he might like just about anything
to come in a box as a birthday surprise,
just something fun that will make him smile,
and he wondered what clue he thought he might find
of what his parents had planned for his birthday surprise.

When ______ had finished cleaning his room,
he took out the trash and put back the broom,
excited and wondering what his birthday might hold,
_____ looked high and then ______ looked low,
under beds and in closets and then behind doors,
in old boxes in the garage and under rugs on the floor.
But _______ had not seen signs of a birthday gift or even a card,
no paper, no ribbons, and he had looked very hard.
Then he began to worry, then he began to fear,
what if they had forgotten his birthday this year?

So, ______ sat and he thought very hard
about how to remind them without getting caught.
He did not want to miss out on a birthday surprise,
but, as he cleaned, not one clue did he find.
“Perhaps it would help,” he said with a yawn,
“if I picked my bike up out of the lawn
and moved the wagon out of the drive,
would that help them remember my birthday surprise?”
So, he moved the wagon and then he moved the bike,
but still no clue, no gift did he find.

“I know, I know, I know what I’ll do,
I’ll clean out the garage, yes I’ll clean that up too!”
So, ______ went straight to work all at once,
moving boxes and bikes and tools and such,
making everything clean and tidy and neat,
sweeping and cleaning everything within his reach.
________ cleaned floors and walls and the cabinets, too,
knowing his birthday was coming soon.
Yet, with all of his cleaning and searching he still did not find
a single clue to his birthday surprise.

When the night finally came, ______ fell fast asleep,
of gifts and toys and presents, he dreamed,
of race cars and cakes and friends and balloons,
of games and fun and candles, too,
and he dreamed of what clue or card he might find,
and what his parents might have chosen for his birthday surprise.
And when the morning came, ____ awoke from his sleep,
and he sat up in bed and he began to think,
“What day is this,” he said in his room,
knowing his birthday was coming soon.


_______ got up and he got dressed to go,
though where he was going, he really did not know,
so he went down the hall to the kitchen and he saw his mom there,
standing at the sink, peeling some pears.
“Can I help,” he asked his mom,
“No,” she said, “you go outside and have fun
and play for a while until it is time to leave
because we’re going to Grandmother’s house today, you see.
And, thank you for doing such a fine job on your room,
picking up toys and using the broom.”

And, with a grin on his face, ______ went out to play,
forgetting for a moment that it might be his birthday,
and remembering what his mother had said with a smile
about cleaning his room and doing the job fine.
“Perhaps, she remembers,” he then thought to himself,
“without needing reminding, maybe she didn’t forget
about what day is coming and my birthday surprise,
but then why not one clue did I find?”
So, _____ continued to play and have fun,
lining up cars on the walk, one by one.

“It’s time to go, let’s get in the car,”
his mother had called to him from the yard,
“We’re going to Grandmother’s house today,
and, no matter what, we must not be late.”
So, off in the car they drove down the road,
and as they went, the story he told
about the cleaning he had done just yesterday
waiting to see if his mother would mention his birthday.
But, she said not a word and he let out a sigh,
what would ever become of his birthday surprise?


Once reaching Grandma’s, ____ went inside,
and what did he see but his birthday surprise.
There on the table were ice cream and cake
with candles and cookies his Grandma had made.
There were balloons in the corner and gifts on the floor,
and all of his friends were standing beside the door
cheering, “Happy Birthday,” and _____’s eyes opened wide,
my, oh, my, what a birthday surprise.

“Surely you didn’t think we’d forget,
to say, ‘Happy Birthday’ or to get you a gift,”
his mother had asked him with a big smile
and a hug as _____ looked at his birthday surprise.
“No wonder,” he thought to himself in his mind,
“no clue did I find at home to my birthday surprise.
It had been at Grandmother’s house all the time,
the games, the cake, the candles to light.”

After the party, the cake, and the fun,
after the surprises were over and done,
______ went home and went straight to bed,
dreaming of all his birthday had been,
and wondering what next year he would find
waiting for him as his birthday surprise.