September Morn

Hello,

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer! Tomorrow is the first day of September. A new morning, new month, and soon a new season.

I've often said that September is a beautiful time to reset, begin anew, reflect, or simply take stock of where you are in life. Why not use the 30 days in September as a springboard for your New Year goals or resolutions. By December 31st, you will either form new habits or will be able to determine what needs to be reassessed.

Remember to stay focused, dream big, and give yourself breathing room.

Bad habits are hard to break and good habits take time, hard work, and consistency. Both feel amazing when accomplished. Believe in yourself!

From A to Z here is a “you got this” list I wrote down to provide myself momentum:

Avoid negativity

Be yourself

Change patterns

Dive deep

Eat healthy

Face fears

Get moving

Have fun

Instill ideas

Join others

Keep going

Live passionately

Make time

Navigate challenges

Outline goals

Pay attention

Quietly reflect

Reassess often

Stay focused

Try again

Utilize skills

Value time

Wonder more

XO

You matter

Zen works

What would you add to your list? 🥊

All the best,

Valerie

The Joy of Spring

Hello,

On the calendar Spring is several weeks away. Yet signs of renewal, rebirth and a reason to rejoice abound. Look around and you will notice the leafing on trees, the flower buds in gardens and the sweet chirping of baby birds.

What are your plans for Spring? Perhaps to start a new garden or travel to a new place. Spring inspires an awakening of the senses, new dreams, and growth.

Our friend the sun appears more steadily and warmly. We spring forward in time lengthening each day. Which in turn provides renewed energy. I’m ready! More than ever before.

This past winter season has been dark for so many people. The daily news, personal losses, and financial strains have wreaked havoc on so many, leaving deep scars.

Spring can renew and replenish both body and soul. I plan on starting an herb garden and learning to use a new camera. I hope to bask in the sun more often doing absolutely nothing. Simply sitting, observing, listening in a park or at the coast. Ocean waves and seagulls soothe the senses.

Whatever your plans are as we move into Spring I encourage you to move your body, replenish your soul, learn new things, and enjoy yourself! Before the summer heat arrives and we hibernate behind air conditioning.

Ideas: bird-watching, hiking, picnics, camping, painting your home, nature journaling, gardening, walking, decluttering, dancing under the stars, simply resting in the sunshine

Happy Spring all,

Valerie

Looking Forward

Hello,

Hope everyone had a wonderful, peaceful holiday!

Looking forward to 2025 I am choosing:

To set realistic expectations

To surround myself with joyful people

To complete projects I began long ago

To immerse myself in cozy spaces

To devour books as always

To journey to interesting places

To stay curious and open-minded

To seek adventure and delight

To feed the inner child in me

To encourage the inner child in others

To work hard as always

To set realistic goals

To love God, myself, and others

To be myself,

Valerie

Happy New Year!

Where Do We Belong?

By Valerie Maldonado

🧩

We are all shaped in different ways
Sculpted over time, day by day
By family and friends
Places and events
Until it seems that we fit in
But what if we don’t?
That’s ok!
Freelance on your own
Forge a new way
There’s nothing wrong
If you don’t belong
On paths created
By those long gone
Stand alone
Stand united
But stand where you feel
Genuinely invited

Autumn is on the Horizon

Though summer has a few calendar weeks to go and the thermometer is still rising, the season of autumn is clearly on the horizon. Leaves have begun to gloriously transition and fall from still lush trees. Retailers are serving spiced drinks and stocking the shelves with holiday decor. Back to school, football, and the sun setting earlier are all signs we are leaving summer behind.

How does this transition feel to you?

Many people love summer and bemoan the shortness of the season while others rejoice heartily when fall arrives. I personally do not enjoy the shorter days but autumn is my second favorite season after Spring.

Autumn reminds me of new beginnings more so than even New Year’s Day. Autumn is crisp, a kaleidoscope of colors, and like summer feels all too brief. I would forgo debating which season we are “technically” in and simply enjoy your surroundings.

Take walks! Lots of walks! Bake, cook, gather leaves, travel, read, declutter, reorganize, replenish your wardrobe, find a new hobby, connect with family and friends, binge a new (or old) show or movie. Go to the movies! Dance the night away! Capture moments in photos or draw! Do the things! Live as fully in autumn as you would in summer albeit adjusting for weather and less daylight.

Autumn is on the horizon. Don’t let it catch you snoozing.🍂🤎🧡♥️🍂 Winter is gleefully waiting around the corner.

Much love always,

Valerie

And his hands were shaking…

 And his hands were shaking…

By Valerie Maldonado

🩶

He fought for a place in the world

Searching for purpose he wandered

Looking for love he stumbled

Breaking barriers he conquered

Walking tall until he stooped

Both from work and expectations

Placed upon his soul from womb

He tried to live up to the hype

But the hype was a fabrication

So he learned and he taught

And his hands were shaking

Still he read and he sung

He wept against the wall

Gaining ground, growing stronger

He shined as his true self emerged

Like a bright gem beneath the sun

He gained a place in the world

Not the world at large in plain sight

His world, his eyes, his universe

Unleashing the worth held inside

His value is priceless and precious

Strength independent of muscle

Love unrelated to romance

Importance independent of hustle

Purpose found at the core

He swam against the tide

Finding solace at the shore

🙏🏻

For all men…you are seen and loved

Merry Christmas!

 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2023 was a very difficult year for so many people around the world.

May we all count our blessings this holiday season.

Remember those we’ve lost. Be present to those we love. Be kind to strangers. We all have inner battles.

Give yourselves breathing space and Grace.

God is good all the time, even when we do not fully believe. Simply look back on challenging times and you will realize God was present throughout.

May 2024 be a year full of your heart’s deepest desires. Go for “it.” It can be anything you dream of. Taking the first step is the first step!

Reflect on the past year but do not remain there. Turn the page.

With love,

Valerie Rose 🌹 

Be Determined

 Goodmorning!

Be determined…be resolved…be stubborn…

about reaching your goals, aspirations, dreams.

Never give up!

Much love & support always,

Valerie

Loving Where We Live

Happy September!

September for me is when I hit an invisible “refresh” button. I review my dreams, set goals, prepare for the holidays, and reflect on where I am in life. Many people take stock of their lives and reset when ushering in the the New Year. I prefer September, most likely because as a child, the end of summer fun and the start of the school year held great significance for me.

One of my reflections this Autumn is about the “place” we call home. No doubt some of your favorite cities and states are struggling with the many social issues facing our world. Optically, things may appear bleak, daunting, overwhelming, and even hopeless.

I believe there is always hope!

Our home is what we make of it. My own personal experience has taught me to either find ways to find peace with where I live or move somewhere that will bring me the fulfillment I need. I realize it is not always that simple but it’s not as complicated as many believe either. Here are some ways to begin “loving where you live.”

1. Complain less and act more.

2. Join a group, network, or volunteer.

3. Find a hobby or an interest.

4. Don’t rely on headlines. Do your own research.

5. Explore your city, take pictures, read about it.

6. Take staycations.

7. Speak positively about where you live.

8. Embrace the weather (do things to enjoy it more).

9. Change your routine.

10. Focus on the beautiful.

Wishing you all a delightful September! Go out and play 😉. Much love,Valerie

The Haunting of Our Abodes

By Valerie Maldonado

Be it apartment, house, or dorm
Workspace, travels, someone’s arms
Where we reside for a time
Lurks forever in our minds

Childhood memories abound
From the space to the sound
First cribs, crushed dreams
Replay like deleted scenes

The haunting of our abodes
Stems from ghosts long ago
What was once warmly inviting
Transforms as another’s place of hiding

The four corners of every room
Neighborhood sounds in the afternoon
Streets and subways
Highways and doorways

Come upon us randomly
Uninvited, intrusively
To remind us who we were
Of the life we led before

Snippets: bad, good, indifferent
A reminder that we lived it
Even those who stay in one place
The years transform the space

The altering waves of time and life
Bring new locations for us to reside
New faces, ideas, and roads
Will one day transform into new ghosts

Photo by me 2023

Peeking into 2023

Happy Holidays to All!

I did not blog much this year with good reason. I was busy navigating the increasingly challenging twelve months, as so many were in this new era we are living. By now my goals for the New Year would have been set and I almost decided not to bother, but then a little voice inside said, “you must have dreams and goals to strive for or you will be giving in to existing a mundane twenty-four hour cycle.”

That’s not to say that routine is boring. It’s actually quite useful. Nor do goals have to be extravagant or costly and dreams do not have to be grand. I simply believe that when a person has something they long for on the horizon it provides a beacon to light the way during difficult times.

It is easy to give in to the current mood and feel cautious about the New Year. The last three years have been overwhelming as a whole to say the least. Still even with all the losses many have experienced and the changes, there is always something to smile about. There is always someone to smile for.

My goals for this coming year are simple.

Spend more time with family & friends far and near

Speak more on the telephone and less by text

Return to the snail mail I love

Listen fully

Pray daily

Cry when needed

Revisit past goals and adjust as needed

Follow the dreams in my heart

Keep dancing!

Love more!

Laugh often!

Live joyously!

What are your goals, dreams, aspirations, or hopes for 2023? I encourage you all to strive toward them with open arms. Sending love and warm wishes.

Happy New Year!

Valerie

Favorites

What makes something a favorite? A favorite movie, song, person, place, object, food, hobby, activity, etc.

It certainly has something to do with the person, place, or thing. But more often it is about the experience in which you came to be connected that caused it to become a favorite.

For example, some people enjoy a movie in a theatre, while others prefer the comfort of their home. I prefer a little of both. Food can taste much better at a restaurant but nothing beats a homemade favorite. Music, ahhh, when and with who you hear a song can make it a favorite. Objects such as jewelry can be something you like but become a favorite if you lose someone and that object is something they cherished.

People become favorites in a variety of ways. In fact some you may not like right away can become a favorite down the road. Others might start out as favorites and sadly become strangers, sometimes for no reason at all.

In these challenging times it has been my favorites that have kept each day in balance. Countering all the darkness with my favorite people, music, media, books, food, hobbies, and more has helped keep negative feelings from spiraling. Who hasn’t felt rage, sadness, helplessness, or dismay during these last few years?

What and who are your favorites? If it’s an old song dust off your records or make a playlist and listen to it, often. A favorite dish your mom or dad used to make, try making it yourself and serving it the way they would. If it’s something your grandparent’s taught you, try picking it up again. If it’s a place you enjoyed, take a day trip, invite a friend to experience it anew.

A book? Read it again. A television show? Rewatch. If it is something or someone that is currently a favorite, spend more quality time. If an activity is not a favorite,  spend less time. Why play golf if you enjoy tennis? Of course if you want to conquer a game keep at it!

Be careful with people though. Someone does not have to be a favorite to be of value in your life. We all have something to offer.

Valerie 🌹

On the Horizon

On the Horizon
By Valerie Maldonado

On the eve of the New Year

Turn the lights down low
Reminisce, reflect, reassess
Then set your mark on go

Look forward, not back

Toward future’s open field
Place the darkest parts
Somewhere to be healed

Let in the light, the laughter
and most of all love
Shine your magic on others
Thanking God up above

Bask in the joy of life itself
Each and every one of you
Wherever you may be
In whatever way you choose

On the horizon
Lies a brand New Year
Carve your time like art
Choose courage not fear

Though our hearts our heavy
Happy days will appear again
Place trivial matters on a shelf
Vitalize resilience ‘til then

Happy New Year!

Valerie

Favorite Things

Holiday Greetings,

I am not a big fan of New Year resolutions, choosing instead to set goals in September each year. This year I didn’t even do that. Instead I thought I would list some of my favorite things and reflect on how grateful I am for my family, friends, health, and most especially my life.

What a long couple of years it has been for us all. For some it has been excruciating. My heart goes out to each and every human being. May we all find joy, peace, laughter, love, kindness, empathy, solace, understanding, adventure, and so much more in the coming year.

Given all the sadness, stress, confusion, fear and angst in the world, there is still so much to celebrate and give thanks for. I personally thank God for all. Whatever your personal beliefs may be, search your heart and list all the wonderful and favorite things you love. Revel in them!

This list does not include my favorite people, or the wonderful things that are shared with those we love, such as deep conversations (that would be a long list).

Favorite Things

Books

Libraries

Bookstores (especially used)

Reading/writing

Poetry

Music (all genres)

The Opera

The Ballet

Orchestras

Classic movies (TCM)

Historical movies

The color blue

Sketching

Illustrations

Architecture

The Peanut Gang

Archie Comics

Original Star Trek

70s/80s tv series

The Outsiders

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Genealogy

Photography

Maps

Fashion

Sports

Traveling

Sunsets/sunrises

Nature (especially trees)

Flowers

Animals

Birds

The ocean

Astronomy (especially the stars)

History (all)

Dancing

Concerts

Learning

Art

Creating

Museums

Antique stores

Thrifting

Long drives

Musicals

Dollhouses

Paper dolls

Vintage toys

Marbles

Puzzles (paper & jigsaw)

Cooking

Chocolate

Bustello coffee

Cafes

Exercising

Castles and Gazebos (hence the title of my blog)

… and so much more!

Life has so much good to offer. So much beauty to admire. So many delightful moments. So much adventure. So many interesting places and artistic creations. Even in the midst of a pandemic. Even after tremendous loss. Even with an uncertain future.

Let’s all do our best in 2022. Let’s all live our best. Let’s all be our best. Let’s all give our best. Let’s come together and make 2022 the best year ever! Cheers!

Happy New Year,

Valerie

Everything Changed on Primary Day

By Valerie Maldonado

Bright, beautiful, sunny day

Primaries and Justin in kindergarten, 2nd day

We waited for him to be okay

Then headed to catch the train

Papo and I city bound

Train stalled on Williamsburg bridge

I was running a little late

Papo headed toward East Broadway

I exited on Broadway Nassau

Ambulances flying the wrong way

Thought a movie was being filmed

Walked toward One Liberty Plaza

Throngs of people looking up

I asked what was going on

Someone said a small plane went into One

One World Trade? That can’t be right

I looked up to a huge hole on the side

Reached my building right across

Watched disbelieving as people fell

Prayed real hard that help would come

Was about to enter when all of a sudden

A noise louder than any you’ve ever heard

Sounded the approach of a speeding plane

I can’t express how my heart and eyes froze

Debris rained down upon us all

Gasping we began to run

Tripping on people, and running in circles

Horrified by burned out cars

Trying to somehow understand

The world is ending someone yelled

Another one is coming was all I heard

I stopped nearby at the stock exchange

Waited online for a phone with no change

Someone handed me a quarter or two

I called Papo, he would know what to do

Frantically I cried and explained it all

Start walking toward the Seaport, he said

In a daze I made my way through

With thousand of others in a daze too

Somehow, someway he caught sight of me

Collapsing in his arms we made for South Street

When all of a sudden he said oh man

The whole thing is gone, it’s fallen down

Two World Trade where I once worked

Lay in a pile of stone, dust, and dirt

How many people my mind could not think

The silence of those exiting was deafening

A little while later we walked the bridge to get home

One World Trade had collapsed as well

On the bridge we walked very fast

When two Jet fighters suddenly passed

Surreal cannot begin to explain

All the happenings of that fateful day

Getting Justin from his second day

I thought of how lucky it was I’d been late

My friend Sherie and I would have been in the mezzanine

If I’d been on time and breakfasting

Meeting George and Melissa, I cried and cried

Everything changed that Primary Day

Seeing friend’s faces on the TV screen

Hearing my friends and family describe their own hell

I felt beyond fortunate to be alive and well

Returning to work a few days later

Encountering soldiers and new security layers

My desk was covered in thick, white dust

One side of the building was gutted out

The building was set up as a morgue

But sadly many were not brought up

Every voicemail I received gave me chills

Frantic voices haunt me still

Innocent people lost in many ways

Heroism everywhere on display

Ground zero, where souls are laid

God bless those who went in afraid

God bless their families for the price they paid

God bless the passengers on all the planes

God bless those throughout the World Trade

God bless America then and now

Maybe, just maybe we can turn things around

Twenty years later I have the luxury to reflect

While others mourn and ask us to never forget

Too much was lost in so many ways

Everything changed on Primary Day

Never forget 🙏🏻

Enjoy the Daily

I have many dreams as I am sure everyone does. I dream of traveling the world, embarking on new and exciting adventures, meeting interesting people, and creating something magical. I have old dreams, new dreams, recycled dreams, quiet dreams, and outrageous dreams.

Everyday I put something toward my dreams. I read a book about a place, I learn the history of places and people, I watch different programs, listen to podcasts, scroll through social media and more. But what truly helps me stay focused on my dreams is keeping my mind, body, and spirit prepared. I enjoy the daily of my life. The mundane moments, the special relationship moments, the routine moments, and the unexpected moments. Everything teaches me something and I tuck it away for future use.

When I arise in the morning I take great pleasure in my cup of coffee. I enjoy the smell, taste, and soothing heat of my espresso. I either stare outside or read during this time. Then I stretch and sometimes watch an inspiring video to begin my day. I exercise in the morning since this is when I have my most energy. I listen to my body to decide my workout. As you get older you get to know your body pretty well. Stiffness, pain, aches, or flexibility, strength, you recognize them all in every part.

Our daily lives do not have to be boring or uninspiring. Every moment can teach us, rejuvenate us, and give us ideas toward our dreams. You will be surprised when inspiration strikes. Fill your day with the necessary but fill your body, mind, and spirit with the magical. Discard the unnecessary and let go of anything detrimental to your overall well-being.

Enjoy the daily because it is where we spend most of our moments. Savor the flavors, sounds, smells, and feel of all that God has lovingly provided. Stay humble and remain grateful. There is beauty everywhere if we truly want to find it.

Stay safe,

Valerie

Support Artists

Support the artists in your lives. Like their songs, books, videos, films, writing, and more. Don’t be a critic be a champion of the arts!

 https://youtu.be/P2mX64PtEMY

Creativity is cool,

Valerie

Words to Lift Us Up

While this Christmas season may not be ideal or feel normal, I find myself full of gratitude for my very life after the challenging year we have all endured. Like so many others I faced loss, disappointment, heartache, and hardships during this pandemic. Yet there was also new life, weddings, successes and survival.

I pray the New Year brings more happiness than sadness but whatever the future holds may we all face it with hope, determination, kindness, and love. May we fight the good fight especially for those who cannot fight for themselves.

May we find solutions, compromise, and a return to civility in our homes, community, and around the world. May God be more present for us than a cry in our darkest hours and may all our dreams come true.

My beautiful friend and fellow poet asked me to share some of my favorite quotes. May these words fill your heart too.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Stay safe,

Valerie😷 🌲 

“El amor es un canto de ternura, sacrificio  y llanto.” ~  Frances Noelia. (Love is a song of tenderness, sacrifice and tears)

“Who wants to be beat up in their heart like that?” ~ Frances Noelia

“A cheerful life is what the Muses love, a soaring spirit is their prime delight.” ~ William Wadsworth

“Where there is love there is life.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.”~ Jimi Hendrix

“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all year.” ~ Charles Dickens

“You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” ~ Dr. Seuss

“In every day there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make an impact.” ~ Les Brown

“Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.” ~ Alice Morse Earl

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

No Matter

Valerie Maldonado

No matter who occupies the White House next remember;

You can still be kind

and be of service to someone

You can still have a voice

and make a difference and then some

You can rise above the noise and angst

Find a way to celebrate and give thanks

Even in these unsettling times

You can almost always find

A reason to smile, laugh, love

Thanking God up above

For though the world feels upside down

There is hope to be found

No matter who occupies the White House next

You can turn your fears into positive steps

We are all in this together

No matter who you favored

Individually and collectively

We can unite “our” country

No matter who occupies the White House

You and I will still be ourselves

We can all be civil

and of value to others

We will still have a choice 

to be sisters and brothers

Yes these times are scary

Yes we’re all growing weary

But if we dig down deep inside

We can put our differences aside

No matter who occupies the White House next

It is us, the people, who ultimately decide

How we act, who we are, and how we move forward

📷by me

Morning Essentials

Good morning,

What is your morning routine? Even if you think you don’t have one, you probably do. Do you brush your teeth first thing? Make coffee or tea? Exercise? I am very much the type to keep to a routine and if for some reason (travel, illness, etc.) I am unable to my entire day can feel off.

My morning always begins with a little prayer of thanks. I then brush my teeth and make espresso coffee with steamed milk. I may or may not eat breakfast with my coffee. Then I will exercise, do yoga, or stretch. After exercising I will eat a healthy breakfast or drink a smoothie. This morning I added bible journaling to my routine.

Have you ever randomly opened your bible to see what scripture you land on? I did that this morning and it was amazing how much I needed to read this particular passage. Although I have a bible collection this is my first journaling bible. I love it. Art combined with God’s poetry.

I recently decided to pay more attention to my skincare. As you get older your skin will change. I used to believe washing my face was enough but now I see the need for moisturizing as well.

Whatever your morning routine is be sure you are nourishing your body, mind, and spirit. You will not regret it!

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. ~ Psalm 139:1

Blessings,

Valerie