if i could fly

if i were only able to walk
i would roam to the sea
to the top of the mountains
and to the deep forest trees
if i were only able to run
i would chase the sunset
win the race to the sunrise
run after all the colors of the skies
and if i could fly
well
if i could fly and soar i would explore
the world with the power of my wings
as i listened to the sky colors sing
never again to walk or run
i would fly with the sun
ascend to the stars
and oh the songs i would sing
as i fly and carry the moon on my wings

- inspired by a fellow blogger

notice

I AM

awaken
arise
be still
settle
listen
inhale
confess
receive
notice

I AM
I AM

witness
believe
understand
surrender
let go
love
live
exhale
release
give

I AM
I AM

ponder
accept
reality
engage
weep
truth
heart
days
months
years
time
eternal
trust

I AM

life is still a bit hectic…

Still rummaging through the hard drive during this busy season and trying to find time to post. Not to be outdone by my previous post, this sunrise comes to you courtesy of our “rival” town, 10 miles due west of our humble home. Thanks for stopping by. What’s on your hard drive?

beautiful new day

A peaceful dawn. The dam on the Illinois River in Marseilles, IL. Then somewhere between Marseilles and Seneca, IL. Midwest beauty is a thing. :)

tranquil morning

A peaceful start to the day over the Illinois River.

winter at the river

Here in the Midwest we ended 2023 with an unusually warm November and December. 2024 brought us an unusually cold winter. We experienced over a week of temperatures well below freezing. Cloudy, gray skies have also been a feature for far too many days. So, even thought this morning it was -1 degrees Fahrenheit, I was looking forward to trying to capture a sunrise at the Illinois River. Low clouds on the horizon blocked the sun, but I was more intrigued by the ice formations left on the trees from the receding winter river. Thanks for stopping buy. Hope it’s warmer where you are.

the star maker knows

where is the solace
when life only brings darkness
an achromatic sunrise
unable to chase shadows
a sunset that never leaves

where is the gentle breeze
when life storms around and within
can’t breathe the rain soaked air
while i try to put on a smile
the pulse rate of my soul diminished

where are the hands
cradling a countenance
when the lonely tears
are seeking an embrace
standing in the middle of the universe
i guess the view is nice
but no one is there
to share the stars

i’ve heard it said
there is a place
where melodies and harmonies
take flight
like lullabies that never say goodnight
music you can taste
and hold in hand
or pull towards your heart
music that covers you
with a blanket of love and grace
the softest peace
a delicate abyss of joy

so i run to this place
in the darkness and the storm
i lift up my eyes
when it feels i can’t breathe
i fall into faith
when the tears want to stay
i tell my story
and let the music fill in the gaps
the star maker knows
each page of sorrow
each gaze of wonder
the calming comfort of trust
if i’m in the
pain of the valley
or the delight of the clouds
the star maker
knows
my
name
he knows my now
and my yesterdays
my what is to come

i breathe in timeless hope
i fall into
a vast fissure of love and rest

another valley is near
but
He
is
nearer

boys a river and ice

Took our two grandsons to the river to break ice and throw it into the river… because… you know… we’re just boys. 🙂

in the bleak mid-winter

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am? —
If I were a Shepherd
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part, —
Yet what I can I give Him, —
Give my heart. 
- Christina Georgina Rossetti

To my WordPress family: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May this season of light and joy be filled with peace for you and yours. May your new year be seasoned with adventure, love and contentment.

starved rock fall

Starved Rock Sate Park, in Utica, IL, is always fun to visit, but in the Fall it can be just breathtaking. Situated along the Illinois River, it is a welcome contrast to the soybean fields and corn fields that dominate the landscape in this part of the midwest.