Be the Single Bloom

I love this plant (Dianthus 'Peppermint Star) and a couple of weeks ago it had many, many blooms. It shed those and I’ve been awaiting the next round of blossoms and this one popped before the others reminding me of times when, we too can be the only one shining from the bunch. “Bloom where you’re planted” as they say, and if no one else is ready hold your own and shine on! 🩷

Cold

It wasn’t a harsh wind like one from a Northwoods winter night

But a fear-laden, icy attempt to freeze her own discomfort

She plays hide-and-seek with her bitchiness finding it in those

Convenient times when faced with reality of her past actions

I see her; she cowers at the thought of attempted healing

I know her; she cowers at the thought of contrition

I’ve been there; that land of self pity

It is rocky, desolate— no good can take seed and grow

Feigning comfort, she keeps herself wrapped

In a fluffy blanket of deception inviting in her delusions

And only those that will validate them

With her self-loathing she deceives

Not others as is her intention

Only herself

She is me, before I soaked in the warmth of my flawed life

That now brims with love

Tricia Schwaba, April 2026

Take Good Care

From The Purple Buddha Project

The greatest gift you can give somebody is your own personal development.

I used to say “If you take care of me I will take care of you.”

Now I say “I will take care of me for you, if you take care of you for me.”

Speak To Me

Speak to me of love
Speak to me of truth
Speak to me of the heaviness that pounds you
Speak to me of the times you’ve been lifted above the human experience
Speak to me of the days you thought you might die
Speak to me of the healing power of nature
Speak to me of the stars that shimmer in the night sky
Speak to me of those who attempted to dim your light
Speak to me of friendships that sustained you
Speak to me of the days you felt you were drowning
Speak to me of your gratitude
Speak to me of the times you’ve been saved
Speak your truth
Speak your love
Speak to me

Tricia Schwaba, April 13, 2026