Honoring My Soulmate

This month's Spiritual Journey reflection is based on the prompt from our host-Jone MacCulloch at Deo Writer:Musings to Spark the Spirit." How do you honor your ancestors and loved ones who passed?" 

My thoughts follow my difficult journey from April 2, 2025 when my soulmate passed into the hereafter. Life changed in so many ways during the first ten months. At that time, I decided to speak with a bereavement counselor. His office was in the Capital Caring Health Adler Center for Caring in Aldie, Virginia near my home. Adler Center is a beautiful, peaceful hospice that Richard's last breath was taken before entering the sanctuary of stillness. I believe that he found repose there. I also fiound tranquility each time I entered the building to deliver small boxed bouquets of flowers arranged by our Creekside Care ladies and meet with my counselor once a month.

As I quietly think about Richard, I look backward in time, 52 years ago when I  was introduced to my soulmate. There was an immediate connection between us even though I hobbled into a birthday party with a crutch (from a horrendous skiing accident several months before). We spent one weekend of conversations and a concert before Richard traveled back to Long Island, NY and I moved back to my home in Syracuse, NY. Richard often said that he was smitten from his very first look. The connection brought a strong sense of comfort, understanding, purpose, and love even though we were geologically unsuitable. Two years later we wed and I moved to Long Island for my next job as a reading specialist..

As the years moved on, there were many life challenges along the path we walked. I never gave up faith and hope that we would renew our vows on our 50th anniversary. Unfortunately that did not happen due to a rare terminal cancer that destroyed Richard's life. Within our life together we had fabulous memories that are held in my heart and one special event that brought sunshine and closure to my family's life. One and a half years from the day Richard passed, I corresponded with Arlington National Cemetery administrators on whether he could be interred in the columbarium section. Our funeral director was instrumental in making this happen on August 27, 2026. That day was a beautiful one. The family gathered to place Richard's ashes in the niche of the columbarium after the military ceremony. After that I received a letter that stated Richard's status was moved from Private to Private 1st Class. A plaque will be placed in the niche that reminds us of the service Richard provided during the five years in the NYC Army Reserve and 4 months of active duty along with the NYC Postal Strike that his unit was called in to deal with.  I look forward to returning to Arlington National Cemetery with the family and friends in late December to see the the plaque and bring Christmas greetings.

As I walk my new spiritual journey, I try to tuck grief in a small hidden pocket so hope and positivity can remain in my heart. While this does not happen often on this journey, faith keeps me moving forward. I look back to the poems I have written throughout our early days of visiting back and forth, our engagement, and finally the marriage. Writing poetry has been a lifesaver and blessing for me. For me, this is a way to honor my beloved husband and soulmate.

My early poem after the passing was a lament poem, Last Days of Richard's Spiritual Journey. I am adding the opening to remind me of a solemn memory. 

In the sterile silence, 

Drifting words rose 

From the depths of his soul

Into the morning light.

I wish I had four more months!

The ordeal of terminal illness,

Filled his eyes with unquestional fear.

I prayed seeking answers.

When will this sorrow end, Lord?

Between restless sleep and days

Of not eating or barely drinking,

He whispered to me,

You know what is happening! 

My heart broke hearing the truth.

How could I soothe his tattered soul? (The rest of the poem can be read here.)

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Whispers in the November Wind

November breezes sweep on through, 
Tip-toeing softly with the leaves. 
I whisper to the autumn wind, 
Wondering whose soft voice I hear.

Tip-toeing softly with the leaves, 
I pause within the hush of day. 
Wondering whose soft voice I hear?                                                                                                   It is not nature’s gentle sound.

I pause within the hush of day,
Now stilled before the voice of God.
It is not nature’s gentle sound,
And yet the journey must go on.

Now stilled before the voice of God, I gently mend my saddened heart. And yet the journey must go on, Without my soulmate by my side.

I gently mend my saddened heart,
With steady faith to carry me..
Without my soulmate by my side,
I walk alone among the leaves.

Still listening for his tender voice,
I whisper to the autumn wind,
Hoping my life will be renewed.
November breezes sweep on through.

Draft ©CVarsalona, 2026

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Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. - Quote from Desiderata by Max Ehrmann silence. 

Today's Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by Carol Labuzetta

at Carol at The Apples in My Orchard. Carol is honoring Veterans and sharing her photo collection on a recent trip to Flanders Field America Cemetery that she says is a somber place.

Early November's Delight

As Autumn whirls into November days, I discover the beauty of nature at its peeking hour. After reflecting on how to pen this blog (among the clutter of my days), I share my early November sights. One quote prepares what is stirring inside my mind. "November at its best - with a sort of delightful menace in the air."  (Anne Bosworth)

Delightful menace, what can that be? A leafnado, yes, or a strong breeze flipping my hair around while outside, yes. The combination of the words delightful menace that Anne Bosworth wrote about provides beautiful images dealing with leaves moving toward cars on the road, hairdos tossed about, and rainstorms or snowstorms throughout the month. With gratitude one should be thankful for the scenic views shared by Lady Autumn in November, the transition month.

With all of that mulling around in my mind, I decide to try writing a terzanelle, an invitation from the Poetry Sisters, Tanita, Laura, Tricia, Sara, Liz, and Mary Lee. You can click here to see their fabuolus poems. My try at the terzanelle is finally complete after multiple refinements.

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Early November's Delight 

Autumn paints a living canvas for its seasonal show,
adorned in stunning colors, November enters the air.
Trees peek before letting their radiance go.

Leaves twirl and twist as if they are aware,

moving to a rhythm that Lady Autumn directs.

Adorned in stunning colors, November enters the air.

With days of warmth, the sun our path protects,

life seems full of pleasant, neighborly walks

moving to a rhythm that Lady Autumn directs.

Nature trails - quiet time for poetic thoughts

flowing with thanks for this giving time.

Life seems full of pleasant, neighborly walks.

November decor becomes sublime,

carpeted in a collage of fallen leaves

flowing with thanks for this giving time.

The chilly Autumn wind sighs and grieves

carpeted in a collage of fallen leaves. 

Autumn paints a living canvas for its seasonal show.

Trees peek before letting their radiance go.

©CVarsalona, 2026

  Image from Pinterest

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This week's Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by author, poet Joyce Uglow. Click here to see Joyce's photo, images, and video revolving around global awareness and poetry.

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You are invited to join my online Padlet Gallery of Artistic Expressions, Autumn's Ephemeral Gold.

Click here to see the lovely assortment of Autumn image poems, artwork including digital art, and photos by poetry colleagues. Add your own work to create a tribute to the Autumn season.

Autumn's Time of Splendor

🍁🍃🍂 It is "autumn’s time of splendor".  Paul Laurence Dunbar 🍁🍃🍂 This afternoon, some surrounding trees lining streets and highways shared their new blaze of autumn color. The highlight of this seasonal day occured in front of my home. Leaves in shades of amber, golden yellow, scarlet, and deep orange danced in front of my home in a mini leafnado fashion. From a meteorological perspective, a small amount of air began to rotate. It lifted and spinned the dry autumn leaves that moved in a chaotic, circular motion. Observing nature was breathtaking. Nature created  a scene of autumnal grandeur. While I added more Halloween decorations to my porch, I listened to the breeze floating by and the crunch of leaves underfoot. In the beauty of the warm afternoon, Autumn cast a magical spell, a quiet transition into the last weeks of fall. magic in the air floats throughout Autumn's season nature's calming gift 🍁🍃🍂 Poetry Friday Thank you to Jone Rush McCulloch for hosting Poetry Friday and inviting friends to create an ode to our favorite candy.  Reflect upon your thoughts and share your ode here. Jone is also hosting another ZOOM event, Poetry Pop-Up Salon, on Friday, December 11th. Join the fun! 🍁🍃🍂 My favorite candy on Halloween is candy corn, so why not add my Ode to Candy Corn to Jone, our host, who is waiting for the last writer to enter  Poetry Friday. 🍁🍃🍂 My freshly baked cookies were decorated with candy corn! 🍁🍃🍂  I  created the first set of lines so if I have time, I will submit my poem to the Poetry Sisters: Tanita, Laura, Tricia, Sara, Liz, Mary Lee 🍁🍃🍂 I continue my open invitation to poets, writers, and artists to showcase  their creativity at Autumn's Ephemeral Gold Padlet Gallery here. There is a special section for those who enjoy creating Halloweenish, artistic expressions.. It's Halloween so join the fun.     My Digital Art

Autumn Days

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The leaves are changing; 

I feel poetry in the air.

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by Laura Jaworski

Do you also feel this wherever you live? 

Autumn Days

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on autumn days 

fall, leaves, fall

without delay

like a storm of gold

in disarray -

colors unfold

in nature's hand

the day beholds

a brilliant plan -

admire the scene

feel a sudden chill

notice what's unseen

coming your way

in costumed fancy

on halloween day

©cvarsalona, 2026 

quick write with italized quotes by Emily Dickenson and Polly Chase

Lady Autumn image from Pinterest

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October slowly moves from slight chills to dropping temperatures, and dried, crunching trees. Lady Autumn decides to slip into her Halloween mood. Perhaps, you will add an image poem, photograph, artwork, or music to Autumn's Ephemeral Gold Gallery of Artistic Expressions. You can find my padlet by clicking here. There are seven offerings so far that will be showcased. 

Not to Scare you away but just for fun, I ad my digital art.

My Photo Booth Contribution

🪾🍂🍃POETRY FRIDAY🪾🍂🍃

Thank you Tracey Kiff-Judson at Tangles and Tails for hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup and adding your thoughts on figurative language, similes and metaphors to make writing pop.

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Dear Readers, I will be volunteering at my grandgirls Homecoming Parade event this afternoon and night.  My blog reading will continue throughout the weekend.

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Harvesting My Thoughts

In Autumn, my thoughts ripen like apples on orchard trees. This time of year, nature lovers enjoy the beauty of seasonal change. Colorful hues start to shine, and weather patterns vary. Daily walks are common in my community. Throughout the state, harvest festivals and events are advertised because Autumn is here!  

I reflect back on my high school days when bundles of autumn leaves crunched beneath my feet. I enjoyed listening to nature's sounds, breathing in the crisp air, and gathering colorful leaves to press with wax paper. I was definitely present in those moments. As years passed, life became cluttered with work and motherhood, but Autumn days were the pause that always brought joy. Now, I look back and remember the importance of being in awe of nature. Memories last. Autumn leaves dancing on my lawn prepares me once again for the full arrival of Lady Autumn and her color-making wand.

Join me today for another segment of Nature's Envoy.

Digital Artwork from CVarsalona

In the crisp chill of

a glorious fall afternoon,

Lady Autumn reigns.

Birds flutter and scramble for seeds
cascading from tiny bird feeders,

chorusing away in gratitude.

Crimson and caramel leaves pirouette downward,

carpeting lawns as hours slip by

Waiting for dusk to layer the sky.

As Lady Autumn yields to rest,

Sunset weaves its colorful hues and
Shadows tuck the world to sleep.

©CVarsalona, 2026    Image from Pinterest

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Mentor Text from Alexander Posey (1973-1908)

Autumn

In the dreamy silence
Of the afternoon, a
Cloth of gold is woven
Over wood and prairie;
And the jaybird, newly
Fallen from the heaven,
Scatters cordial greetings,
And the air is filled with
Scarlet leaves, that, dropping,
Rise again, as ever,
With a useless sigh for
Rest—and it is Autumn.

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🍁🍃🍂 Invitation 🍁🍃🍂

Do you agree that Lady Autumn should welcome rest?

I invite all the writers, artists, and poets to join me at my new Gallery of Artistic Expressions, Autumn's Ephemeral Gold Padlet, for a creative and imaginative tribute to Lady Autumn and the beauty of the majestic Autumn season. You can add your offering to the padlet here.

I will add a digital image poem

of this week's poem to my 

Autumn's Ephemeral Gold Padlet

this weekend.

I thank my colleagues who have already submitted their artistic expressions:

Thank you to Patricia Franz, Robyn Hood Black, Tabatha Yeatts, Margaret Simon,  Karen Edmisten, and Molly Hogan for adding their artistic expressions.

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Fellow readers, let poetry fill your soul and bring you warmth on Autumn days. Join the Poetry Friday community with our host, Rose Cappelli, at Imagine The Possibilites, a long-time friend, poet, author, and educator, for this week's Roundup. 

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Glimmering Gold Brushstrokes

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We often rush through our days, hurrying to the next event or task. Autumn allows us to take advantage of her subtle changes. A quiet artistry evolves. "There is a harmony in Autumn, and a luster in its sky" (Percy Bysshe Shelly) as Lady Autumn begins her offical work. With patience, she unfolds the magic of the season. Below is a short haibun celebrating nature's beauty that I created for my Autumn's Ephemeral Gold Padlet Gallery.

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The crisp scent of autumn perfumes the morning sky. Leaves crunch underfoot and an unknown plant in the front garden suddenly bursts into bright yellow blooms. A subtle shift in color ripples throughout the neighborhood. In the woods, "nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished" (Lao Tze) - each day, Lady Autumn adds her brushstrokes to fall's transitions.                                                                                                            Photo by Jakob Owens, Unsplash

autumn paints the woods

with glimmering gold and hue

summer fades away

©CVarsalona, 2026

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Hosted by the amazing Jama Rattigan at Alphabet Soup Blog.

Jama is serving coffee or tea and a delicious looking cinnamon roll made especially for readers by Basil and Corenlius, plus a feel-good poem by Washington State poet, writer and editor Kelli Russell Agodon.

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