How do you let go…
when for so long
your heart was
full of life,
had an abundance of joy,
content in all things
How do you let go…
when you know it’s time
but your heart and mind are
conflicted,
in pain,
lost in a sea of confusion
When it’s scary,
that’s when you jump
When your strength
is fueled by faith
When you take a chance,
see the world with eyes wide open
and dare to be great
That’s when you know…
it’s time to let go.
When you perform a good deed for someone, whether it be family, friend or stranger, their look of expression exhibits gratitude. Their appreciation for your generosity and kindness in giving of yourself and your time is reciprocated with a smile, a kiss, a hug, a handshake or words of thanks and praise.
And it’s a good feeling; it gives us a sense of self-satisfaction and prideful joy. Because it feels good, almost intoxicating, we tend to do more good deeds. As for the recipient of your actions, their positive experience compels them to try and do the same for others. Spreading the wealth of selflessness…that’s the cycle of goodness.
It’s the power to connect with people and let them know that there is good in the world and in everyone’s heart. Seeing all those happy people and their smiles, truly makes one proud. You can never forget the look on a person’s face when they express sincere gratitude and acknowledgement.
When we share an experience, a positive one at that, we form bonds. Perpetuating the cycle of goodness, that’s the bond…the synergy of doing something exceptional for someone in a selfless manner.
We can all incorporate this into our daily lives. A simple act can go a long way for someone in need. We must never forget the power of the human heart…goodness is the key that can link the hearts of many.
The road may be dark
But always look for the light
Never give up
Life’s full of unknowns
You are stronger than you think
Always forge ahead
Laughter exudes joy
Enjoy life to its fullest
Make precious moments
Be with your loved ones
Make love spring eternal bliss
Let you heart explode
Live with no regrets
Challenge yourself constantly
New things await you
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
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
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.
As I sit here pondering what to write, I reflected for a moment on my life. I saw my daughter’s baby picture situated on a shelf off to the left of my computer. I soon realized that my little girl will turn 17 this year…in a few more years, she’ll be 21 years old. Geez, where’d all that time go?!
I wondered what would I say to her once she gets to that age. A poem came to mind, so I figured I’d write a poem for my daughter’s future self. This is what I came up with:
“Happy Birthday Chloe
you’re finally 21,
You’re at that age
where you can enjoy illegal adult fun
Remember when you were young
when you dressed up and pretended to be old
To be a full-grown woman
was to be daring and bold
As time passed on,
you played the game of life
The need to be an adult woman
was joined by the desire to be a wife
You’re finally a woman,
with many birthdays gone by
The youthfulness is still in you
as the clouds are in the sky
Age doesn’t matter
so don’t let it bother you
Just be yourself and in the end
to your heart you will be true
Be cheerful, be happy
you’re now 21,
Happy Birthday Chloe
and many more to come.”
Midlife, Maniacal & Me 