gifted with love
Happy Monday to YOU. It’s that time of the week again, Motiquote Monday, where I share one of my original quotes with you.
Today’s original quote, is the real deal because when you have friends like these quoted, you are forever blessed.
You are one of these gifts and you are truly treasured by your friends – remember that.
“True friends are light, brightful and giving, gifted with love, Angels here living.” Clarabelle
I was talking to my friend today and I ended the conversation with “Hang in there”…… It inspired the poem below:
Hang on Tight
Hang on tight,
My lovely friend.
Keep up the fight,
Until the end.
This year’s been tough,
A burden to carry.
But soon the night sky,
Will be bright and starry.
An Angel she whispers,
Softly in my ear.
Let go of the past,
Don’t shed another tear.
For all this kicking
And punching won’t win.
It’s a hard trek I know,
For your next of kin.
I pray every night,
For you, better days,
Your family together,
This loving Angel says.
I’m on your shoulder,
Taking care of you.
Holding your hand,
During tough times too.
And Soon tomorrow,
Will shine in your heart.
No more sadness,
Just a happy fresh start.
By Clarabelle
Smile
I encourage you today to pass on a smile to a stranger or to someone you don’t usually smile at. Go on, you can do it, even if they don’t smile back or acknowledge it outwardly, I can assure you it will touch them inwardly, it will make their heart smile and it will make your heart smile too.
Much love and happiness to you today, Clarabelle
Following on from my previous post, I dedicate this poem to Steve who is sadly no longer here:
A Paratrooper….
I saw an Ad
To write to you
You wanted a friend
Another focus too.
In January 97,
You said “Hello”
“My name is Steve
I have a sore toe.
From all the marching,
And running too,
It bleeds sometimes,
But this is what I do.
I jump from planes,
It was scary at first.
But now these skyfalls
Quench my thirst.
I love to travel,
I love the sun
I’m studying like crazy.
When not with a gun.
A paratrooper by title,
I was 18 at the start,
5 years later,
A strong soldier with a heart.
Sometimes I’m lonely,
A lot of times I’m not.
So busy with my life,
I make good of what I’ve got.
I love my fitness,
It’s important to me.
I try to improve,
Be the best I can be.
Sorry if this letter,
Arrived a little late.
But I’ll send you some photos,
Just a little more to wait.
I love to get your mail,
Please write soon Claire.
Keep smiling, soldier on.
Love from Steve, take care.”
31 of these letters,
I treasure with happy tears
So sad that you are gone Steve,
Thank you for those two years.
By Clarabelle
Sharing some happy tears with you today.
In 1996 I replied to a newspaper advert, pen friends for people in the British Army – I thought it would be a nice thing to do.
On the 13th January 1997 I received my first letter from Steve, he was 23 years and had been serving in the British army since he was 18 years old, the airmail letter came from Bosnia. We never actually met, we just wrote to each other for a period of 2 years.
I was clearing out old papers from my mum’s house the other day and came across Steve’s letters to me – 31 of them. Today I am reading all these letters again, I am happy, I am sad (but in a good way) and I have gained such heart warming inspiration from them, all over again….I wonder where Steve is now? I wish him very well
These are the little unexpected moments of life that put some true meaning and purpose into it all. Feeling blessed.
Write a letter to someone today, go on, I know it would be a very lovely thing to do and you and the other person will get so much from it.
Love Clarabelle
Please note, that sadly after writing this blog post, I was so sad to find out that Steve passed away in September 2012 at the very young age of 39 years, I am so shocked. I will try my best to get in touch with his mum and forward his beautiful letters to her. He was so happy and full of life, such a loss to this world that he is no longer here. I think this is just a little reminder to us all that we must make the most of our lives and focus on the important things to us going forward. Clarabelle
To a Very Special Friend
I was in a local charity shop yesterday and stumbled across this lovely little friendship book. On the inside of the book it says, “To Veronica from Valerie,” and I thought that was very cute. I began reading some of the verses and poetry from within and the words really did touch my heart, I could relate to every verse. There is one verse from Pam Brown which I especially connected with and it made me think of my friend right now, who is far away but I hope to see him very soon.
Far Away
In loneliness, in sickness, in confusion – the mere knowledge of friendship makes it possible to endure, even if the friend is powerless to help. It is enough that they exist. Friendship is not diminished by distance or time, by imprisonment or war, by suffering or silence. It is in these things that it roots most deeply. It is from these things that it flowers. [Pam Brown, b. 1928]
I thought just so very beautiful and so very true.
Treasure your friends and let them know that you love them.
Lots of love, Clarabelle
I created this poem below a while ago, I actually forgot all about it, until I was going through some saved notes on my iPad last night. I really do love this wee poem and I feel most people, if not all, could relate to it in some way, shape or form. I hope you like it. Lots of love to you today and always, Clarabelle.
Sometimes you don’t always, get it right,
Sometimes you can’t, sleep at night.
Sometimes the thunder, drowns out your prayer,
Sometimes you’re lonely, when no one is there.
But a lot of times your smile, is brighter than the sun,
A lot of times you skip, rather than run.
A lot of times your happiness, cheers up a friend,
A lot of times your heart, reaches the rainbow’s end.
So when life gets you down, as it sometimes will,
When the frosty ice, is making you chill.
Remember the love, warming you up,
Remember the joy in me, filling your cup.
Remember you are strong, nothing can break you,
Remember the courage living in you too
.
It’s so easy to forget, the difference you make,
It’s so easy to give, and to never take.
But I want you to know, that I am here,
Always for you, bringing you cheer.
My smile is for you, my hand is to hold,
Melting the ice, in the bitter cold.
A friend is in me, a friend is in you,
Together we’re stronger, this is so true.
Created by Clarabelle, 20 September 2013
My friend Sharon and I were have a deep and meaningful discussion the other day and we were talking about having different experiences. She shared a good analogy of her own which was, if you buy a bag of apples and the first apple you pick out is bad you don’t throw the whole bag away – do you??? I think that’s a good analogy of life, just because you have had one bad experience with someone or something, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will always have that bad experience with another, as a matter of fact, chances are you will definitely not.
I have another thought on this one, what if you never experienced the bad apple in the first place, would you have missed a vital life lesson??? Sometimes what you perceived to be a bad experience initially, can for the long term turn out to be one of the best lessons in life you have ever learned. Life lessons are for the long term, as long as you remember them and learn from them.
Maybe the perceived bad apple is actually a beautiful Golden Apple in disguise.
Lots of love to you, Clarabelle
It is so lovely to receive an unexpected call from a true friend at Christmas time. I am just off the phone from a really good friend of mine who moved away from Scotland this year and it was so lovely to hear her voice and chat and laugh with her. This has inspired this Day 14 Christmas Poem. Go on, pick up the phone today and give a true friend some warm Christmas Love. Clarabelle
Friends at Christmas,
are so special and true.
A chat full of joy,
through and through.
We talk of good times,
we laugh a lot.
We think of Christmas,
and all we’ve got.
Friends at Christmas,
are so precious to me.
Phone a friend this Christmas,
and let true friendship be.
Created by Clarabelle, 13 December 2013
After I shared the last blog post, it inspired me to write this poem. True friends will remain in your heart forever and ever and ever and ever. Say hello to your true friends today.
The Path of Friendship
There is a road,
that’s never long.
It’s full of joy,
where friends belong.
A path so wide,
a trail so open.
Full of love,
and future hoping.
The path of friendship,
is a happy one.
It’s full of energy,
it’s full of fun.
Hold your friends,
dear to your heart.
Today they maybe here,
tomorrow they may depart.
But their soul will always,
dance with you.
Their laughter will sing,
to help you shine through.
Friends are special,
one of a kind.
You are my friend,
and always on my mind.
By Clarabelle, 26 October 2013
I love this image above, it was given to me by my friend who has recently moved away from Scotland……I think it is a very beautiful message of love and happy friendship.
Be mindful of the wonderful friends you have in your life today, maybe you will want to give them a visit, phone, text or send them a letter after reading this post……maybe just maybe you were supposed to read this right now, yes I believe this message is for YOU.
Wishing you a beautiful day today filled with and abundance of love and happy friendship.
Beautiful Smile
Sometimes we have days when we don’t feel like smiling, sometimes that’s just the way we feel and sometimes there is a person out there who just wants to hold our hand, give us love and help that smile to return. The poem below is just about that. May you put a beautiful smile on someone’s face today, maybe just maybe they need it. Lots of love, Clarabelle.
Face Without A Smile
I see your face, without a smile
Saddened eyes, tears for a while
I feel your hurt, I feel your pain
I know your heart, is hurt again
I want to help, I want you to know
I will share my smile, until you glow
I will give my soul, and all its strength
To see you grow, beyond arms length
To see the sparkle, in your eyes
To watch you glisten, with surprise
I will give you my love, and affection too
To show you I care, I really do
Remember me, when times are tough
I am always here, throughout the rough
Lean on me, for I am strong
My shoulder is waiting, where you belong
Today I give, what I have been given
Your inner strength, it’s in me living
For once I felt, just like you
And you were there, tying my shoe
You gave me hope, to carry on
You helped me through, your spirit shone
We have faced troubles,at different times
But what’s mine is yours, and yours is mine
Together we will fight, together we will win
In the darkness, our lights shine brighter from within
By Clarabelle, 17 September 2013
I celebrated by 40th birthday in Edinburgh this weekend and I had a lovely time with my bestest friends. It got me thinking about birthday wishes. What is a wish really and does it hold more depth of meaning on your birthday?.….You know, that moment of precious thought and hope just before you blow the birthday candles out, in the photo below, I was thinking of that….that special birthday wish, the secrets of my soul, the desires of my heart and all that. What did I wish for? Well, it has always been tradition to not share your birthday wish with anyone, because if you did then it might not come true.
My birthday wish this year was very general, not too specific but something I feel is also really achievable. I will stick to tradition and not share it….just yet, actually, now that I think about it, in that very moment captured in this photograph below I believe I have it….yes, indeed I do truly have it – I wonder if you can guess what it is? I wonder if it actually shows, can you see, can you feel it, can you tell I already have it?
Seed of Change
Every person you have not connected with yet is a potential friend, companion, confidante or seed of change. There is indeed a friend in each stranger and every day we let potential friends pass us by. A gentle smile towards another can surely make their day, for a smile is one form of communication that no matter what the language barrier, it will always warm another’s heart.
My heart speaks to you today, it is graciously smiling like an upside down rainbow – colourful, magical and beaming with joy. There is much beauty to be found in the stranger by your side, this next poem is inspired by just that. Pay your smile forward today and spread a little happiness. Much love to you Clarabelle.
There’s a Friend in Each Stranger
There’s a friend in each stranger, look and see,
Be brave, take a chance, with he or she.
It may lead to forever or a short term thought,
But if you look at the positive, you’ll find such a lot.
Welcome a new world, from inside their eyes,
Exchange happy moments, desires or surprise.
Be truthful and listen, for their heart will speak,
Don’t hide any more, just take a peek.
poemsbyclarabelle, 30 March 2013
I had the most amazing childhood, it was full of fun, adventure and magical spirit. I was surrounded by an abundance of friends, love and laughter….I hold these special memories very close to my heart, they are locked in my soul forever…..we will never be apart!! This next poem is inspired by my childhood dreams and those treasured times of the past that have shaped who I am today. If I ever feel I have travelled afar from who I really am, I think of those rainbow days and those long summer sunsets, where I danced in the wind, laughed in the rain and played with love in my heart, every moment of every day. I wish you a day filled with a childlike free spirit that makes you feel so very happy inside. I am smiling now, I do hope you are. Love, Clarabelle
Rainbow Days
Sweet sweet child in me, playful and full of fun;
Dancing in the rain, laughing under the sun.
Happy was my heart, true friends were all around;
My soul skipped to the music, love in me profound.
Fresh air on my face, the clouds so magical too;
Hopping in an out of puddles, this is what I do.
I wake up with a song, playing in my heart;
Singing to this tune, I repeat this special part.
Smiles, hugs and warmth, fill my rainbow days;
Light shines from within me, reflecting spectrum rays.
poemsbyclarabelle, 17 February 2013
It’s not very often that I receive a postcard these days, when I was younger it was much more common and usually every time a friend or family member would go on holiday you were usually guaranteed a postcard, which normally always arrived when they were back. However, lately, I have received two postcards from a very good friend of mine, the first one is from when she visited Berlin, Germany and the second one is from when she visited Cambridge in London,UK. It really did make my day when I received the postcards and I have decided to pay that forward when I go on holiday – it will be postcards all round. This next poem is inspired by just that, I hope you like it. Wishing you an adventurous day filled with travels to wonderful worldly locations. Lots of love Clarabelle
Postcards from the Heart
Postcards from the heart, travel very far,
Passing from country to country, raising every bar.
Caught up in the wind, making its way to you,
Filled with beautiful energy, inspiring what you do.
And when the postman knocks, to put it in your hand,
It brings with it adventure, from across this wonderful land.
It tells of happy times, memories with a smile,
And now lives in this present moment, bringing love from every travelled mile.
poemsbyclarabelle, 8 October 2012
Please click on the link below if you wish to hear the Poemcast for this blog post, recited by Clarabelle.
PBC Poemcast 3 – Postcards from the Heart
If you enjoy what you read here on this blog, you may be interested in borrowing for FREE and/or purchasing one of Clarabelle’s self-published inspirational poetry ebooks available to download now on Amazon Kindle, please refer to the Author page on this blog or click HERE
I have been reflecting today on the wonderful close friends I have in my life, some of them I have known for over 30 years of my life and others for about one year. Regardless of the length of time I have known them, each and everyone of them is very special to me, their support is second to none and just talking to them instantly uplifts my spirits to another dimension. This poem is dedicated to my dearest friends, Donna, Sharon, Richard, Debbie and Dagmar, I shall champion you forever, thank you for all that you give me and much more. May I encourage you to let your friends know how truly special they are to you.
Friendship has true meaning, a simple gifted treasure,
When you’re feeling a little stuck, or need a partner for your leisure.
A real friend will be there, always just for you,
Holding your hand, to help you see tough times through.
An empathetic listening ear, gentle hug or warm smile,
A forever empowering note, that goes the extra mile.
Friendship is so sweet, like sugar in your tea,
Friends separate from the ‘I’ and turn it into ‘We’.
Friendship is the gift, of endearment and inner strength,
To support you indeed, friends will go to arms length.
Today I reflect on my friends, who are so very dear,
Like beautiful guardian angels, they bring me good cheer.
So wherever your dreams take you, please remember to tell,
Your friends that they are magical, like an enchanting wishing well.
Happy are their hearts, that shine upon you,
The closest of connections, without needing any glue.
Now we share the laughter, and hopes for all time,
I have friends in a million, I’d give them my last dime.
So often we forget ,the joy they bring each day,
Thank you my closest friends, in my heart for you I pray.
poemsbyclarabelle, 2 May 2012
If you really like what you read here on this blog, you may be interested in purchasing one of Clarabelle’s self-published inspirational ebooks available to download now on Amazon Kindle, please refer to the Author page on this blog or click HERE
Have you ever had a friend that you lost touch with for a few years and then all of a sudden and out of the blue, they contact you to say ‘hello’. This happened to me the other day and although it was unexpected at that time, I somehow always believed that I would hear their call, I just had to give it time. Rather than trying to catch the butterfly, give it the time it needs and then it will come and sit on your shoulder. May your day be filled with beautiful butterfly moments. Lots of love Clarabelle.
The Stars Come Out To Play
He said ‘hello’ today, on his own,
No prompt from me, when I felt alone.
It’s taken 5 years, to melt the ice,
Because a broken heart, does not feel nice.
Letting go of emotions, frees me from pain,
I’ve learned a hard lesson, not to do that again.
So I’ll take this step forward, detached from it all,
The flame is still flickering, and burns down the paper wall.
I don’t hold on to hope, or feel any fear,
It is what it is, this moment is here.
I cherish the movement, as the stars come out to play,
And the moon masters the night sky, at the end of the day.
poemsbyclarabelle, Created on 4 October 2012
I wanted to make up a poem for my friend who has recently celebrated her 60th birthday. She absolutely loves the colour yellow and every time I visit her house it is surrounded by the beautiful brightness of this sunshine colour. May your day be filled with the magical joy and enlightenment of sunshine yellow. Lots of love Clarabelle
Sunshine Yellow
Young at heart, that’s certainly you,
Effervescent, in all that you do.
Love is abundant, in your magical soul,
Life’s energy surrounds you, fulfilling and whole.
Outgoing and fun, sunshine smiles all around,
Wonderful friend, and happy spirit I have found.
poemsbyclarabelle, 2 October 2012
I received a lovely supportive email the other day from my good friend and business partner Debbie Hollingsworth. Debbie was offering me her enthusiasm and encouragement regarding the Charity Walk that my mum and I did on Sunday – that email really made my day. Debbie ended the email with ‘It made my heart smile’, I loved that phrase and I told her I was going to write a poem about it. This next poem is dedicated to Debbie, thank you for your inspiration and wonderful friendship.
It Made My Heart Smile
What makes your heart smile?
What makes you go the extra mile?
What is the passion, that burns deep in you?
What gives you hope, to see it through?
Lots of questions, to make your mind tick
Choices and decisions, so important to pick
To make a difference, love starts inside
Showing you care, fills me with pride
It made my heart smile, breathing life into me
Your spirit is alive and gave me energy.
poemsbyclarabelle, 5 July 2012
If you enjoy what you read here on this blog, you may be interested in borrowing for FREE and/or purchasing one of Clarabelle’s self-published inspirational poetry ebooks available to download now on Amazon Kindle, please refer to the Author page on this blog or click HERE
I have been reflecting today on the wonderful close friends I have in my life, some of them I have known for over 30 years of my life and others for about one year. Regardless of the length of time I have known them, each and everyone of them is very special to me, their support is second to none and just talking to them instantly uplifts my spirits to another dimension. This poem is dedicated to my dearest friends, Donna, Sharon, Debbie and Dagmar, I shall champion you forever, thank you for all that you give me and much more. May I encourage you to let your friends know how truly special they are to you.
Friendship has true meaning, a simple gifted treasure
When you’re feeling a little stuck, or a partner for your leisure
A real friend will be there, always just for you
Holding your hand, to help you see tough times through
An empathetic listening ear, gentle hug or warm smile
A forever empowering note, that goes the extra mile
Friendship is so sweet, like sugar in your tea
Friends separate from the ‘I’ and turn it into ‘We’
Friendship is the gift, of endearment and inner strength
To support you indeed, friends will go to arms length
Today I reflect on my friends, who are so very dear
Like beautiful guardian angels, they bring me good cheer
So wherever your dreams take you, please remember to tell
Your friends that they are magical, like an enchanting wishing well
Happy are their hearts, that shine upon you
The closest of connections, without needing any glue
Now we share the laughter, and hopes for all time
I have friends in a million, I’d give them my last dime
So often we forget ,the joy they bring each day
Thank you my closest friends, in my heart for you I pray
poemsbyclarabelle, 2 May 2012
If you really like what you read here on this blog, you may be interested in purchasing one of Clarabelle’s self-published inspirational ebooks available to download now on Amazon Kindle, please refer to the Author page on this blog or click HERE
Often we go through life and we forget how influential our closest family members have been in our life. This poem is a heartfelt sentiment to my wonderful and beautiful younger sister,who through the highs and lows of my life has always been there for me. Thank you Leanne, you are so very special to me, more than you’ll ever know.
When we were young sis, we always used to fight
Early in the morning and mostly every night
I didn’t really appreciate back then, the special person in you
I now recognise that failing, so evident and true
But as we got older, I changed my poor sisterly ways
You became a best friend and we went on holidays
I love you my dear sister, you are so special to me
More than you’ll ever know, more than I let you see
I always feel so happy, when you are around
You cheer up the room, lots of laughter is your sound
And always when I need you, to my door you come a knocking
There with open arms and then we do some talking
You laugh at your own jokes and I find that very funny
Your spirit is so alive and your attitude is always sunny
Sister dear sister, you’ve made my life so great
I couldn’t ask for a better sister, 10 out of 10 you rate
poemsbyclarabelle, 25 February 2012
If you really like what you read here on this blog, you may be interested in purchasing one of Clarabelle’s self-published inspirational ebooks available to download now on Amazon Kindle, please refer to the Author page on this blog or click HERE
This poem ‘You are the King’ is written about my good friend who lives thousands of miles away from me and although we have actually never met in person, we continue to communicate regularly through the internet. We have helped each other through tough times over the last year and this poem celebrates our brotherly, sisterly bond and growing friendship.
You are the KingWe are miles apart but I feel close to you
A special connection between us two
Through challenging times, we helped each other
Our friendship grew stronger, like sister and brother
You are highly intelligent, with dark handsome looks
We chatted for hours and discussed inspiring books
I learned so much, in a short space of time
Uncovering raw moments, your soul it touched mine
In this crazy world, there is one law that’s true
The Law of Attraction, brought me to you
And in this dimension, new beginnings took place
Rekindling self-awareness, that showed your real face
Leonardo, Leonardo, you are the King
When I hear your smooth voice, my heart it does sing
And at the edge of the pier, I look out to the sun
The horizon is honest, where we meet everyone
Sunshine smiles, love and laughter
Our worlds did meet……I wish you happy ever after
poemsbyclarabelle, 20 April 2012
If you really like what you read here on this blog, you may be interested in purchasing one of Clarabelle’s self-published inspirational ebooks available to download now on Amazon Kindle, please refer to the Author page on this blog or click HERE
I was inspired to write the following poem after spending some time with a new friend in my life, his spirit was very refreshing and his soul was very honest and true. I sensed he was coming from a good place and it was that real connection with him that led me to write ‘Superhero’.
Here comes the superhero into the night
Flying around, so wonderful and bright
There is magic in his eyes, I see he is brave
A courageous manner, towards all he will save
His strength is not obvious, it comes from within
A growing heart, that’s looking for its twin
Softly spoken, comes out these wise words
Turning my mind, like humming birds
Shall I ask him the question, that I want to know
How he picks up my spirits, when I’m feeling low
There is a connection, that the eyes cannot see
Although it’s invisible, it’s as strong as can be
You go for your dreams, it may take a while
But when you get there, there’s this everlasting smile
And when I look back, it’s easy to forget
How you changed me for the better, from the moment we first met
Thank you superhero, an inspiration you are
I’m under your wing, let’s travel afar.
poemsbyclarabelle, 1 March 2012
If you really like what you read here on this blog, you may be interested in purchasing one of Clarabelle’s self-published inspirational ebooks available to download now on Amazon Kindle, please refer to the Author page on this blog or click HERE
Clarabelle 