Category: Uncategorized
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Laughter
Can you imagine laughter as something frivolous? Something that covers up your substance? Something that takes away from your credibility? Something that can be experienced just briefly, And only toward a show, movie, baby or pet? Can you imagine hearing the sound of laughter so infrequently, That its cadence sounds unfamiliar, shocking, perplexing? Can you…
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Catch the Wave
Catch the wave of joy, As it surges toward me, Eyes bright, mouth open, head thrown back, Laughter emitting an uninhibited, unself-conscious yowl! Catch the wave of happiness, As it envelops me, Arms strong and secure, Wrapping me in contentedness. Catch the wave of melancholy, As it circles my shoulders like a blanket, Sort of…
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Manifestation
Not a wish or a dream, Nor a passing fancy, More than a goal or desired result. This is a longing, a yearning, A vision of what can be, Of what will be. When we embrace it, own it, declare it, Pen our desire in the affirmative, And then step boldly and bravely forward, Knowing…
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You’re Never Too Much and You’re Always Enough
“You’re never too much and you’re always enough,” Said a demanding mom in a moment of tenderness, On a fictional Netflix series. But a salve to my middle aged soul- Much needed words that have become a mantra That I repeat every day When emotions are strong Or competency feels weak. I’m reminded how much…
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Expansion
Fear grips me,Holds me in its tight embrace,Whispers, “Turn inward, come close,”And my world becomes small.Constricted, my body tenses,My shoulders hunch, my jaw sets,My thoughts circle on an endless loop,Catastrophizing, taunting, torturing.Isolations puts up her walls…And I am “safe.”Love embraces me,Lifts me in her exuberant embrace,Shouts, “Open your mind, open your heart!”And my world becomes…
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Shingles
Ah, if only I was referring to roof shingles. But alas, I am not. I am referring to the shingles that come from the chicken pox virus that lies dormant in your body and chooses its moment to make itself known, much to your surprise and dismay. The virus began as a tingling in my…
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Breaking Out
As a kid, I felt deeply. I thought deeply. I was observant. Vigilant. I was curious and mystified by others. I felt unlike anyone around me. I was imperfectly perfect, but didn’t know it or feel it. I felt separate, isolated. Recently I had the experience of feeling fearful when attending a reunion with some…
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It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Aaah, childhood! How I miss the exploring, pick up softball games, cartoons on Saturdays, riding my bike all over, the burgeoning independence, but with very few obligations, amidst endless amounts of innocence. Photo: Heinz Museum, Pittsburgh, PA. 8. 26.23 by JMR
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What Do You See?
What do you see when you look at this? Is it a bowler, a person wearing sunglasses, Or something else? What do you see when you look at me? Is it a middle aged woman, a frazzled dog owner, Or something else? What do we see when we look at another? Is it judgment, envy,…
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Fear
One of my most powerful fears is that of heights. My palms sweat, my heart beats, my eyes dart about for a safe way out, I drop down low, and I imagine falling, falling, falling. It is often an irrational fear, or at the very least one with low odds, but I feel it without…
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Change
Change~ constant in our lives. It seems to be unavoidable. But also something to be embraced, celebrated, for it brings energy, new growth, and resiliency. It allows me to become all I am meant to become. It is also how we measure remorse in others, looking to see that they fail forward, not making the…
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She Walks in Beauty
She walks in beauty~bold, upright, Of older sisters and youngest child, And all that’s best of he and I, Meet in brown eyes, red hair so wild, With humor and her kindness bright, The Universe looked round and smiled. A little fun with Lord Byron! Photo: Miami, FL. 8.2.23 by LA
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Grief
So this is not my usual type of post. I am looking for feedback, input, shared experiences, unique experiences, stories, fears, hidden shame, whatever you feel comfortable sharing. I would very much appreciate hearing from you. This past weekend, my oldest friend came to stay with me. She arranged a lunch with a half dozen…
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Bloom
Inside of a bloom is a bud, straining to expand, And inside of a bud is a seed, anxious to travel, And inside of a seed is destiny, an ordained path, And inside of destiny is free will, the agency to choose, And inside of free will is manifestation, a pure focus, And inside of…
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Longing
She felt it, a longing, a great desire, not to be ignored. I am not a young lamb, she thought proudly, I am a fighter. What would she do with this gift? How would she create legacy? This arum poem is inspired by The Book of Longings, by Sue Monk Kidd.
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Poetry in the Park
Under the pavilion at the park, Our little group of writers sits, Some scribbling, some tapping, some lost in thought, While nearby, the occasional engine revs; Shouts of delight rise up from the creek. The sun is lower in the sky now, Dusk before darkness. Dusk before darkness, The sun is lower in the sky…
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Coffeehouse, a Reverso Poem
A coffeehouse, midday~ Around me, the hum of productivity, Fingers tapping, computers whirring, While I sit quietly and compose. A dog sits on the other end of my bench, Curled up and sound asleep. Curled up and sound asleep, A dog sits on the other end of my bench, While I sit quietly and compose.…
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Dream
Inside of “dream” is insomnia – tossing and turning, watching the clock,And inside of insomnia is anxiety – a dozen weighted blankets atop me,And inside of anxiety is hypervigilance – my mom up late, waiting and worrying,And inside of hypervigilance is control – unsuccessfully trying to affect outcomes,And inside of control is fear – catastrophizing,…
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Morning, Arun Poem
Dawn – Pups stir, I lay still. ‘Not yet,’ I think, ‘One more hour, please?’ Still – They sense It’s not yet Time to wake, so They snuggle back in. Time – I rouse. They rush to My face, smother Me in pup kisses! Photo: Flemington, NJ. 1.23.23 by LA
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Stop and Smell the Flowers
A bouquet of fun, Vying for my attention, I pause and notice. Photo: Lambertville, NJ. 8.13.23 by LA
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Painted Lady
You are resplendent- Bright wings against pink flowers- And inspire my awe. Photo: Flemington, NJ. 8.13.23 by LA
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Dog Days
My dog never questions what he needs. He never worries how others will perceive him. He is not caught up in what he “should” be doing. Henry just is. He acts on his feelings. He asks for what he needs. He takes care of himself. Today that looked like a nap. An hour after waking…
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Dancing Days Are Here Again
Beers in hand, my friend and I pulled up chairs to listen to live music at the local festival. The day was hot and humid and dark clouds threatened rain. There was a good sized crowd and listeners were, for the most part, attentive to the band. I LOVE live music and can listen to…
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August: It’s Like the Sunday of Summer
My heels dig in. I won’t. It’s too soon. There’s still so much to do, like camping and cleaning, organizing and purging. Where are the lazy, hazy days I was looking forward to? Instead, I feel the Sunday scaries, counting more days behind than ahead of me. Oh, please slow down, Summer.
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Frenchtown
Frenchtown at twilight, The colors subdued. By day they were vivid, By light’s waning, less hued. Blended together, With Nature’s brush, In muted harmony, Not any too lush. Photo: Frenchtown, NJ. 8.10.23 by LA
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Together
Together, but separate, We work side by side, Harvesting what we’ve each sown, Relishing the sweet taste Of fulfillment, replenishment, Nourishment for our souls. Each of us seeking what we need, Not quite like the other, But sustenance, just the same. Photo: Lambertville, NJ. 8.5.23 by LA
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What Am I Seeing?
I might have missed it If my companion hadn’t pointed it out. I am drawn into its spell. Mouth open, eyes aglow, I pace beneath it, Curious, confused, caught up in its complexity. What am I seeing? Who are these people? What are they reaching for? Are they desperate? Or determined? Are they working together…
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The Path
“This way,” The Path assured me. “You’re right where you should be.” “How do you know?” I whispered in return, feeling the apprehension grow within me. “Because this is your path,” came the reply I hesitated. “But there are so many paths. How do I know this is the right one?” “Because you’re on it,”…
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Strut your Stuff!
Regal colored fan, Remarkable creation, Dazzling display! Photo: Coconut Grove, FL. 8.2.23 by LA
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Boundaries
Boundaries! Say what!? You want me to examine my needs and determine who or what I will allow in my life and under what circumstances? This concept was foreign to me, a people pleaser, a rule follower, a box checker. But now I thrive because I am discerning about what I will and won’t accept.…
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Summer
Summertime, even at 54 years, has a way of reminding this soul to slow down, kick back, and relax. Sleep in, then stay in jammies, plop on the couch and read, moving lazily through the hot day. Nothing but fun and choice.
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When Did This Happen?!
A stranger in my daughter’s new city, I follow where she leads, impressed by her confidence As she navigates the area she has come to know through countless walks, runs and bike rides. It’s not just Miami that’s new to me, but also this young woman, All grown up with a furnished apartment, cleaning products…
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Poetry in the Park
Evening time, families pack up to go home, but we stay on, heads down, pens rolling, authors. Photo: Mine Brook Park, Flemington, NJ. 7.13.23 by LA
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Miami, Part II
City All around me; Bright sports cars whiz by me, The spandex clad rush to the gym, Motion! Photo: Miami, FL. 8.2.23 by LA
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Miami, Part I
Ocean, Shimmering clear, Its warmth invites me in. I lie on my back and float now, At peace. Photo: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, 8.1.23 by GHC
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Who Will Take Care of Me?
The lighthouse stands at attention on the shore, watching over brave, seafaring souls exploring both the known and unknown with confidence because of her presence. “Who was my lighthouse? Who watched over me?” the man wails, the pain of childhood abandonment broiling from his very core. “Who made sure I was safe, saw me home,…
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Nightwatch
Spilling over falls, Flowing rapidly downstream, Through the little town. Photo: Clinton, NJ. 7.13.23 by JMR
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I’ll Miss You
While at WonderSpaces in Philadelphia this past weekend, I came upon an interactive art installation. The project asked museumgoers to take a white rolled slip of paper from the wall. On the paper, we were to write words we wish we’d said to someone, whether a comeback, final words, or the perfectly worded expression. We…
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Hope
See her face,Etched with the threads of stories.Are they stories of silliness, sadness, solemnity,Solace, and self sufficiency?Has she lived through horrors unimaginable?Has she witnessed worries that overwhelmed?Has she known love, the kind that lit her soul on fire,Or the kind she would lay down her life for?Has she shown kindness and compassion To friends and…
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Reflection
The mirror stands in front of me, Reflecting what it sees. Lines and wrinkles, gray hairs, too, Signs of aging that never cease. Some might wish their mirror had, A filter like their phone, To tease them into thinking that That image they could own. But, Mirror, I trust you understand, The story behind each…
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Time
“I’ll be happy when…” I used to say, Always looking far ahead, Planning and dreaming of “that” day, Neglecting the present instead. Photo: Denver, CO. 6.28.23 by LA
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River
It rushes along, Fed by storms, fed by thaw, Energized at a time When it usually feels sluggish, fatigued, Stagnant even. It stumbles and gushes, Grabbing bystanders and pulling them along as debris, Sharing the thrill of speed, Of exploration, Of adventure. It doesn’t waver or stop to think, It hasn’t planned for this Or…
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Flat Irons
The bucolic countryside stretches out before me. Cottonball clouds drift over rugged mountains, As if to soften their intensity, While the tree line yields To the lush field below, And this hiker taking in the beauty. *Sigh* Photo: Boulder, CO. 6.27.23 by JMR
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Rainbow Road
Rainbow- A symbol of Pride and diversity, Celebration, self expression, Freedom. Photo: Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, CO. 6.27.23 by LA
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Flow
Let go- Embrace yourself- Reclaim and embody Openness, authenticity, Freedom Photo: Colorado Springs, CO. 6.29.23 by LA
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A Window
A window, Born from exposure, experience, erosion, An opening in an otherwise hard and impenetrable object, A breach, a crack, a breaking open of sorts. It gives little information about the contents within, But rather lets us see through, To what lies beyond, Both near and far. Standing atop this mountain, I look through to…
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Lake
Serene and sublime, Its depths holding magnitudes Of unseen secrets. Photo: Evergreen, CO. 6.29.23 by LA
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Practice Presence
Pause there and rest, Take a beat, Come down from the thrill, The excitement of soaring, Of showing off your beauty, Of proving your skill, Flying high above, unreachable, untouchable, Getting an overview, a glimpse- An outsider, you control what we see of you. Come down now, Amongst us, those who love you. What do…
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Peace
Clouds Dance in Bright blue sky- Perfect backdrop To majestic mounts Dotted with evergreens Standing watch over the lake- Clear, refreshing, peaceful, healing, A home to animal and plant life. I stand on the this bridge and soak it all in. Photo: Evergreen Lake, Evergreen, CO. 6.29.23 by LA
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Thoughtful
I’m feeling thoughtful, Still and at peace. I’m feeling thoughtful, My body at ease. I love to sit in Nature when I’m feeling thoughtful, in the shadow of mountains, by the babbling of a creek or river, by the rolling waves of the ocean, by the colorful palette of a flower garden. I find myself…
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Free
I stand on one foot And experience balance, Feel how my body adjusts To accommodate my wishes. I point my toe, Extending it out and away from me, Refusing to be boxed in and kept small, Reaching and pushing and growing. My belly tucks in, Aligning with my hips, Opening up not for others, But…
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Anger!
It rumbles in from the distance, Moving slowly at first, building. Dark clouds gather, gaining strength in their discontent. Other malcontents join in the cacophony, Bringing noise and chaos. As they jostle for position, violence erupts, Until there is a palpable charge in the air. “Something is going to happen here!” The People note. The…
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Illusion
I think I see it, Surely my eyes aren’t lying, It must be the truth. But can I truly believe, That which seeks to fool my mind? The Illusionist Isn’t just a shady guy, It is also me When I don’t want to see truth, When I just want to believe. Sometimes my feelings Purport…
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Little Boy
What are you thinking, Little Boy?What thoughts go through your mind?Are you dreaming up some mischiefOr a prank to mastermind?What are you thinking, Little Boy?Are you dreaming in your head?Do you see the possibilities,The promise that lies ahead?Are you imagining a trip to space,To explore the Universe so vast?Or is your bent to know the…
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A Smile
A Smile is an invitation,Goodwill that you extend.It sets the stage for kindness,It’s how you make a friend.A Smile is an olive branch,With it you make amends.It shows that you are sorry,And your misstep it transcends.But a Smile is also yours,Not just meant to give away.For when you are feeling pleasure,Your inner happiness it conveys.Photo:…
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Strawberry Bloom
A single flower Emerges from the new plant, Shocking in color, For white was expected here… Surprise! I felt bright today! Photo: Flemington, NJ. 7.3.23 by LA
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The 4th of July
Growing up, the 4th of July was my favorite holiday, unlike most kids who favored Christmas. For me, the 4th was all about adventure, excitement and hubbub, with my house at the center of it. We were ideally situated (in my mind, anyway) just beyond the launching site for the fireworks. From our backyard, the…
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The Path
No matter where I am, I am drawn to the path, Be it through the woods, By a river or creek, Across a snow covered field, Or through a tunnel. As I walk down the path, I look not only forward, But to my left and right, Taking in the sights and sounds Of this…
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Gotta Go Through It
The tunnel, Carved into mountain For us to Move forward. And so it is with pain, fear, And problems-go through! Photo: Red Rocks Park, Colorado. 6.28.23 by LA Shadorma poem with 6 lines of 3, 5, 3, 3, 7, 5 syllables This photo reminded me of Brownie meetings as a kid, where my mom (our…
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I Sit for Treats
They have been running and chasing each other around the pool, delirious. Suddenly, a boy appears with treats in his hand, Signaling that they should “Sit!” At once, the four bodies that couldn’t stay still, that didn’t listen to owners Come to a screeching halt, attentive to the scintillating scent And sit politely like statues…
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Fireworks
The baseball game ends, Lights and sounds fill the night sky, Independence Day! Photo: Trenton Thunder Stadium, Trenton, NJ. 7.4.23 by LA
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The Tack
So here’s an interesting story from my childhood, and a bit embarrassing at first glance. But bear with me, because maybe you’ve had a similar experience but under different conditions. For a number of years, my childhood bedroom had a thick, blue shag rug. On my sliding closet doors hung a full length mirror. As…
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Thorns
A few weeks ago, I was out front trimming my rose bushes back. They were aggressively attacking cars pulling in and out of the driveway and the mail carrier making his daily trek up the sidewalk. Suited up in long sleeves and gardening gloves, I began the task of trimming and bagging the shorn stems.…
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Unmasked
Under the mask so polished, pristine, and polite, (Nothing to see here, nothing to notice), Meet One who seeks real connection, true connection, Acceptance for her authentic Self, which seeks to be seen and heard and known. She Keeps herself “safe,” missing the whole point that Everything she wants, everything she seeks, is Deep within…
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Lessons From Nature
I’ve just returned from a week out in Colorado, spending time in Denver, Boulder, Golden, Evergreen, Colorado Springs, and Manitou Springs and hiking the Flat Irons, Red Rocks and Garden of the Gods. I was surrounded by Nature’s bounty and cognizant that it held lessons for me. I was stunned by the massive beauty of…
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Indomitable Spirit
For the month of June, I am each day flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo, and randomly stopping at a page to read. Using the entry as a prompt, I delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in…
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Letting Go
For the month of June, I am each day flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo, and randomly stopping at a page to read. Using the entry as a prompt, I delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in…
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Change
For the month of June, I am each day flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo, and randomly stopping at a page to read. Using the entry as a prompt, I delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in…
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Trauma Identity
For the month of June, I am each day flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo, and randomly stopping at a page to read. Using the entry as a prompt, I delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in…
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Essential for Growth
For the month of June, I am each day flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo, and randomly stopping at a page to read. Using the entry as a prompt, I delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in…
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Pain, Patterns and the Past
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Needs
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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True Friends
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Turning Inward Before Outward
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Let Them Be
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Communication
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Perfectly Imperfect
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Healing Along the Way
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Identity
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Presence
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Expectations
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Attachment/Detachment
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Pacing
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Thoughts
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Throw Away the Idea
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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The Essentials
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Defensiveness
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Trauma
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Heal Yourself
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Impactful Change
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Warts and All
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Judgment
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Healing and Growing
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Reactions
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Craving
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Self Awareness
I’m starting something new this month. I enjoyed poetry month so much and the impetus it gave me to write daily. I have missed that routine and excitement surrounding creativity and discovered a new alternative about an hour ago. I have a book called CLARITY & CONNECTION by Yung Pueblo. It could be read cover…
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Let Them
This past weekend I listened to an Instagram reel by Mel Robbins called “Let Them Theory.” It was so simple, yet so revolutionary, and as usual, it was the Universe giving me the exact message I need to hear at the exact time I need to hear it. Her premise is that we spend so…
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Empathy
Fumbling in his footsteps, Idling in her eyes, That I might understand. A Senryu poem of three lines, unrhymed, about human nature
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Don’t Be Afraid
Don’t be afraid to say no, To that which offends you, To that which doesn’t align, To that which robs your spirit, To that which doesn’t feel right, To that which others expect of you, To that which you don’t want to do, To that which doesn’t belong to you, To that which exhausts and…
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Mental Health-Words Matter
I read a post by Lauren Urie, R.S.W. from @advocacychange project that said: Stop saying bipolar when you mean moody. Stop saying psychotic when you mean irrational. Stop saying anorexic when you mean thin. Stop saying depressed when you mean sad. Stop saying schizophrenic when you mean unpredictable. Stop saying anti-social when you mean shy…
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Midnight on the Porch, a Haiku
Midnight on the porch Black shadows chase the last light As crickets perform.
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Short Stories
Our assignment in class was to write a short story about… a time you were proud in 4 words: I’m right here, Love. I started a company! I am self sufficient. I ask for help. a time you were sad in 5 words: My mom died in September. We put Raven to sleep. We haven’t…
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Rebellion, Part 2
I want to launch a rebellion, Not with protests or signs, Not with force or violence, Not with selfishness or carelessness. No, I want to launch a rebellion Of my own, For me, by me, about me, To save me, From more decades of Rule following, People pleasing, Meeting expectations, Playing it safe, Making everyone…
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Balance
Between All that I must do and all that Lifts my spirits, I try to Achieve homeostasis, so that my scales Never tip so far in one direction that I Can’t see the other side. I am Even, peaceful, calm. Photo: Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA. 11.9.18 by LA
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I Love a Good List!
The task as we entered writing class a few weeks ago was to write about our week. Loving organization in general and having a pretty logical mind, I immediately divided my paper into four quadrants with these labels: Navigating, Celebrating, Questioning, Challenging. I then dumped the contents of my swirling brain into neat lists. Here…
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Commencement
So THIS happened last week! That’s an actual picture taken at the United States Coast Guard Academy’s 142nd Commencement Exercise. My middle daughter was one of the young adults who marched onto the field with precision, in straight lines and with their “eyes in the boat.” They entered as cadets and left as Ensigns to…
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Mother’s Day
I’m feeling all the feels today And can’t seem to find the words I’ve written two pieces That don’t convey What is in my heart And so I turn to images That say what I cannot. As the youngest, there aren’t many pictures of me as a child. As a woman who did not like…
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A Classroom in the Spring
Aaah- Achoo! A big sneeze, And another! Bless you! Gesundheit! Can I have a tissue? Remember to wash your hands! I guess I should close the windows, Allergy season is upon us! While testing a group of 2nd graders this week, the sneezing was leaping from one part of the room to another and I…
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Release
The bulk of it envelops you, Settling heaviest upon your shoulders and back, Pressing down on your chest, It weighs you down. But you are determined, Determined to shed it, To lighten your load. Instead, you carry it, Until it feels almost part of you, A comfort in some strange way. And then you add…
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Control
You think it will keep you safe, Keep them safe, your loved ones, But it is a mirage, And not yours to claim. This is a Naani poem, consisting of 4 lines of 20-25 syllables. Photo: Sedona, AZ. 12.28.22 by LA
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Out of the Mouths of Babes???
“Oh, precious baby! Your presence is so powerful, Our world you truly glorify, You’re a masterpiece-so perfect and incomparable!” “My legs have rolls, my belly is deplorable, My body makes me want to cry!” “Oh, precious baby! Your presence is so powerful!” “Why must I look like this? Why am I so pitiful? And gender?…
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“You’re killin’ me!”
I know they look sweet in this picture. It’s probably what brought you here. And believe me, they are. They are adorable and cuddly and funny and affectionate and entertaining and great company. They are so excited to see me any time I enter a room and they almost always get up to greet me!…
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Freedom
I am speech, that others might know what you stand for, I am expression, that you might practice what resonates so deeply within you, I am tolerance, that you might have an opinion that differs, I am choice, that you might feel empowered to honor your needs, I am voice, that you might cast your…
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National Poetry Month: Embodiment, A Nonet
She had survived tragedy and loss, And knew the time had come to thrive, To return to her passion, To become embodied. The gown, the make-up, The confidence! Dance, Cindy! Twirl and Beam! This poem is dedicated to my friend and colleague, Cindy, who is my hero this year. She started 2023 wanting to step…
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National Poetry Month: Epitaph for Fear
Here lies feelings of failure, thoughts of threats, angst about acceptance, doubt about differences, mistrust of manifestation, wonder about worthiness, anxiety about what awaits, apprehension about aging, concern about catastrophe, care about containing myself, bother about being “too much,” burden over not being enough, skepticism about surrendering it, worry what others might think of me,…
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National Poetry Month: Limerick for Alaina
I have a good friend named Alaina, Who has a passion to train ya, ‘Bout the foods you should eat, Having veggies before a treat, But if you mess up, she won’t blame ya! This poem was written on my drive to work this morning. Alaina had called first thing with an “alert situation” -…
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National Poetry Month: The Path
The trailhead opens wide before me, inviting. My path is uncertain, rocky at times, But beauty surrounds me, and I drink it in. I move forward, not knowing what lies ahead, For this is a new journey, though memories stir, One step at a time, the way reveals itself to me in its time. This…
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National Poetry Month: Woman
Moon marked and touched the sun, my magic is unwritten. I have been woman for a long time. I want to be so complete I could light a whole city. Take hold on the loam, Acquire the air. Phenomenally, Phenomenal woman, That’s me. This cento is made up of lines borrowed from the following poems,…
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National Poetry Month: Words Matter
Words matter, so please be direct, Words matter, they show your respect, Your words have the power to hurt or to heal, So please be mindful when you share how you feel. Words matter, they’re your responsibility, They show your character, so take accountability, Say what you mean and mean what you say, Align words…
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National Poetry Month: Camping
The roofnest opens With the old familiar woosh! Camping has begun. Time to unzip the windows, Air out the memory foam. Turn our attention to the site, Equipment everywhere, Up it goes! Unload the carefully packed Bins, organized by purpose. “I’m ready for s’mores!” I think, But it was out loud. “Me, too!” you exclaim.…
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National Poetry Month: Ode to an Omelette
Good morning! An omelette, please! I’d like it with only egg whites. Don’t fear! I’ll take it to new heights, Beginning with two kinds of cheese, That I’ll taste with every piece. Let’s stuff it with veggies galore, Mushrooms, spinach, onions and more! You think it’s a challenge to chew? Well, I’ve consumed more than…
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National Poetry Month-Scaffolding
Scaffolding, a Splint that Surrounds the Spire like a Satellite, for a Season, Stabilizing the Structure while it Strongly, then Somewhat, then Slightly Supports its Successful restoration. Surely we all need Someone and Something to See our cracks and weak Spots and Scale our Souls to give us Sustenance and the Strength to carry on…
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National Poetry Month: PASSION
The voice inside whispers of FEARthe thing that strangles and KILLSwhat we most want, the MOREwe are looking for. But what if our DREAMSwere more powerful THANour doubts so that FAILUREwas seen as nothing more than an EVERchanging challenge to our unstoppable WILL A Golden Shovel Poem
The Journey Inward 