Wind rushing through my hair
inspires dreams of exploration
squinting into future travels
with difficulty in current storms

my soul as parched as the sand
surrounding these sapphire seas
inner turmoil continues this drought

my past haunts even as I am
propelled into new forms of paradise
the sail of youth flies high
as inevitable age reveals experience
beyond years known to most

my eyes are tired
as strained as my weathered skin
ready to wrinkle
with sorrow -- yet
craving laugh lines
glimpses into parallel paths

crumbling sand carries my feet
beyond the coast line
wobbling bottles reminisce
surreal dreams

dances under the moon as tide
rose among shells and toes
marathons under evergreens
traipsing into late night outhouses
salmon berry fuzz
wiping away regrets under Orion's belt

distracted by french chatter
washed off in salty waters
my soul is flipping over white caps
tossing around kelp forests
catching the edge of rusted Titanics

time has followed orient spices
past the gaze of mother's love
below the reach of blue fish fins
flown to white sand comfort
turquoise fresco's of childhood
shattered by futuristic palms

New Article on Bingo Night with Compassion Connect

http://www.examiner.com/places-faces-in-portland/rebuilding-divison-through-bingo

Inspired by young girls aided by Door to Grace

Am I beautiful?
What is beauty?

The makeup I pile on brings a mask to hide the truth, then I can fit the image desired.
dresses covered in frills and lace disguise any tarnished image.

Is this all necessary to see beauty?

Some say beauty is in the eye of the beholder but they never explain who the beholder is...
...what it is?

Do I decide my own beauty?

Vogue portrays glitz and glam beyond my means.
Cover Girl digitally enhances models to push higher expectations on beauty...on me.

How can I fulfill the headlines claim of catching Mr. Right without the looks?

Forever21 is a superficial dream my midlife crisis will shatter.
Following the American Eagle may trap my beauty in an over-consumptive maze.

So please answer me without any coverup!

What is beauty?
Am I beautiful?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

YES!
You are beautiful!

Beauty is not found in labels or ruffles or glitter.
Blush cannot hide ones heart.
The true beauty shines past all the costumes.
Your soul reveals what matters.
Your actions declare a gorgeous art.
Even the simplest clothes can overshadow a models selfish interior.

Beauty is what God gifted all women.
It is the way you smile at secrets.
It is the laughter bubbling over family meals.
It is the sparkle in your babies gaze.
It is a gentle hug of support from friends.

Beauty is found in rough hands from years of caring for others.
In wrinkles formed on many sunny day squints.
In layers of skin flexible enough to carry another body and shrink back.

Beauty is every women's tie to another.
For we all love after pain...live after loss...gain more strength after struggles.

YES!
You are beauty!
Embrace the beautiful!

Cracked Moonlight

Moonlight glows around the dry cracked ground

Gazing through every gap and crevice available

Searching for any hidden secret that was thrown aside

New Article on Compassion Connect

http://www.examiner.com/places-faces-in-portland/compassionate-health-clinics

The Psychology Revenge

"So isn't it time to ask: Who will stop the cycle? If not us, who? If not you and I, who will it be?


Do not ask for whom the bell tolls.
It tolls for thee."

--John Donne

My cousin Noah and his family need support!!!

PLEASE pray, send good vibes, hope for sunshine, wish for strength, give them wisdom…whatever you can do for them during this time that is so SO hard. I wish I was closer to MN so more support could be provided.

I love them all and am keeping them in my thoughts, heart, prayers, etc….today