Solstice's Quiet Call

Solstice's Quiet Call

By Annette Camp

December 21, 2024

Solstice arrives, not with fanfare, but with a whisper,

and a blanket to drape across the world’s shoulders.

She asks for our pause, our willingness to listen,

to sit in the shadows of our own minds and hearts.

But we fight her gentle pull with distractions:

the hum of consumerism, adult beverages, and

the glow of screens replacing starlight and faces.

We flee inward not into ourselves, but into noise.

Yet winter waits, patient and unyielding,

as Solstice whispers of quiet and rest.

For in her silence is an invitation to mourn, 

to mend, to make peace with the passing year.

And when the light begins to slowly return,

when the seed stirs deep in the frozen soil,

we will rise, not hurried, but renewed and

ready to bloom beneath the sun's warmth.

The Writing of Our Story

The Writing of Our Story

By Annette Camp

(Inspired by someone named Lou)

November 16, 2024

Our relationship stands as a foundation,

built brick by brick—

character and chemistry,

communication and commitment.

Each stone is placed with care,

honoring needs,

wrapped in patience,

held by honesty.

Together, we create a sanctuary

where mutual respect and understanding

become our guiding light.

We lean into each other’s strength,

knowing the weight is shared,

that standing tall is easier

when two carry the burden.

Life is a dance of joy and challenge—

exhilarating leaps,

stumbling steps.

Yet I want us to navigate it all together,

transforming disappointments into growth,

frustrations into understanding.

Love is our compass.

I crave an intense closeness,

a space where fears, joys, and dreams

are whispered without hesitation,

where two people united

can conquer anything.

My love runs deep, passionate—

a fire that warms through words,

through touch,

through the unspoken.

Intimacy is the pulse of our connection,

the thread that binds us tightly.

Life’s gift is not to be squandered;

it is to be shared,

to be lived with unrelenting passion.

When I give my heart,

I want it cherished as though it were your own,

just as I will treasure yours—

a bond that turns possibility

into something boundless.

I seek a miracle— you,

the woman unafraid to laugh boldly,

to savor life’s simplest joys

and its profound mysteries.

Your soul carries moral goodness,

your heart a reverence for what is sacred.

You are daring and brave,

ready to explore not the world’s maps,

but the uncharted terrain of our hearts.

Together, we will write a story

of love and courage,

etched into the landscape of a life well-lived.

Simple Bliss

Simple Bliss

By Annette Camp

November 15, 2024

The morning air brushing my face, 

the silence brings the promise of the day.

I find enjoyment in picnics by a body of water,

summer spilling its warmth onto a shared blanket.

In spring and fall, I seek the open road,

sunroof framing the vast sky above.

Road trips stretch time —

a moving canvas of possibility.

Winter calls for art, theater and

galleries where the colors of other lives

spill into mine, with the lure of new worlds.

But home is where I snuggle into stillness.

I don’t watch much TV,

but the rhythm of a cooking show

stirs my own creations, spices dancing, 

the kitchen alive with intention.

Sedentary moments find me content:

a game with friends, a book,

or the creation of poetry,

words spilling like water from a dam.

There is beauty in the tiny things:

sunlight slicing through the blinds,

songs belted out in joyful defiance of silence,

the coziness of freshly dried sheets.

I treasure deep laughter that spills into tears,

conversations that stitch hearts together,

the fleeting yet infinite bloom

of split-second gratitude.

My life is created from the ordinary,

and made extraordinary by living simply.

In the moments walked, I find my bliss,

a blessing held in what already is.

The Quiet Hum

The Quiet Hum

By Annette Camp

November 15, 2024

At this time in my life,

I crave the quiet hum of the ordinary—

a soft chair by the window,

the sun laying its hands on my face,

a life stitched together

by moments so small they might be overlooked,

yet they swell with the weight of fulfillment.

I want a life drawn by intention,

where each act is a seed,

its fruit ripened with meaning,

where the thread of our connection

is spun with care, defining what follows,

unfolding a story of purpose.

I yearn for a partner unafraid

to leap into happiness,

to love as if the heart

has never known fracture,

to hold my hand not with possession,

but with courage and wonder.

Together, may we uncover beauty

in the cracks of the everyday,

in the hush of morning dew,

in the laugh lines of an evening shared.

Let us speak truths that carry 

light to the shadowed places,

our words warming 

like the first rays of dawn.

Aware that life comes only once,

may we live as though we’ve just discovered

its fragile singularity—

every morning a blessing,

every walk a revelation.

Let us hold one another in that rare,

fleeting moment where destiny pauses,

and everything, for a breath,

feels within reach.

I want the ordinary—

soft and sweet, exhilarating and still,

a canvas where love paints possibility

in strokes of gratitude, passion, and respect.

Each day begins with the 

quiet promise I hold close:

The best is yet to be.

Worth the Risk

Worth the Risk

By Annette Camp

November 3, 2024

Craving deep connections

means stepping out on a

ledge, knowing the ground 

beneath might be uncertain. 

Yet, trusting that some

souls are worth the risk,

because they feel like a

warm, familiar blanket. 

Laughter comes easy,

silence feels safe and the

spaces between words are

filled with understanding. 

There is no need to rush

in this dance of souls.

Move with the grace of

intention and take your time.

Knowing that every

step forward brings you

nearer to the heart of

what you seek and long for.

Let each choice be deliberate,

like selecting fruit at its

ripest, knowing that true

connections are the sweetest. 

Here I Lay

Here I Lay

By Annette Camp

October 17, 2024

It runs deep.

It's in my

bones and

the core of

my being.

It's on my

face. It's 

in my hugs.

Yet, I remain

in silence.

I want to be

at her side

as she moves

through life, to

hold her hand.

I wait to

hear her

voice and

see her eyes

once again.

She's trapped

in my head 

and my heart.

She has to

know this.

But here I

lay with my

love for her

unspoken. 

Yet, undenied.

It Fell From Her Eye

It Fell From Her Eye 

By Annette Camp

September 2, 2024

It hurts my heart to feel 

her emotions from the 

other side of a screen.

If I were there, I'd give 

her a hug. A long heartfelt 

hug of comfort in whatever 

she was holding in her heart.

There's a visual message 

of a tear gathering in 

the corner of her eye. 

It could fall onto my finger 

and I would feel with her. If 

she only knew I was here for 

her. Then. It fell from her eye.

Ramblings of Remembering

Ramblings of Remembering 

By Annette Camp

(Inspired by Courtney Bohlman)

August 29, 2024

Confusion.

Control.

Struggle.

Distraction. 

Slow down.

Stillness.

Unfoldment.

Guidance.

Uncertain.

What's next

limits the 

what's now.

Surrender.

Simple. 

Clarity.

Trust.

Peace.

Transformation.

Dawn of a New Day

Dawn of a New Day

By Annette Camp

August 18, 2024

As the first light of dawn kisses

the earth, the world awakens 

in a symphony of gentle 

sounds and vibrant colors.

Here, time seems to pause.

Ducks and geese glide 

gracefully as blooming 

flowers line the path,

each petal a burst of 

color against the green. 

The chatter of the birds 

creates a melody that soothes 

the soul. The ordinary 

becomes extraordinary 

with each breath.

The earth beneath my feet feels 

alive. The dew is fresh and 

the air crisp. Every step is a 

moment of peace, a celebration 

of the day’s beginning. 

Wrapped in the embrace of 

nature’s gentle rhythm, 

I find myself smiling at 

the simple joy of being a 

part of this tranquil morning.

Statement of Faith

Statement of Faith

By Annette Camp

July 31, 2024

In the spirit of courageousness, 

my heart and faith guide me to love 

with bold compassion, bravely reaching 

beyond my comfort zone to take risks 

for the sake of others. I will ooze 

love in all of my relationships. 

My foundational commitment is unwavering. 

I breathe life into the promise of service, 

kindness, and selfless deeds to this fellowship, 

my neighborhood, society, and the world.

I will dwell in a sanctuary of peace where 

there is a haven of hope, diversity, and 

belonging. Others are not just welcomed 

but celebrated in my presence. I pledge to 

hear each voice, and uphold an environment 

of mutual respect and dignity. 

I know that in love I can question and seek 

truth, as I grow and deepen my spiritual 

understanding. This encourages open-mindedness, 

honest dialogue, and a caring approach.

In this beloved community, I will always 

advocate for justice and help those in 

need of assistance, offering encouragement 

and support. I will stand together in 

solidarity, and reaffirm my belief in the 

interconnectedness of all life.

Cherished and Valuable

Cherished and Valuable

By Annette Camp

July 30, 2024

A relationship transitioning 

from romance to friendship 

is like exchanging gold for 

silver currency because both 

retain significant value, 

albeit in different forms. 

Gold, with its bright 

luster symbolizes the 

rare moments and 

intense affection, often 

passionate, found in a 

romantic relationship.

Silver carries its own 

timeless beauty, like a 

constant star, now 

expressed through the 

long-lasting light of 

expansive friendship.

The fiery dance of desire 

gives way to the gentle 

waltz of companionship, where 

the heart finds comfort in 

the familiar rhythms of shared 

laughter and understanding.

This shift represents a 

change in dynamics rather 

than a loss of worth. 

It is still preserving the 

meaningful connection

in a new steadfast way.

Thus, the bond continues, 

cherished and valuable, its 

presentation transformed. 

Its essence is unwavering, 

shining with a timeless, 

silvered grace.

Lead in Love

Lead in Love

By Annette Camp

July 30, 2024

Love and trust are 

lenses through which 

we can view the world

and focus on possibility. 

When we choose 

these lenses, we embrace 

compassion, empathy, unity,

collaboration, and forgiveness. 

These powerful forces 

unlock hope, possibility, 

creativity, innovation, 

and problem-solving. 

In the face of any 

challenge, choose love.

Love is the way forward, 

a movement. 

Join this movement, 

lead in love, and 

together, we can 

transform the world.

Tears of Truth

Tears of Truth

By Annette Camp

July 30, 2024

My tears flow like 

the gentle grace 

of a waterfall, 

delicate streams 

of emotions descending 

from the cliffs of my eyes. 

Each teardrop is a 

testament to the profound 

depth of my feelings, a silent 

witness to a well within. 

As they tumble and flow, 

they carve intricate paths 

across my cheeks, etching 

their journey into my skin.

These tears whisper tales 

of love, echoing the joys 

and sorrows that have 

touched my heart. 

They carry with them the 

weight of unspoken words 

and the essence of my 

most intimate moments. 

In their delicate descent, 

they leave behind traces 

of my vulnerability and 

the raw beauty of my 

human experience. 

Each drop, a silent testament 

to the complexity of my 

emotions, creates a river 

of truth that flows from 

the core of my being.

Handle With Care

Handle With Care

By Annette Camp

July 27, 2024

When you meet a woman 

who has been through 

life's toughest trials 

and still remains 

big-hearted, handle her 

love with care. 

She chose love despite 

her pain. Don't lose her. 

Her resilience speaks to 

her strength of character.

She has faced many hardships, 

yet her heart remains 

open. Value her, for she 

understands deep pain and 

profound compassion. She is 

unlike anyone else you'll meet.

Respect her journey, 

honor her struggles, and 

stand by her side as she 

faces life’s challenges. 

Her scars tell stories of 

battles fought and the 

strength found in 

vulnerability. With her, 

you'll find a rare and 

precious kind of love. 

She will change you, 

teaching you about 

true love, self-love, 

and a love for life.

True Intimacy

True Intimacy

By Annette Camp

July 27, 2024

Many believe intimacy 

is just about sharing 

a bed, but true intimacy 

goes much deeper. 

Intimacy is finding a 

safe haven in someone's 

presence, a place where 

you can be your true self 

without fear of rejection.

It's standing before them 

without any pretense and 

hearing the reassuring words, 

"You're safe with me."

It's about opening up 

your deepest fears, 

insecurities, and 

vulnerabilities to 

someone who accepts 

you without judgment. 

It's showing the broken 

pieces of your soul and 

receiving kindness and 

love in return. 

Real intimacy means 

sharing your innermost 

thoughts, pain, past, 

and trauma, knowing they 

will listen with empathy. 

It's someone who holds 

your heart gently.

Value those who offer you 

true intimacy, for they 

will stand by you and 

remind you you're not alone.

A Dragonfly Moment

A Dragonfly Moment

By Annette Camp

July 25, 2024

Today, I stopped to 

watch a dragonfly.

Their short life spans

reminds me that life is

brief, precious moments.

Dragonflies often appear to 

dance in the air, embodying 

a sense of joy and lightness. 

Approach life with a lighter, 

more playful attitude. 

Appreciate what you have

right now, without 

constantly dwelling 

on the past or worrying 

about the future.

Being fully aware and 

engaged in this moment 

allows us to experience 

life more vividly and 

with greater depth.

Let go of rigid plans 

and embrace the current 

moment with all its 

potential. Just focus

on the beauty of now.

A Relationship Tapestry

A Relationship Tapestry

By Annette Camp

July 20, 2024

Today was a

bizarre day with

the creation of

an unexpected

relationship

tapestry.

In the span of

a single day,

I experienced

a very intricate

dance with

some unlikely

connections.

It was a surreal

symphony where

beginnings and

endings coexisted

in the same breath.

A lesson, 

a tear, and

a smile.

The ghost of an

old flame that

resurfaced,

amidst the

sting of a raw

wound, as an

encounter with a

stranger brought

a brief smile.

Familiar patterns

of a past lover

softened by a 

shared history

and time.

Contrasting

darker strands

characterizing

pain and loss.

Woven together

with vibrant hues

of excitement

and possibility.

Each thread

representing

a person,

a moment,

or an emotion.

Scarred Heart

Scarred Heart

By Annette Camp

July 18, 2024

When you departed,

you left behind

invisible scars.

Permanently altered.

Emotional loss

significantly etched

into the fabric of

my very being.

My heart once

open is now

wounded and beats

with a new rhythm.

A life-changing

experience.

A future stolen

from my life.

Consequential

transformation.

Forever a

scarred heart.

Forever Changed

Forever Changed

By Annette Camp

July 18, 2024

I will never

be the same.

The one I 

intimately let

in has left.

Echoes of shared

secrets and

silent sorrows.

I am unconnected.

Like a river, I'm

marked by the

profound impact

of the storm 

weathered.

Fragments of

what once was.

Things flow a

little differently.

A lesson in 

pain and a 

life that 

is forever

changed.

Blurred Lines

Blurred Lines

By Annette Camp

July 11, 2024

Keeping a relationship 

friendly after the 

romance ends can

sometimes have

blurred lines.

A space where

clarity dissolves,

where boundaries 

waver and certainty 

fades into ambiguity.

Shadows dance and

definitions lose their

sharpness.  A true

intertwine with

reality and illusion.

It's a realm where

the heart and

mind negotiate 

with a gradient 

of possibility. 

In the haze there

is both confusion 

and creativity, 

challenge and

discovery.

There's a complex

interplay of desires

and decisions. 

The heart feels so

much for the person.

There's love in the

simplest purity. 

Today I Cried

Today I Cried

By Annette Camp

July 7, 2024

The tissue is wet 

with my tears.

I must let go.

Let go of hopes.

Let go of dreams.

Let go.

Romantic love 

has escaped 

me yet again.

More Than My Poem

More Than My Poem

By Annette Camp

July 4, 2024

You are more

than my poetic

inspiration. 

You are the 

heart within 

these bones.

Pieces that

bring life to 

my soul.

My affection 

for you courses 

through my veins.

In the arms 

that wrap 

around you.

In the lips 

that long 

to kiss you.

In the eyes 

that take in 

your beauty.

In these feet 

that walk with 

you each day.

These things 

are more than 

words on a page.

They are my 

poem. You. 

You are more 

than my poem.

Slow and Steady

Slow and Steady 

By Annette Camp

July 1, 2024

I've never truly 

had a reason to 

take things slow 

in a relationship.

Immediate passion

was common.

But I've found that 

the reward is in 

the small moments 

of discovery, 

in learning yet 

one more thing.

Each day reveals 

something new, 

deepening our 

connection and 

building a strong, 

solid foundation.

It’s a path that 

demands patience 

and trust, but 

the richness 

it brings is 

incomparable.

The journey may 

be slow, but 

the memories we 

create along the 

way are worth 

every moment.

I truly believe 

that this pace 

allows us to 

cherish every 

hug and step

of the way.

I hug consciously, 

fully present in the 

moment, embracing 

the warm closeness 

it brings and its 

powerful impact. 

Each hug becomes a 

meaningful act, an 

exchange of comfort 

and affection, where 

I am aware of the 

bond it strengthens.

It’s a way to express 

care and gratitude, 

to be truly there for 

someone, creating a 

sense of harmony

and understanding 

that words often fail 

to capture. 

There is a beauty in 

conscious hugs and

taking things 

slow and steady

in our dating

relationship.

A Writer's Struggle

I've selectively shared my writer's process until now. The image here is simple and yet complex. Sometimes, the ideas come with a few words. Other times, it's a sentence or two. Regardless, there's more to what you see in the poem you read or story I write. This is just a sample. If you have something handwritten from me, count yourself among the few. Many times, the words get crumpled into wads of paper and thrown in the trash before hitting the digital page.

A Writer's Struggle 

By Annette Camp

June 24, 2024

With each letter

I write not just

words, but a

heartfelt 

message.

I cross out 

words.

I stop and

restart.

The struggle 

for just the 

right word to 

express what 

I feel is real.

I write and

rewrite words,

edit and

rearrange.

I sometimes 

wonder if you

hear my heart

in between 

the words.

Life's Fragility

In the wee hours of this morning, I faced, not one but, two head-on collisions - one an immobile police car blocking the road and another automobile in motion towards me. An experience I did not encounter alone. I do not know that my reaction time would have been as responsive, as I had just gotten off my flight from Seattle at 12:45am and had a good hour and a half drive home. I am so thankful for a woman named Freedom Derrico. She saved my life and I am forever grateful.

Life's Fragility

By Annette Camp

June 22, 2024

In this moment,

a near-death car 

crash of oncoming 

headlights haunt me. 

The bright illumination in 

the darkness of the night.

The jarring of the SUV to the 

right and back to fight calamity.

Chaos in that suspended moment.

A cascade of emotions defines 

my existence and the delicate 

beauty of precious life itself.

Enduring lessons carried forward

from the brink of disaster.

A renewed appreciation for 

life's fragility.

Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams

By Annette Camp

June 15, 2024

Last night, I had

the sweetest of

dreams about a

precious moment

when my spirit

whispered to you.

As you laid your

head on my lap, a

poem flowed from

my hand through

your hair, each

stroke a silent

declaration of love.

Time stood still as

my heart conversed

with yours, knowing

that each caress

expressed the most

sincere and tender

feeling imaginable. 

The Leisurely Journey

The Leisurely Journey

By Annette Camp

June 11, 2024

I have a profound 

awareness that a 

symphony of 

chemicals ignite 

when the veil of 

intimacy is lifted, 

swirling like a 

fragrant mist 

around us.  

In the tender 

dance of touch, 

endorphins and 

oxytocin weave an 

intoxicating 

tapestry, often 

blurring the lines 

between genuine 

connection and 

the euphoria of 

the moment. 

May we find delight 

in the sound of 

laughter, the joy 

of gratitude and the 

quiet moments of 

tranquility that 

build a foundation 

of trust and 

sincerity.

I envision

our journey to 

physical 

affection not 

as a hurried 

sprint, but 

as a gentle, 

meandering 

stroll through 

a sun-dappled 

forest. 

In this leisurely 

journey, let our 

souls intertwine 

long before our 

bodies do, creating 

a bond resilient 

to the fleeting 

buzz of physical 

closeness. 

Together, let us 

relish the art 

of gradual 

discovery, 

allowing our 

connection to 

blossom in its 

own time, 

nurtured by 

patience and 

peacefulness.

With a heart 

full of hope, I 

tread these waters 

carefully. Let 

us savor the 

anticipation, 

cherishing each 

step and every 

shared glance.

Hearts Unite

Hearts Unite

By Annette Camp

June 11, 2024

A visual bridge

of color arching

across the heavens.

The blending of

hues, born of

sunlight and rain.

Beauty following

the darkest 

of clouds.

The sky shifts

into a tranquil

sea of fire.

A farewell dance

of amber, tangerine, 

and creamy white.

Bathing the night

in a warm

embrace.

Upon departing,

nature whispered

a secret.

A silent song

of connection 

in the quietude.

Under the

same sky,

two hearts unite.

Patchwork of Feelings

Patchwork of Feelings

By Annette Camp

June 9, 2024

In this image, my heart finds its home. 

Patchwork of feelings inside me roam. 

With each day, a cherished gift. 

Thoughts of you, my spirits lift.

Blossoming daily my affection takes flight. 

To me this day, everything feels right. 

With every moment, our bond does grow. 

You are in my heart, this I know.

Take One Step

Disclosure: This is NOT a call to join a church. Simply, a woman telling her story of how not to give up if you have a dream.

For those that do not know, I identify myself as a spiritual kaleidoscope. I am religiously fluid in that I do not belong to, behave according to, or believe in any one faith tradition; rather I flow among them. I have been religiously persecuted and suffered from PTSD at the hands of many religious and spiritual bodies. I have been excommunicated, disfellowshipped and asked to never return from various religious and spiritual organizations, even in my home state of Colorado. 

Today, I write about my experience after reading an exert from Jim Harmer's book Work Energy: Finish What You Start and Fearlessly Take on Any Goal. It said "Imagine I'm sitting in front of you, talking with you face to face. You tell me the goal you've dreamed, and I tell you this: 'PROVE IT. YOU WANT IT SO BAD? I DARE YOU TO JUST TAKE ONE STEP.' People can dream all they want, but the vast majority of people will dream the rest of their lives away. Do you have a goal and you really mean it? I dare you to actually do one tiny thing about it today."

I have dreamt of finding a new spiritual home. One where I feel safe and loved. After roaming in and out of places throughout the world, I took a step in yet another faith community today. I am drawn to its mission "to unleash courageous love." So courageously, I step out onto a new path. 

The Heart Dance

The Heart Dance

By Annette Camp

June 1, 2024

The beauty of her smile.

The sound of her laugh.

The fragrance of her perfume. 

The touch of her embrace. 

The taste of her kiss.

A communication

of connection that

caused my pulse to

quicken and my

heart to dance.

My Joyous Heart

My Joyous Heart

By Annette Camp

May 29, 2024

When asked what

she wanted in a

relationship, these

two words she spoke:

Longevity. 

Stability. 

And my joyous 

heart sang.

All that is Good

Today, my best friend asked me why are we friends. I told her that one of the primary reasons she is my best friend is the deep emotional connection and understanding that has developed over time. We support each other in all of life's ups and downs. I can confide in her, share experiences with her, and rely on her during both good times and bad and vice versa. We are more than friends. We are family. There's a feeling of being understood and accepted for who I am with her. We share common interests, values, and experiences, and that strengthens our bond and makes our friendship special.

All that is Good

By Annette Camp

May 28, 2024

You are more

than just another

friend to me.

You're memories, 

smiles, laughter,

and hugs.

You're happiness,

strength, and

compassion. 

You're the present, 

future, and

the past.

You're kindness,

loads of fun,

and family.

You're a visual 

representation of

all that is good.

Honest Conversations

Honest Conversations 

By Annette Camp

May 27, 2024

Online dating app options:

Chatting?

Friendship?

Something casual?

Long-term relationship?

Mine reads

something casual

and long-term

relationship. 

Something casual can

be a physical or

emotional relationship, 

but without the

expectation of a more

serious romantic 

relationship. 

It's short-term. 

No strings attached. 

You're free to pursue,

meet, or date others.

You're not the "only one."

Too busy for

anything serious or

emotionally supporting

someone?

Honest conversations

are necessary regarding 

intentions, expectations, 

future plans, degree of

emotional connection, 

communication regularity, 

and exclusivity. 

I got this.

Express how you

feel and ask for

what you want.

Have that conversation. 

Drifting Off

Drifting Off 

By Annette Camp

May 26, 2024

My mind moves

slowly through

the basics:

the similarities 

in interests,

values and

life approach. 

I closely coast

through the

intangibles:

her upbeat spirit,

her kind heart,

her growth mindset, 

and self-awareness. 

Then, I am carried 

away by the thrill

of my attraction. 

I feel the chemistry 

intensify with each

movement of her

eyes and those lips.

I wonder, "Why

do I long to hold

her so close to me?"

The thought of

her fills my mind

as I leisurely drift

off to dreamland. 

Freedom

Freedom 

By Annette Camp

May 19, 2024

In this life, I'd risk

heartache for the

love of Freedom.

Warrior. Princess.

Real. Hope.

Freedom.

The image I hold is

to love you my whole

life and no other.

Until we look into

the eyes of one

another again.

Namaste.

You Should Know

You Should Know 

By Annette Camp

April 11, 2024

You should 

know that I 

make mistakes.

I am not

perfect.

I feel grief,

fear, and

even anger.

I've not been 

emotionally 

supported

through life

altering deaths

and painful

unexpected 

change.

I detach and

focus on regret

rather than

solutions. 

I need to work

on emotional

openness and

expression.

I want you to

listen, empathize, 

and be patient. 

Because I am 

not perfect. 

I've been neglected

and exposed to

pure horror,

unstable and

dangerous 

environments,

felt unsafe and

trusted no one.

I take flight.

I freeze and

I fight.

I need to trust,

take risks and

build a secure,

stable life.

I want you to

explore with me

my anxieties. 

Don't walk away.

I'm not perfect. 

I've been around 

volatile people

and have been

violated; physically, 

verbally, sexually

and mentally abused.

My voice has not

always been heard.

Passive aggressiveness 

may rear its head

and I may be unclear

in my communication. 

I need to calmly

speak my truth;

be clear about 

what I really want. 

I want you to ask

what my needs are

and let me feel heard.

You should know

I'm not perfect. 

AND you should know

I'm doing the inner

work to heal.

Every Version

 

Every Version 

By Annette Camp

April 11, 2024

The NOW that

you are and

The PAST that

you were and

the FUTURE

you will be.

I love every

version of

you.

I will love

every version

of you.

Why?

Because 

that's what 

love does.

Hope Returns

Hope Returns 

By Annette Camp

April 10, 2024

My eyes are

sparkling 

with affection,

and my heart

is dancing.

My rainbow

colors are

bright and

my disco

ball shines.

Hope has

returned to

flow through

my veins

once again.

Did You See?

 

Did You See?

By Annette Camp

April 8, 2024

Food, trees,

and libraries.

Tango, art,

and poetry.

Buildings and

statues, lots to see.

Meditation, travel

photos, and tea.

Look their guide,

how happy is he.

Kayaking, flowers,

and trails to see.

Waterfalls and

rivers, everybody.

Oh, how delightful

just to be.

**This one was inspired by my friends (Elizabeth and Julia) after looking at their travel photos.

Labels and Boxes

 

Labels and Boxes

By Annette Camp

March 27, 2024

Recently in an

online profile, 

I was asked

to select from

a dropdown

"up to" five

orientations.

Quickly scrolling 

through the list, I

immediately chose

Lesbian and Queer. 

However, the list

kept going on and on.

Some of them I knew:

sapiosexual,

homoflexible, 

asexual, bisexual 

and pansexual.

Others, though, I

had to look up,

because I have a

new-age curiosity.

Benignosexual.

Finsexual.

Fraysexual.

Gynesexual.

Noetisexual.

Aceflux.

Oh me, oh my. 

Then there was an

additional romantic

orientation category.

I won't go into all

of those. However,

I will say I'm

abroromantic.

There's no need to

look it up, because

it could change.

If you want a

play partner(s),

there are other 

options as well.

Unicorn.

Kajirus.

Stone top.

Cuckcake.

Hucow.

Vixen.

Gorean.

So many labels and

boxes. For me,

I just lead with 

love and kindness.

Look Both Ways

Look Both Ways

By Annette Camp

March 24, 2024

When I 

saw her, I 

swiped right.

For chatting?

Friendship?

Something casual

or long-term

relationship?

My only focus:

that smile and

those blue eyes.

Attraction is

so much more

than physical.

Little did I 

really know.

It wasn't about

beauty really,

but a journey.

It was about

connection, 

exploration, 

adventure, 

and love. 

Daily choosing

to love another

unconditionally.

A loving 

unconventional 

relationship. 

No boxes 

or labels.

It was a daily

choice. Until

it wasn't. 

I've learned to

ask more questions,

and look both ways,

multiple times,

before crossing 

the street.