Part of my writing background encompasses poetry, and I thought I would share some of my favorites with you. I'm the kind of writer who likes to paint a picture with words, and the more creative the usage of words the more visual the reader becomes. Yes, the majority of my poetry is romantic in nature, but some can be humorous and sensual as well.

I'm also a motivational, serious, and humorous writer and thought I would offer up some things that you might find interesting reading.

I hope you enjoy the offerings.

I'll be putting more than just my poetry and writings in this diary for sure, but to kick it off I just thought you might like to see another side or depth maybe of your moderator.



***

What is it . . .

What is it about dawn and dusk that drives us,
lures us into poetic flow like lava rising from the
depths of encumbered darkness to embrace the light;

What is it about rain and kisses that liquify a thought into
a smile that tastes like a warm shower feels;

What is it about breakfast that feeds an aching need
yet to be fully satisfied; and

What is it about life that keeps us at the edge,
only to admire horizons and fall into dreams that
leave with the tide.


I know what it is . . .

It’s the warmth of the sunrise embracing our face in a hug;

It’s the fusion of colors dancing to silent music at sunset;

It’s the food of life that rain delivers to its waiting takers,
transforming liquid kisses from the outside into smiles on the inside;

It’s the most important meal of the day because delicious thoughts
linger in our memory like a haunting love song; and

It’s the uncertainty and mystery of life that keeps us at the edge,
where peaks and valleys challenge our will to step beyond our
limited thinking, and do more than just admire horizons.


***

Painting A Canvas With Words . . .

One by one, colorful words race across the canvas, left to right and back again, pausing now and then in a brief moment of yet another discovery; liquid brilliance leaving a memory of treasured thoughts . . .

. . . at the shore

How sweet the horizon in its unexplored terrain; inviting, yet patient in the arrival of pulse and passion. The sun drenched in orange and yellow, descending slowly into a watery peace till dawn beckons its presence once again. Waves rushing to kiss the sands at the shore, and melodic sounds at feather-soft decibels in colors you can only hear. A touched hand, a beating heart, a racing pulse toward destinations unknown, in colors you can only feel . . .

. . . in the garden

Come into the garden and experience its peacefulness. Tranquil and complete with waterfall whose mist dances delicately across your skin in loving kisses. A rainbow across falls in bright dripping colors illuminated by a full moon. A brook of cool, flowing water over scattered rocks like mini-waterfalls musically soothing you to sleep. Lush foliage complemented by full trees and a velvety blanket of green grass. Brilliant flowers in liquid colors fluid enough to brush across a canvas, and night sounds that dance in rhythm with a diamond-studded sky.

. . . explore beyond the canvas



***

I Wonder . . .

I wake in the night and I wonder if life is but a whisper on the breath of time; and as time passes so quickly, my reach to you is but a word in a maze of whirling wonder.

Take time sweet love to breathe in that whisper of life, and walk the maze to the waves at the shore where I shall meet you in the moonlight in a breath of time.

Tomorrow is not yet ours to possess, but when it arrives, the possibilities are endless. There's always a chance that reflections of sunset may dance in our eyes just before a kiss.

Take encouragement from these lips and grab that dance at dawn. Seize the day and make it your heart's canvas to reflect upon in the stillness of night. I await in that stillness in the colors of your brush stroke.

I’ll treasure the love you’ll bring to me. I’ll cherish that we’ll rise to the occasion when words fulfill every need in a place where night and day blend in a whirl of emotion, and words take form like a melody in an unfinished symphony.

Place your notes upon the scales of my heart and repeat your melody until the symbals sound your arrival.


*This one was a finalist in an international poetry contest.*


***

Because of you ...

I no longer stand at the edge of darkness,
With meaningless things encumbering my soul;
You've given to me, the depth of your oneness,
And a destiny charted, we share as a goal.


Because of you ...

My heart has a beat with a quality more suited,
A pulse that is racing, and thoughts with a flow;
A sense of a place that within us is rooted,
With no hesitation of how it will grow.


Because of you ...

You've given your heart, and I'm making it mine,
My delight in this sharing is genuinely real;
My tomorrows look brighter, my todays are divine,
And the truth of it all, I love how I feel.


Because of you ...

My quiet is filled with thoughts of your presence,
My days are filled with needing you near;
My nights are filled with thoughts of your essence,
My dreams are filled with wanting you here.



***

I Am . . .

I am, but a moment in time, waiting for light through a window;
for time to share its course in the existence of you.


I am, but the air that I breathe,
and the whisper of words from your voice;
words that touch and feel and settle on the breath of my heart.


I am, but the magical moments that we share,
in that place between the shadows of life and the reality of you.


I am, but a heartbeat for now beneath the surface of day,
and the rhythm of peace in the silence of night.


I am, but a drop of rain in a shower of emotion in colors of you,
a rainbow of up and over and under in a brilliance of moods.


I am, but the laughter you feed to my heart in a basket of smiles,
and the calm I feel from your voice when it whispers from miles.


I am, but "you" in a reflection of love across a span of time,
and in the essence of dreams, this time to be mine.



***

Fresh From Your Cold Shower . . .

Wrap yourself in me . . .


And let the warmth absorb the cold droplets of water on your body
fresh from your cold shower.


Let me catch the rivers that flow down your chest
into the cavern at my waist.


Let me taste the wetness of your skin as your face brushes mine . . .


I am your towel . . . absorb me.

***

Finding Yourself is an Inside Job

Discovering your own truth is brutal at times, because it means being totally honest, and not making excuses for what seemingly ends up being your blurred vision of self. I'm sure rose-colored glasses have their place, but your personal journey will require an open mind and consistently clear path unobstructed by self-preserving clutter that only veils the truth. So what does that mean? That it takes more than a broom to clean out the cobwebs.

I feel that we are always in a state of soul construction, and that our story just gets updated as we peel off those layers that no longer serve a viable and healthy purpose (much like exfoliating).

The journey within begins with a process I call "open mind surgery," but is never dulled by anything anesthetic because it's a type of surgery that requires conscious effort at every turn. Your thoughts are the cutting edge of the scalpel, dissecting their way into the deepest recesses of dysfunctional thinking, and the first order of business is acceptance of self at every level, because it's not only crucial, it's required. I call it the "barest essential" in our step toward making change. If we are unable to accept ourselves at every point in the discovery process, then we are altering the road to wholeness, and the journey within is tainted.

Every book is a mystery until we open the cover and make our discoveries one page at a time. It's pretty much the same with "open mind surgery," only it's one thought at a time. The destination of each thought can be just as exquisite as the journey itself, but taking that first step requires the willingness to open the cover to your own mystery.

Fear must not be a deterrent in this journey. An author friend once wrote . . . “fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.” More simply . . . what you think about something is what holds you hostage . . . or not. Remember when I said that "discovering your own truth is brutal at times"? . . . well, truth is not always pretty, and it not only affects you, but will more than likely affect those who are closest to you as well. During your metamorphic journey, your behaviors will change, and your interpersonal relationships will magnify in ways that are more beneficial to you, but hopefully, not in a selfish sense.

Some may not appreciate the new you, most likely because they aren't benefiting as much as before, but guilt on your part should not be an underlying factor. Having the ability to make sound decisions without guilt is part of realizing that your life does not totally revolve around the needs of others and also requires a level of critical thinking that affords you the opportunity to not only give to others in an effective way but to yourself as well.

The moment that you realize that only you have the ultimate power to make changes in your life, is also the moment that you realize you're on your way to healthier thinking. However, your new-found self and healthier thinking should not promote arrogance or self-absorption, but rather a humble understanding of the process that allows you a better level of decision making. Exhibit yourself with confidence and self-assurance, but keep your ego nestled within and not on grandiose display. Nothing turns some people off more than arrogance and an over-indulged ego.

One statement that helps to keep me grounded is: "What other people think or say about me is unimportant until 'I' attach meaning to it."

It's amazing how much importance we give to the opinions of others about ourselves. However, there are those who are to be respected and appreciated for their personal and professional assessments. I for one graciously welcome feedback in its most open form, because we never see ourselves or judge our work as others do. That said, I do feel that there's a level of intellect needed in an effort to filter out those who criticize and judge based on hidden agendas, and those who genuinely mirror us in a reflection of truth. The more aware and observant one becomes, the easier it seems to be to detect genuineness. Human behavior is nothing less than complex, and even after my association with it through personal and professional training and experience, I am still amazed at how much I have yet to learn.

Time is never guaranteed, so wasting it isn't an option. I'm not going to say that it's unfortunate that some of us get a late start, because I firmly believe that no matter when we start, it's a blessing that we got there to begin with, and feel that it's our obligation to ourselves to make the journey.

The mind is awesome in its ability to be flexible enough to paint a new canvas, and I for one have multiple colors in my brush stroke just waiting to create that new horizon.

Grab your favorite colors and splash your masterpiece onto that canvas.



***

On a more serious note, and PE or EU-related ...

I've done some critical thinking (<--always doing that, but it helps with decision-making) ... and I'm changing my approach to this whole virtual universe experience.

Just like many others, I found that how I was going about my activities didn't seem to be working efficiently for me, so came to the conclusion that a change was needed in order to lessen the frustration that I was beginning to feel (ok, it's been a while now).

No, this is not a whine post against MA at all, but a rethinking on my part with regard to how I could better approach my activities within PE/EU. I love this virtual environment and what is offered, but also realize that it's not only about choice but about being smart in those choices.

I've been in the "game" over a year now, and as much as I have deposited, I've only had one solo HoF but quite a few Globals, which I'm grateful for btw. However, despite the multitude of theories that abound regarding why or how these things occur, and perhaps that they're just random with a little luck thrown in for good measure, I have a personal wish list that "for me" would make it less frustrating to understand, and certainly more enjoyable and motivating to be engaged in achieving unlocked skills.

I think it would be cool if MA would establish a criteria that states that if you do "this," then you will achieve "this." Ex: If certain skills (plz list them) equal this, then you will unlock Marksmanship, and if certain skills equal this, then you will unlock Ranged Damage Assessment, then if these certain skills equal this, you will unlock Serendipity, and so on. What's frustrating about all this is that ppl seem to be achieving these unlocked skills at various levels that have no consistency. This has been not only my personal observation within our society, but reading the stats posted by others at the EF forum. Comparing my own to theirs, I should have already unlocked Serendipity, so I have no idea what MA's forumula is for this.

It would also be cool to know what colors are unlocked at what level of skill in coloring and giving us something to think about and look forward to. Also, maybe a list of what level skill unlocks using different skins in tailoring. As it is now, it's a basic problem-solving strategy known as "trial and error" where you "try" to use a color or a skin and the system says yay or nay. Rather than hunting MOBs that drop skins I can't use, I could focus on those that do. However, I've done the trial and error thingie and I AM only hunting MOBs that give me the skins I can use right now.

All this said ... JSA as a whole is rethinking its approach to this glorious game in an effort to be more efficient with how we play it. I have the shop and we want to use it not only for our benefit but for the benefit of the community. We will sell only JSA-crafted or looted items ... no buying or reselling whatsoever.

Hunting for me has to be efficient and purposeful, and I am leaving the mining to Jetboy and Moonie who produce the ores and enmatter that we use for crafting. We are building inventory in an effort to get the shop open as soon as possible, but we're also concerned about the minimal traffic at the moment. Hopefully with the implementation of the Nightclub and Arena it will change.

This game could use a facelift in so many ways, but until certain things are changed, I am embracing certain aspects of it that I feel have tremendous potential with future growth. Yes, I'm talking about CND and several things coming up the pipeline that I believe will rock the asteroid and blow off the airlocks (as Moonie puts it).

I believe in ND's vision and direction that CND is going, and despite those who are so anti-CND, I also believe that one day they will be sitting back and going ... Hmmmmm!!! All things have their growing pains, but it's just a matter of time before this nurturing period produces something totally unique to behold in any virtual environment. Standby plz, and fasten your seatbelts ...

I love the CND community and our active members who continually add their special flavor into the mix. I love that we're such a caring and generous group in the way that we embrace and help others at a moment's notice. I love that we support each other in times of crisis and never seem to waver in our constructive contributions that add benefit to our overall growth. I love that our sweet-cheeked Administrator readily responds to our needs, and of course ... I love that our Leader, the Owner, and my Boss as Moderator is so interactive with our community with a sincere and genuine interest in providing the best place for all of us. CND and the Reality Port forum community simply ROCKS!!!

That's it for today ... I want to chk into the game briefly and then have to prepare for the 5:30pm class I have to teach.

However ... I'm looking forward more to meeting up with Moonie again after teaching the class ... that man is just too awesome ... luv ya Moonie.


***

I'm calling this entry the "Moon and Star Moments" bcuz today (Monday, May 29th) was full of revelation for me. These moments started over 10 months ago and are far too many to share in this one post, but going forward, I plan to share more of them.

Moonie and I met July 14th last year in front of the Fort Fury auctioneer, and it will always be a moment I'll cherish. There was just something in the way he interacted with me that drew me in ... something very genuine, unpretentious and endearing ... not to mention intelligence and a wicked sense of humor. I wanted to know more ... he wanted to know more ... and the journey began.

Today, we are closer than ever and have shared some pretty incredible moments together. We are an ingame couple but we have grown in depth through our IRL conversations to the degree that warrants far more attention than we've given it to this point, but before I go any further with this, let me share a few of those moments that have touched me in ways that I don't always express.

Before CND, we shared a lot of tender moments that needed no words, and it's moments like these that are captured in film that speak volumes and tell a silent story of two people in tune with the simple things.

And it's receiving pictures like this one from Moonie that continues to tell the story of his heart that he truly wears on his sleeve and not afraid to share in ways that make his feelings known.

Our Moon and Star moments are those that are spontaneous, even if it's something we've done before. It's the spur of the moment thought that drives us to either experience something we've done before and enjoyed, or adventure out into something new, but no matter what it turns out to be, the moments are tender and delicious.

It could be a sweet swim off the Corinth Beach Pier ...



A nice chat in our CND home ... (who said that sofas don't seat 2)



A close dance in the CND Hot Tub ...



The walk home after enjoying a night at the Club ...



Fun time in a dome that is always on the menu!
(I'm sure Jetboy is standing back there saying ...
I know the feeling Moonie, I grew up with her as a sibling)



And those end of day moments when we share pillow talk before retiring ...

So what's the revelation? ... that while Moonie and I spend an enormous amount of time together, the shared "tender" moments aren't as often as they used to be. It's not that we've grown more apart, but a combination of becoming more busy, as well as our shared responsibility to friends and family (Moonie now considers my brother Jetboy as a brother bcuz they too have become extremely close). We often spread ourselves too thin in that responsibility (me more than Moonie), and have neglected (me more than Moonie) those special moments that are so "Moon and Star" ... and the time we spent today on the Treasure Island City Beach just brought it home for me.

Recently, during an event "After Party" in the CND Hot Tub, Moonie asked Zoe to make an announcement over the RaveTrax radio waves bcuz it was something he felt strongly about, and something he wanted everyone to know. It goes like this ... "Moonie loves his Star" ... more than one dedicated song filled the air, and as I sat behind this monitor watching Star dance with Moon, I felt a warmth I hadn't felt in a long time ... not to mention the tear (or two) that flowed down my cheeks ... all the while I had Moonie in my ear saying ... "it's real" ... and it's you Lynne, the woman behind the avatar that brings Star to life that I love. *Pausing to get a tissue!*

It's no secret that I've been busier than ever lately ... moderating two forums and planning events keeps me out of trouble I suppose, and while Moonie is always in my ear keeping me grounded and sharing those frenzied moments (which I love btw), our alone time isn't what it used to be bcuz we always seem to be taking care of other ppl more than taking care of ourselves. While we love sharing time with friends on hunts and just hanging out, we are now going to take more alone time for ourselves so that we can continue to nurture this incredible relationship that deserves more attention.

On with the revelation ... often after a CND event, Moonie, Jet and I like to take mini-vacations on Calypso in order to share time with friends who aren't always at CND, and also bcuz we love the water and beaches. The Corinth Beach Pier is one of our favorite places. It's our "Pier of Tranquility" and where we've had many indepth chats.

After the Miami nightclub event, we decided to go planetside again and do a different kind of hunting and share time with friends. Today (Monday, May 29th) we decided to have Moon and Star time and share perhaps one of those adrenaline rush hunts that we have now and then (Moonie loves MOB-herding for me). However, after a brief Armax run SW of Caravan, and a little Pluma hunt W of Caravan, we decided to go to Treasure Island City for the bigger Corns. We ran along the beach and then inland a bit and took out a few but they were scarce, so we ended up standing there in our armor and talking about our relationship, both ingame and the possibilities of IRL.

It turned into one of those tender moments ... we got into something more comfortable and took a walk together to the water's edge on the beach. We sat in the sand with our feet cooling off in the water and continued our talk, taking it further than we've ever taken it before, but it felt really good for both of us.

We have not been without our challenges, and there were times that I questioned whether this relationship would ever see the light of an IRL meeting, but this talk at the water's edge transcended all apprehension to the point of entertaining the idea that an IRL meeting would be the next logical step. Even though it's been over 10 months that we've shared this incredible time together, we're taking a little more time to work out a few logistics before settling on a specific date ... but guess what? ... (Ooooo, I'm letting the cat outta the bag here) ... if it happens, it's going to happen at Christmas time and Moonie will come to Florida.

In case I haven't made it perfectly clear ... Star loves Moonie too, but it's "Craig" ... the man behind the avatar who brings Moonie to life that I love, bcuz Moonie IS Craig. He's the driving force that inspires so much of what I do ingame bcuz it's for "us" rather than just me. He's that voice in my ear that helps me hold it together when I experience sad IRL moments that would tear ANYone's heart wide open, and the voice that tenderly says "I matter to him" ... and more than I could imagine.

When it was time for Moonie to leave for work, it was bitter sweet, bcuz THIS Moon and Star moment was like none other, and I didn't want him to leave. We stood at the water's edge just looking at each other knowing that saying goodbye this time was going to be different.

I told Moonie to read my Diary when he got home, that I was so inspired by our time at the water's edge that I had to do some writing. This writing is more for Moonie than anyone else, bcuz I want it to be heard loud and clear my dear sweet man ... you ARE the man ... make no mistake ... and I want to openly apologize to you for letting the "tender moments" slip away to less than they were, and also openly promise you that going forward, they will have their prominent place, and at the level they deserve to be.

And as an FYI to the community and the multitude of friends that I love so much, if you ever hear me say ... "I'm having Moonie time!" ... don't ever think you are less to me (or Moonie), bcuz we value our friends tremendously, and we love sharing time with you, but it's important that we continue to give ourselves those "Moon and Star Moments" that help to nurture the potential of what this relationship could be.

I continued to stand at the water's edge after Moonie signed out, but rather than feeling alone and sad, I felt like I hadn't felt before ... Moonie's spirit was stronger than ever, and I was taking him home with me.

***