Poetry & image by Mark Anthony The right one will be all in. Can’t wait. Hope he shows up soon.
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I Need a New Adventure
The days repeat, each day bearing resemblance to the one before. In the quiet of my evenings, as the day fades and I prepare for a new one, I think about what the months ahead will bring. I long for change. I wait, not so patiently (though I try), for what has eluded me so … Continue reading I Need a New Adventure
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Do I Wait Here Forever, For You?
https://youtu.be/CchWN7ThHds "I could stay, forever, if I triedSurrounded by things, like a shadow in the lightDo I try and stay still for you"- Ryan Adams
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Delight and Joy
I have always been really good at finding joy in the little, simple things in life. When I was living in the desert of California, I read a book called One Thousand Gifts* by Ann Voskamp. She challenged readers to write down all of the big and small gifts you run into throughout your day. … Continue reading Delight and Joy
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I Live For These Moments
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Fiction Friday – Fix This
Here's a quick excerpt for my work in progress, A Thousand Years. My son cooked for me on the open fire - just like Michael had taught him from the time he was toddling around, following my ex-husband around everywhere. It was a perfect night, with a bit of a chill in the air - … Continue reading Fiction Friday – Fix This
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Let It Be Me
https://youtu.be/5LWpw3CMCEg About five years ago, I encountered a couple in the parking lot of a grocery store. They were probably in their late 70's. I remember this because I wrote it about it when I got home. The husband was fiddling around with something in the car. The wife waited for him. When he closed … Continue reading Let It Be Me
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As Soon as You Can
When the fireworks lit the night sky, I missed you beside me.When the conversation flowed today,around topics that remain just out of my reach, I thought first and only of you.When the fireflies danced around me, I wanted you to see it too.When I think about the future, it's your advice I need.When I turn … Continue reading As Soon as You Can
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We Will Be Stronger
I started out last week wanting to share a few posts about where I'm at in the novel writing process, a quick sample of my "work in progress," and a post about some wellness related stuff. But then Wednesday, January 6th happened and I didn't feel much like saying anything at all. I don't have … Continue reading We Will Be Stronger
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Just One More Moment
Your name on my lips,I longed for just one more moment.Just oneIf I can't have the rest.~ Elaina M. Avalos
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Hitting the Reset Button: Choosing my “Word” for 2021
There's always a spark of hope at the end of each year, as I think about what could be around the corner. That has been true for me every year - except in 2019 - funny enough. At the end of each year, as I dream about a New Year, instead of resolutions I don't … Continue reading Hitting the Reset Button: Choosing my “Word” for 2021
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The First Step Toward Change
My apartment is a disaster because I'm halfway through taking down the Christmas decorations. I have a second bedroom to organize & clean out {went from a 4 bedroom house to a small 2 bedroom apartment}. I have a bunch of food to meal prep for my week and I need to write. I've been … Continue reading The First Step Toward Change
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Merry Christmas!
While I am sure I will have more to say on 2020, between the 26th and the 31st, I hope that you have a Merry Christmas - even if it's quiet and not quite like you hoped. It surely isn't for me. I know countless others feel that way too. It has been a hard … Continue reading Merry Christmas!
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A Meal Shared
In the late days of spring, when the chill is gone and summer sits right at the gate, quietly whispering its promise, I'll cook a meal, our first to be eaten outside for months. The table will be surrounded by candles and white lights. The flowers I found at the farmer's market gracing the table … Continue reading A Meal Shared
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You Keep Me Safe. I’ll Keep You Wild.
You keep me safe. I'll keep you wild. *Photo by Moi - taken of the Neuse River in coastal NC.*
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Naming Novel Characters & Editing
In November, I wrote 50,000 words of a novel, that I've titled A Thousand Years. The novel needs another 30,000-ish more words but I'm still proud of myself for getting out the first 50,000 in 30 days. Here on my blog, I've shared some short fiction or vignettes from the novel here. These little bits … Continue reading Naming Novel Characters & Editing
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Don’t be a Coward
Gents - Don't be a coward. If you want to know what it means to awaken a woman's love, without the intention of loving her - because you don't quite get it, let me help you. I'm not even kidding. Send me a message. You can even do it anonymously through my contact form. Don't … Continue reading Don’t be a Coward
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I Don’t Need Much
The greatest wants in my life have never been things, but instead, my greatest want has always been a lasting love & a family - however that family is built. That will be my greatest accomplishment when I leave this world. I’m certain of this. I don’t need much - just him and the life … Continue reading I Don’t Need Much
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If You Were Coming in the Fall
Emily sure knew how to write them. Part Three: Love VI IF you were coming in the fall,I ’d brush the summer byWith half a smile and half a spurn,As housewives do a fly. If I could see you in a year, I ’d wind the months in balls,And put them each in separate drawers,Until … Continue reading If You Were Coming in the Fall
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Decorating for Christmas on a Budget
I love Christmas. I love the lights, the music, the movies, and the childlike hope of it all. Decorating for Christmas is a pure joy for me. But one thing I've never done is spend a lot of money on Christmas decorations. I like to see Christmas everywhere I look, so that includes additional bedrooms … Continue reading Decorating for Christmas on a Budget
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A Thousand Years
Time will be my best friend orMy greatest enemy. If I fast forward these daysWill you be on the other side?I could love you or wait for you,For a thousand years and neverReach the end of the longing.
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The Battle is Between our Ears
The photo below was posted today on Pastor Craig Groeschel's Facebook page. The timing was perfect. I've been working really hard at keeping my mind focused and on what I can control versus the vast world around me that I simply cannot. What can I control? Not much. I can control what I allow to … Continue reading The Battle is Between our Ears
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Wrapped Up in Your Arms
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Apple Cider Margarita
Here's something you should know about me - I enjoy good food, great cocktails, and wine. I don't cook as often as I would like to these days. I hope to get back to that. Until I do, I figured I'd share some of my favorite cocktails. Apple cider margaritas are a favorite this time … Continue reading Apple Cider Margarita
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Five Ways to Show Her You Care
Give her your time & attention. When you're with her, be all there. Don't pay more attention to your phone, a football or video game (or whatever), than her. This fits nearly all women's desire to feel listened to and heard. But it becomes even more important for those of us who may have not … Continue reading Five Ways to Show Her You Care
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I Didn’t Stand a Chance
"I could live by the light in your eyes." - Sara Bareilles
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Risking Your Heart
A few years ago, I had my heart broken pretty badly. My foster son was a pretty good distraction because he moved in shortly thereafter. But that heartbreak made me really leery about relationships & made me even question my ability to trust someone again. I didn’t doubt my ability to love - because I’m … Continue reading Risking Your Heart
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Meet me Halfway
I’ve risked it all before,Only to be crushed completely.I found you when I least expected toWhen my heart was tired - incapable ofRisk I once found easy.Meet me halfway –here in the middle.I’m waiting for you here. By Elaina M. Avalos
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Writing a Novel – Reaching a Word Count Goal
Last night, I reached my NaNoWriMo goal for November 2020 - by writing 50,000 words on my novel A Thousand Years. I actually wrote 51,486 words in the month of November. It's the first time I've "won" NaNoWriMo though I've participated on and off since 2009. On November 2nd, I wrote this post, wondering if … Continue reading Writing a Novel – Reaching a Word Count Goal
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing you a safe, healthy, & hope-filled holiday.
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Argue With Me, Baby
In that place in between, where we differ, you shine most. You can't tame wild things.
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It Looks Like This
Yesterday, after dropping off Amelia at a middle school she despises, I pulled over on the side of the road and cried. It felt like hours. But was more like ten minutes. I sometimes don't know how to hold them all up - all six of them. Thomas needs me more than ever. The kids, … Continue reading It Looks Like This
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Next to You
This is my favorite song at the moment. I love these four singing together. How do I get this in my life? I'm just over here waiting is all. https://youtu.be/CkZdKLLmpcY
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Reckless
Now more than ever, I feel this in my soul. I don't have time or space in my life for those that are reckless with my heart. Don't be afraid to cut people off for wasting your time & playing fast & loose with your heart.
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My Heart is a Liar
My heart is a liar. Sometimes. Sometimes she's just a little confused. I run through every moment. I relive what has been said, what has been left unspoken, and the little things that mean more to me than they probably should. Someday, when I look back on this time in my life, I know it … Continue reading My Heart is a Liar
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Halfway There – a Novel in Progress!
Yesterday, I wrote 2,434 words bringing me to a total of 26,002 words. I'm halfway there! While I think the novel will be over 50,000 words - the goal for NaNoWriMo is 50,000. I have to say - I will never again return to writing the old way. My first draft is a first draft … Continue reading Halfway There – a Novel in Progress!
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A Thousand Years – NaNoWriMo Update
It has been a little over a week since I started writing furiously on my new novel. Here's my A Thousand Years - NaNoWriMo update: I've written 18,154 words so far. I'm so proud of myself. Why even deny it? I'm excited. I am working really hard at not doing things I normally do when … Continue reading A Thousand Years – NaNoWriMo Update
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This Canyon Between Us
Photo by Mark Neal from Pexels Your words can sting. I don't always know why. Today, they stung. More often than not - you are soulful, profound, and you have this way with words that I adore. But today? Your words were harsh. I still don't know why. I've tried to talk myself out of this. I succeed … Continue reading This Canyon Between Us
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Chasing Goals
I started writing my new novel on October 31st - writing over my daily goal. Yesterday, I wrote until I had surpassed my writing goal by a bit - for a total of 5,952 words so far. I will be posting my daily word count on my NaNoWriMo profile (https://nanowrimo.org/participants/elainamarie). I won't update here until … Continue reading Chasing Goals
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NaNOWriMo
Tomorrow kicks off National Novel Writing Month! Did you know there was such a thing? Well . . . there is. And for the last 11 years I’ve started and never finished. This is a thing I do. Start. Not finish. 👎🏼 So, if you read here you know that since about August I’ve been … Continue reading NaNOWriMo
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I Miss You Today
I miss you today. I miss you often. Some days hit a little different though. Today it's the sound of your voice and how I feel when you look at me - in that way you do - that I'm missing. The way you look at me always knocks me a little off center. Mostly … Continue reading I Miss You Today
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Writing a Novel ~ Part Two
Recently, I wrote a post about how I use music to inspire me and keep me going when I'm writing. I thought I'd come back today and share a bit more about what inspires me to start writing a new novel or short story in the first place and how I begin getting the story … Continue reading Writing a Novel ~ Part Two
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It’s Never Too Late
If you're one of the lucky ones that has always known what you were meant to do or be, well - congratulations to you! I am not one of those people. Thankfully, I fully believe this quote is true - it's never too late to be who you might have been. If you're still working … Continue reading It’s Never Too Late
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It’s the Way You Say my Name
I’ve tried a million times to tell you. There’s a deep canyon between us. We could meet each other halfway - to bridge this divide. But until one of us starts the journey, the words I don’t say, outnumber the ones I speak. I told a friend recently that I was waiting for the man … Continue reading It’s the Way You Say my Name
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We’ll Figure It Out
We'll figure out the details later.
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World Mental Health Day
It was World Mental Health day, yesterday. But honestly, we should be able to talk about mental health issues every day. I hope that in a year that many of us have felt more isolated than normal, that we all know that it’s okay to not be okay. Far too often there’s a stigma associated … Continue reading World Mental Health Day
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Writing a Novel ~ Part One
I'm not a great planner when it comes to writing. I'm an artist. I'd rather just follow whatever crazy trail my muse takes me down, as I write. But there are things that inspire me or keep me pressing ahead - though I'm not a huge fan of planning (we're called seat of the pants … Continue reading Writing a Novel ~ Part One
