Glimpses Intangible

March

2010-03-03T14:34:00.003-05:00

Snow covered ground
puddles of warmth
serenade of song birds
conflict of wind and sun
beguile layers of clothes
bulbs begin to sprout
confusion in the ground
winter's hold is letting go
to welcome spring delight

2010 Pauline

Still Life

2010-01-16T14:41:00.001-05:00

Walking upon the frozen lake
surrounded by silent woods
unseen wildlife's watchful eyes
crystal clear blue sky
crisp air attempts to caress
remnants of skin unclothed
water and ice tussle in delight
surface cracks unfold
footsteps linger---listening
as winter and spring rustle
a ping---a sing---unseen
beneath this frozen lake
nature creates this wonderland
for hearts and souls to rejoice
untouchable----protected
wrapped in powerful beauty
comforted by His sublime
mysterious hand that paints
the surface of this earth in ever
changing wonder which unfold
before our eyes

Pauline 2010

Celebrate the Season

2009-12-18T09:37:00.001-05:00

Travel light, live
light; spread the
light, be the light.

author unknown

Three Hearts

2009-11-04T15:29:00.003-05:00

A solitary soul
works upon his boat
dark clothing grasps
the warmth of sun rays
playfully I call to him
any lobster today
he stands within our path
near his river home
uncertain of his presence
we stop and exchange
light friendly conversation
suddenly he begins to unfold
his recent tragedy
a wife he drove for minor
surgery he tells two strangers
she passed away
speechless I stand beside him
tears fall from this hidden well
longing to comfort him
yet frozen...
struck dumb...
pain of loss we understood
and for this moment brief
three hearts upon the river bank
stood silently each feeling alone
each feeling incomplete
each questioning life's mysteries
each heart dying individually yet
wondering if ever we could be of
any help to someone else that
shares this dreadful loss
willing to at least be silent and
hear the other talk

Pauline 2009

Hello

2009-07-19T14:26:00.003-04:00

Just to stop and say hello
life is swiftly passing
twists and turns of unexpected
nature fill my days with pause
and exploration......
this should be a peaceful time for me
yet questions and uncertainty fill
the days and weeks for me
just to stop and say hello
is what I need to do
to make you all aware that you
are still
forever so important to me.......

Pauline

Yesterdays Light

2009-05-21T21:23:00.002-04:00

Graceful framework

of decorative art clings

to porch rafters

that hold memories

of laughter and song

couples gliding

across the porch floor

enraptured in dreams

caressed by soft light

Newness

2009-04-23T17:07:00.002-04:00

circle of life

held in my arms

welcoming

new beginnings

Sweet Promise of Re-birth

2009-03-30T10:01:00.002-04:00

Slender Maiden

2009-03-16T14:13:00.002-04:00

Slender maiden stretches her toes
downward toward the earthen snow
disguised within frozen sap this
slender maiden a debutante
sweetly dressed for this display
will bring forth smiles hidden beneath
her shield of bark
once warmed by firewood she emits
her gifts of aromatic maple sugar days

©2009Pauline

Stance of Orion

2009-02-22T14:49:00.002-05:00

Stance of a giant

Warrior-hunter

Of the skies

His girth bedecked

With diamonds

Power without noise

He stands in watchfulness

To capture

Loose celestial stars

That run before his sword

Love

2009-02-15T09:43:00.003-05:00

Love arrives

in many forms

friendship comfort in words

prayer and meditation

brings love's comfort too

May this world

so hurried, so angry

so saddened

Stop!

for just today to breath

in love swallow love

give love away

not physical but spiritual

thoughtfulness and caring

giving and sharing

one day of peaceful bliss

I wish for all humanity

on this St. Valentine's Day

Such Form Such Style

2009-02-13T17:44:00.002-05:00

Marathon of Clouds

2009-02-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

A marathon of clouds
Uniformed in white
Race across a cobalt sky
Revealing constellations bright
They stand affixed upon a crisp
Blue sky as if to cheer
Each cloud race by

©2009Pauline

Curvature

2009-01-28T20:20:00.005-05:00

The view from here is slanted

weathered by the years

is it time to renovate

or time to find escape

through curvature of glass and wood

some beauty still remains

listening intently the building sings

its sweet refrain of usefulness

and purpose for storage shed and home

that now lovingly embraces canvas

for an artists hand

the view from here is slanted

weathered from the years

but inside are stored hidden dreams

painted by the man that

still believes in capturing

simplicity of his unannounced dreams

Confetti of Yesterdays

2009-01-25T22:31:00.004-05:00

Peering into this reality
Recognizing head on
The absence of you!
Experiencing loss, anger
Sadness, solitude
Filling the void with questions
Of what to do?
Where to go from here?
The paper shredder is both
Friend and foe
Destroying with angry teeth
Each handwritten note
Leaving me confetti of yesterdays

©2009Pauline

LLAMA January Meeting

2009-01-23T13:14:00.002-05:00

Inaugural Observance

2009-01-20T14:16:00.004-05:00

Myriad of emotions unspoken
written upon the faces hidden
beneath appropriate smiles
joy, anticipation, disappointment
what private thoughts are processed
along the corridor and stairs
what impact of the peoples cheers
lay etched upon his heart
as history records this day
no promises are heard
yet the audience holds fast
in waiting for his whispered word
of hope, renewal, some new start
one step forward into the brightness
of our future days.

©2009Pauline

Autumn's Rebirth

2009-01-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Autumn the season

that says goodbye

leaves flutter an

autumnal dance and

rest upon earths floor

yet an unexpected

invitation surprisingly

arrives bringing me to

witness rebirth from

on high

baptismal water and lifted

hearts

choir fulfilling angelic sounds

autumn's goodbye is no longer

found

our spirits are stretched

passing through invisible bounds

gift of witnessing an adult baptismal ceremony

Endless Space

2009-01-08T23:31:00.006-05:00

Hiding from myself

pulling down the shade

shutting out the world

attempting to remain

encased within my

lonely place numbed

by loss forgetful of the

passing days unaware

of times escape it blends

into an endless space

hours, days, nights, weeks

all smudge themselves

falling into nothingness of

days I can't recall

how can I explain myself

so you will understand

when in fact I'm hiding

from myself...lost somewhere

in confusion unaware so

terribly unaware that my

detachment is hurting you

forgive me and say a silent

prayer that soon this grief

and sorrow will become

easier to bear for then I

will return to be the mother

that you know and demonstrate

forever true love that we have known.

©2009Pauline

1-8-09

"Happy New Year"

2009-01-06T07:42:00.003-05:00

May the season of light
Shine ever so bright
Chasing away any shadows
Ushering in with cheer and
Delight the New Year that
Hastily follows

©Pauline 1/2/09

Minus One

2009-01-02T07:01:00.001-05:00

This photograph requested
Marking time aware now
Of how swiftly life passes
Friends stand side by side
Minus one
Smiling for the lens my
Thoughts are of you in
Your absence
Photograph reflecting smiles
Unable to capture silent thoughts
As we internally compute our
Lives touched
As we stand to pose for this
Moment minus you

©2008 Pauline

Dawn

2008-12-23T17:38:00.002-05:00

The Lord plays with
color this morning
pink-orange blends
into yellow-cream
greeting a grey-blue
sky with dramatic flare
He has placed this color
pallet over rooftops
blanketed by fresh fallen
snow
roof colors purified dressed
in soft white robes

©2008 Pauline

Liquid Prayers

2008-12-20T13:59:00.005-05:00

I was wondering
what angel the
Lord would send
first winter storm
my ineptitude from
a broken arm
suddenly the sound
of a snowblower was
heard and the angel
could be seen although
disguised for he wore
a hat and jeans

©2008 Pauline
May angels cross your path each day
unrecognized

Wreaths and Red bows

2008-12-10T22:18:00.003-05:00

Preparation for Christmas has begun, lights and red bows decorate doors in welcoming attire. I have made two attempts to bring wreaths to the grave sites on two separate occasions, both of these efforts failed due to my lack of directional skills and unavailability of an in car map quest, gps system...hint here for Christmas gift, family. My last trip was to my husbands grave. Without any problem the wreath was placed upon the headstone and its red bow waved thank you gently in the December air. Walking back toward my car a woman approached me with sincere compliments on the seasonal appearance. In no time at all we shared our stories hugged and parted.Suddenly it occurred to me that my previous attempts were no accident and it was meant for me to give this woman a wreath for her husbands grave. Why do we cling to those now passed and inadvertently manage to over look the pain and bereavement of the living who stand right before us?

Doreen and I continued to share our losses as we walked together to her husbands grave site. Once there I was introduced to her brother and mother.Doreen was quite specific telling me how she wanted the wreath placed and I went to work. Her brother looked astonished at our interaction and asked if we knew each other? No. I replied while continuing to string the wreath according to Doreen's wishes. Doreen supplied more detail of our meeting and bonding of widowhood to her brother easing his appearance of dismay.

This incident was heart warming. Two women met as strangers and parted as friends. I glanced upon my husbands grave fully decorated and smiled for the first time. I knew that he approved of this sharing moment between strangers.

Something larger than a wreath and a bow was shared between strangers. Something kind and loving and deeply spiritual took place. Hugs and waves followed me as I drove away and I know the spirit of Christmas was found in a most unexpected way.

Maiden of the Stars

2008-12-02T17:40:00.005-05:00

Cepheus and Cassiopeia
bring forth a daughter
named Princess Andromeda
who rests upon a dardened
cobalt sky
yet at her side she tends
the pulse beat
of one hundred billion stars
silently blinking messages
seen many light years away
and we receive today this
message while standing here
on earth beneath a crisp
November sky

©2008 Pauline

Thanksgiving Day Wishes

2008-11-22T12:57:00.004-05:00

Wishing you some spot to call your own

Wishing you peace filled quiet roads

Wishing you harmonious meetings
on this Thanksgivings Day!!!

Old Friends New Day

2008-11-17T22:21:00.003-05:00

Life has unexpected ways
of rearranging our days
long-time friends comfort
and share the journey of
such unexpected ways
somehow we receive and give
the gift of genuine love while
laughter dances behind a veil
pleasantly to interrupt like
punctuation marks between
our thoughts
old friends new day only they
can understand the fullness
of their presence their steadfastness
their love their treasure shared for
old friends create the miracle of
a brand new day.

Joe and Carole
©2008Pauline

Clinging

2008-11-05T10:44:00.002-05:00

Clinging to the memories

of summer sun and

warmer days

clinging to the joyfilled

heart of yesterdays

Fireplace

2008-10-30T14:24:00.003-04:00

Simplicity of warmth
rays of sunshine once
absorbed now returned
transformed through a
dance of ignited flames
that comfort and embrace
my heart
my mind
my face
as I sit before the hearth
enraptured by the fireplace
and its simplicity of warmth

©2008 Pauline

Simply Beaching...

2008-10-25T12:45:00.005-04:00

Sand soft beneath my feet

the smell of salt air gently

touches and refreshes

both mind and soul

giving life with each inhalation

giving strength to guide

these footsteps as they wander

over soft sands with ocean

waves that create

soothing music for the ears

with every step each sorrow

each tear is magically erased.

The Open Door

2008-10-21T13:47:00.000-04:00

The open door stood

welcoming me into

the silence

into its peace

and so I chose

to linger there

softly stating my concerns

words unspoken now released

upon the silence

known as prayer

The Colors..DeColores

2008-10-18T18:56:00.004-04:00

Green leaves turn into

a painters dream

a pallet of the gods

and we breath the crisp

air that falls

refreshed from the heavens

Flame of Love

2008-10-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

Flame of love

flame of remembrance

you dance within

the unseen

movement of air

burning brightly

as you stretch

reaching for the home

of heaven

that you now share

Learning

2008-10-11T14:24:00.004-04:00

Learning

to play a new tune

learning

to strum

while natures setting

provides the kindness

of a gentle embrace

Sticks and Stones

2008-10-07T09:38:00.004-04:00

Upon a forest floor

a mixture of textures

can be found

the rustle of life heard

foraging, planning

for winter survival

upon a forest floor

lessons

can be found

lessons

can be learned

Balancing Act

2008-10-02T08:00:00.002-04:00

Moments of serenity and peace
hours when I feel complete
days that pass with foolish pride
whispering lies, whispering lies
suddenly a cloud appears covering
clear skies
shadows fall before my feet
reality strikes the heart forcing
me to see this balancing act within
dressed in full disguise

©2008Pauline

Opening Every Door

2008-09-25T23:55:00.005-04:00

Opening every door
the name displayed
matters not to me
Jesus was a Jew
so there I'll start
my questioning
my neighbor is
a Baptist minister
yes, I have already
opened and visited
that door finding
love and comfort
Greek Orthodox my
husband was and yes
I paid my visit to be
welcomed to be blessed
to put some longing
silently to rest
cannot explain this need
to search yet opening
every door will reveal to me
a hidden message found in
understanding of this necessary
quest some confirmation that
my husbands soul has now
found blissful rest.

Pauline©2008

Blue Canvas

2008-09-23T08:00:00.002-04:00

One lonely chair
graces the garden lawn
remembering conversations shared
one lonely chair sits empty
a statement of your absence now
that you are gone
unable to sit remembering
I flee quickly upon the steps
leaving behind me
one lonely chair that sits
beside abandoned dreams

Pauline©2008

The Impossible Performed

2008-09-17T09:04:00.001-04:00

Message from above

my love delivers by

a blue and white artform

without knowledge of

the artist's intention

I am drawn to grasp

the voice and thought

from heaven

the impossible has been

performed

Rebirth

2008-09-16T11:55:00.002-04:00

Like my garden of flowers

we plant, we toil, we cut

our blooms of beauty

All too soon fall appears and

we watch the earth reclaim

but in hopefulness and faith

we believe and wait for spring

will come again!

Pouring Fourth

2008-09-09T09:46:00.003-04:00

Rain brings overflowing streams

that pour forth abundant

energies cascading upon rocks

with deafening beauty

pouring forth a stillness of heart

rekindling laughter in the soul

mist dances in swirls of

pirouettes delivering incense to

the heavens in praise and

recognition for this magnificent beauty

Willard Brook State Forest

Crocheted Artwork Displayed

2008-09-07T00:53:00.001-04:00

FullerCraft Museum

Viewed Gift

2008-09-03T20:04:00.001-04:00

There she sits

pretty in pink

calling out to me

gentleness

combined with strength

Crane Estate

2008-09-03T01:02:00.009-04:00

I'm home...
Park in the back...

Beach time

Captured smile...

Estate garden

Walk to the ocean

Lawn view from Crane Estate

Visit to Boston

2008-08-30T00:23:00.006-04:00

My Heartfelt Prayer

2008-08-25T09:37:00.004-04:00

Show me
you love me
show me
you care
share in my joy
found in pure
wooded air
embrace my
heartfelt prayer
show me
you love me
share in my freedom
now written upon air by
brush strokes of wispy clouds
that leave me messages there
do not misjudge
my need to be
amidst a leaf or fallen tree
do not create disharmony
show me
you love me
show me
you care
share in my joy
by acceptance
of God's blessings found
through natures gifts
where my comfort abounds

Pauline©2008
For my children who ask but do not hear, who question
but do not hear nor understand my answers or my quest...

Off the Record

2008-08-19T18:15:00.003-04:00

Just to let you know
time is being taken
not to run away
but to seek visits
time spent with family
and friends
just to let you know
everything is okay

Pauline

Visiting Gaden Jangtse Monks

2008-08-14T01:15:00.009-04:00

Words from the heavens interpreted
Sharing tea and sweet rice

Pauline, daughter, grandaughter
receive gifts both visible and invisible
from this amazing visit by Tibetan monks...

Sea Glass

2008-08-07T10:23:00.003-04:00

Shard of sea glass
found upon my bed
was it dropped by
you during this night
did you come on
angel wings
while lost in my
deep slumber
to leave a gift
of memories
shared in past
summers'
shard of sea glass
found today
leaving me in
silent wonder

Pauline©2008

Falling Off The Shelf

2008-07-28T09:29:00.002-04:00

Sorry for my
absence
it seems to be
that searching
has become
my new reality
beneath each leaf
beside each tree
within each cloud
I search
not recognizing
my truth
that you will never
more return to me

Pauline©2008

Serenity

2008-07-12T09:19:00.003-04:00

Serenity in nature
medicinal steps
earth, tree, wind
silence at its best
power all embracing
from within
serenity in nature
God's gift of healing
just beyond our next
step
searching, longing, striving,
reaching toward the power
encircled by forest sounds
where stillness of the heart
abounds

©Pauline 2008

Empathy

2008-07-08T09:08:00.001-04:00

Please bark

I don't do

baby speak!

photo by Pauline

Thoughts to Share

2008-07-07T09:30:00.000-04:00

The leading cause of death among fashion models is falling through street grates. Dave Barry quote :)

SLICES OF LIFE'S PIE

2008-06-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Recently I came across an article written with tender expressions of a priest serving his community. Viewing the photographs from 1986 to the present 2008 is a visual recognition of each life's short time frame. The tribute made me reflect on my individual impression with this servant of god and it helped me realize that each meeting is significant for it is unlike any other time frame in our cycle upon this earth. We are always evolving in our personal and spiritual growth. We present ourselves to the world and to our community differently at different times due to factors that affect our lives. I couldn't help but look at this young priest strong, faith filled, content and compare that image to the somewhat bitter and unapproachable pastor that was placed in our service. This article caused me to reflect upon myself and see how my circumstances change the image I present to the world. We are not stagnant spirits we are
continually challenged by family, society, health concerns and emotional tests. Reflecting on this aspect of our humanity it is understandable to meet someone new and recognize they witness only a slice of life's pie. Unless that relationship grows through sharing they walk away never having seen the whole individual before it had been cut and given out by life's events. This thoughtful tribute helped me examine myself and the slices of life's pie I have shared throughout my personal journey. The reflective mode was established and careful consideration of the images that I present each day from here will hopefully be considered. We never know the impact we make on an other's life, we never fully understand their slices of life. We can attempt to be more compassionate more patient, more understanding of each other's views and opinions. We need to travel our own path yet gather as many friends along the way as god sends. We need to attempt to see each individual as a whole story not just a moment of irritability.

Pauline©2008

THE POWER WITHIN YOU II

2008-06-19T17:23:00.004-04:00

THE POWER WITHIN YOU

When life hands you lemons make lemonade. That used to be a favorite expression of mine until I drank my fill of lemonade this year. Cancer that’s the word that strikes fear and loathing into each heart. Cancer that’s the word that spills our lemonade over the top and we drowned in the once delicious flavor.

Life’s journey can at times feel like an endless winding road. We grow weary and uncertain of what event lies unseen just beyond that next bend. Our concerns can be magnified by past experiences sadly memories cast shadows onto the gift of today.

We are here to grow in our experiences through a myriad of emotions and circumstances. Who among us has not basked in the joyfulness of life? Who among us has not felt the sting of loss and unexpected pain? We each hold our individual stories our hidden hurts and disappointments within as an unseen shadow land.

My hope is that in reading we will each be willing if only for a moment to examine our shadow land and permit light into this darkness that clouds a new day.

Most often we struggle with forgiveness of some perceived wrong done to us. In my case the sudden illness of my husband and the robbery of our shared life screams for my need to forgive whatever powers of nature, man, god, or beast that has brought this emptiness into my life.

You may have a different image in your personal shadow land that haunts your days robbing you of light and joyfulness. Think about your experience try to forgive and try to let go of your shadows.

Surprisingly we forget the need to forgive ourselves and we hold on to negative energies. The powerful gift of forgiveness delivers a weightlessness of mind, spirit, heart. Forgiveness creates a release of tension and permits us to accept our human imperfection.

Attempt to give yourself and that certain someone you are holding in this cloudy shadow land the gift of forgiveness. Experience the power within you to release the shadows and bring in the sun of warmth and abundant freedom from yesterdays injuries and wounds.

This is no easy task but I am striving to move forward. I believe good things wait for me around that next bend in the road but first I must be open in heart and spirit to receive those hidden gifts. I must release my captive yesterdays and set them free on the wings of forgiveness.

You have an opportunity to forgive and move forward. I say lets give it a try what do we have to lose yesterday is already done.

The power is within you for only you hold that special key to open the door to a happier tomorrow.

THE POWER WITHIN YOU

2008-06-17T15:40:00.007-04:00

Life’s journey can at times feel like an endless winding road. We grow weary and uncertain of what event lies unseen just beyond that next bend. These concerns can be magnified by hurtful past experiences. Sadly we cling to memories that cast shadows from our yesterdays and they project a shadow land onto the gift of today and
the promise of each tomorrow. Each of us is here to experience life with its full range of emotions: pain and sorrow, anger and regret, joy and happiness as well as love and loss.Who among us could say the journey is without pain? Who among us would state we have never basked in the joyful presence of life itself? What is this shadow land I
mention? We each have our individual stories, our private sadness, and our hidden storage box of emotional hurts and disappointments. This article is not intended to name them, nor to label and definitely not to eliminate them. My hope is that in reading we will be willing for a moment to acknowledge our individual shadows and shine some light into the darkness thus permitting the freedom of release and administration of healing to take place. In this way we will be capable of erasing negative hurts and opening our heart and spirit to the freedom of forgiveness. Often it is forgiveness of another we struggle to overcome. Surprisingly we forget the need to forgive ourselves and we hold on to negative energies locked inside. The powerful gift of forgiveness delivers a weightlessness of mind, spirit, heart. It is a release of tension and an acceptance of our human imperfection. Give yourself and that certain someone you are holding in the shadow land forgiveness and experience the power within you to celebrate abundant freedom. Embrace the gift of happiness and openness of your heart, mind, soul, and spirit for the power is truly within you! Enjoy the wings of freedom as your shadows are released into the universe and you are once again set free to live fully the gift of joy and happiness found in the offering of today. Gone are all your captive shadows of yesterdays! You are restored to celebrate life offered in this new day! I am extending an invitation for you to experience a day without shadows. Offering to you an experience of forgiveness and the joy of a peaceful heart. You choose to hold the chamber locked or set it free. For the power is within you to forgive and with that forgiveness we can each fully embrace a new day.

©2008 Pauline

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

Thank you for being supportive during this period of transition. I have been consumed with my own loss; thus unable to focus on the fact that you have lost a very special connection in your own life.

Dad was a very good man. He was kind-hearted and tender, very sensitive. Aye, O.K. he was sloppy and held onto every nut and bolt! He loved to bring old things home to repair sometimes they just waited for repair. I would joke about this with him telling him his appreciation for antiques was comforting to me for it assured me that he wouldn’t trade me in for a newer model. Then we would smile at each other.

Your father was a man who enjoyed nature: the ocean waves brushing against the shore, the power of a hawk in flight above the roadway. He loved feeding the birds each day before work and in the afternoons so we could observe them in the garden. Dad loved working the gardens for exercise and its closeness to nature in a city setting. Dad loved all people and even more people that had an interest in cars. He was a deeply spiritual man and we shared many beautiful events together in many different churches with different names. Dad read the bible every morning before work.

Your father was a romantic and faithful husband. Dad would tell me every day “this is where I want to be, with you. I don’t need anything else!” Dad had no hunger for material things; he enjoyed the intangible gifts of faith and love and family.

Dad loved you and was very proud of the person you have become. He basked in your accomplishments and proudly expounded them to any willing listener.

I do not know where my life will go from this time and place but always your father will be with me, for so many wonderful memories can never be erased.

Forever he will watch over us for that rarest form of love never dies.

Today, this “Father’s Day” he sends through me blessings, peace, and love with the added comfort that he smiles on you from above.

Love Dad

Written by Mom May 10, 2008© Pauline

Scorpion Sting

2008-06-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

I have felt
the scorpion
sting
of cancer
now
I understand
completely
the damage
of its band
I have seen
its poison run
through my
lovers veins
and have learned
unwillingly
of its fatality

©2008Pauline

Dona Nobis Pacem

2008-06-04T20:51:00.006-04:00

Lovely Lady dressed in Blue,

Teach me how to pray!

God was just your little Boy,

Tell me what to say!

Did you lift Him up, sometimes,

Gently, on your knee?

Did you sing to Him the way

Mother does to me?

Did you hold His hand at night?

Did you ever try

Telling stories of the world?

O! And did He cry?

Do you really think He cares

If I tell Him things---

Little things that happen?

And Do the Angels' wings

Make noise? And can He hear

Me if I speak low?

Does He understand me now?

Tell me--for you know?

Lovely Lady dressed in blue,

Teach me how to pray!

God was just your little Boy.

And you know the way.

author unknown

Empty Page

2008-06-03T09:06:00.003-04:00

Words flow upon each
Empty page
Crimson as blood from
An unexpected blade
My release of sorrow
And despair
Blood words mingled
With tears
Forever I am laid bare
Each thought
Each tear released
Set free
For all who wish
To truly understand me

©2008Pauline

Rendezvous of Memories

2008-05-20T13:26:00.004-04:00

Days without you
spent in busy chores
attempting to work
as you would yet
now my efforts are
singular
exhausted I attempt
escape falling into
fitful interrupted sleep
tears caress my cheeks
their warmth replaces
the tenderness of your
lips
silence fills each room
while my ears
strain
longing to recall the
sweet sound of
your voice
fifty-five days without you
my life will never be
the same for I am
intoxicated with memories
from the life that
we have shared
entangled emotions
must be met
moment by moment
for they
roll from laughter
into tears
without reason
explanation
or regret
had we grown tired
of each other
as people said we would
then this unexpected parting
could be viewed an
introduction to
a life of being free
yet I count each day
without you
imprisoned by our
rendezvous of memories

©2008 Pauline

Happy Anniversary

2008-05-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

I was blessed
with the gift of
a good marriage
I was blessed
with genuine love
I was blessed
with stability of family
home-life
I was blessed
by your tenderness
and blessed by our
shared innocence
Lord I knew that I
was blessed the
first day that we met
my soul-mate, my life's
partner, my lover, my
friend.
Happy Anniversary

©2008Pauline

The Temple Visit

2008-05-10T13:57:00.005-04:00

The unlocked door

welcomed me to

a visit in this temple

where carpeted floor

announced to me that

shoes must be removed

sitting barefoot silently

I offered my prayers

Buddha sat observing me

hushed tears came forth

to cleanse my face

a worker passing by glanced

over with a nod and with this

silent gesture he acknowledged

all my prayers

does it matter how or where

people offer up their prayers

does it matter if the rituals are

not similar to yours

in this place of meditation

was devotion to some power

acknowledgement of strength

a spirit of gratitude for its

presence

Forest of our Yesterdays

2008-05-07T07:37:00.000-04:00

One hundred years
to grow
chainsaw claims
its victory
in the passage
of one hour
bared to city street
embraced now by
cold concrete
no scent of pine
to kiss the air or
cushion moving feet
I will not claim to
understand the many
reasons listed to cut
remove and tow away
the forest of our
yesterdays

written by Pauline©2008

100 Things about Me...

2008-05-03T11:56:00.002-04:00

1. Married my teenage sweetheart.
2. Love the sound of crickets on a summer evening.
3. Haven’t outgrown the fun of rustling through autumn leaves.
4. Family is important to me.
5. I collect books but don’t always read them.
6. Butterflies are filled with spirituality and greetings.
7. Dreams are a forewarning to events.
8. I usually dream in color.
9. My preference is to work independently.
10. I do not draw the shades to block out sunlight.
11. I utilize passive solar energy.
12. I was trained to have a place for everything and everything in its place.
13. Numerous photo albums are my keepsake.
14. A freshly cut lawn requires me to inhale deeply.
15. Most interested in holistic medicine and its benefits.
16. The ocean is a place to visit and renew myself.
17. I am a grandmother of six.
18. I do not think I am old.
19. Age is a state of mind.
20. Stress is when the bills pile up.
21. More stress is when people I love are ill or unhappy.
22. I try to cure with concern and a good cup of tea.
23. Photography is a hobby that I find pleasurable.
24. I require neatness to feel free and happy within my home and my work space.
25. My car is ten years old but well maintained.
26. My garden is filled with flowers rather than vegetables.
27. I am quick to pick up a screw driver or hammer and attempt to fix something.
28. Good byes are painful for me even when short term.
29. I chose to be a stay at home Mom.
30. My mother always worked outside the home.
31. I was responsible for family care at an early age due to illness of my mother.
32. I was the sole provider for her care for over twenty years.
33. It was my mother that recognized the need to terminate this care process.
34. I cried when she left for a nursing facility.
35. I over react to mice and flies. Dirty creatures.
36. I love the ocean breeze at three o’clock.
37. I am a bundle of contradictions.
38. I believe I am independent yet I need the security and dependability of my relationships.
39. I do not think I could enjoy a house without a porch to provide sun and air.
40. I always look for the simple cause and solution to any problem.
41. With perseverance I wait for things to get better.
42. My comfort zone is helping others.
43. I am a Catholic.
44. I believe in all religions rather than an individual’s ego
45. When my first child started school, I was the only mother crying in the school yard.
46. My faith sustains me.
47. Teaching children comes naturally.
48. My dream was to be an interior decorator, that didn’t happen.
49. I strive to maintain organization at work and at home.
50. I enjoy a person with a good sense of humor.
51. I have difficulty revealing my inner most thoughts and feelings.
52. Often I expect those close to me to “know” how I feel.
53. I need solitude but long for company.
54. The computer allows me to share life’s journey.
55. I am open to learning from my children.
56. I have just studied and received my certificate in Reiki One (Japanese relaxation technique and healing energy work)
57. I own a Chihuahua.
58. I crochet.
59. I enjoy giving gifts to others.
60. I have been known to give gifts to myself.
61. I have a small room of craft projects that I don’t have time to do.
62. I attempted to smoke, because I resented other people’s breaks from the work schedule, and looked foolish.
63. I choose not to drink because I grew up with alcoholism.
64. I allowed my husband my heart because he does not drink and I felt safe.
65. I believe in the vows of marriage.
66. I have dealt with ethnic and religious barriers during my lifetime.
67. I have learned through life’s experiences how people manipulate religion to separate groups rather than to bring us together.
68. I live the statement in God’s house there are many rooms, thus I am accepting of other religious beliefs.
69. We celebrate Easter twice during the year using different calendars.
70. Time is a man made system of convenience and unreliable.
71. I believe we should do away with changing the clocks in spring and fall. It only reinforces my belief that time is incredibly inaccurate and only a method of convenience.
72. I look forward to and need family gatherings and as my contradictory emotions reveal enjoy the peace and solitude when they are over.
73. My garden is perennial for I enjoy the gift of viewing re-birth each spring.
74. Church bells are a pleasant sound reminiscent of a slower pace and community.
75. My brother died suddenly at the age of nineteen.
76. My parents were divorced so I never knew my father.
77. I have half sisters from that marriage that I do not know.
78. In my youth I feared falling in love with an unknown relative.
79. The best medical doctor is the one who listens intently rather than prescribes a drug quickly.
80. Greed is unacceptable.
81. This list is surprising me and I am unsure of whether to share my thoughts and feelings. That would leave me feeling so exposed.
82. I have more than one sweet tooth.
83. I still have all my own teeth.
84. Writing is purely a means to release my thoughts.
85. Christmas is a holiday I never want to out-grow.
86. Whenever my husband is reading I think of interesting topics of conversation and unintentionally interrupt him.
87. I collect recipes.
88. Meals are representative of our family’s diverse cultural backgrounds.
89. I have a Beta Fish named Christmas.
90. My luxury item is candles on the daily dinner table.
91. I have been converted to Wal-Mart-ism to shop within a budget.
92. It is easier for me to spend money on another than to spend money on myself.
93. I am unable to pace myself. I work, work, work or relax, relax, relax.
94. Often I am my worst critic.
95. When I garden I never wear gloves for I enjoy the feel and smell of the earth upon my hands.
96. I don’t mind getting dirty when I play in the earth’s soil.
97. House rule is shoes off before entering.
98. The seasons first snow fall still excites me.
99. Clutter creates negative energy which I strive to avoid.
100. My brain freezes when people stand over me.

These thoughts I keep locked inside yet now the door is open wide for sun and air to circulate the memories and hurts held tight unlocked today for all to see and to let myself be freed.

Abandoned Dreams

2008-04-30T14:01:00.007-04:00

Granite steps

once bore

the weight

children running

of family

and their guests

Wooden house

once held

within both

joys and sorrows

that befall

each life

Disheveled garage

reveals

remnants

of the lives

that once

were free to

exercise

as natures

guest

with wooden oar

upon her

moistened breast

weights to

strengthen tone

camp light seen

against its wall

abandoned dreams

a telling place

life and nature

at its best

in balance as we

all should be

a life once filled

with memories.

The Garden of Life

2008-04-25T07:17:00.004-04:00

Recognising our connectedness with nature becomes more challenging within city life. Factors such as noise, automobiles and over population are not conducive to peace and quiet our emotional well being requires. Gardening is a major source of exercise and a simple means of re-uniting the self with our planet. The physical exercise is beneficial and the rewards of our labor are aesthetically pleasing. Soil moved by our hands and worn upon our clothing brings us full circle into the garden of life. Here we witness the natural cycle of plants from seed to full bloom to expiration. We cannot help but feel akin to this process of growth and change. We are in a small way experiencing creation. From a patch of earth we remove stone. fertilize, till the soil, plant seed, water, watch and wait. Anticipation is our pleasurable friend. Our labors are rewarded as butterflies and birds visit. Here in the midst of city life we have re-claimed natures natural path! Unless you have some aversion to beauty rewards for this effort abound: a place to read, to meditate, a purposeful piece of earth to observe nature and learn of our place within her loving gifts.

Treaures Unseen

2008-04-21T10:17:00.004-04:00

Our ocean
rich with plankton
green and sustaining
this gift of sea brings
whales that feast upon
its menu such treasures
lie unseen beneath the
surface of this green
thank you lord for
calling me to turn my
eyes upon your sea
where bountiful treasures
wait hidden
not yet visible to me

written by Pauline©2008

Such Folly

2008-04-15T10:35:00.003-04:00

The Lord spoke
you heard only
thunder
the angels cried
you perceive it
as rain
such folly of our
childish wonder
we hear but do
not comprehend
we see yet permit
named logic to
override
the lord speaks
we must strive to
listen
the angels guide
we must set aside
our human vision

written by Pauline©2008

We are in Your Hands

2008-04-11T10:08:00.004-04:00

We are in
Your
hands Lord
You
paint each sunrise
You
create each sunset
we are the canvas
of life
listening, stretching
observing
Your powerful displays
blending seconds
into everlasting
days

written by Pauline©2008

Blue Eyes

2008-04-01T07:27:00.001-04:00

The nurse comments on your
beautiful blue eyes and for
the first time in years
I share this beauty without
possessiveness
if indeed the eyes reflect
the inner soul then
I have seen your being
known your every
emotion shared your
every passion
been blessed by your
deepest faith
your blue eyes have
shown me life
in all its dearest forms.

3/19/2008 Pauline Naoum©2008

gift of sharing

2008-03-16T09:42:00.000-04:00

A woman hospitalized steps outside for a breath of fresh air, in doing so; she meets a young woman crying. They begin to share their hospital stories of health and family concerns. The patient listens to the young woman speak of her mother’s illness; the patient offers to buy a cup of coffee from Dunkin Donuts and the gift of sharing begins.

Later in the day the young woman returns to visit this new friend. In the evening as our family fills the corridor with goodbyes, hugs, and tears our youngest grandson is held in his father’s arms when a three year old peeks from the hospital doorway across from my husband’s room. The young mother says “she wants to see the baby.” Instinctively I pick the child up and James and this little girl exchange smiles. She snuggles against me like a Koala bear clinging to a comfortable tree; enjoying her embrace I smile to her mother and thank the little girl for such pure loving. Attempting to place her back upon the floor she clings to me. The young mother asks me if I am a grandmother, laughing I reply yes, does it show?

Early the next morning in the hospital corridor I notice the patient walking, guiding her drip bottle pole as she treads carefully in her exercise mode. We greet each other and I inquire if that was her granddaughter’s hug given to me last evening. It is here that she tells me of a stranger and her child met through mutual sharing of concerns. Her hair has been beautifully braided and she informs me that the young woman that she gave coffee to came to her room and took the time to braid her long hair.

I marvel at this circle of good deeds among strangers. We have shared conversations, hugs, crossed and chosen to ignore our differences. We have been part of acts of charity. We have all been witnesses to the gift of God’s love and comforting touch within a hospital setting that over flows with kindness and compassion. We have each been integral parts in a living Caritas Carney Story.

Despite the illnesses of the characters we have been blessed by demonstrated genuine love.
To each of your staff we send this story and a heartfelt thank you!

Written by Pauline March 9, 2008

Missing People I don't Even Know!

2008-03-06T15:09:00.002-05:00

Blogging is a strange and wonderful means of reaching out and finding the gift of new friends and surely I have been blessed. I just want to let you know my dear friends that we are dealing with some serious health issues at the moment. I do not want sympathy but prayers of genuine content are always appreciated and accepted with gratitude. I shall not be visiting you for a while for it is too time consuming and it is necessary to focus on, prioritize my tasks.With my sincerest wishes that you enjoy all that is good in life.
Pauline

Light

2008-03-04T08:56:00.004-05:00

Rays of light

lend hope

in the darkness

of the forest

compassion spreads

light dispersing

anxiety and pain

P.U.S.H.

2008-03-01T13:34:00.001-05:00

P.U.S.H.

Pray until something happens

February Bliss

2008-02-16T10:54:00.003-05:00

Remembrance of Love

2008-02-14T14:29:00.002-05:00

What is the significance
of this day
marked upon my calendar
remembrance of love
in all its shades
of muted color to the
fires of passionate red
what is today
that mark upon my calendar
oh yes I do recall
thankfulness for friendship
for strangers passing by
that share a smile
thankfulness for keyboard
strokes that close the
many miles

Sending Valentine Wishes

Faded Words

2008-02-13T07:56:00.005-05:00

Faded words

upon a page

written long ago

illegible

to others eyes

yet these words

are inscribed within

our hearts

placed safely there

to carry us each

moment of the day

until we find

swift passage of time

created faded words

illegible to others

only you and I still

know the value

the promises the love

strengthened through

the years solidifying

what now appear as

faded words

Happy Valentine's Day

Snowy Day

2008-02-12T11:50:00.000-05:00

View obstructed by
clouds that rest among
tree tops
houses play dress a-like
in white roof tops
movement of life is marked
by footprint paths
trees and shrubs stand with
frozen powdered faces
silent mimes
stillness of the air embraces
each hurrying thought
every attempted flight
delicate snowflakes
quietly fall
much to my delight

written by Pauline

Cosmic Fossil

2008-02-11T12:26:00.001-05:00

Could I be

just a fossil

of the dream

shadow of myself

pieces of the puzzle

unexplained

inspired by quasar9 post

Silent Maiden

2008-02-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

A child

sweet innocence

rests silently

waiting

for life to unfold

We Are The Same

2008-02-06T08:43:00.000-05:00

Where is the beauty

or the pride

where is the glory

etched deep inside

bodies mutilated

youth swept aside

where are the banners

trumpets and bands

to praise these people

protecting our lands

some wounds bedecked

by colorful medals

some stories told in

a clip of televised news

yet these injuries become

a lifetime battle

born by the soldiers

protecting our lands

where is the desire

the power

the will

to foster peace

to bring us still

unto quiet realization

we are indeed

one human nation

united in being

through life alone

we are the same

made of flesh

bone and vein

Don't Forget to

2008-02-01T07:29:00.000-05:00

VOTE

VOTE VOTE

VOTE

VOTE VOTE

VOTE

VOTE VOTE

VOTE

VOTE VOTE

JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER

My Spirit

2008-01-30T08:29:00.000-05:00

My spirit
embraces the earth
the trees
each blade of grass
beneath my feet
yet here within the city
my neighbors
spend their money
on hired chain men that cut
without dismay
our privacy
our oxygen
homes for song birds
that greet with sunrise
each new day
we plant our flowers, trees
and shrubs along the house base
attempting to provide
serenity from noisy street
they yield us privacy from
strangers passing by
my spirit
embraces the earth
the trees
my spirit
is wounded
by the presence
of the chain saw
and its crew
that takes from us
some scenic view
forced further from my home
to find a forest green
where nature provides
enlightenment
quiet rest
and a gentle touch
of peacefulness

Pauline ©2008
photo and verse

Seasonal Shift

2008-01-26T10:41:00.000-05:00

Cold Air View

2008-01-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

Cold air view
of chimneys
puffing
blankets
play
piggyback
upon chairs
and beds
as though
reunited with
lost relatives
books invite
transcendance
streets
devoid of voices
trees
stoic

writtten by Pauline©2008

Energy of Sound

2008-01-22T10:05:00.000-05:00

Its beauty

resonates

listen

feel

life's

vibration

positive

energies

released

shared

Merging

2008-01-17T09:41:00.000-05:00

As night melts away
empty branches raise
their limbs against a
leaden sky
giving alms to unseen
power
slowly charcoal grey is
transformed
challenged yet blended
with blue of day
black bird lingers upon
tree as if to view the sunrise
with wings spread wide he
glides upon the
gentle breeze
lights gradually disappear
from window panes
silence envelopes pre-dawn
air
songbirds pose to sing
as night melts away
merging the
darkness into day

Pauline©2008

Small Angels

2008-01-15T10:17:00.000-05:00

Angels disguised
as children came
to my door today
their hands
exposed to the cold
with shovels they
displayed
I lent them gloves
and warmed
them both with
steaming cups
of cocoa
just as
frustration's grip
was reaching
deep inside
God rang the
doorbell of the
house
presenting these
small angels
glove-less hands
earnest eyes
tender hearts
they offered help
somethings we
should not
analyze
somethings we
cannot understand

written by Pauline©2008

Let it Snow...

2008-01-14T15:47:00.000-05:00

Orion

2008-01-13T11:27:00.000-05:00

In my smallness
I stand before you
Orion
clear and visible this night
pressed upon a black
felt sky your
seven stars capture
me with wonder
mythical stories fill
my head of books
so long ago now read
Orion
clear and bright
you hold my
attention this moment
this night
captured
by your light
your statement of
strength and beauty
that fills my mind this
treasured night

written by Pauline©2008

Numerical Notes

2008-01-11T08:49:00.000-05:00

Notes that run
upon the scale
are used by some
to understand
the level of pain
that we express
numerical notes
that diagnose
so if in birth
the number ten
is strong enough
to pass us out
this muscle pain
that now resides
with its
spasmodic code
must be merely
eight
reminding me
of getting old
berating me of my
willfulness
sending messages
in code
of lost youthfulness
where body recognized
no limits
and renewable energy
was stored deep inside
today my reality
is masked behind
a pill
that offers me
ability
to muddle through
but each
necessity
some forced rest
and humble pie
should have me soon
back in stride
my motto for 2008
is practice
how to delegate!

written by Pauline©2008

New Beginnings

2008-01-09T10:45:00.000-05:00

Fresh fallen snow covers
the ground
blanketing yesterday
bells, fireworks, parades
welcome new beginnings
as we close the door to
yesterday silently with
some regret
we watch the new year
unfurl the gifts of hope
joy and expectation
may we each be blessed by
His guiding hand
to help us grow and understand
lessons hidden in our tribulations
the fire of hope for desired salvation

written by Pauline©2008

37 Seconds

2008-01-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end.They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed. It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.

"Epilogue:There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy."Today is a gift, that is why it is called "The Present ."
The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.Do not keep this letter. Just forward it to your friends to whom you wish blessings.

author unknown

Little Christmas

2008-01-06T09:46:00.000-05:00

As we remove the ornaments

that adorn the house today

let us strive to not obscure

the message that we celebrate

no matter what your native tongue

He came to join us one by one

in peace for all eternity

new life for us He guaranteed

Wishing each of you a peace-filled and healthy

New Year!!!

The Eleventh Day

2008-01-04T18:23:00.000-05:00

Almost forgotten now
the joy the laughter
the message of
Christmas Day
almost forgotten now
beneath the drying
boughs of green that
fall in silence
reminding us to pray
almost forgotten now
intangible gifts given
from on high
merely a silent whisper
on this the eleventh day
His birth
His gift
His promises
today beneath the
boughs that dry
almost forgotten are
His ways

written by Pauline on the eleventh day of Christmas
©2008

Quote

2008-01-04T13:11:00.000-05:00

In all of nature no storm can last forever.

Verse from the Tao
Dr. Wayne Dyer CD

Wishing You A Happy New Year

2007-12-31T11:40:00.000-05:00

Wishing you warmth

found at the hearth

of a cozy fire

the aroma

of freshly

baked bread

the comfort

of a friend

wishing you

A happy new year!

Remembering the Reason for the Season

2007-12-28T15:40:00.000-05:00

With gentle beauty

the image portrays

the purpose of these grace

filled days

Exorcism of My Soul

2007-12-26T11:13:00.000-05:00

Thoughts and words of bigotry
And violence
Revenge and holy wars
Retaliation for being wronged
Are stirred within creating
A dark and fearsome storm
Of words and thoughts unknown
Hidden in my soul and heart a
Darkness buried deep within
A reflection seen while standing
At the opening of a well
At first merely a reflection of yourself
But searching deep within the water
Can be found the depths of hell
Darkness of the deepest night a
Heaviness of weight held tight
Every vengeful thought is strong
Attempting to steal the beauty of this
Special Night
Crying in prayer I beg of Thee to wash
Away my sin forgive the anger released
And my strong desire to avenge
In earnest prayer I’m washed with tears
To cleanse this darkness now revealed
I ask for grace to comfort me and strength
To turn the other cheek
Forgive this tortured soul this night who
Chose to rob our festive light
In prayer Dear God give us all relief
From anger and its fury that robs us
Of the presence of Your great glory

Written by Pauline ©2007