Close Call

It was a close call. We left the country in relatively calm atmosphere; we came back when the country was in a state of confusion, fear, and panic. I was asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. Subsequently everyone from the office was asked to self-quarantine for several weeks. Besides not allowing passengers who’ve been in China and Iran in the last 14 days to enter the country, we added travel suspension to 26 European countries, then expanded that to include UK and Ireland. Four days after coming home from Peru, we heard that Peru is to close its borders and its citizens are asked to self-quarantine for 15 days. I hope our travel group is safe back home. We are thankful for the opportunity to have learned a part of history and different cultures, enjoyed new food and drinks, experienced the sights and sounds of South America, bonded in a circle of friendship under the guidance of our tour guides. The close call made it more special. Thank you for Amazon – Machu Picchu – Cusco – Pisco Sour – Alpaca – Cuy – Chicha – Coca Tea – Abel – Marcelo – Pablo - Empanadas. I shall remember you.

Hope

What if hate is larger than care

What if fear is larger than compassion

What if ignorance is larger than reason

And knowledge is frowned on

The world I thought I knew

Is not what first appeared

I just have to stand firm

Have faith and belief

Hope is a ray that flickers

But won’t die

Grant me the courage

Shine me a light

Give me the hope

Show me the way

To break through the fog

That darkens the sky

I want to feel the tenderness

Of love that radiates

Through darkness and light

And enters each living cell

Love without borders

Love crossing colors

Love being the reason

Our lives matter

I want to taste the freedom

From fear and selfishness

I carry the hope

Hope in me won’t die

A New Year Poem for You

You’re my everything
I treasure my times beside you
You gave me your tender love
And calmed my troubled soul
I was welcomed into your magical garden
Where to me a new world opened
When you’re far I long for you
When you’re near my heart rejoices
Do you see today new blooms display their colors
So beautiful as your blessings be
I pray that hardships will quickly depart
And your life will be filled with kindness and love
May the new year bring peace and good news
And on your path God's presence you feel

Christmas Morning - 100-word snippet

The phone rang and woke me up. As I fumbled with the iPad on the nightstand to see who called, I thought I had disconnected the call. It was shortly after five o’clock in the morning. The call was from a daughter who lives five hours behind us. Perhaps it was a butt call, but I should call her back. I got out of bed to go across the room to get my phone. The call was still on. Cheerfully my daughter said, “Merry Christmas. It’s time to get up.” Ah yes. That’s how it was. The sweet old times.

Thankful

I am thankful for the morning coffee, the beauty of nature, the graceful flowers, the gathering of family and friends, the joy of living, the journey of life, the things that make me smile, the anticipation, the heart-warming stories, the fragrance of a burning candle.

October

October. Leaves change colors, creating stunning visuals. The soul is refreshed, as the cool breeze blows on the body wrapped in a warm sweater. Dry leaves produce pleasing sounds as they scuttle on the ground. The body utilizes all senses to process pleasing thoughts and pictures which have entered the mind. Pumpkins. Spices. Birthdays. Carousel. Wooden horses. Swings. Climbing ropes. Flowers. Butterflies. Dragonflies. A lone horse. A carrot. Biscuits. Thyme. Chicken stew. Malbec. Forrester. Togetherness. Fireplace. Warmth. Snuggles. Kisses. Coziness. A walk. A tractor ride. Sand burs. Piano. Train whistles. Ice cream in half-gallon cartons. Crab melts. Pies. Cowboy boots.

My Love

I don’t want September to pass by
Without telling you how much you’re loved
When autumn air blows on your hair
Your soft skin glows I hold you tight
You are as beautiful as ever you were
The first time we met and every morning after
You greet me with a sweet smile

That warms my heart the whole day through

With you I will never feel alone

You’re my steady rock I’ll never let go