Today
I will find beauty in small things
A child’s smile
A sunrise
The first sip of coffee
Warm and soothing
Like the childhood blanket worn soft
From years of snuggles.
Today
I will forget the loneliness
And reach out
To friends
And colleagues
Or a goofy Boston Terrier
With round eyes blinking in love.
Today
I will be content.
The author of The Pharaoh’s Cry, Portal Shift, Kidnapped Smile, and Dragon Sky from the fantasy series The Artania Chronicles, as well as the middle-grade Forest Secrets. Laurie Woodward co-wrote Dean and JoJo: The Dolphin Legacy. Her poetry has been published in multiple journals and anthologies and she was a collaborator on the popular anti-bullying DVD Resolutions. Bullied as a child, Laurie is now an award-winning peace consultant, poet, and blogger who helps teach children how to avoid arguments, stop bullying, and maintain healthy friendships. She writes on the Central Coast of California. More about her work can be found at artania.net
Laurie Woodward 
I wish to see you in real
smiling and being joyful
is inspiring and moving
seeing this great change
I’m speaking being truthful
have this attitude in life
in all your coming days
will get you your soul
from gloom & depression
to have a big-time raise.
Lee,
Your kind words lift my spirits more than you know. I am so grateful for the support.
I wish joyful thoughts to you too.
Blessings,
Laurie