You make me smile
when I’m feeling down,
You chase away my problems,
make it hard for me to frown
Your wise advice,
though they maybe small
These are the ones
that help most of all
A watchful eye,
that’s alert and aware
of how I really feel,
whether good, bad, or fair
Thank you so much
for always being there
You give of your time
to show that you care
You give so much
to help me in life,
of the good things to expect
along with the stress and strife.
Father’s Day is once upon us again and I for one always look forward to this day. Why you may ask? It’s because I cherish the homemade cards that my children give to me. Their words of appreciation and love are truly priceless and beats any material gifts that I receive. 
Being a father is by far one of the “BEST” jobs that I have. When I’m not disciplining my children for something bad they may have done, I’m their adult buddy.
That’s my excuse for going to the toy store and perusing shelves of toys to my heart’s content. It’s my chance to purchase awesome “action figures” (I call them that because calling them “boy” dolls are totally not cool at all).
I also am afforded the opportunities to do things like hip hop dancing, playing video games, being up on the most current social media app, learning how to navigate my phone, all the stuff that kids nowadays do.
Don’t let my “over the hill” appearance fool you; inside this battle-worn body is a goofy kid that’s willing to make a fool of himself as well. There are even times when my kids join in my tomfoolery; more often than not, my kids are slightly embarrassed at some of the mischievous things I tend to do in public just for a laugh. My wife often says that she has not two but three kids and the “oldest” one is the most immature.
Aside from all the fun things that I get to do with my kids as a dad, I’m also there to provide guidance and strength in crucial moments in their life. I’m a father first and my family is my world…my everything.
I try my best to be the best father I can be and I can honestly say that it’s not that hard to do. I had a good role model in my father; he took a vested interest in my well-being, gave sound advice and made me into the person I am today. 
My father’s quiet strength, extensive knowledge, vast experiences, quirky sense of humor, gentle kindness and champion against all forms of danger belied his gruff, stern exterior. No amount of thanks will ever be enough for what he’s done in my life.
Yeah moms are given all the honor and glory that they rightfully deserve but give dads the same as well. So this Father’s Day, if you’re fortunate enough to still have your father around, spend time with him and cherish it with all of your heart. If you’re a father, be with your kids and love them for all their worth. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there!!!
Having a family pet
is truly a blessing from the start,
they give their all, and more, to you
warms the bottom of your heart
Their warm and gentle eyes,
soft fur and cheerful grin,
their playfulness and compassion unbound
stirs feelings from within
They’re comforting to the soul
keeping you from a tailspin,
they’re there with you throughout it all
in it through thick and thin
To have a family pet, you see,
is to have a friend for life,
they’re there to provide strong stability
through all the stress and strife
The love a pet shares
is unconditionally all to you,
it becomes the greatest gift of all
to the end their hearts be true
So if you’re given the chance
get a loving pet by your side,
experience all their wondrous joy
and hang on for an awesome thrill ride
How do I define myself?
It’s not through
exquisite jewelry,
expensive cars,
a spacious mansion,
a lavish lifestyle
or money
How do I define myself?
By leading a simple life of
love,
laughter,
hugs,
smiles,
hope,
and joy
How do I define myself?
Through years and years
of knowledge and experience,
filled with trials and tribulations,
both good and bad
shared with family,
friends,
acquaintances,
myself
How do I define my life?
By sharing a smile,
offering a helping hand,
lending an ear,
being with loved ones,
enjoying everything around me,
taking nothing for granted,
simply living for now.
The love from a child
is most meaningful to see
What comes from their soul
is beautiful and carefree
Their love is unconditional
straight from the start
It’s unwavering and bountiful
warm the cockles of your heart
Their innocence, their laughter
their unabashed delight
Their huge, beaming smile
a pure treasure at first sight
The emotions you get from a child
sensations so pure and true
They wear their heart on their sleeve
on full display for you
So when a child comes to you
and gives you their all
Accept it post haste
be at that child’s beck and call
Writing is a gift
Your words convey true feelings
Inspire everyone
Your stories bring hope
Share them with everyone now
Invigorate dreams
Writing’s a journey
Embrace the path everyday
Always love your craft
When your dream becomes reality,
a sense of self-accomplishment,
unbridled joy,
boastful pride,
all come together
in one harmonious fashion
When your dream becomes reality,
the endless hard work,
excruciating trials,
never-ending tribulations,
were all the catalyst
in creating your character
When your dream becomes reality,
new found worries arise
trepidation,
dismay,
the fear of never achieving
another goal again
But you’ve been down this road
you never gave up
against all odds,
all naysayers,
you prevailed,
you believed in yourself
and in doing so
that is
When your dream becomes reality.
Being a writer, professional or amateur, whether it be in screenplays, novels, short stories, poems, blogs, articles, is one of the greatest feelings to experience. We proudly claim that title and revel in the pure joy of our creations. We are the dreamers that have no limits and our imaginations are vastly unique.
We, as writers, follow our heart and passionately tell stories of love, inspiration, hope, despair, sadness, joy and humor; it can come from personal experience or it could be purely fictional.
Our urge to let loose our “inner voice” and send them into the world is quite courageous. Our vulnerability is on full display. We subject ourselves to complete and total strangers who will either love it, hate it, criticize it, berate it, praise it, be informed by it or be inspired by it.
We learn from it, accept it and grow to become even better artists of our craft. Regardless of the outcome, we persevere. Writers love what they do; writing nurtures our artistic soul. It fills a need that non-writers can’t understand.
Writers continue on with their journey because it’s never-ending. The path will only end when our mind’s well runs dry. But all my fellow writers know, that’ll never happen.
So to all my fellow colleagues, remember that you are a writer! Don’t ever forget that only “you” can be the one to tell “your” stories. You are the masters of your craft; it’s a lifestyle formed from countless hours of blood, sweat and tears with a heavy dose of passion and heart.
Write, write every day. Follow your heart and always dream big.
Lately I’ve noticed that
it always rains when I cry,
very comforting to know
I really don’t know why
Finding joy in sadness
makes no sense at all
but being in tune with one’s self
is to have the wherewithal
Knowing that you cared enough,
to give all of your heart,
emotions put on full display
for you to pick a la carte
Empathy, compassion and love
caring traits…so tride and true,
can sometimes be our downfall
that all unbalances you
Recently I’ve notice that
it always rains when I cry,
but knowing that nature carries on
exhibits hope I can identify
Life has its ups and downs
it shows you who you are,
embrace your journey wholeheartedly
do that and you’ll go far.
My voice…
falls silent in the wind,
since you’re not around
My life went off track
will my heart
be the one to bring me down
Oh why…
why do I feel this way
when my heart had you to love
We had the chance,
the chance to make it right
But the love you had
was never meant for me
so I sit here,
alone…pondering
all the things I want to say
But alas…
my voice falls silent in the wind.
Midlife, Maniacal & Me 