foggy

When I feel like I'm in
the thick of a fog

I look for
a beacon of light

empathy and humor
shine bright

priority

Children should come first
in decision making
at school.

I cringe
My toes curl
and some times
the flood gates open
when kids' needs
are secondary

Advocacy
matters

Put a spotlight
on what's right.

gift

I started out this morning
feeling misunderstood

I was catapulted into the
next task of the day
with a lingering feeling
of disappointment

carrying that bag of bricks

I stayed focused on
adding value to my work

lightening the load
ending the day with
perspective

and a shift

a conversation with
a breast cancer patient

exemplifying
courage and hope

as a woman, wife
and mother

response

sometimes when I feel
bombarded

the aspect I can control
is my response

to the situation

abundance

friends extending support
surprises that make me smile

accept graciously
and keep the cycle going

action

procrastination
creates stress

accomplishment
creates momentum
and relief

genuine

focus on quality
honesty and sincerity
are tangible

voice

keeping updated
with her emails and texts

but when I heard her voice on the phone
I could feel her smile

changes

When it's hard to say goodbye
that means you're
connected, invested
and had a good experience

express yourself
acknowledge aspects of the old
be excited about possibilities of the new

making changes with integrity

silence

is agreement.

I dodged a situation today.

Now the truth is nagging
to get out.

run

girls on the run
goal is to build
positive
strong
healthy
self images

breathe
sweat
encourage
accomplish

run

highlight

strengths

with sincerity

positive intention
has a cumulative effect

milestones

highlighting
strengths
builds momentum
towards a goal

impulse

sometimes I wish
I had the ability
to rewind an episode
of my day

together

we weave in and out
of each others' lives

overlapping
diverging
connected
strong

a family
braided together

touch

when words
get stuck in your throat
say it with a hug

reciprocity

It started with a basket
filled with fresh fruit
left on our door step

We filled it back up
with home baked cookies
left on their door step

Surprises go back and forth
exchange of treats
and positive energy

texture

wet, slippery rice paper
sticky glass noodles
julianned carrots
leafy green lettuce
slivered red peppers
pinch of cilantro
cubed avocado

spring rolls

we each make our own
having fun with the process

enjoying
the fresh flavor
and textures

soothe

she's been crying
we gently stroke
her head, her cheek, her shoulder
until she lets her eyes close
her breath deepens
rest awaits

spontaneity

a tweak of the prism
letting in new light

worry

Certain quotes and ideas
have had a powerful influence
on my life

"Worrying about tomorrow empties
today of it's strength"

Makes sense intellectually
Challenging to internalize

cookies

When I feel frazzled,
baking calms me

chocolate chip cookie
aromatherapy