Elaina M. Avalos

writer || dream chaser

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Month: March 2021

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March 31, 2021March 31, 2021 / Elaina / Leave a comment

The day I met you, your skepticism was a challenge. I knew instantly that I had work to do, to win you over. I adore the skeptic in you. Even when it drives me crazy.For all the days that have passed since, I have fought back Against the feeling that I'm home, when I'm in … Continue reading Home

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Distractions. So many distractions.

March 30, 2021 / Elaina / Leave a comment

“If we want to fully enjoy all the good things in life, we need to notice them.” - Dr. Laurie Santos. Here’s a great podcast from Dr. Santos on the distractions (so many distractions) in our lives that keep us from noticing and enjoying the world around us. Here’s the description of this episode. “The … Continue reading Distractions. So many distractions.

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Sky Diving? A Tattoo?

March 29, 2021March 29, 2021 / Elaina / 2 Comments

How should I celebrate turning 45 in April? Go sky diving (I’ve never been)? Get a tattoo (still don’t have one)? Do something else exciting? What should I do to celebrate and mark this next big birthday? I usually attend a wine & food festival every April - in the lovely seaside town of Beaufort … Continue reading Sky Diving? A Tattoo?

Jireh | Elevation Worship

March 28, 2021 / Elaina / 1 Comment

https://youtu.be/mC-zw0zCCtg This song, Jireh - Elevation Worship, was featured, for the first time, during worship at Elevation this morning. It's my new song. I needed it. "Jireh - You are enough..."If you're new to faith related stuff, "Jireh" is a Hebrew name for God meaning "Provider." He is often referred to as "Jehovah Jireh."

Opening my Hands

March 28, 2021March 28, 2021 / Elaina / 1 Comment

https://youtu.be/rZ6wbQFbC2s I had a strong faith for a long time. A very long time. I was raised in the church and my faith was an incredibly important part of my life. But I've had my moments of not really feeling it. Frankly, that's been true for the last couple of years, in particular. Recent years … Continue reading Opening my Hands

I’ll Follow You

March 27, 2021 / Elaina / Leave a comment

https://youtu.be/2IF5TfnmV0k "I don't care if we fall from graceI'll follow you down to where forever liesWithout a doubt I'm on your sideThere is no where else I'd rather beI'm not about to compromiseGive you up to say goodbyeI've got you through the deepI'll keep you close to me"

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What a Family Looks Like

March 26, 2021March 26, 2021 / Elaina / 2 Comments

I wrote this short story last night/today. When I started writing it, I knew what I wanted to write about. I just didn't know I was going to write about Lacey James. Who's Lacey James, you ask? She is the character in a novel, that I started writing several years ago. It's a big story. … Continue reading What a Family Looks Like

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It’s a lemon drop martini, 🍸 kind of evening. After today, I’m taking a little adult beverage break, as I’ll be doing a special diet the next couple weeks before my trip to the NC mountains. And then I’ll be going to wineries so that goes out the door. 😂🤦🏽‍♀️
A poem
It’s supposed to be Taco Tuesday, I hear. But tonight, it’s margs and gluten free pizza night. It doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, but it’s what I wanted. And if there’s one thing I know - it’s that I don’t have enough of what I want in my life. While 99.9% doesn’t involve pizza and margs, there’s a lot of life left to pursue those things that set my heart on fire. So in this birthday month (I turn 45) I’ve started making plans. I’m looking forward to pursuing more of what makes me the wild girl I was always meant to be.
Yesterday was rough. So. Rough. I told my mom, after working part of the day today, that I needed to get away for a bit. We went to Wilmington for some retail therapy. We stopped in a few antique stores including the very fun antique mall, Fleabody’s. I found these #DorothyThorpe high balls & I had to have them. I bought half of the set. Then we went to Trader Joe’s where I bought more flowers than is reasonable. I was so bummed to learn they had almost run out of ranunculus (basically my fav flower). I was literally searching last night for a place to buy wholesale flowers in NC just to find ranunculus! I got one bunch that’s kind of a reject. But it still gave my heart a little jolt of joy. And couldn’t we all use a little jolt of joy to the heart, from time to time?
I step out onto the back deck to make sure everything is just like I wanted it. Our table – two together – to make room for all of us and our wild children, sits in my favorite spot under the Oak trees. Andrew - who is a saint, by the way – hung lights and lanterns all over the yard last week.
There’s a thing that sometimes happens when you’re standing in the forest – your feet firmly planted on the leaves and pine needles that fall to the ground. Silence. There are times when I’m on a trail that I don’t even hear a bird make a peep. If the breeze or wind is non-existent there’s no rush of wind through the pines (one of my favorite sounds ever). It’s just silence. This is a comforting silence. It’s even more comforting in the high heat of summer when the sun and humidity bake the pines. The intoxicating scent of pine and the silence of a still day in the woods, are a gift.
Working on those self-care routines again. Sunday evening baths with enough Epsom salt for the Dead Sea, the “Sunday Nights if You Were Here” playlist on Spotify, candles burning, and lights off. Here’s to a new week of caring - but not, carrying.
I’ve been writing a lot! I wrote a bit of short fiction on Friday. It’s called “It May Stretch or Tangle” and is at the “latest post” in my link tree.
Sometimes self-care is driving 1.5 hrs to get some of your favorite flowers.
This week has been rough. Not quite sure when it will let up. But this morning I had a reminder that in so many years past, even when facing trials, confusion, or pain - I was still very good at seeing the beauty and good things around me. I’ve lost some of that delight and joy at the simple things. On my quick walk with the dog this morning, I was reminded of this, as I caught sight of spring blooming around me and listened to the birds. It was a reminder that the trials and struggles are temporary. The seasons always change...

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