robust

being intentional with word choices
moving from general to specific to precise

robust vocabulary expands
your ability to express yourself

ornaments

stories strung together
on the Christmas tree

experiences

focus on experiences

amplify your life

replace

one choice replaces another

I'm so glad I walked
at the beach this morning

a pod of dolphins
joined me heading south
for half an hour

I craned my neck westward
with a smile on my face

transformation

it takes a gentle boil
to turn sugar, butter and water
into caramel

melding, morphing
into something
yet to be

thanks giving

not just a dinner

an action

pride

Yesterday, my daughter
posted her word of the day
"accomplish"
while I camped at the 3 day walk

She continues to "accomplish"
much that makes me proud

irreplaceable

this word stuck with me
on the 3 day walk for the cure

hand on my heart
tears wetting my cheeks

I think of individuals
that are absolutely
irreplaceable

accomplish

Step by step,
mile by mile,
walking for a cure!!!

perceptions

when others
hold up a mirror

wipe off the haze
and look at your reflection

accomplished

What are the attributes
of an accomplished teacher?

vision
motivation
knowledge
practice
reflection

fascinating

at the zoo
interacting
with the gorillas and orangutans

holding up
mirrors
pictures of their troop
various items from a purse

they peer with interest
moving fingers against the glass
as if sifting through the objects

one orangutan looked in the mirror
and pulled up the hair on her head

eye contact full of feelings

I read that we are 97% alike genetically

fascinating

weekend

Sometimes the weekend
comes just in time.

What a relief to have
unscheduled, flexible
days ahead.

time to relax and recharge

waves

rolling in
saying
all is well

promise

We walked a mile together
hand in hand.

When I was pulled
in another direction,
I stay focused
and followed through
on my promise.

reminder

She put her hand in mine and yanked
and I told her I'd be there in a minute.

I missed an opportunity to connect with her.
Instead, I was distracted and blindsided
by someone else.

Thanks for the gentle reminder.
I'll hold your hand tomorrow morning
for sure

sisters

a bumpy evening

the sisters
turned to each other
for comfort

asleep side by side
touching
breathing in sync

supported
connected
loved

a dream come true

extraordinary

People tell us it'll be fine
but that doesn't speak to us

Looking for the extraordinary
to live better than fine

Living life in awe

imprints

time and space
to celebrate
her life

giving us all the opportunity
to nurture the seeds
she planted

photos
anecdotes
reflections
insights

smiling as tears roll down my cheeks
sad and beautiful

patience, care, support
laughter, love, acceptance

Barbara's imprints

sunrise

brings
a new day
a fresh start
light to lift you up

solutions

expressing discord
may create friction

use that spark of energy
to launch you onto the path of progress and growth

strive for solutions

clutter

This disorderly state
distracts my attention
muddles my thinking
agitates me.

We search through piles for misplaced things.
I want the freedom to find what I want when I need it.

I am willing to
take the time
make the effort
and sustain the systems

We need a team approach
to create and environment of
vibrancy
flow
clarity

yelling

I raise my voice.
They say it's yelling.

Frustration turns up the volume

I'm laying here wishing
I chose to read with her
instead of arguing about the shorts
(the ONLY bottoms she wears to school)

I want to express
myself more
playfully
peacefully
thoughtfully