Soul Journeys & Other Travels

By Debra Crowe-Vitale

Life leads our souls on journeys that are sometimes foreseen, but more often lead us on unexpected, winding roads away from our origins. It is in these moments while experiencing highs and lows that we are provided the opportunity to change within and become more. While our paths take us through dark forests of mystery, glittering highways of city life, and wind-swept ocean shores, we hope to walk with a sense of adventure, meet fascinating people and creatures, and celebrate life.

In a poignant collection of verse, Debra Crowe-Vitale rejoices in life while reflecting on unconditional love, the beauty and surprises in nature, and the inspiration found in steadfast faith. While poetically exploring life’s ups and downs, Debra reminds us that there are gifts and surprises in every day that help us develop into unique souls capable of influencing the world in our own ways.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716780660

Book preview

Crowe-Vitale

Copyright © 2020 Debra Crowe-Vitale.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored,

or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical,

or electronic—without written permission of the author, except in the

case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized

reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-7167-8067-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7167-8066-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020913009

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Interior Paintings by Micheal Vitale

Interior photography by Debra Crowe-Vitale

Author photo by Linda Lipke

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 07/29/2020

DEDICATION

Soul Travels

By way of Nature and Wildlife,

Art and Music,

An interpretation of love and friendship, sorrow and joy.

Local and faraway,

Real and surreal,

To ponder, muse over, and imagine.

This is a journey of the soul,

For the soul.

May this journey of words and images

Nourish you,

Replenish you,

Encourage you,

Engage you.

And fill you

With courage, inspiration, and renewal.

It’s All About the Journey

Make it Count Every Day

Debra Crowe-Vitale

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INTRODUCTION

Life can lead you on a journey that is sometimes foreseen but more often is unexpected and long and winding from your origins. It’s in these moments that we experience the highest highs and the lowest lows, the walking away in awe or fright, and if we allow it, the opportunities to grow and explore our lives, changing within and becoming more. The various paths may take us through dark forests of mystery, glittering highways of city life, and windswept ocean shores.

May we always walk with a sense of adventure,

Meet fascinating people and creatures,

And celebrate life.

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PART 1

Life Happens

Celebrate Life

In all of its full glory,

Shimmering like the northern lights

Across the evening sky,

Dazzling us with its never-ending beauty.

Celebrate Life

Give praise to the one on high

Who divines what is to come our way.

Sun, wind, snow, fire, and rain

To be fully felt with all senses.

Celebrate Life

Even in the darkest hour of despair,

Remind us to enjoy even this moment.

For how else we will know its name

Once we chance upon it again?

Celebrate Life

Give of yourself to all you meet,

Reveling in their beauty and uniqueness.

Never to be seen the same way again,

That moment held in the highest esteem.

Celebrate Life

With all of its uncertainties,

Tears will often flow.

Laughter will ring out.

Know that the time is here and now

To Celebrate Life.

Spring’s Gift

So sure-footed,

My little one,

Born of one last hope

In the heart of the desert sun.

A warm smile radiates and reflects your inner core of life.

So joyous to be in your young years,

Running through meadows wild and free.

No strife has come to you yet, nor sorrow-producing tears.

Laugh, little one.

Chase the wind that gently encircles you.

Such are days like these,

Where all hope abounds in your eyes shining bright and true.

Butterflies and rainbows

Dance with their dazzling colors and light,

Celebrating your birth today.

Ice cream and cake and presents, all sure to delight.

Days of sunshine and moonlit nights,

Count your years so spent.

Memories are made today

To last a lifetime reminiscent

Of your youth.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl.

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Sacred Wilderness

Come, Brother Snow Leopard

On the snowcapped mountains,

Share with us your knowledge

Of ages passed down.

Of earlier days

When the world was new,

And no footsteps had tread

Upon earth’s raw soil.

Come, Sister Snow Leopard

On