Pretty Paper

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Wrap your presents to your darling from you
Pretty pencils to write "I love you"
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue

Hallelujah!

King of Kings
and Lord of Lords
and He shall reign
forever and ever!

Forevermore

Long time ago in Bethlehem,
So the Holy Bible said

Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ,

Was born on Christmas day.

Hark now hear the angels sing,

A new king born today

And man will live forevermore

Because of Christmas Day

Trumpets sound and angels sing

Listen to what they say

That man will live forevermore

Because of Christmas Day

Merry Christmas!

Be well. Be kind. Be blessed.

Oh Star

Oh star of wonder,
star of light,
star with

royal beauty bright,
westward leading,
still proceeding,
guide us to
thy perfect light.

Song snippets

For fun ... this week,
perhaps I will just leave
little song snippets.

If they do nothing more

than put a smile on your face

or a tune on your heart ...

they have served their purpose.

... 

a thrill

of hope

the

weary world

rejoices

...

this ...

Wise Men
Still
Seek Him

Have a beautiful day.

Joy

Short and sweet today ...

The joy

of brightening

other lives

becomes,

for some,

the magic

of Christmas.

Get your joy on, folks ...

Christmas Magic

Christmas is ONE WEEK away.
Let us think on this ... 

Christmas magic ...

You hear it

in the laughter

and in the Hallelujah.

You feel it

in the hugs

and in the hopes.

You see it

in the beauty

and in the kindnesses.

You believe it

with the innocence

of a child.

You know it

in the promise

of a babe.

Stay Close

THIS!
In so many ways and for so many people!

Stay close

to people that

inspire you to be better,

listen to your voice

    and your actions,

hold you accountable,

believe in your dreams,

and lift you up.

Those

are your people.

Rainbow

Sometimes,
there's nothing else

that you can do

but let it rain

and wait

for the rainbow.

I wish good things for you

today and always.

Longevity

This was, I believe prompted, with many people in mind.
There will be only initials, but IYKYK. Hope it helps.
For D, M, K, N, L, S, H, D ... and a multitude of others ...


Longevity
by Lyn Marinello 12/14/25

We have all been victims of the detrimental takers
The gluttons of the spotlight, the plastic and the fakers
Those who should be additions but would rather divide; subtract
Who won’t or can’t apologize; who would rather divert; distract
The folks that rise above on the backs of those below
Those stagnant in development who refuse to change or grow
The people that believe they are better than the next
Superior; impervious; unwilling to genuflect
Those that only reach out when there’s something they can gain
Those that tease the angry dog just beyond his outstretched chain
The ones whose self-importance is composed of shattered souls
The ridiculers, critics – venomous vehicles of vitriol
The arrogant; the self-obsessed, who cannot claim their flaws
Whose daily condescension is an insatiable beast that gnaws
The ones who think their presence commands a reverent hush
Whose over self-indulgence would make the entitled blush
We’ve been angered, hurt, betrayed, belittled, demeaned, distressed
Chiseled, hammered, beaten, reprimanded and repressed
Those who’ve lost your trust and have pushed you to the brink
Who unravel your very fabric but have made you stop and think …
There’s a secret you are missing, I swear to you this oath …
Your tenacity is admirable. Your endurance equals growth
These experiences have changed you, but this version’s much improved
It’s taught you their negativity needs to immediately be removed
They exposed things to steer clear of … undesirable debris
They are lessons in longevity of things you never want to be.

Strength

There are certain things
that provide strength in your life.

Very little of it

has to do with exercise.

One day,

you will look back

at the things you thought

would break you

and realize

that you survived each one.

It doesn't always feel

like a grand victory.

Sometimes, it feels quiet;

and frantic; but steady.

You will take note that the storms

that should have decimated you,

were walked through.

Sometimes you stumbled.

Sometimes you fell.

Sometimes you wept.

Sometimes you paused.

And then ...

you braved one more step ...

and then another.

That is the strength

that no one claps for.

There is no trophy or ribbon or title,

but it is the strength that carries you

and that the rest of your life

is built upon.

With a nod to my 'nother mother who shared the above,

(of course it has been Lynified),

with the hope that she realizes that she is part of that strength

for me.

Enjoy your weekend.

Butterfly

Such a powerful bit of truth for your Friday ...

The butterfly is beautiful

only because

the caterpillar was brave enough

to accept the painful change.

Love this.

Absorb the process ...

become a more beautiful you.

Happy Trails

One of my favorites ...

Don't go

where the path

may lead ...

go instead

where there

is no path ...

and leave a trail.

Do not be consumed

by the right or the left;

the 'good' or the 'bad';

one side or the other.

Rather ...

use your brain,

filter with faith,

consider and contemplate,

and instead of 

being a lemming - 

be a leader.

Patience

Be patient ...

sometimes,

the wait is longer

because the blessing

is bigger.

Hold On

A little Audrey Hepburn for your Tuesday morning ...

The best thing

to hold on to in life

is each other.

Worldly static aside ...

remember who has always been

by your side;

who loves you,

lifts you up,

cheers you on,

is a positive constant ...

hold on to that.

Help Wanted

At 3:30-ish am, I dutifully woke up and began writing.
This is what happened …

Help Wanted
by Lyn Marinello     12/8/25

I have a global entity
In need of many hands
The work is most rewarding
With very few demands;
Take only what is yours
Not the goods of those nearby
Speak of only me and honestly
Don’t bend the truth or lie.
Stay true to whom you’re rooted
And to whom you share your days
Always keep me at the center
Of all your toiling ways.
Leave only loving footprints
In all you say and do
Do no harm to others
Love them as I love you
Provide for those you’re able
Share your profits and your woes
Humility and kindness …
Tended seeds that plentifully grow
To those that do you harm
Wish them well and soon depart
Pray that they can rectify
The aching hole within their heart
Keep an open mind and door
Share my work and joy and hope
Do not let your own beliefs
Diminish my breadth or scope
The application’s simple
Renounce, repent, receive
Practice what’s been written
And faithfully believe
The retirement package’s expansive
For each employed, exactly the same
A well-appointed room at my father’s house
He will welcome you each by name.

Two Things

Wow ... this is my 4300th blog entry.
That's kind of crazy!

Hoping you enjoy the content and the day ...

I am a lover of these two things:

simple things and quiet places.

Have a wonderfully blessed day.

Be The One

A sweet treat that I have Lynified ...

Be The One

Be the one

who nurtures and builds.

Be the one

who is understanding

and has a forgiving heart.

Be the one

who sees beyond the flaws

and finds the best in people.

Be the one

who listens to hear.

Be the one

who supports and sustains.

Be the one

who hugs and holds.

Be the one

that makes a difference.

Be the one

that leaves people and places

better than you found them.

Blooms

Not sure who to credit,
but this made my whole self smile ...

In the hush

of the morning light,

kindness blooms

like wildflowers.

Have a beautiful day!

Today

Not mine ... but loving this:

Today ...

lean into the good.

Find the sparkle

in the normal.

Speak with kindness,

freely.

Let go of labels.

See the beauty

behind the busy.

Dare, greatly.

Love others

without condition.

Get caught up

in the gift of life.

Enjoy the day before you.

It's Okay

This is nice ...
and necessary ...

It's Okay.

It's okay for me

to be kind to myself.

It's okay to be wrong.

It's okay to get angry.

It's okay to be flawed.

It's okay to cry.

It's okay to be happy.

It's okay to move on.

It's okay 

to be your own self.

The Stars

Today ...
this just stood out.

I hope you know

how very special you are ...

He counts the stars

and calls them

all by name.

Have a marvelous Monday!

Thankful

I may change my cover pic on Facebook tomorrow,
but I probably won't get on the computer much more than that.

So ...

I will leave you today with words for the next two ...

Thankful

Be thankful

for each breath you take,

for the moments you laugh,

for the hugs you're allowed,

for the lessons you're taught,

for the messengers you've met,

for the time you are given,

for the talents you are gifted,

for the grace you are given,

for the space you exist in,

for the sustenance before you,

for the places you travel,

for the memories etched,

for the love you've been given,

for the joy that you are.

I am thankful for you.

Take these next few days to reach out

to the folks who mean the most to you;

enjoy each precious second,

grow in the glory of gratitude.

A Wilder Concept

Beautiful and very true words ...

The real things

have not changed.

It is still best

to be honest and truthful;

to make the most

of what we have;

to be happy

with simple pleasures;

and to have courage

when things go wrong.

~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

I would add

that quiet is a joyful place

and joy is found in the quiet.

Have a wonderful day, friends.

Anchors

Ooh ooh!
Stumbled upon a new little nugget for ya!

It seems far too many of us are struggling right now.

Maybe this will help ...

Life's roughest storms

prove the strength

of our anchors.

What are you tethered to???

Have a beautiful Monday beautiful people.

Love

A beautiful sentiment
for the season we are in ...

Love the moment

in which you live

for it will 

never come again.

Meet the magic.

Make the memories.

Taking

This little nugget
just kinda jumped right on me.

Somebody somewhere needs this ...

When it comes to life

the critical thing

is whether you take things

for granted or with gratitude.

The difference is ginormous.

Have a beautiful day!

Music

A beautiful sentiment and a little embellishment ...

The earth has music

for those who listen.

There is harmony out there;

between the light and dark,

winter and summer,

the beach and the woods.

There is a chorus;

a beautiful cacophony

of one thing

complimenting another;

growth and blossoms,

falling and fortifying.

A peaceful perfection

performing a sublime symphony

of grace and goodness.

Close your eyes

and fall in love

all over again

with the music

that is everywhere

around you.

Okay

This is so one of my most favorite sayings.
So much so that I have a little sign of it in the lodge.

Pull this one out when the static gets too loud ...

Everything

is going to be okay

in the end.

If it's not okay,

it's not the end.

Enjoy the day before you.

Twofer Tuesday

Gonna mash up a couple of wonderful tidbits for you.
Here's hoping it finds whomever needs to read it.

On some level ... that would be all of us ...

whether you're willing to admit or not.

Healing doesn't mean

that the damage

never existed;

it means

that the pain

no longer

controls you.

And in that vein ...

keep some room

in your heart

for the unimaginable.

Hoping some unimaginable

finds you today.

Special Occasion

One of my favorites ...

Don't ever

save anything

for a special occasion.

Being alive

is a special occasion.

Use the fancy dishes,

order the expensive dessert,

take the trip,

do the things,

see the sights,

enjoy the day!

Miracles

One of my absolute favorites ...

If you 

don't believe

in miracles,

perhaps

you have

forgotten

you are one.

Believe

in the blessing

that you are.

Oh Yes!

From Mr. Orwell ...
this ...

Perhaps

one did not want

to be loved

so much as

to be understood.

It is Kindness Day today!

Get out there

and kind one another to pieces!

One Good Thing

Sharing this very imperative information
to increase the possibilities of your happiness ...

May you discover

at least one good thing

in every day,

even if you have

to put on glasses 

and squint.

May you carry

hope in your pocket,

courage in your heart,

and love in both hands.

Enjoy Every Second!

Moments

Found this and Lynified it.
I hope it finds whomever might need it.

Let life

unfold slowly.

Take it

day by day,

hour by hour,

minute by minute.

Life is all about

how you experience it.

It is all about

the memories,

the magic,

the moments.

Carry with you

the pieces and parts

that make your soul

content and joyful.

Put down

all the other things.

You were never meant

to bring them along.

My Goal

Came across this dooooooozy and
just had to share ...

My goal

is no longer

to get more done,

but rather

to have

less to do.

Enjoy your goals today!

Much love, friends ...

Sometimes ...

Found a few tidbits and have Lynified them
for your reading pleasure ...

Sometimes

you need to take a break

from every one and every thing

to spend a little time alone

to reacquaint, appreciate

and love your own self,

to reconnect with grace and gratitude

and to seek the beauty

that is in the every day ...

so as not to become lost

in the mundane and in the chaos.

Sometimes

you need to make yourself

a priority.

1U

This!
For so so so many people ... this!

In all of His great big,

spectacular world ...

there is only

one you.

Know how precious

and beautiful

and integral you are.

Make the moment magical ...

Thursday Thanks!!!

Hey kids!
I'm back!

Here's hoping that you kids are all well and wonderful.

I am thankful that I was allowed a respite from the calamity and chaos

and was able to just relax and recharge a bit.

Grateful, too, that I've been afforded the opportunities

to see the things I've seen, go to the places I've been,

met the folks I've met, and done the things I've done. 

Life is truly a gift.

Live as if every second is an extraordinary moment

to be unwrapped and savored and stored away

in a beautiful, magical memory ...

because it is.

Thankful for you!

Enjoy your day!!

Some Days

This made my heart smile:

Some days

we just have to 

push ourselves through,

pulling strength

from wherever we can,

and being brave enough

to do it.

Find strength

when you are weak.

Find courage

when you are scared.

Have hope

when it seems like there's none.

I wish you peace

and kindness and joy.

Heading off grid for a few days.

I'll be back next week.

In the meantime ...

be nice to one another -

and your own sweet self.

This Moment

Beautiful sentiment ...

Love this moment

in which you are in.

It will never come again.

There is chaos and madness,

static and noise.

There is also

absolutely none of that.

Which will you focus on?

Which will you spread?

The Day

This is not mine, but I'm loving it.

The day will come

when you are wrapped warmly

in the blanket

of a healthy well being

because of the patchwork

you are sewing together today.

Choose your fabric and thread wisely.

Enjoy this day ... and all those to come ...

Short

Good Monday morning to you all!
No ... this is not a height-related post.

This is a life-related post.

Life

is very short.

Take time

to do the things

that make

your soul happy.

Focus on the positive.

Focus on making memories.

Focus on a happy soul.

Happy

This Saturday treat,
as small as it is,
packs a great big punch!

The things

that make you happy

don't have

to make sense

to anybody else.

When we learn 

to stop arguing a point

that needs no debate,

life becomes

so much simpler.

Worth Sharing

This is NOT mine.
I will, however,
share the heck out of it.

The only thing

we can do

about awful people

is to NOT

be one of them.

Now get out there

and not be awful!

Take It

This is not selfish,
this is sometimes ... ABSOLUTELY ...
necessary!

Take it.

Take the break.

Take the nap.

Take the day off.

Take the road trip.

Take the breath.

Take the help.

Take the adventure.

Take the moment.

Take it.

I wish you well today.

Give

Since yesterday's was a little lengthy ...
today's is short and sweet:

Give

every day

the chance

to become

the most

beautiful day

ever!

I wish you peace

and positivity.

The Little Things

So 4 am woke me up with words and inspiration.
I dutifully grabbed one of my journals and this spilled out.

Please let me know whatcha think ...

The Little Things

by Lyn Marinello – 10/21/25

 

The surprise upon a friendly face

The warmth of an engaged embrace

A giggly game of hide and seek

The tenderness of a lightly kissed cheek

That twinkle in a playful eye

The tenuous weight of an exhaled sigh

The tiny hand within your own

To see the bloom of seeds you’ve sown

A spark with just a single glance

The world within one daring chance

A favorite story read out loud

Hands gently clasped, a prayer, head bowed

A sunrise prying at the night

The squeal in a child’s delight

A vow, a ring, a treasured song

The comfort in feeling like you belong

The glow atop a birthday cake

Forgiveness of an honest mistake

The safety in a good tight hug

Welling tears as the heartstrings tug

The pride in sweet unfurling growth

The depth of a long-honored oath

The joy within a video chat

A wagging tail, a purring cat

A gift, a note, a tiny charm

A stable walk linked arm in arm

The ease of quiet on an open porch

The obvious love of a long-held torch

An unfettered laugh, all big and bold

A fireside snuggle when the weather’s cold

A shy little smile, demure and coy

Lights and ribbons and Christmas joy

The unposed photos and natural glee

Adventures and tales no one will ever see

Unwavering support in the face of fear

A table full of those held dear

The sunset oozing on kaleidoscope skies

The indescribable bond of a babe’s first cries

It need not be momentous flings

There’s magic in the little things.

Obsessed!!!

So incredibly short,
yet so incredibly powerful.

A grand life lesson ...

Knowing

who you are

ends the need

to prove it.

Have a marvelous Monday

and a wonderful week.

Today

Sharing ...

Today,

I choose ...

calm over chaos,

serenity over stress,

peace over perfection,

grace over grit,

faith over fear.

~ Mary Davis

Enjoy your choices ...

whatever you intend to do today.

Sunrise

Short and sweet
(and making up for my FB post) LOL

Every sunrise

is a reminder

that you

have another chance

to be better.

Thank you

for another sunrise,

another opportunity!

I am humbled

and appreciate

the open door ...

The Mountain Theory

Was going to Lynify this,
but then decided to just let it be.

I am definitely half mountain/half beach.

But this ... 

Growth begins

when you leave comfort behind.

Most stay in the valley

where it's safe,

but nothing changes there.

The climb is hard,

the path is often lonely,

but the higher you go,

the clearer everything becomes.

The mountain doesn't offer ease,

but it offers an extraordinary perspective.

Ok ... I Lynified it just a smidge.

Go ... climb, baby! Climb!

A Little Lewis

Here's a little CS on your Wednesday ...

You can't go back

and change the beginning,

but ...

you can start

where you are 

and change the ending.

You are the sculptor

of your masterpiece.

Etched

A little Tuesday treat for you ...

Etched

by Lyn Marinello

 

Today while out with friends

We passed a man upon the street

He wore oversized and soiled clothes

Tattered sneakers on his feet

His aroma was unfavorable

His hair unkempt and long

His teeth could use a cleaning

But he beautifully sang this song ...

 

Judge not how I look, dear Lord,

But in my servitude to you,

Appearances are never real

My heart is yours, it's true

 

And he shuffled down the sidewalk

His words etched upon my mind

He took no note of comments made

And to belittled stares was blind

And to every other person

That I passed on by that day

I gave a greeting and a smile

Whistling and singing on my way

 

Judge not how I look, dear Lord,

But in my servitude to you,

Appearances are never real

My heart is yours, it's true.

 

Have a terrific Tuesday.

Make good choices and know your worth.

Oh ... THIS!!!

I cannot begin to tell you
how very much I attempt to do this
every. single. day.

Be

the things

you loved most

about the people

who are gone.

Have a beautiful Monday

and a wonderful week.

Your Soul

Always speak kindly
about yourself.

Your soul needs

your love and approval.

Have a beautiful weekend.

Canvas

Today
is a blank canvas.

What will you paint?

You are the artist of your days.

Choose your colors wisely.

Pick an image that inspires.

Share the beauty

that is uniquely your own.

Your Cup

We are all aware of this adage;

but I'm loving this twist ...

I am not as concerned

as to whether or not

my cup is half full

or half empty.

I am thankful 

that I have a cup.

Ahhh, yes ...

But what, exactly,

are you pouring into it?

Fill yourselves up

with kindness and love

and hope and faith

and prayer and healing.

Privilege

THIS!
On so many levels.
In so many ways.

The privilege

of a lifetime

is to become

who you truly are.

But first

you must unlearn

who they told you

to be.

October Light

Just a little levity
for your October Tuesday ...

Bats

are just

Halloween

butterflies.

Have a wonderful day.

Assets

A person's most useful assets?
It's not your bank account.
It's not the size of your home

or the car that you drive

the degrees on your wall

or the gadgets that you own.

A person's most useful assets

are eyes to see the good,

ears ready for listening,

hands ready for helping,

and a heart full of love.

Good Guidance

This just seemed to hit home for me.
Could be the timing ... or it could be because it's true!!!

Marry your best friend,

have a couple kids,

keep honest friends,

and grow a garden.

Bake pies,

work with your hands,

grow wildflowers,

and have too many animals.

Prioritize sunshine

and laughter.

Make time to relax

and to wander

and live where you

can see the stars.

Have a beautiful weekend, friends.

Believe

A beautiful Friday sentiment ... Lynified, of course ...

Believe

that life has something

more for you

than you can see right now.

Believe

in the unexpected blessings

of life.

Believe in love

and in harmony and grace

and in kindness and peace.

Believe in miracles.

They happen all the time.

Enjoy the day and all it holds ...

The Enemy

Ponder on this people ...

Overthinking

is the enemy of peace.

Perfection

is the enemy of progress.

Fear

is the enemy of growth.

Doubt

is the enemy of creativity.

Ego

is the enemy of wisdom.

Check yourself ... frequently.

Much love, friends.

Happiness

Found this amazing little nugget
and decided to share ...

Happiness

is wandering

through small towns,

enjoying

a cup of coffee,

watching 

the leaves change,

and finding magic

in the smallest moments.

Wherever you are,

whatever you're drinking,

I hope you find magic

and happiness

in the little things.

It All Began in Brooklyn

I wrote a welcome poem for Deanna and Nicholas.
Obviously, I had to do the same for Miles and Kelly.

This was read at the Welcome Party.

Enjoy!

 

 

It All Began in Brooklyn

by Lyn Marinello

 

It all began in Brooklyn

In sweet little Sandy Springs

Each focused in different directions

What happened was ‘one of those things’

She declined his many advances

He persisted. Would not take her ‘no’

She was knee deep in her school work

He was busy in the studio

They found commonality

Upon the football field

His charm was just too much for her

And finally, she did yield

The Seminoles in Tally

The Alabama Crimson Tide

The Falcons at Mercedes

A house full of all sports pride

They moved from Georgia to Dunedin

So she could test the waters with The Rays

Cheer the Bucs and Lightning

During sandy, sun-filled days

Back to the ATL

To old haunts and stomping grounds

To the year of travelling nuptials

The sheer mileage simply astounds

Miles in the office

Kelly searching for a place to be

Uprooting once again

To build a life in OKC

Another wedding out in Tuscany

Best Man/Officiant all in one day

Kelly came home – as she says –

Sunburnt and with a fiancé

The road may have been long and bumpy

But I lovingly digress

You two: Intertwined yet independent

Are two souls destined to coalesce

Purpose

Hey there, friends!
This will be my last post for a week.

I am going off grid for a smidge

to immerse myself in all of my favorite things.

I leave you with this ...

Perhaps our purpose

here on earth

isn't a grand accomplishment,

but a small kindness,

that we don't think much of,

that changes the life

of another.

If you cannot find the peace

you seek in the world ...

let it begin with you.

Not the Uszh

Not my typical or usual sort of post,
but it seemed like ...
maybe we needed this:

Come to me,

all you who are

weary and burdened,

and I

will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

More

Today, and every day,
we could use a little more ...

Have more respect for life - 

your own and others.

Have more hope for yourself -

you are capable of great things.

Have more positive thoughts -

they create a better living space.

Have more beautiful conversations -

ask questions, listen, learn.

Have more gratitude - 

there is so much to be thankful for.

Always search for more ...

Measures

A sweet little Friday notion ...

Never measure your life

by possessions.

Measure it instead

by the hearts you've touched,

the smiles you've created,

and the love you've shared.

Hoping you need

the world's largest tape measure.

Enjoy your Friday 

and your weekend.

YOU

YOU
are beautiful!

You are

one of the reasons

this world is so

unique and amazing.

Be your true

and incredible self

and add all that you are

to those around you.

You are necessary.

You are needed.

You are loved.

You matter.

Found a little quote and Lynified it.

Hoping it puts a little icing

on your Thankful Thursday.

I am thankful for you.

Twofer

Both of these kind of spoke to me today,
so I thought I'd share ...

Every day

is a "thank you, God"

kind of day.

If you can't sleep,

don't count sheep;

talk to the Shepherd.

Have a most magnificent day.

Heart

Not sure where this came from or why,
but I'm learning to listen ...

Heart
by Lyn Marinello – 9/11/25

The heart is quite extraordinary
Performing its many tasks
Pumping our body’s core fuel
To do all of which we ask
It races at certain firsts
Dates and jobs and kissing
It feels as if its breaking
When denied what it is missing
It is crushed in defining moments
When pain seems paralyzing
It skips a beat and stutters
When things emerge surprising
After lies and misconceptions
Betrayal makes it shatter
And it may seem unimportant
When things don’t really matter
It shrinks when it’s been beaten
Swells with strength and pride
Splinters with confusion
Crumbles when we’ve cried
It hides when it’s been hurt
It is bared when speaking truth
It thuds with trepidation
When your actions are uncouth
It seems about to burst
When we learn we will conceive
And it’s near to ragged rubble
When worn upon our sleeve
It is salvaged with your faith
As you overcome your grief
Puttied and patched with prayers
And bandaged by your belief
It fights to continue to beat
Through all this it will persist
This magnificent creation
The size of just your fist.

FHL

This did not provide anyone to credit ...

With every rising sun

we are given a new chance

to paint the canvas of our lives

with Faith and Hope and Love.

Paint with broad strokes, my friends.

Beauty in the Broken

This was written on 9/7.
Little would I know how necessary it would be.

Please let me know what you think ...

Beauty in the Broken

by Lyn Marinello    9/7/25

 

Sometimes there are scars, as visible as day from night

Shredded skin and missing parts, wounds from an obvious fight

And then there is the damage, so deep it punctures soul

Fractures, frays and fragments, taking pieces as its toll

Injuries untended. No marks to leave a tale

Just chips and cracks and crevices as we arduously travail

Constant bands of belittlement, a fragile ego breaks

A tempered, timid spirit disintegrates and flakes

And when there’s just a pile of flesh and battered bone

The greatest architect and artist steps off His mighty throne

He doesn’t see a worthless heap, too destitute for repair

He begins His diligence with the utmost love and care

He rebuilds what’s been destroyed and resurrects with grace

Gathers aches and pains, indignities and will skillfully efface

Fists and feet cause visible trauma. Powerfully harmful words are spoken

But God’s still the master of miracles. He knows there’s beauty in the broken

 

Today

Pulled this and tweaked it just a smidge.

Today ...

Embrace love that is calming.

Grasp hope that is energizing.

Gather hope that carries you forward.

Acknowledge gratitude for your blessings.

Walk faithfully into today

and share your light with everyone.

Truth for Today

Powerful and poignant

All death can do to the believer

is deliver him to Jesus.

~ Charlie Kirk

No White Lie Here

From E.B. White, a beautiful truth ...

You have been my friend.

That in itself

is a tremendous thing.

This goes out to so very many special people.

I'm sure you've got your own recipients.

Life is precious ... embrace it.

My Old Porch Seat

This was born in the Georgia mountains
and unraveled over the past few weeks.

Let me know what you think ...


My Old Porch Seat
by Lyn Marinello – 9/2025

In the mist of a mountain morning
In the stillness of the trees
There’s a clarity of purpose
Whispered on the intermittent breeze
Soft enough to sway tall grass
She speaks a dance of light and sound
A deliberate step, a delicate glide
As sun’s light lovingly kisses ground
Pink and purple ribbons
Unfurl atop the mountain’s crest
Hatchlings squawking hungrily
From the safety of their nest
The gentle chill of evening slumber
Seeps to shadows as the first birds sing
Boughs of oak permit a blooming dawn
As night’s inkiness loosens its taloned cling
There’s a peaceful hush of promise
Of the awakening yet to be
The inundation of swarming life
And its simplistic complexity
The silent deer with flitting tails
Graze on the fresh dew-laden grass
The ravens loom on piney limbs
As squirrels congregate en masse
Geese noisily take to the creek
Floating in haphazard lines
Baby blooms seek the morning sun
On the emerald climbing vines
Nothing is seeking eminence
Nothing claims to be elite
There’s a palpable serenity
Enveloping my old porch seat

Direction

A little direction for your Monday morning ...

Behind you

all your memories.

Before you

all your dreams.

Around you

all who love you.

Within you

all you need.

Much love, friends. 

Enjoy the day before you.

A snippet

Saw this little tidbit
and I'm fairly certain
that it is universal.
It applies to all of us.

No matter your story,

this ...

You have to feel it

to heal it.

We cannot hide from,

sidestep, transfer, swallow,

or ignore our issues.

T H I S

Just three tiny simple words,
but boy howdy ...
what an impact.

Give

Kindness

Wings

Imagine what could happen ...

sounds like the basis for some prose ...

Little Things

On this Thankful Thursday,
this seemed appropriate ...

Be grateful

for the ordinary moments,

the simple pleasures,

and the most basic joys

of life.

They are the necessities

of your peaceful existence.

It is, indeed,

the little things

that make your life

so unique and beautiful.

Life

Appreciate Life!

Find some moment

for yourself

each day

to celebrate life

in silence.

for vs from

This is a tiny little quote
with a great big voice.

Stay close to people

who want

more for you

not from you.

So very powerful!

I hope you have a beautiful day.

What are you waiting on?

From one Rebecca Kushins:

Life is

fragile and short

and worth all

the loving presence

we can bring to it.

What are you

waiting on?

Issues

Have done a smidge of tweaking to this,
but ... oh, how true it is!

How people treat you

is their issue.

How you react,

is yours.

Ctrl Alt Del

Control your own self.

Alter your thinking & reactions.

Delete negativity.

Reboot as often as necessary.

Wish

No matter what you THINK you know about me,
based on whatever ridiculous criteria you've concocted ...

Whatever good things

you wish for,

I wish for you, too.

I am the same me I have been

for what feels, sometimes, like 100 years.

Loyal, loving, slightly loony,

occasionally roaring, punny, poetic,

and completely, beautifully,

imperfectly messy.

Struggling?

If you are struggling today,
remember this:

You have survived

everything you've gone through

up to this point.

The best day of your life

is still yet to come.

There are still people

you have not yet met,

and things you have

not yet experienced.

You can do hard things.

You are amazing.

Difference

Love me some Jane!
Ms. Goodall once stated:

You cannot

get through a single day

without having an impact

on the world around you.

What you do

makes a difference.

You just have to decide

what kind of difference

you want to make.

You can stand up for what you believe

without belittling or demeaning others.

You can fight without fists.

You can lead with love.

What kind of difference

do YOU want to make?

Thankful Saturday!

Had a beautiful birthday yesterday.
Spoiled by an overwhelming amount of love.
I am thankful for all of you who reached out.

On Be an Angel Day ...

Angel's Wings
by Lyn Marinello

Angel's wings, embrace me, from the wicked of this Earth
Sheathe me in your feathery steel, protect my Heavenly worth
A downy soft encasement to fortify my soul
A powerful light to guide me on a path to make me whole
Angel's wings, do comfort me. Soften the trials ahead
Grant me strength in faith to walk where I am led
Ratify my resolve to overcome what may
Offer me your solace to seek another day
Angel's wings, please lift me, to the heights of God's design
His glory rises ten-fold more than any inkling mortally mine
Soaring just below me, I ask for loft bequeathed
To my pinnacle of purpose with a winged net beneath
Angel's wings, provide me, a blissful journey to His throne
A celebratory ending to a beginning of glories unknown
Guide me home sweet Angel whispers when my clay shell's been wrung dry
Lay me down softly on Angel's wings and carry me home on high!

Me

Today,
we're going to have
a vocabulary lesson ...

The word for today is:

MELIORISM

the belief that the world

can be made better

by human effort

Meliorism ...

begins with "ME"

Have an extraordinary day!

matter

With no one to credit for this,
it still needs to be shared ...

... and perhaps ...

even the smallest efforts

matter more than you know.

Go.

Matter.

Social Media

Do you remember ... way back when ...

when Social Media was just that?

A platform on which to be social.

And then ... after the GTL,

after the what you had for breakfast,

after the pictures of your puppy,

someone decided to post an opinion ...

and it all kind of when south from there.

I'd like to get back to checking in with friends,

hearing about trips and babies and critters and jobs.

I'd like to know how you're feeling

without knowing your political affiliations

or your religious denomination.

We've become keyboard bullies ...

I'm trying to stick to my basics and just reach out,

be kind and be human.

I try not to react or respond because I believe

that I do NOT know everything and

I have NOT walked in your shoes.

In life, there are only two things

that we can actually control ...

our efforts and our attitudes.

What are you going to do with yours?

Energy

Found this and Lynified the snot out of it.
Sure hoping it helps your Monday
and your week ...

I do not want

to be around people

who make life harder

or darker or uglier.

I need people

who bring comfort,

and calm and peace;

who bring laughter;

who bring positivity;

who bring kindness

and caring and compassion.

I need people

who feel like home,

like a hug,

like serenity.

THAT is the energy

I am seeking.

The Good Stuff

Not mine, but very much worth sharing ...

You will never regret

the times you stopped to listen to a loved one,

or put down your phone to be present,
or paused to notice something beautiful,

or made an effort to be kind.

This is the good stuff.

Rich

Beautiful simplicity for your Friday ...

If you want to feel rich

just count the things you have

that money cannot buy.

Have yourselves a bright and blessed day.

Cups and Coffee

A little long, but well worth the read ...

At a High School Reunion, a group of successful alumni—now doctors, lawyers, business owners—decided to visit their favorite  teacher. They chatted about their careers and families, but soon the conversation shifted to life’s pressures, stress, and constant chasing after more.

After listening for a while, their teacher smiled and said, “Hold on a minute. I’ll go make us some coffee.”

He came back with a large pot and a tray full of cups—none of them matching. Some were fine porcelain, others were plain ceramic, a few were chipped glass mugs, and one even looked like it came from a diner. As everyone reached for a cup, the professor watched in silence. Once they all had coffee in hand, he said:
 
“Notice what just happened. Most of you instinctively reached for the nicest cups—leaving behind the simpler ones. It’s normal to want the best for ourselves, but that’s often where the stress begins.”

He gestured toward the cups.

“The cup doesn’t make the coffee taste any better. What you really wanted was the coffee. But you still focused on the cup.”

Then he paused.

“Life is the coffee. Your job, your house, your income, your status—those are just cups. They help contain life, but they don’t define it. And the trouble is, the more we focus on the cup, the more we miss out on the coffee.”

What are you focused on?