Always Remember

Smile. Even the act of smiling when you're not happy will help your mood. I promise. Stay positive. Stay happy. Life is an amazing journey and we're all lucky to be on it at such a great time in history.

Heaven & Hell (poem)

Heaven & Hell

3/29/15

Heaven and Hell exist

They have a lifetime pact

Don’t look for them later

They’ve been here forever

Everything you’ve imagined

As both best and worst

Has evolved here

In our world

Waiting for judgment

Will only waste your days

Filled with passion for unknown fears

Forcing others to focus on your illusions

Instead realize your eyes hold the judgment

In front of you heaven and hell reside

And it’s only up to you to decide

Which to fear and which to love

But fear not - you can’t go wrong

In the end this is your world

Seen through only your eyes

And so you have the power

Wait Until Tomorrow (a poem)

Don't you dare wait until tomorrow
Lest you run the the biggest risk of all

Losing your one and only chance
Is worse than any lost attempt
And redemption never comes for those who never try
So let loose your wings and learn to fly

Speak from the heart and rest it on your sleeve
Leave nothing unsaid to those closest to you

Imagine your final days and who you want near
And then steer your ship close to them
Nestle up to those you hold dear
Losing all fear in the warmth of love

So wait not for tomorrow to make it the day
You might lose sight and continue to delay

Family first, though blood doesn't define
Mine includes friends, animals, and wine
Time is a dart you hold in your hand
Let go and aim at the best place for you

Run like you know you did once as a child
Forgetting the fears and feeling your wild

Plans are good but not if they trap
Always make room for an afternoon nap
Cap your days with a loving embrace
And run to your love with smiling haste

Tomorrow is not your friend though that's what he'll say
So make your amends, love, dreams, and happiness today

Grandma Ruth - 1914 - 2015

I just heard the news that my Grandma Ruth passed away last night, after living on this earth for 100 years and eight months. She had dementia in the last few years, so I truly believe she is in a better place now, but it's hard not to be a little sad. Ruth was my last living grandparent, so I guess her passing is a reminder that I am getting older as well. It's also a reminder that I need to cherish my family and especially my parents who are getting older. I even called my dad today just to tell him I love him. We don't really talk anymore but I just had to tell him that I love him. There isn't much more I want to write, but I just had to get it out in words that I loved my grandma very much, and I was and will always be proud that I'm related to her. She was a strong woman and a fiercely independent soul who loved to read and travel. I'll miss her always, and I'll love her always. I will see you again soon enough, grandma.

Hold The Storm (poem)

Hold the storm out in your hand
Dare to live without the bland
Hour glass seconds in the sand

Fate is a Funny Thing

Well it happened again. It's amazing how people and things from my past come back around in my life for some reason or another. I just moved to an amazing apartment / coach house in Chicago and am selling some of my things. One of these things is a printer which I do not need anymore, so I put an ad on Craigslist and got a few emails back showing interest. One of the people interested was a girl named Kristy, who negotiated with me but I agreed and so she just came to pick up the printer. I asked her where she is going to use the printer and she said it would be in her vintage clothing store not too far from my apartment. Nice. I love vintage clothes, so I asked her more about the store. She described the location and I realized that I not only know the store, but bought one of my favorite pairs of shorts from there! Ha. Classic. I told her about it and then ran up to my room and brought the shorts down to show her. Sure enough, she had found these shorts in a small store in Michigan and then brought them to her store in Chicago, where I luckily found them and bought them over a year ago. Unreal. We laughed. I told Kristy more about my art and music and my goal of opening a bar, and she said she may have some people for me to speak with. Exciting! Also, she asked me to send her some images of my art because she might be interested in selling them in her store. RAD. Anyway, I know I'm not really writing much anymore, but I had to share this story because I love when things like this happen. So much beauty in the world. Make sure to keep your eyes open!!! 

Oh - and Kristy's store is worth a plug. If you're in Chicago DEFINITELY go visit: Krispyfringe Vintage - http://www.yelp.com/biz/krispyfringe-vintage-chicago 

Fortitude (poem)

Forts forged with fortitude forever form freedom
To know that what you've done is real
To live what you know is your passion
To see that which has always been yours
To create reality out of your dreams
And to realize your place in the world

The most important element on earth is you
Rare in its form and compassion
Cut specifically for your wants and needs
Designed flawlessly for you to enjoy
And now you know its strength
Your weakness is now your growth

So take what you've learned
And show how you've turned
From ore to lore
From bore to adore
Through pain
Through time
Into you