some side effects of happiness

my heart is a trampoline (a giddy little boy jumps freely)

my face is the victim in a tickle fight (giggles grab hold of my lips, my cheeks, and

my bright eyes) and youth are both undisguised

my body is weightless (the breeze lifts it up and out the window)

to float up and away (and go where the wind blows)

The clouds were up above
fluffy as could be
The birds were singing too
Pretty as could be
A wind came from above
Forceful as could be
A fight amongst the clouds
Erupting, thundering
A storm came in the blink of an eye
And the peace flew away with the doves

the little things mean the most.

To: Kate

From: Bella (camper)

It's CDR Appreciation Day, and I think you're special because....

you play with us in the pool.




This simple, little note, written in crayon by a third grade girl in my group, made my summer.

I wish

i wish kids wouldn't say "ew" before trying spinach
before trying anything new
because spinach is just as good as chocolate...for some
ok, for few

but really, i wish those pessimists would think about that cup of water for just a little longer
i wish parents had a better answer than "because i said so"
and i wish i was stronger

i wish he had told her he loved her before she left
because if he had, maybe she wouldn't have wept
and maybe they both could have slept

i wish there was a free hug stand at every street corner
and i wish family and friends would travel for simple things rather than waiting for the wedding or waiting even longer for the funeral

i wish life was more than just a waiting room for us all to sit in, hoping we eventually get the answers to our questions we came with.
i wish eating cookies was a sport that kept you fit.

i wish the world would just stop spinning. for a second, but only if there's time.
because we all need to feel and appreciate the still now and then.
oh shit, i forgot to rhyme.

i wish there was enough magic to go around, for everyone's wishes to be granted
i wish magic was real
i wish this was real
i wish these wishes meant something
to someone
to anyone
to me

i blow out one more flame on one more candle each year. one more wish. added to the list.

i wish
i wish
i wish
...