The hardest part...

 

The hardest part is not the fall

But standing up once more

When knees are scraped and skies are grey

And dreams lie on the floor

The hardest part is not the end

But taking that first stride

When every path is wrapped in fog

And doubt walks by your side

The hardest part is letting go

Of things you thought were true:

Of people, places, plans that are

No longer part of you

The hardest part is holding on

When silence fills the air

And all you have is whispered hope

That someone, somewhere, cares

The hardest part is not the storm

But all it leaves behind

The quiet, raw, and empty space

We’re all too quick to find

So when you hit the hardest part

You’ll know because you’ll feel it:

A pain that aches so much that

You’re not sure you’ll ever heal it

But still you’ll breathe and take the step

With a heart that’s sore with scars

For every hardest part you face

Reveals how strong you are

*****

Becky Hemsley 2025

Artwork by Serghei Ghetiu

This poem is from her latest collection, If the Stars Could Speak

Source: Becky Hemsley Poetry on Facebook

Dolly Rebecca Parton (January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026)

  

I went through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru early this afternoon, and the attendant was talking for quite a while with the car in front of me.

I started to wonder if they knew each other.

And then, when it was my turn, she greeted me and immediately said, “Did you hear about Dolly?”

I knew Dolly mattered. But there, in the most ordinary of places, I saw just how far her reach went.

Here was this young woman, probably in her early twenties, talking about Dolly with the car in front of me, then with me, and I knew there would probably be another conversation with the car behind me, and the next one, and the next one.

We all knew Dolly.

She was a part of our lives.

She inspired us to read, to give back, to care, to love, to show up, to create, to listen, and to truly, truly live life.

I looked at the attendant and said, “I did. It’s sad. She will be greatly missed.”

And as I drove away, I kept thinking about Dolly's legacy.

About a young woman in a Chick-fil-A drive-thru talking with stranger after stranger about her.

About my Facebook feed full of tributes and kindness and words to a person most of us never even met.

My goodness, Dolly.

Look at the ripple you made.

~Rachel

FindingJoy

Photo: Library of Congress / Public Domain.

Source: Finding Joy on Facebook

Dolly Rebecca Parton (January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026)

NASHVILLE, TN (August 25, 2026) – Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

Source: Jimmy Carter on Facebook

Tomorrow will be a good day.

 

Tomorrow will be a good day,

So, just write that on your heart,

You will not let grey clouds in,

and you will refuse to fall apart.

Happiness can be a mindset,

We can change what we believe,

So don't give in to negativity,

Don't allow certain thoughts to deceive.

We are actually what we think,

So think positively and you'll see,

If you pay no attention to fear or doubts

You will discover a way to just 'be'

Sometimes the mind may wander,

but in being conscious you will know,

by taking a deep breath and relaxing,

You'll discover the joy in just letting go.

And over time you'll come to find,

the days getting easier than before,

And you'll gather new strength in knowing,

your thoughts don't dictate to you any more ..

By Serendipity Corner

by C.E. Coombes for Serendipity Corner

Art by Bina. S

Source: Serendipity Corner on Facebook

Got To Give lt Up - Marvin Gaye

 

Let's dance...

Remember it's your life

 

Go and find your sunshine,

Plant the most colourful flowers,

Find things that make you sparkle,

Chase dreams and dance in showers!

Take a road trip, once in a while,

And discover pastures new,

You'll find pleasure upon fresh paths,

adopting a carefree point of view.

We are here for a good time,

not a long time, so I'm told,

So don't wait for special occasions

Remember, you're never too old.

This life it is but fleeting

So what are you waiting for?

There are many pleasures to sample

Some waiting outside your door.

So when life's feeling dull,

And monotony is driving you insane,

Do something that makes you feel alive

And find yourself again.

Remember it's your life

And it's up to you to find some pleasure

So don't leave yourself until last,

Feel free to seek your treasure ..

by C.E. Coombes

Artwork via Pinterest paired by Author

Source: Seredipity Corner on Facebook

Where I'm Bound ~ Patty Loveless

 

Can you hear it cross the valley
Can you hear that mournful sound
I'm riding rails of silver
Going to where I'm bound

High above the fields of clover
On a lazy, hot July
When I get to where I'm going
I'll hold my head up high
I will roll across these mountains
I will take the last train out
Riding rails of silver
Going to where I'm bound

Roses, dust and ashes
Throw them where I lay
And if by chance you see me
There'll be no sorrow on my face

For I will see the beauty
I only wish that you could see
I'll leave my body weakened
I'll leave my soul to wander free, so free

So if you should see a diamond
Fall down from the sky
Its just a teardrop
From the corner of my eye
As good-bye, as I fly
To where I'm bound

Chasing my tomorrows

 

Today I woke and found myself

With less than yesterday

My life was missing things

I had assumed were here to stay

Things that had seemed little

‘Til they left a giant space,

Left an empty silence

And a longing in their place

And I began to understand

That when push came to shove

I longed for what I’d had

When I’d thought that was not enough

I’d always looked ahead

Was always chasing more and more

Growing so complacent

Of the things I once wished for

Running to tomorrow,

To the weekend, to next year

Forgetting I was lucky

For the things already here

And all this made me realise

That my life can’t buy more time

So maybe I should spend my time

Loving this life of mine

And maybe I’ll be grateful

For the little things I’ve got

That seem inconsequential

But which mean an awful lot

So, tonight I’ll thank the stars

Instead of asking them for more

And I will hope to wake with all

The things I’ve thanked them for

‘Cause now I see that my todays

Are filled with time I’ve borrowed

And I shouldn’t sit around and waste them

Chasing my tomorrows

******

Becky Hemsley 2023

Artwork by Kristina von Wiesen Art

From 'Chasing Tomorrow'

Source: Becky Hemsley Poetry on Facebook