There are times where we have no answers or patterns to follow or make sense of what is happening. This seems so disconcerting, but it also allows for growth, imagination, and the potential for anything to happen. We must stop asking, what should be happening and start asking what could exist if we only tried.

Occasionally, I dedicate a photo I have captured to a person that I love or respect. I’m planning on doing this more with sunsets, landscapes and other photos from nature of unique and beautiful moments. I find these moments beautiful just like the person who is brought to my mind when taking the photo or reflecting on it.

This photo reminds me of my friend Kristi Seaton. She is the water reflecting those brilliant colors. Her love for humanity serves as an example for all. She loyally reflects compassion to our eyes by her actions and words, not in a pious way that demands attention, but by adding to the beauty of the entire landscape with soft yet powerful grace.

It’s a vibe.

Captured at Missouri State Fair Grounds in Sedalia, Missouri

I love this city.

#kcmo

— in River Market, Kansas City, Missouri.

In shadows cast by life’s hand, I stood alone on desolate land.

Lost, forsaken, my heart bereft, trapped a world where bonds I once had left.

With weary steps, I tread that path, Where laughter once danced, I experianced silent wrath.

Isolation’s cloak tightened its hold, As sorrow’s whispers pierced my soul, bold.

Longing for connections, lost and gone, Yearning for love, yet feeling withdrawn,

But though the world may turn its back, Within me flickers strength, never to lack.

In solitude’s embrace, I found my voice, rising above, making a choice,

Finding solace in my own embrace, And rewriting the narrative, with grace.

Embracing me, proud and free, I discovered strength which is my key,

In acceptance, I found my worth, A being, now embracing my rebirth.

And as laughter resounds, Love’s gentle arms wrap me around,

Building family once more, a place of light and might, Together we conquer the darkest of night.

The past may fade, but hope shall remain, A token of love, erasing the pain.

So, let my wounds of yesteryear heal, With each sunrise, a renewed zeal,

For in the depths of despair, I find, Strength to rebuild, and leave pain behind.

Istanbul Turkey 🌍📸✈️🌅.

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🖼️📸 Photo of the Day! I took several nice pictures of this fearless little fella a couple years ago. He allowed my camera lens to get just inches from him. Hummingbirds are so beautiful and brave. 🕊️🐦

✨

History gives a map of future’s way,

Left by those who sailed our waters yesterday.

Darkness hides deep below, naps in mystery,

While warnings flowed stray,

And now we question life beyond this day.

Our anchored hope, though veiled,

Claps at fear,

And waves victory

Where hearts now lay.

False hope exists alone for they

Who allow their soul to be lost and sink away

.

As progress renders shadows obsolete, warnings of certain darkness go unheard.

Shade cast on nothing; forget guardrails serve to learn.

Forgotten shadows neglect battles fought first in mind.

This allows the path to failure as unprepared is human kind.

Death, can you hear my constant cry? My spirit, burdened, falling in battles; I can no longer fight or fly.

I think now to a time of beauty, peace, and light, Though I remain unseen, all my problems cease their might.

I pause my words and reflect on what that means, As I retreat from hope and give up my dreams.

_{I should note that these are deeply provocative words, reflecting emotions experienced by thousands of people daily. I share this not because I am currently in such a crisis, but to shed light on these feelings and encourage understanding. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for confidential support 24/7. You are not alone, and help is always available.}

In shadows cast by life’s cruel hand,I stand alone on desolate land,
Lost, forsaken, my heart bereft,
In a world where bonds I once had left.

With weary steps, I tread this path,
Where laughter once danced, now silent wrath,

Isolation’s cloak tightens its hold,
As sorrow’s whispers pierce my soul, bold.

Longing for connections, lost and gone,
Yearning for love, yet feeling withdrawn,

But though the world may turn its back,
Within me flickers strength, never to lack.

In solitude’s embrace, I find my voice,
To rise above, to make a choice,

To seek solace in my own embrace,
And rewrite the narrative, with grace.

Embracing my essence, proud and free,
I discover strength that resides within me,

In self-acceptance, I find my worth,
A radiant spirit, embracing rebirth.

Through the open doors of vulnerability,
I find kindred souls, a shared affinity,

In diverse voices, a symphony of care,
Friendships blossoming, connections to share.

And as the echoes of laughter resound,
Love’s gentle arms wrap me around,

In chosen family, a haven of light,
Together we conquer the darkest of night.

The past may fade, but hope shall remain,
A beacon of love, erasing the pain.

So, let the wounds of yesteryear heal,
With each sunrise, a renewed zeal,

For in the depths of despair, I find,
Strength to rebuild, and leave pain behind.

When the first post is placed we allow a division to begin

With each baluster we allow our outlook to grow dim

Soon our vision doesn’t even allow the possibility of a gate,

this however was the reality in our mind all along.

Cynicism is opium to blunt pain. I’m a user and I love the kick but hate myself.

I admired myself before pain. There was a simplicity before I started lying to myself.

There’s nowhere to go but forward, but that’s ok because today we are creating tomorrow’s memories.

My altruism may be my most cynical quality, after all who will help everyone if I don’t?

The haunting pain of labors dry

My soul begins to close within my daunting try

Flaunting in vain my neighbors pry

My joy becomes gaunt before I cry