I was sitting right there as she hurried by
She was looking for her mother
A grown woman now
With a worried look on her face
She had the weight of the world upon her shoulders
She wanted to show her mother
All the things that she had done
But most of all she wanted time
“Look Mom” she wanted to say
“Have I done well?
I want you to see me
Do you see me?”
I shot up with a start
“Here I am, you just walked right by me.
Of course I can see you!!
Can you see me? I want you to see me!!”
But as she scanned the people nearby
She didn’t seem to recognize me
Then her eyes settled on me.
Yes, I said, I am right here! It’s me, Mom!”
For a full minute we just stared at each other
“No, you aren’t my mother.. you look like her
It’s kind of weird, in fact it’s downright disturbing
I’m looking for my mom and you aren’t her!”
“I am your mother!” I said
But these words only pierced her heart
Frustrated we parted ways
As she walked away I noticed
That parts of me were breaking off
And falling all around me
Like glass my chest shattered
And I fell into a deep trance
I was taken back to a time
When my mother was always looking for hers
I would sometimes say to her
“Mom, I’m your daughter, I’m right here.
Can we focus on me?”
Most times she couldn’t see me
In fact, I felt invisible
She was lost
Even though she’d been found
Alway’s looking for her mother
Who left her when she was a wee child
She did not have the words I needed
Her mind was otherwise engaged
The mind chatter deafening her to my calls
All my feeble attempts failed
But there were true moments of bliss
Like after I gave birth for the first time
She came to see me
When she walked into the bedroom
I thought she would scoop up my baby
But to my absolute delight
She came to me first
As I lay there sweating and exhausted
She kissed me on my forehead
She looked into my eyes
She was smiling
It was probably the most powerful moment of my life
It is a labyrinth, this life
Filled with pain and pleasure
Sorrow and joy
Captivity and freedom
But this must be pursued
One must truly desire love
In all it’s meanings
One must always chase it
It’s in nature, it’s in a word
Or a deed, an act of kindness
In a look..
But we get lost oftentimes
It’s a learned behavior…
So when you’re lost
Remember you can be found
Walk through the portal
There is light at the end of the tunnel
My hand is reaching out to you
To pull you up out of your despair
You are weary from the battle
It’s time to come home
Let’s not end up like some
Who wait a lifetime
I have carved a shortcut for you
I have swallowed the pain
I have digested it
I have been poisoned by it
But I lived through it
And now I can see
It is not about me
And it’s all about me
Every lesson from every mother
Handed down in DNA
Passed on prejudices and fears
Hopes and dashed hopes
Dreams and magic..
Remember my love
We are not like everyone else
We are super heroes
With super powers
But coming from the island
Of misfit toys
We are broken and chipped
And weird and different
But blessed with hearts and minds
To change the world
So when you come back to me I will show you
I was lost, but now I am found
I was blind, but now I see
Only in part, we none of us can fully
Until we come face to face
With the glorious creator of us all
When the fear and confusion dissipate
Now I know how the creator feels
Arms stretched out
Just waiting to be seen
Waiting for us to see
“Look at what I’ve done!
I’ve done all this for you!
Because I was lonely so I built a world
And more worlds
And everything in them
And I saved the best for last
I made you!!!
And it has been my great joy
And my hugest sorrow.
I am crippled by the want of your love
That you should see me, and know me
Come to me
You who are heavy burdened
And I will give you rest
Rest from your worries and troubles
I will pour into you so much love
That you will not be able to contain it
But I will wait..
There is a veil between us
Shifting shadows are what you see
Go dip in the muddy river
It’s time to open your eyes
This world offers much anxiety
Which causes the mind to dig holes
Black holes, we can fall into
Must be careful to grow lots of tendrils
Toward light and love
Healing comes when the search is over
Rest now, I AM here
Listen to the song in your heart
Make space to hear it
It’s a song of hope and peace
I wrote a verse in that song
Just for you
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The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Documentary Film maker. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to her blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thank You.
So often we only glimpse at our dreams
Like a vapor they dissipate
Giving way to the mundane tasks
And even things we love
Like chasing after a rabbit in the woods
We trip on fallen logs and roots hidden under leaves
Our hearts race after the prize
But a bell is ringing
It’s time to go home
A place where others thoughts are expressed
Our thoughts are mingled and often lost
While we entertain the thoughts of those around us
Sometimes they inspire us to go deeper or wider
Expanding our perspective
Other times we lose our trail
It is with a persistency we must stay focused
For a time and for a season
In order to accomplish our greatest soulwork
Our creations that come from our depths
So burn the midnight oil
Or wake up before dawn when no others will distract you
And wake up your soul
The work has yet to be done that you wish to leave behind
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The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Documentary Film maker. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to her blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thank You.
Waking up in a sweat
Her heart racing, the pulsing of blood running though her veins
She hears a train in her head
Taking in her surroundings she assesses
She is in a safe place, no reason to fear
Barefoot she walks to the window and climbs out on the ledge
Breathing deeply she watches the birds busy at work
The sun is rising and she drinks in the colors
The power of the early morning in nature
It is her medicine, only nature truly heals
So many years have passed since she lived in horror
Surviving and hiding and keeping secrets
She ought not to have done so, but she was just a kid
She wonders what it would have been like to always feel safe
Without a care in the world to go after ones dreams
Backed by family, friends and trustworthy people
How many years has she spent trying to forget
Hiding the pain and the shame and the guilt
Others had had their way, but not entirely
She became a warrior at such a tender age
A fighter, one who sees in the darkness
As though it were light outside
Just as the owl does
Silent in flight
Seeing the vermin crawling on the ground
A parallel universe existing in real time
Unable to focus, she used to detach and float away
Her imagination so vivid and real
Creating a place to run and hide within her mind
Sometimes up a tree
She learned she could escape from her anxiety
By creating her art and teaching others how
Who could she trust
Why couldn’t she speak about these things
The power was not within her at the time
She longed to feel loved and safe so much
It sometimes felt as though she was having a heart attack
Her mind was trapped in a prison
Until one day, many moons later
She came upon a child in the woods
The child was crumpled by a tree, sobbing and consumed
She leaned down beside her and gently spoke
“Little girl, why are you crying?”
And when the child slowly turned her tear stained face to look
Their eyes met and they both inhaled in wonder
Time stood still as the universe swirled around them
Embracing them in a warm breeze
And the scent of spring flowers
The woman reached out her hand and the girl reached back
Standing face to face the woman through tears of her own
Smiling wide she told the girl
“I have found you, you are no longer lost.
I will never let go of you again.
I will protect you, and teach you, and keep you safe.”
Together they walked hand in hand smiling
Their hearts felt light and clean
Their minds rapidly untangling
The woman hugged the child and she melted into her
Because she was her
The woman was healing her inner child
The age of pain and suffering was passing
Ushering into real time was peace and power
And a voice inside her head told her
“I will rise you up above the ashes of your pain.
You have grown wise, your will to survive
will now turn to thriving.”
For all of those who have felt the pain
Who have faced evil and prevailed
May the light of love and God shine in your hearts
There is a river whose maker is God
Go there and bath in the healing waters
For their is much evil in this world
It exists in the minds and hearts of men
Who have lost their souls
For the want of lust and power
They seek the innocent to steal its very essence
They may have stolen yours too
But you can find it in the river of life
Wash away the filth and come out clean
You are worthy to receive the gift of love
Of peace and of power over your own destiny
This life is yours
Let go of it all and reach for what you want
Let it be with a pure heart that you seek it
Not from anger and pain
You will get what you give
Don’t accept any offerings that pollute your peace
Instead, create your own path
And make it beautiful and powerful
You will inspire hope and joy
Healing, and peace if you can do this
And you can…
“I think I can,
I think I can,
I think I can…
I knew I could,
I knew I could,
I knew I could.”
I know YOU CAN
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The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Documentary Film maker. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to her blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thank You.
Freedom comes when the search is over…
Its been such a long time
So caught up was I in seeking the feeling of home
It’s been a labryinth trying to get to you
Across the universe inside my head
Ruminating, contemplations that led nowhere
Was all the trouble worth it
The mental dissection of potential outcomes
Scenarios without tangibles
Imaginations, dreams and nightmares
The struggle was real
The truth is as I navigate through this tunnel
And finaly reach my destination
A new set of mazes will appear
It is clear to me why
I cannot settle to rest while the world awaits
So much of me yet to discover
So much time has passed
I add newness whenever I can
I crave to get lost in my imagination
To come up with something that will inspire me
It will be the next chapter of my life
Change is good
It stretches the mind and expands your view
It fights against stagnation
Oh the things that have yet to be
With those I love and with new ones yet to come
A fresh start, a new beginning
Pull up the sail, the wind is blowing
The rudder is set
The navigation is precise
The destination is chosen
Imagine, just imagine
And embrace the possibilities
They are endless in this life
Take the leap of faith
Whatever it takes
Go get your life
That’s what I am about to do!
The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer dDocumentary Film maker. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to my blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thank You.
My eyes fly open
I hear thunder rumbling
The curtains are blowing wildly in
I slip out the back door and I see
People are running
Some are bent over gasping
Tearful eyes meet mine and abruptly turn away
My heart feels strange
My mind opens wide
It’s too much
An energy source that is made of fear
I close my eyes and lift my hands to the sky
Words slip from my mumbling mouth
They flow so fast and come from the deep
My soul knows the way my mind can’t see
I set me feet to walking
I must seek refuge with the ancient trees
They are strong and their roots grow deep
They interconnect as they speak to eachother
It is here that I quiet my mind
In the presence of such greatness
Here is where the universe resides
We humans always mess it up
We fight, we train our minds for division
These trees support eachother
Through all the storms they stand tall
I rest under the boughs of a magificent Bowthorpe oak
I will stay here for a while
There are lessons to be learned
I stare at the fires in the distant
I can feel my chest pounding
So I slow myself down
This anxiety will submit to my will
I will release it and be made strong
How did this all begin
It began with mans desire for power
It was fueled by propaganda
Without knowing the source of truth
Many claimed they were connected to the source
None of them agreed
So we were left to be tossed to and fro
Confusion leading to addiction and fear
Fighting and separation of loved ones and friends
I watched as this was coming
If you want to bring a nation down
You divide and conquer
Break the bonds that were once strong
Separate close families
Isolate and infuse with daily does of fear
Predictions of gloom and doom
We’ve lost ourselves
Our confidence has slipped
People freely spew their rage on social sites
Water seeking it’s own level
Why is noone questioning their own thoughts
Comply, agree or you are my enemy
Doesn’t seem like freedom
Seems like minds are poisoned
Since when did we hate our freinds for not agreeing
Since when did we cut ourselves off from family
Choosing sides, what sides
We are not like these trees
They interconnect their roots for life
They feed eachother
When a storm comes and a branch falls
Other trees nurture the wounded one
They represent unity
Not like us
We fight and disagree and throw poisonous darts
My mind is weary from the words and deeds
Evil has truly gripped mankind
But I know there is more good than evil
So I close my eyes and cleanse my mind
Every hurtful thing in me I let go of
Breathing slowing, stilling my mind
I bring every thought to the front
And I check them for darkness
I will expose my own thoughts to the light
For everyone who has hurt me
I forgive, I let the memory of it evaporate
I rise my mind higher as I cut off the pain
The offenses of others will not tether me to the ground
I was meant for something higher
As the wind circles around me it grows in intensity
I grip the roots of the tree and open my eyes to see
The trees are dancing wildly in the wind
I see an opening in a tree
It is a door I enter and find shelter
It is here I can feel the power of this tree
Power to stand against the storm
I lean my body against the trunk and feel it
I watch mankind rush through my mind
The haters, the abusers, the jealous
They are drinking from the cup that promises power
Souls are emptying into the void
They are filling with the thoughts that will own them
They are losing their souls and stealing the lives of the innocent
The illusion of separation is melting in me
I am coming home, breathing in the true power
I will believe now that their is hope yet
Even though I see fear has us in it’s grip
I believe in hope not naivity
So pour into me oh God of the universe
Maker of mankind and all that is
You are who I seek
The true power comes from you
It has love and peace as it’s source
I bring all that I know before this infinite source
For me and my household
I will guard in this secret place
Rain down on me oh Sacred Source
I give my mind to you and my heart
Speak to me and set me free
Separate me and bring me others
Others who seek this true power of love
Let truth be felt and not spoken
Let it guide me daily
Moment by moment
I’ve come so far, I know where to run
I am gifted with sight
My eyes only want to see you
Guide me out of this storm
Nurture and protect me
So that I may be the source for those I love
For all that you draw to yourself
Infinite promises you have made known
Speak to me all day long
Speak to me when I sleep
Let my brokeness allow me to hear you
And lead us all out of fear and into peace
Let your protection reign over us
My eyes will look for you in everything
I give myself entirely to you
Bring true power
To heal, to mend, to begin again
Come quickly, so much damage is being done
Only you can save us now
And you will
You will protect our minds and hearts
For all those who want peace
Run to the trees
Learn the lessons they teach
We are not alone, we have teachers all around us
I breath in the presence of the source of LOVE
I will not succomb to this evil and fear
I am cleansed now from all the pain
I am open to be guided by an unseen force
My cup is filling with peace and love
I thank the trees as I crawl out and stand up
I will walk back into this world
Not alone, never alone
I will reign over fear
The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Educator. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to my blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thank You.
They are like a stream that flows
One plus one equals two
Words add up when they are so many
Without thought we plunge into them
Struck by a feeling
We must respond
But instead we so often react
No thought before the river flows
Words build and tear down
They change the landscape
Relationships built and destroyed by them
Calculated and spontaneous
Struck by a feeling
Caused by a word or deed
Deeds are fruits of the mind
They can occur without spoken words
Sometimes they build
Sometimes they tear down
Sticks and stones
May break my bones
But words & deeds
May kill my soul
Or save my life
There is a discovery that must be sought
To realize a truth
It is my truth, it is yours
Wake up, Get up
Follow me as I turn and walk
Out the door, through the woods
On a path, steadily forging forward
Follow me please keep up
Don’t linger, it’s too important
Look up, we are climbing that moutain
Follow me, no more excuses
No more complaining
I don’t want to hear
You’ll wish you never spoke those words
When you see and know
You are tired and weak
It is from your words and deeds
And from others
It is from your thoughts
Still your mind with the rythym
Of your steps
Keep in step with me
You will have the power to keep up
Believe me, you must
I walk and climb
You walk and climb
The energy rises with the climb
Cause now you know
There will be a sight to see
Whats up there
Where am I taking you
Keep climbing, don’t stop to rest
There is no time to rest
Your life depends on this
Seeing what I am about to show you
Anticipation is building in you
Hope is rising in me
You are keeping up
Now it is the climb
It is steep and we are grabbing branches
Pulling ourselves up the steep rocks
Now fingers gripping the stone
You stopped, your chest is heaving
Tears are running down your face
Our eyes meet, I am high above you now
I read your thoughts
You are overwhelmed and you stop
Fear has gripped you
You feel paralyzed
Afraid of falling you lay your body
On the rock
You close your eyes
No words please
Just breath
Slow it down and wait a minute
There is a stirring and a clicking sound
You open your eyes to see a gazelle
Quickly she is coming up the mountain
She jumps and jumps
Up and up till she is by your side
You stare at her and she stares at you
Her nostrils pressing out her breathe
She nudges you and then takes off
You are infused by power
You watch her fly up the moutains rock
Your energy surges and you plunge higher
You grab and pull yourself up
Your breath is labored
I continue higher, you follow
Now I have rounded the top
You have only a few more feet
You stop and wait for the last step
Your eyes are wild with fear
You ask me why I brought you here
What will I see
I reach down, my hand reaches for yours
NO tell me you say, I must know
You will see the truth about all of us
You will find yourself
You will know
What your words have built
You will change
Now take my hand
Our hands grip
I yank you up to your feet
You hug me so tight and close your eyes
We wait until you are ready
Letting go you open your eyes
You see me staring at the view with tears
Sobbing and kneeling
It is too much to bear
So much beauty
So much destruction
You are staring at me
I turn to look at you
Our eyes meet
You are afraid to look
So I close my eyes and turn away
Slowly you turn
We are standing at the top
A 360 view awaits you
At first you can’t see clearly
Your eyes are searching
You are reading the view like a book
The view can be cloudly from up here
But while you wait it will clear
It is God’s way of revealing
Slowly as not to overwhelm
Truth is a powerful thing
So few find it
It is power and life to those who do
You are supposed to be one of those
Who see clearly
I am slowly turning and stopping and kneeling
My tears won’t stop
Because I see much more than you
I climb this moutain
Whenever I forget what I once knew
And when I see again
I am gripped by sorrow
Why did I waste any time
When I know better
Words are pouring out my mouth
They make no sense to you
I am not talking to you
I am no longer aware you are with me
I stand and kneel
I sing out
Sound is pouring out of me that stirs you
Deep inside your mind is breaking
Darkness and clouds are dispersing
A great light is piercing through the cracks
You wince at the sight
It is painful and sharp
My pain eases as I see you kneel
I watch as tears pour down your face
I know you are waking up
You are beginning to see
You walk to the precipices edge
The winds are swirling around you
You look like you are dancing
But you are just letting the spiral
Of wind take you
You laugh and cry
You are still and you slowly turn
It takes all day to see the 360 view
I am completely at peace
Truth hurts, but its better than staying blind
Blind to what we build when we speak
Blind to what breaks when we act
Up here it is so obvious
How we are all connected
We cannot escape what others build
By their words and deeds
And we cannot escape knowing we
Let ourselves fall into the trap
Once you go tit for tat
You’ve lost your stance
The power of sight
Gifted to seekers
To build with our words
Is to be a guide
And we are guides
We must not forget
What we’ve seen here today
It is better to be still with our tongues
It is better to let things pass
When someone tries to grip you in their hell
They let their words flow
They try to rope you in
But now you know
That is only them opening the door
They want you in with them
In their hell, so they won’t be alone
Don’t go there
Offer them a way out
Let your silence and forgiveness come
To them and to you
Words are paint
The next moment is your canvas
Make it a beautiful composition
Because now you know it
We build with our words
Our reality
It’s now a war for the minds
Turn off the noise
Listen with the future in mind
Don’t let anyone else define yours
Be a leader of peace
Strength to stand against the odds
You wouldn’t strap a dead body on your back
And walk around like that
You wouldn’t lay down with that death
Before you speak, think
What am I building
What am I tearing down
How am I connecting
Don’t let anyone take up residence in your mind
That speaks death to you
Instead, have the power to let it go
Like duck feathers
Their words run off
You will not absorb them
But you will remember what you saw
From high above, the truth
So many people prisoners
Of their own thoughts
Their words reflect the reality of their minds
Their minds are trash heaps
Of others deposits and their own
They got buried under the weight of it
But each of us must choose
We are what we think
We speak what we believe
Now that you understand
You know where to run and go
When it gets too much and you get caught
In a web of others kingdoms
There is darkness and light
People confuse them all the time
In an effort to guide others
Many words are spoken, spun and spewed
When you hear shouting and vile words
When you see fingers pointing
When aggression becomes the norm
Be still and wait
Remember what you know
Let your words be few
Navigate through the mire
Be the light for others
Most of all build your kingdom
Build it strong and safe
For your tribe, build
Tear down the brush and clear out the cobwebs
Build and plant
Grow and expand
For life is short and you must leave
Build for your children and grandchildren
Inspire hope
Steer clear of the hot mess
There is a pathway for this
Find it
Live on it
There is great peace and joy
When you grow in it
It is not dependent on others
Words and deeds
Kingdoms building
Build yours like a strong tower
Be a beacon of light to your tribe
Stay awake
This is L O V E
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The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Educator. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to my blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thank You.
It was my honor to interview Barry Goudreau a lifelong guitarist formerly with the band Boston, His Solo Album, With Orion The Hunter, With RTZ, With Brad Delp, With Ernie and the Automatics, And currently With Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room was interviewed at The Kilburn Mill in New Bedford, MA. Hear some of Barry’s incredible stories in show business and learn about his upcoming CD release party June 5th at the Kilburn Mill in New Bedford. The interview ends on a spectacular note!!
Brought to you by Yellowbox Entertainment visit their website at http://www.yellowboxentertainment.com/ and Powered by The Art Universe https://www.theartuniverse.com/
The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Educator. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to my blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thank You.
For all the times I felt the pain
To love is a mysterious thing
Love comes in so many forms
As a child your want of love
It blinds you to anything else
Do you see me, do you hear me
That’s the stumbling in the dark
From child to teen, to adult
As we age, as we develop
We grow to understand the power
Love is the fuel, the lack of it is the fire
A burning, searing, stripping of the soul
Seeking without finding
And when it is there, it can be missed
We cannot go back in time
Cannot capture what is now a vapor
Memories are all that are left
But forgiveness is the key
It opens the mind to see
All the good that was present
Where once only pain was felt
Look the pain of rejection in the face
And see from someone elses eyes
Everyones struggling to have
Their needs met, do you see them
Can you walk in anothers shoes
Does not excuse the bad behavior
But in order for the pain to ease
One must let go of the heart break
One must embrace the here and now
Yesterday is gone
We can’t have what did not exist
But we can embrace our own hearts
We can recognize that we have the power
To heal our past pain, embracing the lessons
Building on whats learned and reaching higher
We can love our tribes with more power
We who do not take love for granted
Who were once invisible and blinded
We can not be afraid
What once was broken can be mended
Sewn by a three cord strand
Fused together
Love, Hope, Peace
A recipe for joy
So embrace all the broken pieces
Do not be ashamed of your brokeness
Neither let it define you
But let it serve as a teacher
May your heart no longer break
May it be released to love more
Let the streams of life flow
Heal, inspire, give, receive
It’s time to come into the fullness
Of your potential
Let it flow, sometimes with hot tears
Let it go and reach for the universe
Only time will tell your story
You have to write it
No regrets, no excuses
There is love enough for us all
But you must love yourself first
The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Educator. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to my blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thank You.
We dodge and weave
Through the torrent of the storm
Running from fear
Buzy so as not to disappear
But if we take a moment
If we slow down our pace
We will become greater than our instincts
We will guide our minds
We will understand
The only way out is through
We are in this together
The losses, the heartbreaks
We watch as some become savage
We watch as others fade away
Darkness can be consuming
It is for this reason
We must defy timidity
And come face to face with reality
Things are not the same
They have been permanently altered
The cause of this, however sinister
It shall not be in my thoughts now
But rather, as I watch the world crash
My focus is finding moments
Of pure joy in nature and
In those I love
To see the world with a higher lens
Not as those who dwell upon the ground
But high above it all
A sunrise greets me to fill me with hope
After the darkness
Always comes the light
So I embrace the gift of color and light
I breathe in and expand my heart
The day will bring enough trouble
I will guard my mind
Protect it like a lioness
It must be a safe place
The media, the words, the videos
Too much for us lovers of peace
But we must press on
It’s always darkest before dawn
Embrace hope, it can still be found
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The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Educator. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to my blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thank You.
She was orphaned at five when her mother died
Her dad still lived but he was out of the picture
He was a train engineer, always away
Maybe that’s why the sound of a train gives me a rush
She lived in houses with other people
Not ever a home to her
Except for the Goodson’s who took her in
For a while she lived on a farm
She had a horse she could ride
She never wanted to leave there
But she had to
She was born with 4 older brothers
One by one she lost them
She bore 4 sons then had me
She graduated high school in 3 years
To get out of the hell house she lived in
She went to college and met her man
He fell head over heels in love with her
Her beauty and the way she saw the world
So unlike anything he had ever known
From different sides of the tracks they were
He became a bomber pilot
She gave him 5 children in 7 years
She never really fit in
She was an enigma, filled with a wild view
She rescued Irish setters
She allowed any and every exotic animal
To be rescued by the rest of us
From owls and hawks
Snakes and an alligator
Repiles, amphibians, mammals
Bottle feeding raccoons and squirrels, skunks
Chimpanzees and other monkeys
And whatever came our way
We were the Folger Family
Iconic in Cincinnati back in those days
She stood in picketing lines
Against animal testing
I was pulled from my class to assist
In rescuing some poor Irish Setter
From an abusive home
My favorite story was the day
I was walking home from school
And a crowd of kids were throwing rocks
At an apartment building
I yelled to them to stop
So they turned on me with the rocks flying
I was just as tempermental as mom
I ran home while they laughed at me
I broke through the door yelling
“MOOSE!!! ERIN!! BESSIE!!!!!!!”
Those were the three most terrifying dogs we had
A Weimaraner, an Irish Setter and a German Shepherd
I leashed them up and ran up the street
That crowd of kids ran in fear
Into the lobby of the building
Locked in a small space
They were trapped and I yelled at them
“You come out of there or we are coming in!!!!”
The dogs were right on cue
Sensing my rage they growled and barked
And bore their terrible teeth
And leapt at the leash
Displaying a terrifying scene
The boys and girls- teenagers
Came creeping out
Hugging eachother and crying and begging
It was then I heard the sound
Like a river of slashing barks
Here she came, around the corner
My mom, with 7 more dogs
It was so funny I almost fell over laughing
But for the seriousness of the situation
Which demanded my rage to display
She looked like she was plowing a field
Leaning so far back so as not to fall forward
The pulling of 7 Irish Setters
Well, I was never more proud of her
So before hell was let loose
I told those kids to leave and never come back
I said, “If I ever see you again
There will be no leashes!!!!”
To this they all ran screaming
And crying up Madison Lane
Mom and I retreated home
No words needed to be spoken
The men were not there
We took care of it
God I love that memory
There were so many stories
Too many to tell today
On this day, the time has come
For all the years we missed
I wish it were not so
For all the times we did not see eye to eye
I wish it were not so
I wish you knew my kids
I wish you could know my grandchildren
I spent so many years wishing and praying
But I am glad for how we found eachother again
After Barney left us
We had time to spend
Even at a distance
It was better knowing you were there
It has been a long journey
It was not fair what you went through
A child should never have to suffer as you did
But it will be your laugh I remember
Those times at a holiday
When people of all existences were given a seat
Your table was extended to all those
Wandering souls…
You understood them, welcomed them home
There is never enough time to find yourself
Never enough time to mend the wounds
Never enough time to heal completely
And then you were taken bit by bit
That horrible disease took you step by step
I remember the last time I saw you in Key West
We talked for a long time by the sea
You said the most healing thing to me
“I really wish I had known you before”
Of course by then you forgot I was your daughter
But I told you the same- I wish the same
But we have eachother now….
Time, distance, enemies of the soul…
But your hero never left your side
He stood with and beside you all the days
Of your over 66 years together
He told you when it was time to leave
You were waiting to hear this I know
For who knows how to say goodbye
Goodbye now Mom
You left us a little while ago
But today, you are laid to rest
You will be with Barney now
Your amazingly crazy, hilarious
Adventurous, beautiful son
My Irish Twin
And your mother and father
Your brothers and so many more
I cannot be there today, to say goodbye
To stand with your man
To hold his hand as I would do
Because that is just the times we live in
No visit to say goodbye
No holding your hand
No telling you what I needed to say
But you know now don’t you
Once you saw through a foggy lens
Now you see with clarity
That I was here all the time
Loving you and wanting you
And I am so grateful you kept insisting
One more child
Till you had a girl, that was me
I know I was not what you thought I would be
But in the end
I love you, always did, always will
You did it
You made a family
A legacy to be proud of
From Ted to Mike to Jeremy To Barney
And to me… we are your legacy
We will always carry you with us through our children
And our grandchildren
Your gift of sight to believe in mysterious things
You never got to take a dancing class
Or painting or singing or anything else
But you gave it all to me
I will now try even harder to give this
To myself and my own
But so much more
To any and every foster child
Or kid who never was given the chance
You should have been a great talent
Your songs and dances should have happened
But in private you were a writer..
So I will remember this last thing..
One time as a teenager I asked you
“What do you think I will be when I grow up?”
Without hesitation you said
“A writer”
I had never done that… but everyday you did
You wrote and wrote
When I started this blog it was because of you
I am no writer
I do not know how to do it right
But I will write and I will make sure
That others like you
Will get the chance while they are still young
To express themselves creatively
To have a shot at finding their voice and
Healing their wounds
But I will need something from you to do this
Infuse me with your ideas
Inspire me in the sunrises and sunsets
And let’s do it together
You in your newfound freedom of eternity
And me trapped in this world
Show me the path and I will walk in it
Okay
Today Dad will be by your side
As they lay you to rest..
I am there in spirit
I know you are already gone
But I miss everyone so terribly
The sharp pain will ease
Time heals
But you, for all we went through together and apart
I will look for you in nature
That is where you saw the universe
And so do I
You know why
Against all odds
I am your daughter
I will always carry you with me
When the sunsets tonight
I will see you waving goodbye
And when it rises tomorrow I will hear you
In my heart whispering
Be who you were born to be
And I will
I promise to do my best
Bye for now Mom
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The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Educator. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to my blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thank You.
When I was just a kid
I would climb the pine tree in the front yard
There was a place
Where three branches came together
Two and a half stories high
I would slide my body
Into the branches embrace
And sway with the wind
Rocking me to calm
Like a grandmother
So non-judgemental
Always there taking a beating
As winters came and went
Branches broke below
I don’t know why this tree
Likely because it’s branch grew over
The roof outside their bedroom window
What a thing to do
So exhilarating to climb out their window
Shimmy down the roof
To hop onto the branch
And up and away I would climb
To my throne of imagination
I would close my eyes to see
What it felt like to sway and listen
I wish I could go back there
But the tree is no longer there
It is no longer my families home
And decades have come and gone
But I can still close my eyes
And feel the swaying
The slow rhythmical backward and forward
Side to side movement
Like a rocking chair, only better
I guess my love of trees came from an acting class
Mom put me in an acting class as a little kid
The teacher said to stand up
Close your eyes
And pretend you are a tree
I stood there with my arms outstretched
Swaying ever so gently
I imagined what a tree felt like
Did it think about the birds
The squirrels and raccoons
Who lived in its branches
I got so lost in thought
I forgot I was in a room
Filled with other kids
Finally I opened my eyes
And I was the only one still standing
How long had I swayed
Standing there being a tree
The giggles of the other children
Assured me I was weird
But the lesson of becoming a tree
Has never left me
They have been my constant friends
From then till now
So majestic, so embracing
So defiant of the storms
As they stand there
And hold up under
The weight of weather
The freezing cold
The snow, the ice
The wind, the rain
They stand tall
Until their time has come
The wisdom gained
From friendship with a tree
Is well worth the climb
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The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Educator. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to my blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thanks You.
You know it has lasted too long
This crisis that dropped on the world
We were not made to function under such stress
Only for a short while, but this is so very long
The mental shift is the greatest obstacle
It’s a daily dose of fear and story telling
Our children have anxiety and panic
My friend saw a young man jump from the bridge
He put his mask on as he ran from his car
To jump off the bridge
We are losing our minds
Children are ending their lives
Marriages are ending at an all time high
Abuse abounds
The mask police glare at you when yours slips
Road rage people are on a path of destruction
Friends sprew vile words on social media
They would never say in person
They disown eachother over politics
The manipulators take advantage of us all
We see them on TV telling us who and what to believe
People are glued to TVs and radios
We can’t hang out together
They tell us how many family members
Can come for the holidays
Violate that and your neighbor will report you
We can’t see our parents in thier homes
They are passing away with strangers
While we weep over a river of injustice
We’ve given up on our dreams
Lost our businesses and homes
Forget about a vacation
They won’t let you stay in their hotel
You can’t cross the state lines
You must quaranteen yourself
You’ve forgotten what it feels like to laugh
That deep belly cleansing laugh
Your friends restaurant just shut down
Your brothers store he had for 30 years
Was looted and burned down
Your cousins son the cop just got shot
You know the one who always wanted to help people
Right is now wrong
Wrong is now right
You can’t talk about what’s happening
Someone might beat you up
God forbid you have your own opinion
Need I continue to say it out loud
But then something rises up inside me
I run to nature, she always embraces me
The sunrises and sunsets
Remind us that the world is moving on
This too shall pass
And I feel the power of my own mind
As it clears in the presence of the trees
I see the animals going about thier day
Life is going on, and it shall for us too
We will never be the same again
After all we have been through
But we will be stronger and more equipt
To believe in the moments that inspire
We will not take things for granted
For those whose vile minds
Produced vile words and deeds
I do not know what will become of them
But for the ones who are still trying to create magic
To show the children how to overcome
Who do not spread the fear
Who teach and project faith in humanity
Who celebrate our diversity
For the souls that still have love
They are even now pressing on
Carrying their loved ones along
We shall overcome this time
We must stay strong
We must believe in the power of love
And never give up
The sun still rises, and sets
There is something greater than ourselves at work
Hold on to hope
That feeling of expectation and desire
For peace and healing to flow
Throughout our land
Don’t lose sight of it
We’re in this together
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The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. Please contact me here on my blog or through my website at http://www.TheArtUniverse.com
Sarah Hale Folger is a Creative Consultant, Artist, Singer and Educator. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to my blog today so you never miss the next thing happening in the world the way I see it! Please feel free to comment, share and please, subscribe to my blog. Thanks You.
