Ciao Ciao

 

Follow Your Heart

 

Michael and Family

 February snaps

The Edge of Light

 

I asked my MOM

 "I asked my mom if she can pick me up

because I don't like this sleepover

and she said "NO, you're 42 and that's

your husband and kids..." 

Today Is My Favorite

 

Joce's Things

 

Karen's Paintings

 

Happy Birthday in Heaven Nancy

 

It is easy to be grateful when things are going our way. But to exercise the mental discipline to be grateful in the face of setbacks, I have found, is one of the great experiences that give you that resilience and the opportunity to see your life, to see your community and the world much more broadly, and to keep going.

Hillary Clinton

The Beauty of Poetic Words

 

In English, we say: “I miss you.”

But in poetry, we say:

“I trace the shape of your absence in the spaces where your laughter used to linger,

and let the echoes of you fill the hollow hours.”

In English, we say: “I don’t know how to let go.”

But in poetry, we say:

“I carry you in my chest like a stone—

heavy, unyielding, and carved with the sharp edges of what once was.”

In English, we say: “I feel lost.”

But in poetry, we say:

“The compass of my heart spins wildly now,

its needle drawn to places it can no longer call home.”

In English, we say: “I wish it were different.”

But in poetry, we say:

“I water the garden of could-have-beens with tears,

waiting for flowers that refuse to bloom.”

In English, we say: “I hope you’re happy.”

But in poetry, we say:

“May the sun that warms your days

be as kind to you as the first kiss of dew on the dawning light upon the leaves of the laurel that we once made love under”

In English, we say: “You hurt me.”

But in poetry, we say:

“You planted thorns in my chest with hands I once trusted,

and now every breath feels like an apology I shouldn’t owe.”

In English, we say: “I wanted to stay.”

But in poetry, we say:

“I lingered at the edge of your world,

a star burning quietly, unnoticed in your vast, indifferent sky.”

In English, we say: “I’m trying to move on.”

But in poetry, we say:

“I untangle your name from my veins each morning,

only to find it woven into my dreams again at night.”

In English, we say: “I’ll be okay.”

But in poetry, we say:

“I gather the shattered pieces of myself like broken glass,

knowing someday, even scars can catch the light.”

With poetry I write paths through gardens of grace with words in ways my body dare not go as a whole.

The Real Luxuries In Life

 time

health 

a quiet mind

slow mornings

ability to travel

rest without guilt

a good night's sleep

calm and "boring" days

meaningful conversations

home-cooked meals

people you love

people who love you back. 

Fall In Love With Your Life

 Wake up early

make your bed

Enjoy the morning sun

Set intentions for your day

Speak kindly to yourself

 Enjoy your coffee

Go on a walk without your phone

Talk to your friends and family

Learn something new

Fuel yourself with whole foods

Practice gratitude

Surround yourself with people who life you up

March 1, 2025

 Heading to Dallas!

Sunset

\

       Feb. 28 2025 Long Beach California "sunrise"

 

 "May every sunrise hold more promise

 and every sunset hold more peace." Umair Siddiqui

Carnival at SMU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Claw