Inside

https://youtu.be/fPO5qJpK6Xg

"Christmas Child"

https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/christmas_child_974799

https://youtu.be/MqjGLFNmorg

A good message/Light/Source. https://youtu.be/eR9BFHpf1sE

https://youtu.be/gv6sy4d-Dk4

https://youtu.be/KQRPOiCma9c

All around the world, many doing it very tough this Christmas, and have been for many many years. We are all connected. Surely when presented with all this, we must be there for each other, in some way or another, with Love, kindness, generosity, forgiveness, respect and strength of character. It's not what you have, it's what you give.

https://youtu.be/BCV4ZBA72fI

I'm chuffed you find it thought provoking Tom. My thoughts and poems are quite abstract at best and I am usually just writing for my daughter (myself, my sisters and friends ... who do understand me). I was not expecting to win a POTD with this. But it is Christmas and sometimes writers (and trolls here) take themselves far too seriously (myself included). Words are just keys, for us to open and close doors. Here's cheers to a safe, peaceful Christmas and all the best for a wonderful New Year in 2022.

On another note, I've read quite a few of your poems this morning. I love the one about "SHADOW" the best. Merry Christmas Tom. Leanne Xx

Thanks Alexis. I get a bit that way sometimes. Have a lovely Christmas. Xx Leanne

Thank you Debra. All the best for Christmas, may it be a good one. Leanne xx

That's all one wants for Christmas, and all our futures. Especially the children. Light, Love, Joy and serenity, Peace. Merry Christmas Constance, have a lovely one with you and yours, or whatever you do over the season and into the future. Leanne Xx

As above, so below. We're all connected, part of the same tree. Some understand that, others don't. Viva la mente liberada!! indeed, loving that....Che Jesus, loving that concept. Faith in something bigger than ourselves, bigger than our ego, especially when one considers the altruistic revolutionary act of a man, who's birth and life is celebrated this time of year by some ... requires a revolutionary mindset. There are other ascended "Masters", celebrated by other religions/faiths/cultures, that are/were altruistic and revolutionary in their deeds and thoughts. At Christmas, a safe season to you and yours, with much Light and joy. Leanne. Xx

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Che_Jesus; also this - Luke 21:29-33 NIV. Although I might add here, the entire Chapter Luke 21 enlightening, considering everything happening in our world at present.

I absolutely adore Akiane's art. I've been aware of her from around 2016. And I must find that book. Although Ann, I have to admit, I very much prefer watching her art being created and stories unravelling through her videos. She is truly gifted on many levels.

It's the artwork and the artist Akiane's words that are the true inspiration. But it got me to thinking - which can be quite labyrinthine, sometimes confronting (for me). When you think about words being keys, especially when you read many of the wonderful poets (exceptional and fair to middling still evolving as writers/poets) here - many use their words for the keys to lock specific doors and open others. It's all a journey. While I may not comment on many poems/short stories here, I certainly do read many of the poets here, who are delivering to the "universe" an extremely personal journey ...and that is quite a brave thing to do, it requires courage to traverse dark to make Light. Some are sharing their experiences with others, who may need the camaraderie, or to just understand, there are others who have had similar experiences and they are not alone.

Some write to work "It" (Life) out in their own way. Writing can be messy, but it is a beautiful gift and a powerful weapon. Everyone and everything is connected. I hope you have a safe and wonderous Christmas opening your presents.... and doors. Leanne Xx

well we're not all ugly trolls ... ;) sieg heil. Xx All the best for a safe and happy Christmas. Leanne

I love this artist. I hadn't seen her art for a while and when I came across these two pieces of art and her poetry, it kind of sums up all that I feel and all that has been leading me to this point in my life. And of course, I have a thing for LUX VITAE, so Light in everyone's life, no matter their beliefs, is most important at this time in all of our lives, especially at Christmas. Love and Light to you and yours Lady Goldsmith, whatever course your Christmas takes this year. Surely one is never alone in the Soup at Christmas. Leanne. Xx

Thank you Warren. Put another artist/poet in front of me with their thoughts and it inspires in me wonderful deep diving. There are treasures to be found in Life and through the cathartic measures and depths of the Soup's oceans - the treasures found in others is most amazing - no matter how deep, sometimes some of the best treasures are found in the shallow rock pools in life and here in the Soup - but they're well hidden, camouflaged in many cases, sometimes floating on the surface with the sharks circling (now that takes kahones). May you have a joyful, safe Christmas. Leanne Xx

Thanks Mike. I agree with you on that - everything and everyone is connected. Some are awake to that fact, others are very tired and still waking up ... have a blessed, safe, joyful Christmas. Leanne Xx

I'm evolving. It takes a lot of grit to become a pearl. ;) I am sure many are rolling their eyes at that one. lol. I hope all well with your lovely Queen and brave son and that you all have a lovely Christmas together this year after this year's journey has taken you through. Love at Christmas to you, your Queen and prodigy. Xx

It's Christmas what I can say to defend myself? If I don't get through the Pearly Gates with some of the thoughts, intentions and acts of 'unconditional love' I am turning keys and opening doors with, perhaps an exorcist is required....because I am opening more than the ones I am locking - and some of the unlocked ones house the darkest dreams one could imagine. A safe and happy Yuletide season to you Unseeking Seeker. Leanne Xx

https://youtu.be/bMmhHBr7WDA

True. You can be sitting in your own pants reading some other writer/thinker and understand you are looking at your own life from inside, how it unravels like a golden chord - what did Shakespeare write, "Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; To sleep, perchance to dream—For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause, there's the respect, That makes calamity of so long life”. People say life is long it isn't short. It seems long for quite a while, until you wake up and understand , this life, as we know it, for the time we are here, is rather short and one must grab it, live it and make the most of it.

Some of the best Christmas presents in life are not "things", they are thoughts, intentions and acts of kindness...even when life seems quite wrong and bitter for some, an act of kindness can save a person, as well as yourself. My thoughts for the morning in the guise of Reverend Lovejoy...although some might suggest Ned Flanders or Eleanor Abernathy ;) Merry Christmas, I keep saying this - but some people I understand through religious beliefs, life's circumstances do not celebrate it. But it's a way of projecting the Light in uncertain times. Leanne Xx

Real, in my experience, can usually be found through the exposure of interiors. I prefer labyrinthine caves to glass houses. It's inevitable to find gold, diamonds, jewels embedded in the veins of cave walls and while some may find the journey dark and frightening, it's the foolhardy courage that lights the way. Altruism and generosity of heart and soul handed on a platter to others - wins every time. Trolls included ;) - they're the ones lurking in the shadows following your footsteps, because they need the light the most. Stay Safe at Christmas, but a few risks required sometimes to find the way out from the interior. Merry Christmas, Leanne. Xx

An early Merry Christmas to you Lindley and your prodigy and Queen. All prayers and good karma go your Queen's journey. May you have a lovely, joyous and safe Christmas with those you love. Xx L

https://youtu.be/MqjGLFNmorg