Poetry – Page 7 – Living From Happiness

November 30, 2014November 27, 2014

Poetry Sunday-Autumn’s Kiss

Autumn’s Kiss

A chillin’ kiss on frosty morn,

On every blade and flower adorns.

As summer fades and autumn is born

The icy dew does bid us warned.

For soon the nights will be long and cold

As winter slips in to take its hold.

So cherish for now each warm sunny day,

As they skip on the breeze and fade away.

© Donna Donabella 2013

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I wrote this poem last October 3rd, 2013 on my garden blog, Gardens Eye View, in anticipation of the coming frost. Frost came suddenly in late October that year, and the pictures here show the killing frost in the garden readying the landscape for winter’s chill and frozen time.

I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: This year we waited until the middle of November for our killing frost which came with snow.

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I leave you with a little bit of sentiment about keeping warm in frosty cold. I welcome you to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

November 23, 2014November 22, 2014

Poetry Sunday-Letting Go

Letting Go

Rain fall down release my pain

Your healing touch, my heartache drains.

Out flows the gray, as warm winds blow

Dry my tears with sunbeams of gold.

© Donna Donabella 2012

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I wrote this poem October 29, 2012 during a somber period in my life when stress had taken hold of me and darkness seemed to take the daylight. The words seemed to give me some peace and solace.

I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: The Hyssop pictured here refers to cleanliness in the Language of Flowers. It felt appropriate to use these flowers given the cleansing that letting go can bring.

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I leave you with a little bit of sentiment about letting go. I welcome you to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

November 16, 2014November 13, 2014

Poetry Sunday-Change

Change

Time is needed for change.

Patience is needed too.

Some things are out of our hands,

this I know to be true.

Allow for change,

grasp it.

Learn from change,

chase it.

Challenge and courage are blended.

As we permit it to unfold.

Cultivating the rich rewards,

Embracing change foretold.

© Donna Donabella 2014

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I wrote this poem after going through a journaling exercise exploring who we are. The prompt was, “I am aware that.” The journaling guidance was provided by Mari McCarthy@CreateWriteNow.

Mari asked me to write a guest post for her blog to talk about my journaling experiences, and what journaling means to me. I hope you will stop by tomorrow to read the post.

I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: Blue hyacinths represent constancy, the antithesis of change.

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I leave you with a little bit of sentiment about change. I welcome you to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

November 9, 2014December 5, 2014

Poetry Sunday-Trees

I Am The Tree

Erect I stand, strong of will.

Defying the wind, and all nature can swill.

I cast my eyes to take in the scene,

While all around is washed white and serene.

The strength of my roots and courage in my stance,

Will serve me well in life’s new dance.

© Donna Donabella 2014

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I am participating in The Personal Photo Challenge hosted by Donna@Cottage Days and Journeys. This month’s challenge is called Trees. I wrote this poem on the first day of my retirement, March 3rd 2014, after over 30 years in public education. It is a testament to my perseverance and what awaits me now in my new life beginning again. I hope you enjoy the poem.

I am also joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

And I am linking in with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: These trees are from my garden and surrounding my garden. The views I see every fall when trees are at their finest.

All photos were taken on auto mode and processed in iPhoto (so nothing fancy). The collage was made in Fotor.com. The last image was taken in black and white on a foggy autumn morning and processed in PicMonkey.com to add the text and frame.

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I leave you with a bit of a sentiment about trees and planting dreams. Feel free to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

November 2, 2014October 30, 2014

Poetry Sunday-Thrive

Thrive

Moving forward

Slowly along a path-

With a sense of hope and

Renewal welling up.

Inside filling me

With a burning desire

That shines bright

Radiating all around.

A deep realization growing,

Flourishing, strong, thriving!

© Donna Donabella 2013

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I wrote this poem New Year’s Eve 2013 as I chose my word to focus on for the year. This past year’s word has been Thrive. I chose the word before I decided to retire and this word has served me well to set the foundation to heal and ready myself for the next steps.

I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: Butterflies represent transformation. And monarchs are especially important as their numbers certainly have been declining. But it seems they continue to thrive and it is reported that their numbers are beginning to increase with this years southern migration.

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I leave you with a little bit of sentiment about butterflies, transformation and thriving. I welcome you to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

October 26, 2014October 25, 2014

Poetry Sunday-Late October Evenin’

Late October Evenin’

Darkness descends upon me a little earlier every day,

As colors seem to leap from the trees to paint the sky.

The cold winds howl through scraping branches,

While my bones ache a bit more now.

And as the last slip of light hastens me home-

Soon I will feel the hearth warm my soul and bring gentle rest.

© Donna Donabella 2013

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I first wrote this poem last fall as I observed the fall sky and the colder evenings. It was originally published on my garden blog, Gardens Eye View, on November 4, 2013.

I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

I am also linking in with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: The sky here is what I see in autumn outside my door as the sun sets in all its splendor and the blue hour descends.

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I leave you with a bit of a sentiment about the lure of the evening as the light fades. Feel free to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

October 19, 2014October 18, 2014

Poetry Sunday-Mending

Mending

Like the frayed edges of my favorite shirt,

Warm and comfortable with the holes.

Torn pages of a special childhood book,

Smudged with memories.

Worn photos, now the colors fading and antique,

As if that time will be gone, forgotten.

Scars lighten, barely visible,

Fully healed, the wounds still linger.

But less tears shed now with the mending,

The knitting of the tears that ripped the heart.

A restoration has begun,

A spirit made whole.

© Donna Donabella 2014

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I have been going through a healing time this first year of my retirement. This poem conveys the tears (crying) and tears (ripping) of that healing.

I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: The helenium pictured here represents tears (the crying kind). In this case healing tears.

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I leave you with a little bit of sentiment about love and life that can still come even from the tears. Feel free to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

October 12, 2014October 12, 2014

Poetry Sunday-Still Life

Still Life

The heat of my days is gone,

now a tinge of coolness on the wind lingers.

Soft colors faded from the garish summer sun,

as light shines at an angle, my perceptions skewed.

Gone is the black and white, the absolute.

Born is the gray, the in-between that stays.

Locked in my periphery, soon movements far afield will dim,

all will stretch out before me barren, a new canvas.

Awaiting the first brush strokes of fresh color,

a novel design-now the whisper of a dream awaits.

© Donna Donabella 2014

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I am participating in The Personal Photo Challenge hosted by Donna@Cottage Days and Journeys. This month’s challenge is called Still Life. So I decided to create a poem about how my garden has become a still life as it fades and withers to winter, and that it still has life as do I as I age being reborn again. There are multiple meanings in this poem but you can also take it at face value. I hope you enjoy the poem.

I am also joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

And speaking of wonderful verse, my friend Susie@Life.Change.Compost has written a beautiful poem she is featuring this week. I encourage you to read it…you will be glad you did. Susie is a gifted writer and I look forward to her posts.

I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: These vases were some of my favorite still lifes from this past summer. All were created by me with flowers and foliage from my garden.

All photos were taken on auto mode and processed in iPhoto (so nothing fancy). The first collage was made in Fotor.com and the last image created in PicMonkey.com to add the text and frame.

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I leave you with a bit of a sentiment about dreaming. Feel free to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

October 5, 2014October 4, 2014

Poetry Sunday-Reflections

Reflections In A Garden

Old weary bones feel the ache now…

stems broken and strewn,

petals blackened and faded,

rain and snow will beat it all down,

back to the earth.

Tiny seeds linger, though, in rich soil…

after a long rest,

surging up and breaking through,

life beginning again,

always a new start.

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This poem was created to go along with the change in seasons I am seeing now. The garden is ending, and my life has been changing with retirement. I am linking in with Weekend Reflections where you can see photos of reflections from all over the web.

I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: These images here were all taken of my wildlife pond during the spring, summer and fall.

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I leave you with a bit of a sentiment about reflections of life. Feel free to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

September 28, 2014September 27, 2014

Poetry Sunday-Sanctuary

Sanctuary

When I am weary, weak and muddle-headed,

I seek IT.

When fear grips me and pulls me down,

I discover IT.

When tears, troubles, and worries will not abide

I crave IT.

And when inspiration is not found,

I encounter IT….

Here in my sanctuary,

As near as my soul’s own light.

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This poem was a challenge for me to identify my sanctuary. Where do I find my refuge, retreat and safe harbor? While nature and my garden are my go to spots for a sanctuary and wildlife can bring me great solace, my greatest sanctuary is what I find within me.

I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: Phlox symbolizes unanimity or harmony, unity, accord.

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I leave you with a bit of a sentiment about finding your sanctuary. Feel free to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

September 21, 2014September 21, 2014

Poetry Sundays-Saving A Life

Saving A Life

In saving a life, you save a soul.

A heart is mended, a light is shone.

In saving my life, a path was cleared.

A breath was taken, there was no fear.

Giving back to life, now gratitude is expressed.

A kindness is returned, a celebration to commence.

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This poem came to me while I was relaxing during a healing session. I had been to this practitioner for the last 6 years, and I was feeling as if I really was healing my life…all of my life-physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up, Poetry Pantry, for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.

I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: Daffodils symbolizes rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life. A bunch of daffodils indicates joy and happiness. These daffodils are wonderful reminders of the spring that was and the spring that will come again.

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I leave you with a bit of a sentiment about finding your life. Feel free to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.

September 14, 2014September 14, 2014

Poetry Sunday-I Am

I Am…

a kind heart, a ray of light,

a soul awake reaching new heights.

a word of truth, a harmonious sound,

a soft step protecting all that surrounds.

a searching eye across fields of gold,

young in mind, a body old.

a blissful life, a softening touch,

I am… and that is enough.

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I am adding a bit of poetry to my Creative Sundays. I am combining photos, collages and verse. I hope you enjoy these posts. This one was inspired by a challenge to think of ourselves as we look outside ourselves and observe who we are.

I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some very lovely verse.

I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.

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Special Note: The monochrome photos are those of Hardy Hibiscus. In the Language of Flowers, Hibiscus (Mallow) means delicate beauty or sweet disposition.

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I leave you with a bit of a sentiment about enthusiasm. I hope you can capture your own enthusiasm in something creative. Feel free to download the photo and share.

All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.