Freedom

🕊 How sweet it is even if you are not entirely free from the dark side of life like hatred, disrespect, war, greed and arrogance. We are free however, to love, respect, be conduits for peace, generous and humble about what freedom we do enjoy. Indeed; "Shine sweet freedom shine your light on me" 

MAY

May your day's be merry, mild and mellow enough to recover from the chaotic stressful day's that leave you feeling dazed, cranky and confused. May your mother always hold a special place in your heart and soul and continue to be a beautiful part of your soul naturally referred to with reverence and love.

May goodness promptly follow the bad lands on your path and may mercury rise like hope to lift you up and out of cumbersome times, times that feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. In giving and receiving may love light and lead the way always a part of your days and nights forever. 

Trick or Treat

Pick a hand, any hand, you will be dealt according to the luck of the draw and your choices, as the challenges of life play tricks on you along with accompanying treats. One adapts and modifies accordingly. Ideally, going with the flow rather than fighting the current, it makes for a smoother ride and more positive outcome to move along peacefully, not necessarily quietly but peacefully for sure. Treachery in people, leaders and teachers and others who may not have deserved our trust, become inspiration for change and courage to move in other more productive contributing ways. It is within our means to cultivate our own environment and desire the best for ourselves and others. Very simply, my prayer is for loving, harmonious days and nights, for everyone, everywhere.

When we think and speak from a peaceful place, the world seems to be much more approachable. When we are lost in doubt, fear, despair, worry, we create chaos for ourselves. Runaway thoughts and feelings only render confusion and overwhelm an otherwise peaceful moment. Worrying becomes a go-to familiar thing to do especially during stressful times. It seems as though we find things to fret over, when it is much more satisfying to recalibrate our thinking, switch gears to a calm cool pool of ideas that do not suck the life and liveliness out of you. 

Sounds easy enough yet the dark forces of the world lurk about with every intention to discourage the encouraged. Hate-filled elements seek to run interference with beautiful minds, hearts and souls. The ones living life the best way they can with what they have. It doesn't take much to treat oneself to a good thought, something cheerful that will sprout joy. Small inconsequential things for ourselves or someone else can transform something ugly into a wonderful thing. It feels fine and right to fortify, nurture and grow our own goodness. Kindness is so spectacularly simple and effective in changing the direction of things at any given moment. 

To treat myself right and others well is correct, looking though the lens of dark illusions, disillusioned, jaded, bitter about injustice, unfairness, goodness muddied trampled on and tainted heartlessness of people, aspects of life that seem too harsh and hateful to be real. May we remember the important and powerful holy spirit and soul that shelters us, in direct association with Love, the sweetest of treats, gifts, blessings, how loves power lights our way.  We have the sacred capacity to shine and share light with those whose light has dimmed or think they have no light left at all.

Thoroughfare

It's been a while. I have missed you like a mother misses her child. I think about you often and hope you know how much I appreciate you in my life. We keep in touch by quick flashes of expression in other social media platforms, but I know it is not enough when you are here with open arms and an open heart on the ready to write it out. Thank you. I feel an indebtedness to the powerful resources you offer me as I look the other way. I pray, a sincere thoroughfare is being created at this very moment with these very words jumping on the surface of the screen onto this boxed set of thought and expression. I have missed your pliability and all the possibilities. I carry you around like an unopened big box of crayons waiting to be opened and used in the best way possible.

We exchange and share ideas with words and take them personally as if we own each letter that forms each thought and expression. Places words take us and bring us back to, with each personal custom made to order and fit our needs in a moments notice or without notice, like when one speaks before thinking which can cause problems, when you realize you should not have said something, after you say it.

Sincerest apologies for not connecting with you on a regular basis. It has been too long since we have sat together and complimented each other as nicely as we could. Moving forward and away from recent lack of posts into time to reflect on things, life, love, loss, light, darkness, doubt, despair, faith, hope, Grace.  I knew it would feel great to be in here with you again, I was right. Sigh. Thank you💗

Wanderlust

As far back as she can remember the feeling that she did not belong accompanied her. It was a lingering shadow of a thought that always seemed to be there but what else could she do but make the best of things since the knowledge and means of transporting, transcending and going to another place or time seemed out of reach, yet considered as consistently as the as the sun rises and fades resting in a restless state of being. What can one do when one feels out of place. An unsettled chord follows her still, strumming along sustaining a subtle yet significant note of longing, to wander in this direction or that, not exactly knowing where, how or when.

Curiosity combined with the vast mysteries of life, prevail in a world that has become almost desensitized with a nonchalant  attitude toward everything, the good, bad, sad and amazing. The unknown and unfinished make for a resilient resolve ready to take it all on, the darkness as well as the wonderful, the bright, soft and sacred light, every blessed bit of it.

Time after time surprise encounters pleasant and unpleasant experiences and circumstances render sadness, disappointment and shock while joy, delight, exhilaration and eager anticipation make way for the journey ahead with every little stride and giant enthusiastic step forward. The terrifying twists and tantalizing turns are approached with caution and strong open arms and a tender sensitive heart. Meanwhile all the dreams and drama are part and parcel of the aging body and evolving mind and soul. Adaptations and modifications withstanding she is able to move on to the next perplexed or placid place, appointed and anointed by creation.

The imagination struggles to restrain and stay within the realm of rationality and reality. All the while melancholy flutters like the butterfly caught-up in a sudden burst of commotion, from a gentle breeze to gale force winds that prompt yet again the desire to drift away from the confines and security of predictability. The longing comes and goes through the years and brings her back to a solid state and calm condition navigating through with unshakable faith and hope in the goodness of people and places that make life livable and lovable. It is a life carved out of countless challenges and bountiful blessings, a life equipped with necessary components including a unique blend of form and function. The proverbial bird of different colors with a deep sense of empathy and compassion, imaginative and creative. She is on the ready to share and welcomes love, joy, peace and respect extracted and emitted out of lessons learned from life. Every single ache and pain as well as the seemingly bland yet beautiful, breathtaking moments.

When all is said and done one does well to simply get on with the business of life moving forward with top shelf expressions of humanity, for her own good and peace of mind. She is deserving and worthy of the best that life affords. Whether drifting far away at any given moment, tripping the light fantastic or keeping it simple in the middle or on the edge of it all gazing out into the horizon looking through the lens of wanderlust, she keeps the faith through it all.

http://brunodelaroza.com/

Fireflies >< (Part 2)

In the June 14th, 2006 "Fireflies" blog, I lamented about people whose lives hold more challenges than many, the blind, the broken hearted and grieving, the aging, those bent and broken. Now as we acknowledge another holiday season, there is a keen awareness of those who, by their own design or have been dealt an unfair hand, would just as soon forget this time of year when great dreams and wishes have not come true with the probability of them not happening at all.

We see people another type of "Firefly" close to home or far away suffering, lost, wandering aimlessly. What and when will they eat their next meal? Where will they sleep, how will they be protected from the harshness of the elements. The cold air bites as hard as the razor sharp teeth of a hungry shark. Not having shelter or someone to come home to let alone having a place at all to call home. I wonder how so many people end up displaced, without the comfort of a warm bed and roof over their head. What happened? How can a person, a child, a pet, families be out in the cold? In a country with resources such as the United States it seems that it is more like the Divided States of a sad America with the haves and the have not's left to figure things out.  Find a way to survive, thrive, live a comfortable, happy, healthy life free from agonizing worries and fear, scared about the future and what lies ahead. Any attempt to fly away from the scorching oppressive heat of bad decisions, scathing disappointments, displacement, life's cruel conditions and circumstances smolder and feel like hell when the big questions are; "What is the next move and where is a safe place to go?"

If and when we see a "firefly" we must do what we can to lift the burden(s), one person at a time. Whatever it is that we might offer if only a sincere prayer and good thought that they may somehow find their way, find relief from their misery, a way out of the darkness into some manner of comfort. What can I do besides look away into the next thought or place unencumbered by the sorrowful weight of knowing someone is suffering so. What can I do then but be as good and grateful a person as possible. In a world where the scales of justice, peace and prosperity are so unbalanced it would seem the very least I can do is to cast a good light on whomever I encounter. Shed a light of peace and kindness, a compassionate attitude toward others everywhere without judgement and while I'm at it perhaps provide sustenance of some sort to one brought down by hardship. Something to support another being through life, a spark of hope, a gesture of goodness that might shore-up a person who is down. 

It is well within our scope to be a soft and strong landing for another if only for the moment. Whatever it is we do, we do in the name of being humane, soulful and empathetic. To handle one another with care is best as all of us have found ourselves at times, fireflies wandering and wondering where, how, when and who will hear our cry, understand our pain, our quest for peace and longing for a fair and level playing field where hope, peace and joy are truly the order of the day and dreams seem as possible and probable as the best times of our lives and fireflies fly freely, capable of taking good care of themselves and light the way for others lost in the darkness.

Something Good

The fire starts with a spark, the small light glows brightly then dims with the mundane the day in day out grind transitions into joy and excitement as glorious as the sound of a finely tuned grand piano. Another shift in time and space as the wind fans the flame with anticipation for something good a sweet stirring in a quiet heart beating with a powerful rhythm. The possibilities are spectacular in scope, the wondrous world, wild, wicked saturated in splendid beauty beyond our view yet within our reach.

We ponder life's mysteries, surprises, blindsided by bad news, overcome with grief then taken back by a story of humanity at it's finest, resilient, merciful, thoughtful with compassion for the innocent, neglected, abandoned. People and animals alike are rescued and rescue those divinely appointed in the name of mutually salvaging a broken heart, the injured and isolated spirit. The resilience of the hurt and heart sick resounds with heart stopping, joyful gratitude and humility with an appreciation for the ablity to move past the pitch blackness into a new light of a better and brighter day. ☼

May

As glorious as you are mysterious, brutally handsome as you are bitter sweet, sprouting buds, birds and bee's paint mother earths beautiful face with fragrant scents, mouthwatering flavors, fresh flowers the sights and sounds leave one breathless, bewildered in awe and part of the season of change, connected to earth's lavish tapestry.

The wind chimes stir and the cool evening casts curious shadows on the wall as the moon and stars vie for our attention. Meanwhile planes seem to fly playfully in the sky, a dog shakes and her collar clinks against her gold fur, in the distance another dog barks in harmony with the sound of cars driving to and fro.

The sounds of the city create background music with a familiar rhythm that is comforting, often transparent as the melody blends into the day and night. The morning light is welcomed or dreaded accompanied by the sweet sound of birds chirping getting on with the business of welcoming another day in May.

One Day At A Time

How bout one minute at a time? The pace of life quickens and the day is fraught with possibilities, our thoughts constantly filtering various reasons to feel good, bad, disappointed, delighted, up or down. We try to maintain a happy medium and keep it together even though at times it would be so much easier to think, say or do something negative.

Taking life one day at a time keeps it simple when any given day includes moments you kind of feel like dying inside to see anyone suffer or to feel your own pain. We do quite well to think twice about allowing anything or anyone to disturb our own peace, yet we fall prey to ill fitting moments and encounters. How we react if at all, what thoughts and attitude do we naturally harbor to strengthen ourselves or enable to weaken our ability to remain positive.

The past, the future, imagination and mood are not always the best dance partners, the dance floor in my head more often than not recognizes when one or the other is out of step, it is a clumsy thought process, funky notions and fretful concepts emerge in rapid fire succession, I trip over myself as a natural consequence until I simply stop, shift gears, regroup take a deep breath and find my best mental and spiritual stride.  I am once again cleared for take off, going for it (the moment, the day, life) peacefully doing what I can with what I have for whomever I can however it happens, in light, love, respect. Yes one day at a time, here and now ~

Rules & Reg's

At what point does one disconnect? The light of the spirit shines brilliantly, flickers and fades with every step of life. Every moment determines the strength or weakness of the glow. The purveyors of peace pray the light never goes completely out. The heart thrives and shrivels as the rules change in the name of love, harmony, order, self preservation or in the name of hate, cold, reckless malevolence. What was once considered cruel, crazy, harmful behavior suddenly becomes acceptable for those whose mind has been emptied of reason and respect for life and the safety of others.

One does not always regulate owns own conscience be it by choice or other influences. The vulnerable fall prey and acquire a taste for hostility and aggression, detachment from a kinder, softer, peace-loving existence to a harsh, bitter, belligerent mentality. It is based on much exposure to malice, anger, frustration and unrest. Fear mongers attempt to choke the goodness out of life and seize the sweetness of the soul.

There is a strange and dark tolerance for disrespect. At times it feels like the whole world has gone mad. I don't remember it always being like this or are there simply more people which makes it more pronounce? Haters look for trouble, someone to disturb, instill worry, doubt and despair. As the sting and scars of disrespect become the order of the day this precious planet must feel every ache and pain. The collective pulse and heartbeat of mother earth longs for Love, Respect, Kindness and Compassion and in the end, must prevail.

Hallelujah!

Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah

There's a blaze of light In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken hallelujah

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though It all went wrong
I'll stand before the lord of song
With nothing on my tongue but hallelujah

~ Leoanard Cohen

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

“I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.”

~from Saint Patrick’s ‘Breastplate’ Prayer

~ Peace On Earth ☼ And Goodwill Toward ALL ~

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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. ~ St. Francis of Assisi

Moonlit Night

You are so cool, so big and beautiful.

Your light makes me feel good as you shine like crystal, everything seems clean and clear. You cast a bright silver glow on the concrete, even Boxer girl, Sunni Marie with her gold furry back glistens as you cover her with your shiny brilliance. Music sounds better, the air is fresh and you seem to be at the center of it all.

Thank you!

Thank you for blessing me with your radiance still, after all these years.

I simply never get tired of seeing you and reaching out through you to everyone- to emit love and blessings, prayers for peace within everyone and for everyone without it, to far reaching areas in need of light and goodness.