Lazy Summer Days

staring out at the ocean,
watching the waves roll in.

Stars and Stripes Forever

Satisfy My Soul

there's really only one thing that can truly satisfy my soul...

Mundane Beauty

it could just be a piece of rusted iron on some weather-worn brick.
or perhaps a remnant of a time gone by...
but maybe, just maybe...
it's art, installed on the street.
just looking for an appreciative eye.

Things with Wings

F-22 Raptor, Joint Services Open House, Andrews AFB, MD

They rise and fall and loop the loop,
while soaring through the skies.

For this week's theme, I have the scoop...
it's anything that flies!

Smile Through the Shades of Gray

Smile, though your heart is aching,

Smile, even though it's breaking.

When there are clouds in the sky-

You'll get by.

If you smile through your pain and sorrow,

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through

For you.

Light up your face with gladness,

Hide every trace of sadness.

Although a tear may be ever so near,

That's the time you must keep on trying,

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile,

If you just smile.

-John Turner & Geoffrey Parsons

Prepared

I'm officially prepared for anything that may come my way, now.
Thanks boys.

the journey was brief, only a couple of miles of walking.

the rewards were enormous,

delicious,

and completely satisfying...

it's collecting season again...
one day we'll catch one before she molts her wings.

Fresh

a fresh crop of freckles
across the fresh face
of a sometimes fresh kid.

Searching for the Right Words

Hope

he stares at me with a hopeful gaze,
sure this time that the beautifully executed "sit"
will result in a wonderful tidbit
of freeze-dried liver.

Spring-y

nature springs hope skyward
launching the dreams of millions of leaflets
desperate to achieve
autumn-color stardom

Wearing the Green

there are a few things
that make rainy days
joyful and puddle-rific

Hidden

hidden here are weeks and weeks
of otherworldly adventure
and romance
and escape
from the ordinary

Flawed

cannon wheel,
Manassas National Battlefield Park

Treasured

quilted by my grandmother
of house dresses my great-grandmother wore
treasured by the granddaughter who
was and is blessed to know them both

Self. ish.

quick to laugh
a little silly
some say "goofy"

they'd be right.

Sweet

with sweets like this...
who needs chocolate?

Love

in our house,
love dangles from the ceilings
and dances across the floors