This is anybody and everybody that we love: human, animal, deity, and self. The implications run deep!

Who do you love that has had the greatest impact on you? For me, currently and as the person I have become, that’s the Universe as God, my self, my husband, my children, my friends, and my cats.

The biggest impact now is love of self, something I lacked for most of my life until I lost my husband. He has returned in many ways (physical, emotional, mental) but self comes first.

Then, it’s whom I choose to share my abundance of love. The Universe is one with me-that’s where my love of self was inspired.

In my work in progress (WIP), my main characters are also shaped by whom they love. It is amazing to create and develop characters in this way!

What are your thoughts?

Love

Love like dappled light
intermittently blinds then clarifies
as my heart drives the back roads of my mind.

I don’t remember the pain, but
briefly it surprises me with bursts of sunlight that
quickly vanish into shades of clarity.

I follow the road with confidence, knowing well
the curves that wind deeper into dense, lush forests of noble fir.

A new stretch of certainty emerges and
I coast through the present road conditions
with eyes wide open.

When the road unwinds through quiet, tawny pastures,
the sun sets in my rear view mirror and twilight greets me;
the stars guide my way
reflecting the illumination of my intuition and
the draft of wind through the open window
catches my breath.

-Lisa Barker

Going to have to dive deep for the next book: Deliverance.

THIS!

* Free on Smashwords until July 31, 2022 *

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/77379

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It’s been 35 years for me and now I am owning it and I’m there for others who struggle with mental illness, suicide, anxiety, depression, and addiction. We are beautiful, resilient, creative, loving, and wise people. I met a young girl on Facebook that was hospitalized 11 times last year as she struggled with suicidal ideation and two almost successful attempts. Since she has been in recovery, she is an inspiration with her love and wisdom as she shares her healing process. I told her, lets do it. Let’s get that semicolon tattoo that means something special to us and as we meet people, give them encouragement and strength as we share our stories and hope. Peace to all who struggle and who have struggled. You’re not alone and there’s nothing to be ashamed of or hide. No stigma is greater than the beautiful soul that you are. ♥ ♥ ♥

I hope my writing reflects this.

Sister Golden Hair

By, America

Well, I tried to make it Sunday, but I got so damn depressed
That I set my sights on Monday and I got myself undressed
I ain’t ready for the altar but I do agree there’s times
When a woman sure can be a friend of mine

Well, I keep on thinkin’ ’bout you
Sister Golden Hair surprise
And I just can’t live without you
Can’t you see it in my eyes?
I’ve been one poor correspondent
And I’ve been too, too hard to find
But it doesn’t mean you ain’t been on my mind

Will you meet me in the middle?
Will you meet me in the air?
Will you love me just a little?
Just enough to show you care?
Well, I tried to fake it
I don’t mind sayin’, I just can’t make it

Dedicated to Wendy -Joe

Yup. I’m “going to camp” in about a week, writing in the July 2022 Camp NANOWRIMO. This time I’ll be working on 30 entries for a private memoir of my childhood for my kiddos (ergo, the 1975 VW Bus). This will be a fun project and I am looking forward to it!