Inspire someone ...

Inspire someone

to be kinder,

to be gentler,

to be compassionate,

to be hopeful,

to be happy,

to be adventurous,

to be self-confident,

to be smarter,

to be enabled,

to be fair,

to be giving,

to be wiser,

to be prayerful,

to be honest,

to be loving,

to be better,

to be consistent,

to be philanthropic,

to be brave,

to be bold,

to be beautiful,

to be

themselves!

Family is Everything

The ebb and flow of family
is an extraordinary thing
if you take a moment
to truly absorb it.

Birth and growth,

achievements and set backs,

hurdles and highlights,

marriages and divorces,

survival and loss,

pain and perseverance,

new birth and new brides,

new grooms and new growth,

boyfriends and girlfriends,

broken hearts and bonded vows,

last breaths and first words.

To be present in each moment

is a gift, a joy, a blessing.

To make memories

and be engrained within them

is just a beautiful grace.

Enjoy what you are surrounded by -

intertwined by blood

or simple sincere inclusion -

Family is Everything.

You're Welcomegiving

What follows "Thank You"?
Should always be "You're Welcome".
Today really is You're Welcomegiving!
So ... get out there
and do your share
to follow through.
If we've much to be thankful for,
there is much to 'you're welcome'.

Walking Each Other Home

Walking Each Other Home
by Lyn Marinello

We are born into an unknown morn, placed in outstretched arms
Showered in love and attention; protected from all and any harms
Taught to speak in kindness; to walk tall in faith and pride
In God's commandments and the Golden Rule eternally abide
In teenage years we might rebel and push the envelope we're in
Dye and pierce and smoke and drink; to parental-fatigued chagrin
We seem certain to known everything, til one day we find we don't
Those 'friends' we thought would have our back, simply can't or simply won't
And we once again find comfort in that envelope we left
We are unconditionally welcomed back, defeated and a bit bereft
College and adulthood open avenues unknown
One foot based, one set to bolt; we are stepping out on our own
Yet there's safety in the holidays, surrounded by familiarity
Re-grounding, reconnecting in sweet comfortability
As we age we find our way; unique to every single soul
Surround ourselves with good support; those folks who truly make us whole
Our blanket of security is tattered through the years
Patched by those around us as they comfort us through our tears
There are jobs and opportunities; sight to see, trails unexplored
Losses to be overcome and faith to be restored
Sometimes the road gets bumpy, life's potholes take a toll
We retreat to those we know and trust and they step up in their role
We wander through our highlights; stroll down memory lane
Realizing those connections are sometimes all that kept us sane
Take care of those around you; compliment, uplift
Your days on earth - unnumbered; every second is a gift
As the dinner bell rings on life; feast with loved ones at your table
Serve hope and faith to all who dine whenever you are able
And afterwards, enjoy dessert; and the company of those at hand
Savor the richness of both those things and try to understand
That the sun will set for each of us, no matter where we roam
We are our brother's keepers and we're just walking each other home.

Thankful

It is said
to be ceaseless in prayer.
I believe
in addition to that,
we should be ceaseless in our gratitude.

Thankful for each morning.

Thankful for another opportunity

to do a good and kind deed.

Thankful for the beauty around us.

Thankful for the gift of family -

which is not always related.

Thankful for support and understanding.

Thankful for learning and growing.

Thankful for our God-given gifts.

Thankful for one another.

Thankful for faith.

Thankful for hope.

Thankful for love.

Thankful for you.

Thankful!

Differences

Just because

I disagree with you,

doesn't make me wrong.

Just because

I see things differently,

doesn't make me inept.

Just because

I value things in 

an altered order than you,

doesn't make my values

any less important.

State your case.

Make your point.

Move on.

I don't have to eat

what you're serving.

Nor do you

have to dine at my table.

But we can all feast together.

Our differences

do not need to make us enemies.

Indeed, 

our differences are what drive progress

and positive change.

Love

I may have posted about this before,
but I think it's important,
especially in these times,
and in this moment,
to remember this:

You owe yourself

the love

that you so freely

give to others.

Some things ...

Some things to remember -
today, this month, and always:

Enjoy Every Moment.

The good, the bad, 

the gorgeous, the ugly,

the not-so-glamorous,

the dirty and messy,

the inspiring and the draining.

Be courageous enough

to break the patterns in your life

that no longer serve you;

and to stay committed to your dreams

although flexible in your approach.

Know that some battles are too big

to fight alone -

and it's okay to ask for help.

Never think that you 

are insignificant;

there is someone out there

that precisely needs

to hear your story.

Be kind

and

you will always

be beautiful!

Be That Guy

Be That Guy!
You know,
the reason that someone feels
understood,

supported,

welcome,

worthy,

valued,

heard,

seen,

loved.
Yeah ... be that guy!

From the Prince of Preachers

Charles Hadden Spurgeon said:

A good character

is the best tombstone.
Those who loved you,

and were helped by you,

will remember you

when the forget-me-nots have withered.

Carve your name on hearts,

not marble.

Wait ...

Carve your name on hearts,

not marble.

Dang, people.

That's some good stuff.

Warmth

Warmth.
It is found in

smiles,

hugs,

conversations,

phone calls,

cards and letters,

held hands,

silent coexistence,

laughter,

faith,

friends,

family.

I wish you

warmth.

Today

Today.
Today matters.

Far too often

we are limited and hesitant

to do things,

to say things,

to try things.

When will there be

a perfect time?

Compliment the beautiful.

Bask in the moment.

Give it a shot.

Take that hike.

Smile at a kind word.

Take it all in.

Tomorrow is promised

to no one.

Today is here,

and now.

Have at it.

The grass

There are those that think

the grass is always greener

on the other side of the fence.

If you spent more time

watering your own,

your grass would be just as green.

Better yet, 

take a moment,

find a few flowering trees or bushes,

and create a beautiful hedge

so you can't even see the fence.

Focus on you, what is yours,

and how you behave.

Fired Up

So,
a Henry Ford quote:

Chop your own wood,
it will warm you twice.

Just found this

to be quite poignant.

The more 

I think about it,

the more

it fires me up.

(Did you see what I did there?)

World Kindness Day

When life's got ya against the ropes,
be kind anyway.

"Friend" got ya blocked?

Be kind anyway.

Nobody seems to care?

Be kind anyway.

Troubles got you worried?

Be kind anyway.

World kinda screwed up?

Be kind anyway.

You do not need to become

what you see, hear or feel.

Be you.

Be true.

Be kind.

And maybe ...

just maybe ...

the world will see YOU

and behave a little better.

Be kind today.

and always

The Pointed Finger

So, I sat at my computer, for no particular purpose
(as far as I knew)
until this fell out of my fingers. Hope you like it.

The Pointed Finger

by Lyn Marinello

Behind the pointed finger are three more pointed back

and every hateful barb is but a disesteemed attack.

Every single insult; each undignified response

beholds an injured inner core and the scars from which it haunts.

The sneering and the taunting come from insecurities

an infantile action based in self-obscurities.

The need to draw attention when the moment's surely passed

and placing blame haphazardly is a role that's certainly miscast.

Behind the pointed finger there's so much venom in your stance;

such resentment in your actions; motivation-filled askance.

Face the foes that mock you instead of taking wild jabs

and find a way to heal instead of picking at your scabs.

I've never caused you harm and you've never threatened me

I do not understand the hate that has muddled what you see.

Abhorrence is a heavy weight to bear within one's soul.

Revenge is never sated; it's a ceaseless, unquenched toll.

And with that pointed finger and its accusatory waste

there is no purpose served; it's just good energy misplaced.

An existence based on battle is lost before it begins.

There is never to be a victor; no one ever wins.

Differences exist but similarities abound.

You choose to see the former but the latter's what I've found.

Appendages, in my opine, in all the uses they've conveyed

were never meant for pointing, but instead to offer aid.

Thank You

So it is said that "The Great War" ended
with the signing of

the Treaty of Versailles in June of 1919,
but the fighting ceased seven months earlier

when an armistice when into effect

on the eleventh hour

of the eleventh day

of the eleventh month.

For that reason,

November 11

is generally regarded

as the end of

"the war to end all wars."

Wouldn't that be amazing?!

Thank you to our Veterans.

Our freedoms and liberties exist,

because of you.

Shine

If you cannot see the sunshine,
be the sunshine.

If you see someone without a smile,

give them one of yours.

When you've found a cold soul,

warm them with your grace.

When you find a shattered heart,

share a piece of yours.

When one can't speak the words,

use your voice to help.

If hate consumes the space,

plant some love.

When one's spirit is crushed,

remind them of their worth.

When one has lost their joy,

give them some of yours.

If the world seems rather dark,

shine.

Silence

Silence
isn't empty.
It is
full of answers.

I did not create this,

but I love it

and believe it.

In that quiet stillness

is the voice of God,

on the wind,

in a smile,

through a prayer.

Tapestry

Tumultuous times
make tenacious people.

Taking what is mine,

doesn't make you richer;

it makes you a thief.

Earning what you make

makes you want to work harder.

Giving of your time and effort

allows you the opportunity

to bless the lives of others.

There are a zillion ways

to express one's self.

Find a positive one.

We are minute

in a grand galaxy.

Each playing a vital role -

integrally linked to one another -

in a complex fabric 

of incredible beauty and durability.

Unravelling and fraying

is a dangerous activity

for the tapestry we're part of.

A little early for Rudolph, but ...

This is from Wilma Rudolph, so, it's ok.
:-)

Never underestimate

the power of dreams

and the influence

of the human spirit.

We are all the same

in this notion.

The potential for greatness

lives within each of us.

Have a fantabulous day!

Passing Through

Dedicated to my Ch-Angel, Judy.
Thanks for sparking the fire to write this.
It's a little long, but incredibly worth the read.

Passing Through

by Lyn Marinello

Out for a walk, I found myself, at a large park near my home.

A little old man, alone on a bench, caught my eye whilst I did roam.

I watched him from a distance. He'd occasionally smile or laugh out loud.

I felt a little sorry that he might be lost in a dementia cloud.

Before I knew where I was headed, I stood in front of his wooden seat.

"I've seen you hear before," I said. "I thought we'd finally meet."

His cloudy eyes of blue looked up. A wrinkled hand patted weathered slats.

"Have a seat. I've seen you, too." And so began a most extraordinary chat.

"It's a beautiful day outside today." I spoke in a stiff, uncomfortable voice.

"Sure is!" he said quite gleefully. "So glad you're out! What a wonderful choice!"

I smiled at his positivity; asked him how he was doing today.

"I'm enjoying the sun and watching the birds. And how are you, if I may?"

Taken aback by his interest, the shock must have shown on my face.

He gently touched my arm and said, "My apologies if I was out of place."

I couldn't help but answer, "Not at all, but why would you ask?"

"We're sharing a seat and a moment. If I can help, I'm up to the task."

Any bit of apprehension simply lifted its weighty veil.

"I can't find work, my marriage is stressed, life just seems kind of stale."

He stared off into the woods. I thought perhaps he did not hear.

But after a bit, he turned and spoke in words quite eloquent and clear.

"Sir, work will come, I'm certain. Perhaps, expand your view.

And if you've got a marriage, you are blessed in all you do.

You see you have a purpose; someone you love, and provide for too.

Life is whatever you make it. It's all in your point of view.

Things aren't stale, as you stated. When's the last time you went on a date?

Enjoyed the world around you? It's really never too late."

And with a deep breath, he turned again, finding joy in a flitting bee.

And it was like a new awakening as his words washed over me.

"Are you married?" I inquired. "I was," was his reply.

"I'm sorry," I said with true remorse. He smiled and asked me why.

"My wife of nearly 60 years filled my heart and life with glee

I don't dwell on her passing, but rather the life she shared with me.

She gave me several children. We shared many a laugh and tear.

I held her hand. She held my heart. She knew the man beneath the veneer."

In disbelief I listened. Such profundity so close.

I found myself transfixed. I was totally engrossed.

"I worked a couple lengthy jobs. Some time off with due concern,

But every door I entered held a lesson for me to learn.

Believe me when I tell you, son, life's a bumpy, ragged road.

It's not about the vessel you take, but who helps you carry the load."

For a moment we sat in silence. His gaze focused on skittish squirrels.

Before I could ask the question, he spoke, "Two fine boys. Two beautiful girls."

I asked how old they were. He smiled, "All married with kids of their own.

Even got a couple of grandkids - the gems of seeds that I have sown.

And how 'bout you, a sturdy lad, have you any offspring yet?"

"My wife's expecting, a boy and a girl, twins." "Fantastic! A matching set!"

Floored by his response, I gently reminded this man.

"I just told you, I'm unemployed." He smiled, "Life doesn't always go as planned."

"How will I provide? How will I make ends meet?"

"Sometimes," he said, "you work best on your knees, not on your feet.

You've got to have faith in yourself. You seem smart and able and apt.

When faced with tribulations, you've got to overcome, adapt."

He laughed at a passing puppy quite tangled up in his lead,

And the antics of the owner as he tried to get him freed.

"Life," he resumed, "will find a way. That's a dinosaur movie line."

"Didn't turn out well for the dinosaur." "Nor the man that fiddled with God's design."

Although I was completely sarcastic, his words cut right to my very core

He noticed my pain and spoke again, "Your attitude is everything. Amend it, I implore.

Take count of all of your blessings; numerous, I bet. Have you tried?

Life's not defined by a bank account. Wealth's measured by those at your side."

The weight of his words nearly crushed me. And yet, somehow, I felt enlightened.

A few simple words from a little old man and every one of my senses seemed heightened.

I turned to him, eyes glistening. "I'm not sure how to properly thank you."

"You already have, my dear young man. Isn't the sky an amazing blue?"

And I leaned back and took a long look at a beautifully clear azure sky.

At puffy white clouds and chipmunks at play and the clasped hands of those walking by.

The chirping of my cell phone brought the moment to a bittersweet end.

I excused myself and answered and could barely comprehend.

I thought it might be my wife, but it was from a job to which I'd applied.

A better offer than what I'd hoped; vacation and benefits supplied.

Overwhelmed, I shared my joyous news. He simply grinned and said, "You see?

A change of view changes so much more. I'm so glad you ran into me."

Humbled by his kindness. Inspired by his wit and grace.

"I'm just a few moment's walk from here. Would you like to come back to my place?

My wife would love to meet you. I've got to share this news."

"You go ahead, enjoy the day. I've got to shuffle these old shoes."

"I'd love to come and meet again; enjoy another chat with you."

"Young sir, my work is done right here. I'm simply passing through.

But sometime in the future, you may meet a beaten, battered soul.

Return your thoughts to this old bench; take your turn and make him whole."

When one door shuts ...

So,
when faced with some difficulties,
you learn to adapt and overcome.

It's not just for those Marine guys.

Any living person can do it.

Our internet 

is just as kerflunkled as can be,

so ...

what did I do at 4 am?

Why, 

I finished the poem I started a week ago.

Soon, I will share.

When one door shuts ...

Still Love You

So,
today ...
I may vote for Biden.
I may vote for Trump.
I may vote for third party.
I may stay the heck away from the polls.
But,
tomorrow ...
I will still be the same me I've been for 54 years.
If you loved me when I was young,
love me tomorrow.

If you loved me yesterday,

love me tomorrow.

If you base your relationships on voting choices,

I am very sorry for you,

but ...

since I loved you yesterday,

I will

still love you

tomorrow.

God Bless America

God bless America!
Land that I love,
stand beside her
and guide her

through the night

with a light

from above.