Four Fathers

Four Fathers
by Lyn Marinello

Scalfronso - my four fathers
All intermingled together
Forever and always connected
Yet nary one single tether
One was a best friend
Cheering at all of my meets
Not so strong a role model
But always praising from front row seats
He instilled a love of nature
Of fishing & hiking & working with hands
He had a terrible habit
But stifled it on our demands
The next one made his mark
With tennis, golf and computers
Seven miles on the railroad track
Made us travelling dispute resolute-ers
You must work for what you want
Earn the things you'd like to own
Another okay role model
Who diminished every way I'd grown
I guess the third time's the charm
The knight to my Princess Mom
No matter familial calamity
He was, in every storm, her calm
As a role model, near the top,
Chivalrous, purposeful, kind
He could have been more accepting
But he & Mom were beautifully aligned
I married into number four
An amazing human treat
Diminutive by social standards
But one of the best you'd ever meet
His love was unconditional
His zest for life - contagious
Giving, caring, selfless,
A role model for the ages
More forefathers were four fathers
Teaching ethics, sports, love and morale
I am me because of them
Cal, Alfred, Alphonso & Sal

A Morning Mantra

Stick this on your mirror
and read it to yourself EVERY day!

Today

is a blessed day.

I expect

great experiences

to find me today.

I choose 

to be present

and to be aware

of all of the miracles

that surround me.

Everything

is working out

for my highest good

because

I am divinely guided,

protected and blessed.

What a wonderful snippet

to be thankful for

on this Thankful Thursday!

For You

Do it For You!

 

Work hard for you.

Do the healing for you.

Work out for you.

Set boundaries for you.

Forgive others for you.

Go on adventures for you.

Make memories for you.

Relax and recharge for you.

Celebrate your achievements for you.

Love yourself for you.

In You

No one to credit,
but so vitally important ...

What

you are

looking for,

is not

out there.

It is in you.

Go Out

From the extraordinary Mother Teresa:

Go out

into the world today

and love

the people you meet.

Let your presence

light new light

in the hearts

of others.

Light it up, people!

It begins with you ...

Lost

This ...

You are 

never so lost

that your Angels

cannot find you.

Yes!

Not some famous person quote here,
just some fabulous words
that need to be shared
with so very, very, very many people.

You are worthy

of the time

it takes

to do the things

that heal you.

You matter.

You are important.

You make a difference.

Do not allow

another's perception

define your value.

You are priceless!!!

Let's dive in

I'm nothing but an admirer of words.
We each read what we want into things.
I'm going to delve a little deeper into 
Ralph Waldo Emerson's

"Live in the sunshine,
swim the sea, drink the wild air."

I see this:

Find the good and positive.

Surround yourself with it.

Speak it, drape yourself in it, be it.

Be unabashedly your own

unique and beautiful self.

Don't shrink for labels.

Don't change how you're made.

Be free of the worldly noise.

What do you see?

A Human Being

An older one, but one of my favorites.
Sometimes, nifty things fall out of my fingers ...

A Human Being

by Lyn Marinello

 

I am not a chess piece

To culminate a win

I'm so much more than simply

Just the color of my skin.

 

I am not the product

Of your whims as I should be

I am blood and sweat and bones and tears

I am trying to be me.

 

I do not exist

As a sum of given parts

I am what I cultivate

With a passionately beating heart.

 

My quality of life

Is not based on generations past

It's formed by my tenacity

To create a legacy that'll last.

 

I am not contained

By the vowels in my name

Nor am I defined

By the place from which my family came.

 

I cannot be packaged

Into a concept nice and neat

I am not a label

That you place before my feet.

 

I am not the past

I am a living, present piece

In a giant worldwide puzzle

Of a fleeting, intangible peace.

 

I am not a race

I am precious to my core

I am worthy and important

I believe we all deserve more.

 

I am not a demographic

There's a purpose to my soul

We are each uniquely qualified

To be better as a whole.

 

I'm afraid of an unknown future

Scared of the indifference I'm seeing

I'm not black or white or he or she

I am first - a human being.

A little Vincent on your Tuesday

Van Gogh said it beautifully ...

Normality

is a paved road:

it's comfortable to walk,

but no flowers grow.

Embrace

the uniqueness

that is you.

Of all the paths

you take in life,

make sure a few

are dirt.

When Thinking ...

This one ...
for so so so many folks ...

When thinking about life,

remember this:

No amount of guilt

can change the past.

No amount of anxiety

can change the future.

We all struggle.

We need one another.

Bloom

No one to credit,
but so many to offer this to.

I hope it reaches

whomever needs to see it ...

May this

be the chapter

where you bloom again ...

softly,

slowly,

in your own time.

The world needs

your beauty.

Journey

This beautiful nugget was shared with me

by my 'nother mother.

Susie Q has been a cheerleader

since I was a teeny, tiny human.

She's one of my most favorite Ch-Angels!

Thank you for sharing this.

Thank you for being you.

Her point was driven home  by someone else very dear to me

who has also known me since we were little

that I chatted with yesterday.

Nancy ... always here for you.

Your journey

is not the same as mine,

and my journey

is not yours,

but ...

if we meet on a certain path,

may we encourage one another.

Thank you, to you both,

for always being such kind, decent humans.

You are gracious, beautiful souls.

Mark

This little tidbit
was just sitting on my screen
saying ... "Share Me!"

Kindness

is the greatest mark

that we can leave

on the world

each day.

What mark

will you leave

today?

Glimmer

I may have posted this previously.
I really try to find the positives.

I try to flip the normal script or

choose to seek out silver linings.

This little tidbit is magnificent!

"Glimmer"

The opposite of a 'trigger'.

Glimmers are moments in your day

that make you feel

joy, happiness, peace, or gratitude.

Once you train your brain

to grasp the glimmers,

those precious bliss bombs

appear more and more.

Get your glimmer on.

Troubled Water

Saw this and
absolutely had to share ...

I asked God,

"Why are you

taking me through

troubled water?"

He replied,

"Because

your enemies

cannot swim."

Thirteen Folds

I was awakened yesterday with these words on my heart.
As I finished up, I did a little research about the folds.
I have added that for you as well.


Thirteen Folds
by Lyn Marinello 5/25/25

An atrocity produced demand.
You felt impelled to take a stand.
You left your family; all you knew,
to defend and honor the red, white and blue.
Some fulfilled a generational creed;
found a purpose and filled a need.
Through the jungles or in the sand,
the uniformed pride is decades spanned.
Slicing through waters of various seas
fighting to end impoverished pleas.
Soaring the skies, adept, resolute ~
Pinpoint precision destroys the dispute.
Tech and tenacity, sheer will, great grit;
in awe and respectful of your choice to commit.
When the world needed heroes, you answered the call.
Some gave a little; you gave it your all.
Defending our freedoms, protecting our voice;
in a moment of silence, we honor your choice.
If we are able, we stand to salute
your patriotic sacrifice, pure, absolute.
Devoted to country, willing to die.
Thank you for your service. You are braver than I.
You chose a purpose, without reason to brag ~
now you persevere with thirteen folds of the flag.


Here's a breakdown of the typical meanings associated with each fold:
First fold: Symbolizes life.
Second fold: Represents belief in eternal life.
Third fold: Honors veterans who have given their lives for the country.
Fourth fold: Reflects citizens' trust in God.
Fifth fold: Acknowledges the nation, often using Stephen Decatur‘s- "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong."
Sixth fold: Represents where people's hearts lie.
Seventh fold: Honors the armed forces for protecting the country and the flag.
Eighth fold: A tribute to those who entered the "valley of the shadow of death" and may also honor mothers.
Ninth fold: Honors womanhood for its influence on the country's character.
Tenth fold: Honors fathers for their sacrifices in raising and defending the country.
Eleventh fold: Represents the seal of King David and Solomon, glorifying the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Twelfth fold: Symbolizes eternity and glorifies God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Thirteenth fold: The final fold, with the stars uppermost, reminds us of the national motto, "In God We Trust".

Memorial Day

Probably will not post on Monday.
Gonna focus, just a little, on me.

So ... I'll share some of what 

truly hits the mark for me.

If you've got your own ... please share ...

Home of the free, because of the brave.

The brave die never, though they sleep in dust;

their courage nerves a thousand living men.

The patriot's blood

is the seed of freedom's tree.

No duty is more urgent

than that of returning thanks.

To live in hearts we leave behind

is not to die.

May we never forget ...

freedom is not free.

TTP

This could not be
more difficult

and
more true ...

The waiting,

the delays,

the challenges,

the heartaches,

the humility,

and the detours

all serve a purpose.

Trust The Process!

Growth is never

an easy process.

Love - Lewis style

A brief little masterpiece
from one C.S. Lewis:

Love

is never wasted,

for its value

does not rest

upon reciprocity.

Dang!

That's good stuff.

Treauty!

True Beauty! 

There is true beauty

in people

who have 

known darkness

but still choose

to spread kindness

wherever they go.

Happy YOU Day, Deanna

Written for both, but shared for Deanna's birthday, today!

Life
by Lyn Marinello

It is said that I gave life to you
But I’m not sure that’s true
That I chose to add to what’s on earth
That reasoning’s misconstrued
Your features resemble my own
Your height, I’m sorry, does too
Your dimples are in far better places
Than the ones that I hide from view
I birthed you both with troubles
Issues you’ve both overcome
Excelling beyond expectation
Unhindered by where you’ve come from
Your strength is far greater than any
That I could achieve at a gym
It begins at your very center
And is magnified out from within
Undeterred by any obstacles
Confrontations are met without haste
You embrace life's every second
You've learned time is too precious to waste
It is said that I gave life to you
But I'm not sure that's true
I am absolutely confident
That my life's far greater because of you.

91:4

...

He will cover you

with His feathers,

and under His wings

you will find refuge 

...

In the Master's Hands

Just a little something

that fell out of my pen this morning.

Hope ya like it ...

In the Master’s Hands

by Lyn Marinello 5/17/25

Slivers of hope. Fragments of time.
Echoes of laughter. Etched emotions in rhyme.
Should-have shards and flights of fancy flecks.
Chipped and cracked and gathered specks.
Splintered hopes and tattered hearts.
Broken, battered, bits and parts.
Shattered wishes and Pollock-ed dreams.
Scraps of self and soldered seams.
What seems worthless – spilled hourglass sands,
Becomes a masterpiece in the Master’s hands.

Hey Neighbor

Not just the people
that live by you,
but the people
that work with you,
that shop with you,
that pray with you,
that exist around you ...

Today is:

Do Something Good

for Your Neighbor Day!!!

Try being kind to everyone.

JOMO

Absolutely love this ...

Joy Of Missing Out

feeling completely content

with staying in,

disconnecting from the static,

reconnecting with friends

and with family

and with pets

and with your own

incredibly amazing self.

Joy

This!
Very, very much ... this!

It's about

finding joy

in the little things

that make life

worth living.

Little Bits

No one to credit,
but this is good stuff right here ...

Do your little bit of good

where you are;

it's those little bits of good

that overwhelm the world.

You don't need to be a Gates or a Musk

to make a difference in the world.

You simply need to be kind.

The Three S's

Good Monday morning, kids!
Hope this finds you well and happy!

In this midst of all the noise ...

In stillness, I find my strength.

In silence, I hear my truth.

In simplicity, I discover my peace.

Have a beautiful week.

Happy Mother's Day

Hoping that some of you can relate
and that this may help ...

Happy Mother’s Day

by Lyn Marinello 5/11/25

 

I hear you in the windchimes. I feel you on the breeze.

I see you in the wispy clouds and chat with you from my knees.

I honor your impressive strength through deeds and through my prose.

I swiftly seek your wisdom when surrounded with my woes.

I hear your voice in melodies; feel you in the warm sun’s rays.

I see you in my grandkids. I converse with you on rainy days.

I miss our piano duets and our silly tennis court antics;

Our golf course winning tournaments and great Gestalt semantics.

I long for good Scrabble within an afternoon call;

How you’d always build me up when I was feeling small.

I miss your visits and post dinner bingo and rummy.

Making you four-layer pie because you found it so yummy.

I miss venting to you about kids; about work.

And gleaning lessons from you to keep from going berserk.

Chatting of brothers, memories, reflection.

“This too shall pass!” “Next!” “Point your shoes in another direction.”

You left way too soon. I miss all that we shared.

You imparted so much, yet I still feel broken, impaired.

Thank you. I love you. I so wish for more time.

Your premature departure – still an impalpable crime.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! Enjoy your Heavenly fete.

Till I see you again, save me a hug … I can’t wait.

 

Sage Maternal Advice

When we face
the chaos and static
of the day to day,

when we are at our wit's end

with kids or jobs or tasks,

we look for some 

sage maternal advice ...

allow me to enlighten you ...

Do NOT let idiots

ruin your day!

:-)

NEXT!!!!

Two Choices

Found this and, of course, put my own spin on it.
I hope it reaches whomever needs it ...

If someone has insulted you,

offended you, or disappointed you ...

Let It Go!

If you are remembering

all of the ways

that they assaulted you - 

you're allowing it

over and over and over again.

You have two choices.

Let it flatten you

or

let it fuel you.

Make good choices.

Your viewpoint

Simply had to share this ...

Some people

could be given

an entire field of roses

and only see the thorns.

Others could be given

a single weed

and only see the wildflower.

Perception

is a key component

to gratitude.

And gratitude

is a key component

to joy.

What are YOU going to see?

For You Moms

However you have become a Mom ...
this is for you ...

Make peace

with all the women

you once were.

Lay flowers

at their feet.

Offer them 

incense and honey

and forgiveness.

Honor them

and give them your silence.

Listen.

Bless them

and let them be;

for they are the bones

of the temple

you sit in now;

for they are

the rivers of wisdom

leading you

toward the sea.

Go and be

your most extraordinary selves.

Yessireebob!

Was sent this quote, not sure of its origin,
but knew instantly that it needed to be shared.

I would rather

adjust my life to your absence

than adjust my boundaries

to your disrespect.

Thanks, Vern!

Appreciate this gem!!!

Be Proud

Love this.
Live this.

Today

is a good day

to be proud

of all 

the silent battles

you've already won.

Give yourself

time to celebrate;

time to learn;

time to grow;

time to be you.

Kindness

I find this to be
a few of the truest words E.V.E.R.

Be kind

to unkind people.

They need it most.

As difficult as it may be,

bite your tongue, breathe,

and share your kindness instead.

Nurture

Let's kick off May with a little maternal nurturing ...

(and yes ... I've Lynified it!)

What you believe and tell yourself

impacts you and everything around you.

Nurture healing, happiness, laughter,

kindness, love, compassion, honesty,

hope, faith, consideration and trust.

At least plant that seed

and water it daily

for good things

to grow.

Make your garden one

where others feel welcome

to come and choose

some healthy options

upon which to sustain themselves.

Time

Hey there, kids! I'm back! Didja miss me?

Found this and, after spending time with grandbabies over a long weekend,

very much agree.

Energy is currency.

When you 'pay' attention

to something,

you're buying an experience.

It's an investment,

so 'spend' carefully

and only on things

that will bring you 

a good return.

Be selective.

Treat your time

with as much care

as your finance.

It is equally as valuable.

You

You,
yes you,

...

you are

a downright

glorious spectacle

of a human being!

You are

wonderful and worthy,

brave and beautiful,

kind and comforting,

fair and feisty,

giving and gracious,

lovely and lovable!

Don't ever stop

being your most

glorious self.

I'm taking a short hiatus.

I will be back early next week.

Just unplugging and reconnecting elsewhere

for a brief bit.

Be kind to one another. It starts with you ...

Peace

There was no one to credit for this,
but I would offer this to so so many right now ...

Peace

is always

right here.

You 

just have to

create space

for it.

Have an extraordinary day!

Fragrance

For those, including me,
who are missing someone ...

Some people are not

physically present

in your life ...

but their fragrance

is still there ~

always there ~

their smiles, their words,

their warmth.

It's always there

to give you

the security, the strength,

and the comfort

that you need

for your soul

for the next step,

for the next moment,

for ever.

Shine

Found this and Lynified it ...
just for you all ...

Oh, how you shine

with your eyes

sparkling like sunbeams;

your heart

full of moonlight;

your aura 

glowing like sunrise;

and your soul

brimming with stars.

At the Hem

At the Hem
by Lyn Marinello

I am an open book

    penned in invisible ink
Incredibly pensive
    with thoughts unworthy to think
I've battled foes
    unseen by the masses
Sprinting through life
    as I trudge in molasses
I see little I like
    in my mirrored reflection
Rise from the ashes
    to greet new dejection
I dance to life's cha-cha
    on sore, calloused feet
Feast on hope never ending
    that tastes so bittersweet
There's a pain in betrayal
    the soul can't correct
An ache indescribable
    from complete disrespect
As a tired head raises
    adrift in a hurt filled haze
I can almost see clearly
    the error of my ways
I have searched for the answers
    in the person adjacent
Thought "little" wrongs don't count
    I became completely complacent
I bartered and bargained,
    plead for forgiveness, redemption
Thought that maybe some status
    provides a safety, exemption
I've learned salvation exists
    as I see when I probe
Not in material, money or man
    but at the hem of His robe

A Little Levity

In case the world
has been weighing heavy
on your mind and heart,
here's a little fun for you today.
I hope you smile.

I wish

pets lived longer,

life wasn't so expensive,

cake didn't make you fat,

and people weren't idiots.

Have a lovely day.

Decide

I don't have anyone in particular to credit
but it doesn't matter.

It was said and I'm sharing ...

All we have

to decide

is what to do

with the time

that is given us.

Make good choices ...

purposeful, productive,

positive choices.

Same Premise

A couple of quips
with very similar meanings.

I hope you take from this

what you might need ...

I am not afraid

of storms,

for I am learning

how to sail my ship.

I love the stars

too much

to fear the night.

Keep your soul

rooted in gratitude

and your branches

open to blessings.

Carlos

For your birthday, sweety!
Love you and miss you much!

Carlos, through my eyes

by Lyn Marinello

 

 

 

A mountain of a man

Opinionated, loud

Completely unmistakable

When enveloped in a crowd

Like a bull within a China shop

Undeterred where he has trod

Comfortable with who he was

No need for pretense or façade

Bacchus in human form

Indulgent to grand excess

A bit too much for some

But I wouldn’t want him any less

A big and booming voice

An even larger heart

I’d sit in eager anticipation

As his escapades he’d impart

He had pie-in-the-sky ambitions

Cherished time to conversate

Always game for a glass of wine

And a sports or political debate

He’d wrap you in a hug

That you’d never want to end

He was much more than a relative

He was an honest, gracious friend

A zillion weather-induced phone calls

To check upon our health

Anxiously awaiting

His upcoming expansive wealth

There’s an empty space you’ve left

A chasm where you’ve been

Please know how much you’re loved and missed

… until we ride again …