An Overdue Thank You!
“Love cannot be had for the asking; it comes only as a gift from the heart of another”
~ Paramahansa Yogananda
And so I am sending my love to you whoever YOU are reading this right this moment. More than a year has gone by that I have had this blog and I am only just now thanking you all for reading my posts. If they have touched you I am grateful. And I am grateful for all the “likes” and comments– but mostly for just reading my thoughts. It is humbling. Indeed this whole process has been humbling. Not in the way one might expect, reading other people’s blogs and finding people far more talented in writing, photography and painting, though that is certainly the case. I was and am humbled by finding people who have a closer relationship to God, more faith than I probably ever will know. I am humbled by finding people who are more giving than I, despite often challenging circumstances. I am humbled by finding people who are seriously physically ill and yet full of more courage than I will ever feel- people who are handicapped and in pain yet vibrant and alive and more full of beauteous poetry, song, art. I have found poets, healers, shamans, photographers, writers, artists, philosophers, teachers, animal activists, homeless advocates, and preachers. I would list the people but I don’t want to cause embarrassment or an invasion of privacy. You know who you are. We have exchanged words.
I started this blog to showcase my book on how I found love despite being Bipolar and having Asperger’s— it was written to offer hope to those who are loveless and have given up on finding the right someone. But this blog took on a life of its own, viewed 9,031 times with 1,301 comments. It allowed me to showcase my photography and write about, yes, mental illness, but also animal rights and the nature and wildlife preservation, and it brought forth hundreds of poems as I prayed to God to use my fingers. But most of all, it brought YOU into my life and in so doing enriched me. And for that I thank you, all of you, for all of you have been great teachers in the lessons of life.
MOONSIDE 
and we are all the richer for having come to know you – God bless you always
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September 24, 2013 at 8:32 AM
A blush and God bless YOU always!!!
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September 24, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Ellen, thank YOU!! Your writing, your photographs and your art all express the amazing way you look at everything and everyone around you with such love, compassion, caring, concern, gentleness, kindness — just the wonderfulness of who you are!! I’m so glad we met!! God bless you, my dear friend!!
All my love to you and Tom!!
Kathy
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September 24, 2013 at 9:56 AM
Oh, Kathy, got choked up on your comment. I don’t feel any of the things you said. And I was thinking lots of you in writing my post, especially in relation to God and faith. I, too, am very glad we “met” and I hope you will write again sometime so I can appreciate your views which are very special. Mucho love, Ellen
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September 24, 2013 at 11:14 AM
Ohhh, you have me all weepy-eyed, Ellen. Isn’t this a fabulous place, really! Every time I feel tired and want to quit blogging, I know that there are people here who appreciate me–who I am, my personality, and my writing; and people who have gifts and wisdom, and the generosity to share both, to edify and entertain me–and I am so lifted up, and re-energized. YOU are a tremendous blessing to all of us. I pray you’re feeling well (did you ever check out Cee’s blog–her photography and info re Lyme’s?)–and truly, you are in my daily prayers, and in my heart. God bless you BIG today–love, sis Caddo (be sure to come to my party on Thursday!)
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September 24, 2013 at 4:11 PM
Dear Sis Caddo, Thanks so much for your lovely comment. God bless YOU big!! I had you in mind as I wrote my thank yous. I may not always write a comment to your writing even if I have loved it– I don’t change blogs but sometimes it is just too much with all the other stuff going on in my life. And I have been sick and depressed which puts a damper on things. Thanks so much for asking. I am much better and even more importantly, my husband is finally better. Turns out he had some tick born thing, too. Thank you SO much for your good, good prayers. Will try to make your party. Love and blessings to you and thank you, Ellen
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September 24, 2013 at 5:18 PM
Oh goodness, sick and depressed is truly arrfull! I’d forgotten your husband was ill too–tick born things, wow, that’s something I rarely consider (I’m mostly an inside gal). You just lay low, rest up for the holidays, hear me?? I’m your older sis, you have to listen!
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September 24, 2013 at 8:28 PM
Thanks, Caddo, but with God’s blessings, we are both much better. You take care and thanks for all your concern and prayers. xx ellen
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September 25, 2013 at 11:19 AM
A great thank you. For your posts, pictures, comments, and most of all for the friendship!
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October 3, 2013 at 7:28 AM
Thank YOU for all and, yes, especially for your friendship. Really appreciate you stopping by and commenting! xx ellen
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October 3, 2013 at 11:07 AM
Thank you as well Ellen, you have a beautiful presence in the blogosphere ♡
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October 10, 2013 at 11:57 AM
Thanks so much, Jas, for your lovely comment! I feel quite the same about your contributions!
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October 10, 2013 at 12:16 PM
_(*)_ Thanks 🙂 The reiki share is still ongoing most Fridays. Feels good to be sending love and healing across the globe.
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October 10, 2013 at 12:26 PM
Yes, the Reiki share still going on here. List is growing. Sending Reiki love, Ellen
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October 10, 2013 at 1:40 PM
Of course it’s Friday! Reiki love on it’s way…
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October 11, 2013 at 9:33 AM
Hope you felt mine sent around 10 AM EST! xx ellen
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October 11, 2013 at 1:11 PM
You are a courageous and inspiring writer Ellen, and I think you have much more faith than you give yourself credit for. God bless you, and long may you continue with your blog.
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October 10, 2013 at 12:30 PM
Thank you so VERY much. My faith seems very weak because I cannot feel the closeness to Jesus I felt as a child and I live in crippling fear. But thank you for the encouragement on the blog. Sometimes I wonder just what I am doing. Much respect for your blog– asked to reblog one post. Blessings, Ellen
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October 10, 2013 at 2:08 PM
The beauty of giving thanks is that it comes full circle. That is, I am the one who thanks and the one who is thanked. And no clearer can the Truth be observed than in the thanks to thee, from which it began and to which it returns. Peace, Ik
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October 10, 2013 at 12:35 PM
Thanks, LK, and pax!
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October 10, 2013 at 1:54 PM
HI Judy,This is very interesting topic to think about. I love your connlusiocs behind the statement. I’ve learned that we can’t sit back and just expect God to grant our wishes. We do need to do our part in obeying His commands. However, I agree with what you wrote. It’s not about if we just get our behavior right, He will do what we want Him to do.
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October 8, 2014 at 8:12 AM
Thank you for your comment, Meri! Yogananda is a great Indian saint so I value whatever he says!
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October 11, 2014 at 4:15 PM