Awakening Old Friendships

As spring awakens the flowers and budding trees, we find ourselves awakening to new household projects that seem to beacon our service. Yesterday, surrounded by the new growth and multi-colored tulips, I scrapped the front porch in preparation for new outdoor carpet. The afternoon sun warmed my northern blood after the cold winter months had finally melted away. As I worked, I listened to some favorite tunes on my mp3 player – always helping to ease the burden of such monotonous jobs. A song came up which has always met a lot to me. It reminded me of my old college friend, Peter, with whom I recently reconnected with on Facebook, bridging the gap of 3000 miles and about a decade of life which had come between us. I had tried to find him several times over the years, to no avail, but through this rather new method of reconnecting souls, he found me. I’m not one to record my every move through the Facebook process, but it has served me well with some very dear friends that I otherwise would have never reconnected with. So to those friends, I share this song by my brother Dan Holmes. I’m glad you are back in my life even if it is to simply touch base. Remember the old times and I will too! Feel free to share a story about spring, friends, music – whatever, but at least reconnect with one old friend…it feels good, like finding a piece of a puzzle - snap - it helps complete your picture of this thing we call life! Thanks for making mine more colorful!
My best to all my old and new friends! Love, Ellen

Doing the Wrong Thing
By Dan Holmes
“Seems like a million years since you and I sat down to have a talk. Come on let’s take a walk, cause I’ve got to know right now. If I did hurt you I swear I don’t know how, it got by me somehow. Sometimes you can’t help doing the wrong thing, time is the enemy, fate is the enemy too… If you could read my mind, you’d see I’ve been thinking wondering what to say when life got in the way…”

When Is 'Too Late'?

When is it too late to complete something you have always wanted to do? Is it reality that keeps us from trying (no sky-diving for me!)... or is it often fear of not completing the task? However, perhaps failure comes with not trying. As the old saying goes, it's the journey - not the destination. So, here I am at age 50 applying to go back to school - hopefully to finally finish my BA. The least that can happen is that I will still learn new things that will make me a better person. Being an adult student is really fun and rewarding (that is if you can manage to be comfortable with students half your age...or an instructor!) Life situtaions also hold us back from even attempting our goals, but we're only cheating ourselves if we don't try to rise above those challenges. Tomorrow I may think I am crazy, but today I feel it's not to late to at least try. What have you been wanting to do? Perhaps it's as small as trying a new recipe or maybe you have an idea for a business...go for it. Peel away another layer and just go for it!

What's One of Your Favorite Movies and Why?

I can never name my 'favorite' as there are several. One of my favorites however is GRAND CANYON with Kevin Kline, Mary McDonnell, Steve Martin and Danny Glover. It is a must see for anyone who likes movies that challenges the viewer to investigate if they are living an authentic life. Check it out! Let me know what you think and give me a title of your own.

The Sweetest Refrain

I wrote this poem when life seemed to be such a challenge, yet I chose to not to give into the demands of the day. However, I know that those days will come back again and again but it helps to have kindred spirits around to keep me from goin' down...

The Sweetest Refrain

My passionate resolve is questionable at best
Though I dive into my work and saturate my mind
I walk through the day hoping to find rest
Occupying my time unsure what I'll find
The ghost and the goblins dance at my feet
Waiting for me to stumble and fall again
Yet I am determined to not swallow their seed
Armoring myself with all of my friends
For if I were to walk on this pathway alone
Or to listen to the power of my beating heart
I would surely fall to my knees and moan
Facing defeat which has torn us apart
Yet I'd rather have the confusion and pain
Than to never taste life's sweetest refrain

Invitation

Welcome readers! My name is Ellen Douglas and I have been public speaking for over seven years, focusing on 'quality-of-life' issues.

Through written stories, poetry and suggested readings and music, I am hoping to use this blog as a resource for others and to challenge myself as a writer.

As a public speaker, my subject is often dealing with serious issues such as; Coping with Serious Injury, Quality Living at the End-of-Life, Dealing with Depression and Suicide Prevention and Respecting Our Elders and Celebrating Their Life. However, I try to find ways to connect with people on a comforting level while dealing with issues that concern us all. My goal is to have a good time while encouraging and empowering others. Please read my profile for more details.

Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I'm hoping to find a few kindred spirits along the way to help me on this journey called life. Life can be difficult but we need each other to find our way. Please join me on this yellow brick journey!