visualization

She squeezes her eyes shut
and chants the number
she wants to roll.

rattling the die
in the blue, plastic cup

it works

she gets another yahtzee

family

gatherings
around the table

eating
games
conversations

connections
comfort
relaxation

embraces

heart

Christmas Eve stroll
around Balboa Park

We walk towards the
bundled up people
tucked away in the shadows

Bags of cookies
placed at their sides

Hot chocolate
by the tree

waiting

then...
a jingle bell
and Santa visit

magical

believe

The girls have questions
about Santa

and we shape the conversation
beyond

Like Einstein said,
"There are two ways to live your life
one is as though nothing is a miracle,
the other is as though everything is a miracle."

hope

sunrise and smiles feed hope

reflective

pensive
contemplative
thoughtful

I want to surround myself
with people who exhibit
those characteristics

journey

we connected deeply
he left us suddenly
yet we continue to learn
from him

we are being shown a way

to grieve
to honor
to celebrate
to be gracious

a journey
to the Bahamas
in our future

yuck

That's what my body is saying to me right now.
I went from sugar to salty
and back again.

I seem to do this every once in a while.

Is it because it's easier to complain
about my stomach ache
than deal with the bigger issues?

yuck

anticipation

On my morning walks

I pass by her window

she sits on the stairs
bundled up in her robe
pets her cat
and peers outward

we always wave
to each other

an exchange of warmth

collaboration

negotiating ideas
synthesizing the gist
applying learning to new situations

working with others brings out the best in you

reminder

she placed a pendant with the words,
"be kind"
around her little sister's neck

imagine if we all wore
that message

balance

People refer to wanting balance in life.

Balance is not an equal division of life's tasks
but rather actions that are responsive to life's moments

drain

I find myself
pulling the car
to the side of the road

when the sisters are
bickering
and escalating
problems

It's a drain
when they complain

So, what do I want?

kindness
patience
empathy
respect

meditative

the repetitive
motions of knitting

freeing my mind from the cognitive realm
opening up a relaxing state

books

I went gift shopping today
and explored lots of options
for my family

picked up, looked over, put back
most every thing

except for books

gifts of
introspection
and expansion

lightness

toxic interactions
create a tangible
energy drain

recognize
the churning feelings
of discord

tightness

Seek out
people and interactions
that make you
reflect
connect
expand

lightness

shift

sometimes a little nudge
in a positive direction
is all I need
to make a shift
in my attitude