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.

Happy Birthday, verse # 10 (to a daughter)

Happy Birthday…

I remember a child running through the house with a big grin,
laughing for no other reason than just because it felt good;
And before me now I see the woman that you have become,
mature, yes, but with that same wonderful smile that can brighten hearts
and laughter that you so graciously share with us all;
And, though it is your birthday,
it will be those of us who know you who truly celebrate,
thankful for the joy that you have always brought to our lives.

Happy Birthday, verse # 9

Age is something earned, a milestone of survival expressing the strength within. Stand up and be proud of your age, of all the obstacles you’ve overcome, and take pride in knowing that others look to you for guidance because of all the lessons you’ve learned and are willing to share.

Happy Birthday, verse # 8

Happy Birthday…

Dreams of castles upon mountaintops,
dreams of forests all around,
dreams of mist on the horizon,
circling towers like a crown;
Dreams of dragons with fiery breath,
dreams of knights on mighty steeds,
dreams of ladies in waiting and princes in crowns
and of love on bended knee;
To travel to another land,
a time so far away,
in a kingdom lost to time
with a sword of magic made,
would be your greatest dream come true
but one I cannot give,
so, if you’ll please,
I give this gift
and wish for you to have
a birthday filled with magic
moments filled with peace
and colorful dreams of lofty rescues near dragons dens
from castles in the mist.

Happy Birthday, verse # 7

Happy Birthday…

The winter moon will shine down upon you in the early evening hours,
sending you Happy Birthday wishes upon shimmering white rays of light
that will sparkle upon the snow like diamonds,
and the stars will write your name in the skies with the pen of Andromeda,
and your dreams will ride on the back of Pegasus,
freeing your spirit and leading you to new horizons.

Happy Birthday, verse # 6

Happy Birthday…

Dance around in circles,
dream of things to be,
lose yourself in a moment
of reckless tranquility,
whisper all around you,
things you wish to come,
dance around in circles,
a dream has just begun,
hope turns in to action,
actions find a way,
dance around in circles
as dancers have a way,
dance around in circles,
dream of things to be,
and as you so shall dream
this your life shall be.

Veterans Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, verse # 6

When the sun shines down on freedom,
and fireworks light the sky,
when laughter fills the summer air,
and parades go marching by,
when the sprinklers cool the lawns,
and elder minds reminisce,
remember that we have these privileges
because many fought for us.

Veterans Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, verse # 5

Floats, parades, and bands marching down Main Street
as flags fly and pride beams and people applaud
freedom being celebrated on this beautiful day when
communities unite, remembering our common bonds.

Veterans Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, verse # 4

Each year, Independence Day brings with it the aromas of hamburgers and hotdogs drifting on a summer breeze, blending with the scents of bubblegum and ice cream and cold drinks as people rejoice, celebrating freedom by enjoying the day and each other’s company, remembering what we have in common as, together, we watch parades march and bands play and people wave. As night falls, fireworks light up the sky in a dazzling display of color as we pay tribute to this country, our freedom, and the brave men and women who have fought for our freedom. And, in those final moments of the day as we exhale a slow breath before we drift off to sleep in the peacefulness of our beds and the security of our homes, as the food and the fireworks and the sounds of the day replay slowly through our minds, we realize how fortunate we truly are to be free.

Veterans Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, verse # 3

Rockets will blaze through a blue starlit sky,
fireworks will hold everyone’s gaze,
laughter and chatting will be heard on the lawns
discussing the selections they made,
but, for some this day has a greater purpose
than picnics and frisbees and fun,
some will remember family and friends,
those that are near and those still afar,
and some will remember a time when they felt afraid,
when the noise in the air was from war,
I’ll never be able to say Thank You enough
as I watch the fireworks shooting past stars,
for the right we have to celebrate,
for the price that you and others have paid,
the Stars and Stripes shall hang forever
because of the sacrifices you’ve made.
Thank you.

Veterans Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, verse # 2

Celebrate!
Let freedom ring
for now and always.

Veterans Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, verse # 1

Out on the front lines, cold and alone,
young and innocent and far from home,
brave but frightened of what was to come,
Growing up fast,
Growing up fast.
Taught to use weapons, in survival trained,
faces from home recalled while marching in rain,
brave but frightened of what was to come,
Growing up fast,
Growing up fast.
Facing the enemy with no time for fear,
with gunshots and cannons, a few hidden tears,
some souls were lost, some courage was found,
still brave but frightened of what was to come,
Growing up fast,
Growing up fast.
For country, for family, you risked your life
for a future we enjoy today,
and, though you were then frightened of what was to come,
you fought through the fear
and helped pave the way,
fighting for freedom, our rights, and our homes,
out on the front line, so far from home,
and growing up fast.
Thank you for all of the sacrifices that you have made that have helped to make this country wonderful for all of us.

Happy Birthday, verse # 5 (February birthday)

Happy Birthday…(February)

In the month of purification,
wear the Amethyst and carry the pale yellow rose,
study the wind that floats upon winter,
partake of the bounty of the horn of the goat,
then relax in the season of plenty,
and bathe in the warmth of friends’ love,
promise shall shine over your birthday,
the beginning of a year blessed by love.

Happy Birthday, verse # 4 (October birthday)

Happy Birthday… (October)

Balance the Cosmos on the scales of justice,
study the brilliance of the Opal’s flame,
summon the Cup of Peace to the table,
share the wealth of knowledge you’ve gained,
this is the life, the example you’ve shown us,
this is the light, the path of the tenth,
you keep the world balanced on the tip of a finger,
you turn into truth what we knew as a myth,
now, on this day, we’ve come to celebrate you,
an oracle with wisdom to share,
happiness, healthfulness, a heart filled with love,
and good fortune for you is our prayer.

Happy Birthday, verse # 3

Happy Birthday …

When you were born,
I hoped only that you were healthy,
and you were.
As you learned to crawl and then to walk,
I hoped that you would see the world as an exciting place to explore,
a place full of amazing and interesting new experiences,
and you did.
As you grew up and began to make a life of your own,
I hoped that you would become intelligent and insightful and
caring and giving,
and you have.
And, over the years that have past and for all the years to come,
I hope most of all that you are happy.
Have a wonderful and happy birthday.

Full Moon, verse # 5

Full Moon…

Some offer wine and incense to those who’ve gone before,
some see it as just another day,
some revel in the stories of insanity and mischief,
some don’t realize it’s here before it’s gone,
some see it as a beginning, others see it as an end,
and some like to bask in the lovely light,
but I see it as an opportunity,
a steady reminder of passing time,
and use the chance to stay in touch with you.

Full Moon, verse # 4

Full Moon…

Full Moon Alert!
Full Moon Alert!
The full moon is coming soon!
It has a power,
it has a way,
no telling what you’ll do!
So, be on guard,
yes, beware,
when the sky is filled with moon!
Full Moon Alert!
Full Moon Alert!
It has a power over you!

Full Moon, verse # 3

Full moon…

Do you find it hard to sleep?
Is your mind awake with woe?
Have you found yourself behaving quite unlike yourself?
Are people acting strange?
Did your ring fall down the drain?
Does the bread belong in the fridge and the milk upon the shelf?
Well, look up in the sky
for the answer there may lie
and the Moon will tell the tale that shall explain.
For when the Moon is full,
strange events, they will occur,
like the fever and the wolf and the insane.
So, know that you’re okay
for this is just a phase
and the Moon will soon move out of its align.
And norm shall then return
and again you’ll feel alright
and you’ll no longer feel the need to howl at midnight.

Full Moon, verse # 2

Full Moon…

Isn’t it pretty sitting way up high,
winking, it’d seem, behind a mischievous smile,
wonder what it’s got in mind,
wonder what trouble it’s trying to find,
maybe it’s planning to keep you awake,
maybe it’s hoping to make you a little insane,
maybe it’s wishing to do nothing at all,
save making you scream, or to bark, or to howl,
but maybe it simply likes lighting the night,
the full moon above, way up in the sky,
just here for a while, so enjoy the time,
go outside and see the full moon tonight.

Full Moon, verse # 1

Full Moon…

When the Snow Moon is in the sky,
and Full Moon Fever is running high,
when the light cascades into the darkened room,
keeping you awake yet dreaming, too,
when that restless feeling starts to settle in
and a rush of energy begins,
look out the window, up to the sky,
you’ve got a case of Full Moon Fever on this night,
but not to worry about what you’ll do
while under the spell of the big Snow Moon,
while under the magic that it weaves,
any antics will later seem as if a dream,
if embarrassed, point towards the sky,
blame the Snow Moon and the Fever running high.

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th…

It’s coming, it’s coming,
that day once again,
when bad luck is predicted
like the rain or the wind,
but pay you no mind
to superstitions you’re told,
it’s simply a day
with life to behold.
Good luck you shall have,
good fortune and dreams,
if you avoid all the wise tales
and avoid all the themes
of bad luck and cursed days
and accident-prone hours
but be careful, you should,
if you find your milk soured
or your dog out of pen
or your alarm will not chime
or you miss an appointment
because you lose track of time
for these things are bad luck,
no, but oh wait
those things can happen (and do)
on almost any day.
So, worry do not
of the rep of the day
and pay no attention
to what people say
just live and let live
and appear to be bold
as you step out and enjoy
this wonderful life to behold.

May Day/May Eve, verse # 3

May Eve/May Day…

As the Sun sets, spirits rise,
ride upon the wind across the sky,
around the Moon and back again,
the season of light shall begin,
rejoice, rejoice, in song and dance,
spark the fire, laugh and chant,
feast upon the cakes and wine,
will you have the honor of this night,
light a candle as you pray,
a powerful night this Eve of May,
beautifully decorate the rooted tree,
and joyously celebrate this Eve.

May Day/May Eve, verse # 2

May Eve/May Day…

Wish a good nights rest to the Sun,
the celebration has begun,
throughout the night, until the Sun reawakes,
we shall joyfully witness the seasons change,
with fires lit to brighten the dark,
we’ll revel in the birth with dance and song,
as fertility and light begin to reign,
we’ll show our gratitude at the feet of May.

May Day/May Eve, verse # 1

May Eve/May Day…

What a glorious night it shall be,
witness the seasons change as the Moon crosses the sky,
basking in the glow of the fire,
bathing in the light of the Moon high above,
rejoicing in the bounty to come,
wait for the dawn,
the first breath of the rebirth, the return,
of the brighter half, the season of the Sun.

Life is to be Lived

Life is to be lived…

As children we play,
unaware and unconcerned with the time or the weather,
laughing and learning and playing,
fearlessly venturing into cold water or
riding bikes through the mud or
going barefoot in the summer grass.
As time goes by,
we busy ourselves with work and schedules,
the chores of daily life,
habitually and without feeling checking items off a list of what needs to be done,
becoming more worried about dirt and dollars
than having fun, feeling young,
running through the rain on a hot summer day or
making snow angels when it’s cold outside.
And, later still, as we age and realize that time has passed us by,
leaving behind a wreckage of regrets and missed opportunities,
we learn that every moment is a blessing, a choice to be made,
to drown in the monotony of the mechanical,
or to live, to laugh, to share the moment with someone special,
to make a memory or take a chance.
And, having learned our lesson that life is short,
we try to pass on this lesson to the younger generations
who are unaware of their fading from life into their own cycles of the familiar.
So, as the parent teaches the child in youth,
there are lessons also to teach in adulthood.
Raised to practice responsibility, having grown into a prosperous adult,
the final lesson to learn is to compliment the duties of responsibility
with moments of reckless abandon;
for if, when our time here is over, we maintain the plans, the regrets, the dreams
we have known in our lifetime,
but lose the ability to do anything about them, wouldn’t we rather
be comforted by memories of laughter, time with loved ones, and moments in the sun?
Life is to be lived and enjoyed.

Thinking Of You, verse # 3

On this day…

On this day and throughout the year,
may you be graced with the comfort
of curling up in the most comfortable chair by a window with a view,
covered with your favorite throw and reading a good book while
enjoying a rich cup of hot cocoa.
May you be granted the joy
of sitting around a dinner table with loved ones,
sharing stories of mishaps and laughing because it feels good,
eating mouthwatering courses and luscious desserts.
May you experience the peacefulness
of ending a day in a hot bubble bath
with fresh flowers about the room and candles that smell like pie,
with your choice of music softly playing and a cup of herbal tea within reach.
And may you know the gift of love,
the love from others, a love for yourself, and the love of life.

Get Well Soon, verse # 1

Get well soon….

While you heal,
remember all of the things you have wished you would do,
but never did.
Then, when you’re feeling better,
realize that you now have a second chance to do them.

Autumn, verse # 2

An autumn wish for you…

May leaves of gold and red and yellow cascade around you in a colorful shower of autumn as you walk along its scenic path transitioning summer to winter. May you hear the autumn lullaby softly singing the Earth into slumber as you take each step along the path, the brisk air comfortably invigorating your soul and awakening your mind. And, may your journey through the season be a joyful one filled with moments of wonder and days of quiet ease.

Back To School, verse # 2

Back to school…

They’ve had fun all summer long,
but now they’ll have to settle down,
but not before the final rush
to get school supplies from town,
there are notebooks, pens, and pencils,
a new calculator, too,
a new compass and a ruler,
some winter clothes and new shoes,
there are folders in different colors,
binders and filler paper, too,
and you can’t forget the pack to put it in,
you know it must be cool,
then there’s that lengthy list containing
items listed A-Z,
will they really need all this stuff,
I don’t see how it could ever be,
but the school says they must have it,
so off we’ll go again
to face the crowds and traffic,
it’s time for school to start again.

Back To School, verse # 1

This verse was submitted to Associated Content. To read the verse, click on the following link:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1022372/backtoschool_shopping.html?cat=42

Waiting On Christmas Morn, Christmas verse # 2

Waiting on Christmas morn…

(insert child’s name)__ slept and ______ dreamed
of a golden star upon the Christmas tree,
and on the tree were pretty lights,
of red and green and blue and white,
and in her dream there were gifts below,
wrapped in paper with shiny bows,
sitting there beneath the tree
waiting for Christmas morn;

And as _____ slept and as ______ dreamed
of Christmas gifts and Christmas trees,
she dreamed of deer that danced and played
like children while the sleigh bells rang,
fun and games they played all night,
some would sled, their smiles bright,
while the snowflakes fell
waiting for Christmas morn;

And, in _____’s dream, she saw snow fall
down from the sky, onto the lawn,
and the deer would make a man from snow
with candy eyes and a carrot nose,
and the deer in all their winter games
would give each man of snow a name
as they played out on the lawn
waiting for Christmas morn;

And in the snow that fell that night,
men made from snow came to life,
with yellow mittens to keep hands warm
and a long yellow scarf made of yarn,
and the snowmen played and danced and sang
on the lawn in _______’s dream,
with the deer and with the elves
waiting for Christmas morn;

As ____ slept and as _____ dreamed,
of snow and deer and gifts and things,
of yellow mittens on men of snow
of Christmas trees with gifts below,
in her dreams she saw the land
where Santa makes his Christmas plans,
there he was, a jolly elf,
waiting for Christmas morn;

The elves, they worked in ____’s dream,
side by side, building toys and dreams
for little boys and for little girls,
for Christmas day across the world,
and now and then outside they would go
to play with the deer and the men made of snow,
working and playing in Santa’s land
waiting for Christmas morn;

Then the elves finished their work for the night,
Santa was proud, his eyes lit up bright
when he saw all the candy, the presents, the toys
to be given to all the good little girls and boys
as Christmas gifts on Christmas Day,
all of these gifts that the elves made
for all the little boys and girls
waiting for Christmas morn;

Santa called to the deer for there was work to be done,
and in front of the sleigh they lined up, one by one,
as the toys were loaded upon to the sleigh
the deer went to work and stopped all their play,
happy they were to be a part of the plan
when gifts are delivered to children all over the land,
a surprise for those asleep in their beds,
waiting for Christmas morn;

Up, up, and away, the sleigh it did go
and waving goodbye were the men made of snow
and the elves waved goodbye as they went out to play
fun winter games as the sleigh bells rang,
and Santa waved back from his seat way up high
and the deer were proud of the sleigh they did guide,
as they delivered gifts to children
waiting for Christmas morn;

One by one, to each house they did go,
landing on rooftops and traveling through snow,
delivering presents and candy and toys
to all of the good little girls and boys
all over the world and across the land,
by midnight, that is the plan
for all the good little girls and boys
waiting on Christmas morn;

And as ______ slept and as ______ dreamed,
she saw Santa deliver the toys and dreams,
then the deer guided the sleigh back to the land
where Santa would make new Christmas plans,
when deer and elves and men made of snow
would find their gifts wrapped up in bows
just like the little boys and girls
waiting on Christmas morn;

And as _____ awoke with a yawn,
she looked to see if deer had played on the lawn,
as they delivered gifts to boys and girls
waiting on Christmas morn;

As she left her room and walked through the house
she hoped for signs as she looked about,
that Santa had come with his sleigh full of toys
meant for all the good little girls and boys,
waiting on Christmas morn;

And though now awake, like _____ had dreamed
she saw a golden star upon the Christmas tree,
and on the tree were pretty lights,
of red and green and blue and white,
and as in her dream there were gifts below,
wrapped in paper with shiny bows,
sitting there beneath the tree
waiting on Christmas morn.

Autumn Is Here, Autumn verse # 1

Autumn is here….

When the rain visits more often
with its wet brush that can clear away mistakes
and allow for new beginnings,
when the leaves blanket the Earth with orange and gold,
beautiful and protective and comforting,
when the wind speaks more briskly at times
but sings the Earth to sleep with a soft lullaby,
Autumn is here
to help the Earth rejuvenate throughout the winter
so that the Earth can be revived in the Spring.

Thinking of You, verse # 2

Thinking of you…

The wind, sailing gently across the lands and through the trees,
bridging the waters and swirling through the clouds,
seemed to tug at my sleeve, momentarily resting on my shoulder,
silently whispering your name,
reminding me of the memories we share,
and then the wind softly blew away to remind another soul of memories from the past, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the wind had traveled to where you are,
creating an invisible web of memories and moments,
connecting two friends that have been separated by time.

Thinking Of You, verse # 1

Thinking Of You…..

Today, as I walked,
rays from the sun danced on dewy leaves,
reminding me of you.

On Halloween (Halloween verse # 5)

On Halloween…

(insert child's name)__ saw all of the candy sitting in the bag,
“What’s this for,” ____ asked?
“It’s for trick-or-treaters on Halloween,”
his mother said, “when kids dress up as ghosts or kings
and go door-to-door and say ‘trick-or-treat’
and then they are given some candy to eat.”
“Do I get to go,” _____ then asked?
“If you’re good.” Mother took the candy out of the bag
and placed it in a bowl and gave _____ one,
while they waited for trick-or-treaters to come.

_____ said, “So if I get to go, what will I be,
if I go trick-or-treating this Halloween?”
“Well, how about a ghost,” his mother said,
“we could just throw a sheet up over your head
and cut out some holes so that you can see
and cut out a hole for your nose so that you can breathe
and we can tie a belt, yes, right at the waist
so that when you walk the sheet is not in your way.”

“No,” ____ said, “I don’t think a ghost I shall be,
what else could I be for Halloween?”
“Well,” his mother said, “how about a scarecrow
we can put some paint upon your nose
to make it look like you are made of straw
dressed in an old shirt and overalls
and you can try to look old, like a scarecrow would be
if you want to be a scarecrow on Halloween.”

“No, not a ghost and not a scarecrow will I be,
is there anything else I could be on Halloween?”
“Well,” his mother said as she put a finger next to her eye,
“you can be anything you want to be on Halloween night.
What about a pirate or a sailor or king,
what about a dog or a cat or an angel with wings,
what about a farmer or doctor or pig,
or a baseball player or a clown with a wig?”

“Do I go alone,” _____ asked as he scratched his head?
“No, you can’t go alone,” his mother said,
“you are still too small, too little to go alone,
I would go with you if you go home-to-home
and ask for candy and say ‘trick-or-treat’
if you go out this Halloween.”
“Do you get dressed up,” _____ then asked with a grin.
“Not anymore,” she laughed, “but I did way back when
when I was just a young little child
I would go trick-or-treating on Halloween night.”

“What about this candy that you brought home in this bag?
Who will eat it if I go trick-or-treating,” _____ asked.
“Trick-or-treaters will come and knock on our door
and I’ll give them some candy, and then there will come more,
and I’ll give them more candy until the candy is gone
but if there is some left, then we can eat some.
But, there will be candy for all to eat,
if you go trick-or-treating, you will bring home a bag full of treats.”

“Can I get dressed up and just stay here with you
and give away candy and eat some of it too?”
“Well of course you can, if you want to.
I would love to have Halloween help from you
and we’ll give away candy and see all the kids
dressed up in costumes, we will guess which is which,
and we’ll eat some candy and laugh with all of our might
as we give away candy on Halloween night.”

And that year ____ stayed home to help out his mom
to hand out Halloween candy, and he had lots of fun.
“May be next year,” he said, “when I’m bigger than I am now
I’ll go trick-or-treating dressed as a cat or a mouse.
But, this year I’m little and I am glad I stayed home
handing out Halloween candy and helping my mom.
But, next year, who knows what I shall dress up to be
because you can be anything on Halloween.”

Happy Halloween, verse #4

Happy Halloween…

Put the oar in the cauldron, turn to the left,
see the bubbles arise, time to throw in the bat,
let it simmer a while, the clock will strike six,
all this cooking is hard, it’s not easy being a witch,
at Halloween time, we must fly about,
appearances high, and legends abound,
we’re expected to frighten, we’re expected to tease,
yet still give away candy on each Halloween,
our brooms get so tired, the cat stifles a yawn,
our feet get so achy chasing trick-or-treaters off lawns,
still we get no respect for all the work that we do,
taunting and scaring and summoning ghouls,
but when the season is over we’ll return to our rest,
just witches-in-waiting, to do our Halloween best.

Happy Halloween, verse #3

Happy Halloween…

Ghost and goblins come to rise
from this witch’s brew I brew this night,
I summon you this Halloween
to bring to bear cries and screams,
and when this Halloween is o’er
I’ll order you back through the door
to the other side through this witch’s brew,
now ghosts and goblins, I summon you,
but take heed not this witch to fright,
who has summoned you this hallowed night,
for if you break the spell being weaved,
there’ll be no candy for you this Halloween.

Happy Halloween, verse #2

Happy Halloween…

Look over your shoulder,
look around every turn,
goblins or ghouls could await;
Throw salt if you must,
cross fingers if you can,
ghosts could approach on this date;
So, leave a light on
so that they can see,
and so they don’t fall over the gate
as they walk to your door
with smiles on their faces
to say to you Trick or Treat.

Happy Halloween, verse #1

Happy Halloween…

Trick-or-treaters go to every door
dressed in costume of want-to-be or to humor or to fright,
requesting candy to fill their bags they walk for miles,
until finally falling into sugar coated dreams on Halloween night.

Hope Lives With The Lord

Hope lives with the Lord…

Metal upon metal,
noiseless sound in the air,
blade to blade,
hope and despair,
as hope fights the enemy
the soul pays the cost,
the heart becomes wounded
but the war is not lost,
hope becomes stronger
when we look to the sun
despair melts away,
this battle is won,
more battles shall come,
fought with invisible swords,
but look to the sun,
hope lives with the Lord.

Happy Birthday, verse #2 (to climb Everest)

Happy Birthday…

My birthday wish for you is this,
that you may someday have your wish,
to climb along the mountainside,
a kindly Sherpa as your guide,
as valley rock becomes mountains steep,
the crunch of snow beneath your feet,
and with each step you’ll make your way,
to the place where the flag shall wave,
you’ll stop at base to rest at night,
and warm your soul with food and rite,
and talk of expeditions past,
you’ll finally have your chance at last
to live the dream, to summit high,
the victory you seek to find,
for there beneath the mist awaits
the challenge Everest has made,
you’ll know each trial, you’ll face the tests
of cold and frostbite, gear and breath,
and in the noonday warmth of sun,
you’ll wave the flag, challenge won.

Daylight Savings Time, verse #5

This verse was submitted to Associated Content. To view the verse, simply follow the link:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1031304/daylight_savings_time_is_here_again.html?cat=42

Letter Home

Letter home…

Though I’m not very good at sending a note or picking up the phone to call,
know that I think of you often.
And, even though we may not always agree on the decisions I make,
remember that you raised me to be a good person
and have faith in me because you did a good job.
And when I struggle with what’s right and what’s wrong and what’s best,
I think of all of the things that you taught me and everything becomes easier.

Happy Anniversary, verse #2

Happy Anniversary….

You were there with me
when our children were born and as they grew into adulthood,
building their own lives and starting their own families.
You were there with me
through financial hardships that left our future uncertain
and in prosperous times.
You were there with me
when we realized that marriage is not a ceremony or a honeymoon
but a series of days that add up to years filled with
daily household chores and laughter,
cars leaking oil and a baby’s first steps,
goodbye kisses and good morning smiles,
monthly bills and flowers that bloom every spring
and remain, brightening even the warmest summer day.
You were there with me,
teaching me to be strong,
showing me the happiness that can be found
in the most common of moments,
in the most ordinary of days.
You were there with me,
beside me through it all.
And, as another milestone passes by,
I know that the joy and the laughter have
far outweighed the struggles we’ve faced together
and I know that we made it through the hard times because
You were there with me.

Happy Anniversary, verse #1

Happy Anniversary…

Rest your head upon my heart
and know it beats for you,
know my love for you is here
until our days are through,
and as we change and as we grow
and years shall come to pass,
know my heart will never change,
my love for you will last,
and as we age older still,
I will comfort you,
until my heart shall beat no more,
my heart shall beat for you.

Daylight Savings Time, verse #4

Daylight Savings Time…

Oh, mercy, oh, mercy, oh, mercy,
what time is it again?
No, it couldn’t be that hour,
I was due at work by then.
That’s what I said last year,
so this year I’ll be a dear,
and remind you to change your clock
so that you don’t know the fear
of running through the house,
then running through the lights,
then trying to avoid a ticket,
just to make it to work on time.
And, here’s another tip,
that you might really need,
when the speed limit says thirty,
that’s what it really means.
And, traffic cops don’t care
about Daylight Savings Time,
and tickets don’t get discounted
if hours jump ahead or fall behind.
So, be careful to watch out
for those two special months
when you need to change the clock,
so that you don’t have to rush.

Daylight Savings Time, verse #3

Daylight Savings Time is here again…

Here it is, that strange time again
when we question is it one or two, or is that twelve or one?
We change the clocks, we often guess
and wonder for the next day or so what time is really is;
Is it dark outside or has day lit up the Earth,
of this we can be sure,
and we’ll find our way to breakfast on time,
but we’ll either be an hour late or an hour early
when it comes to work.
So change the clocks, it’s either to or fro,
one will be right and one will be wrong,
but which I never know!

Daylight Savings Time, verse #2

Daylight Savings Time…

Don’t forget to change the clock,
or else you may be late,
the time changes by an hour,
between the night and day,
but if you happen to remember,
don’t forget to be a doll,
and call all friends you know,
so they change the clock upon their wall,
and on that Monday morning,
if I remember, too,
I’ll call the people that I know,
and, yes, I’ll call you, too,
and, then, perhaps, together,
if we call on down the line,
we’ll all make it out of the house,
and arrive at work on time.

Happy Birthday, verse #1

Happy Birthday….

A birthday is for reflecting,
for studying how far you’ve come
and being grateful for all you’ve learned along the journey
through good times and in bad.
A birthday is for looking forward,
for acknowledging your dreams
and for creating a path from wishes to guide you along the way
so that the goal is always in sight.
And, your birthday is an opportunity
for those of us who know you to say
that we respect who you’ve grown to be
and are inspired by who you work to become.
Know this day and always
as you travel along the path to your dreams
how thankful we feel to witness your journey
and how blessed we feel by the light of your strength.

Daylight Savings Time, verse #1

Daylight Savings Time…

Just a short note, so you won’t be late,
the time changes at one, or two, or three, I think,
somewhere in the night, when no one’s awake,
the time magically changes, like darkness to day,
the time gains by an hour, or maybe it’s lose,
clocks must be changed, so maybe we choose,
but it happens on Sunday, there just in time,
when Monday arrives, we know not the time,
so there while you brush or eat or you groom,
be sure to keep the radio on in the room,
it’s there that you’ll hear the correct time of the day,
so you’ll know when to rush and get out on your way.

Merry Christmas, verse #1

Merry Christmas…

Fire engine—red,
a bike, a blue-eyed doll,
each year we made our list
hoping Santa would bring it all;
now we’re a little older,
our lists aren’t quite the same,
now we help Santa fill the bags
but without the elves or sleigh;
so, here’s hoping your season’s merry,
here’s hoping your day is bright,
I’m sure you’ll be doing the same thing
I’ll be doing on Christmas Eve night;
trying without reading instructions,
then finally giving in,
and muttering underneath our breath
that we’ll never do this again;
it really looked so easy,
the bike just had two wheels,
who knew there could be so many pieces,
to something meant to bring a thrill;
but like Dad did for us,
we will do the same,
just for the expression on little faces
on the morning of Christmas Day;
and when we see the excitement
we can check that off our list
we got just what we wanted,
what was on our Christmas list;
So, have a Merry Christmas,
and a glorious holiday,
may you get everything on your list this year,
on this Christmas Day.