THE WRITE MEMORIES

1/8/09

Elvis, Are You Still Out There?

Can't pass the day up without saying "Happy Birthday" to the King. The king of rock, that is. If he's still out there, of course! Oh my.

Thought I'd add the video of Elvis and Lisa Marie singing together. Hey, that MUST mean he's still alive. I really need to get out more. Anyway, Elvis was a complicated man. Lisa Marie is a complicated young woman. Would we be so different if our lives had walked their shoes? For sure, looking at his life/untimely death speaks boldly. Boldly on taking responsibility. What happens when you do and when you don't.

Yes, much was placed on him with no one strong enough to know how to help him. But as Priscilla stated in her recent doc of Elvis, ultimately he needed to be the one to make the decision to get his life in order. And unfortunately, he didn't. And everyone suffered the loss.

What will our life look like to those we left behind when we cross over?

Enjoy this touching video. First, you'll want to scroll to the bottom of the page and turn off my PlayList. (Clk the left upper icon)

Finding The Gold, My Auto 4 The Month

All The Gold In California by Larry Gatlin. This book is my pic of the week. Yes, I've always loved his music, but I knew little about the man behind it. A rude awakening awaited me.

Liking something about someone probably encourages us to read about them even when we may not agree with their lifestyle. For sure, we can learn from anyone, whether to be more like they are or more NOT like they are.

In Larry's case, I found him to be genuinely honest about his steamy lifestyle as a performing artist. It made him real to the reader. No pretenses.

NOTE: He left out any thing that would be offensive to his beloved wife of umpteen years. By that I mean, he never mentioned any juicy news about some sordid affair he had. I've heard he had them, but if he did, he decidedly left out the details. I didn't' get the sense that he was trying to hide anything, but that it was out of respect to his wife. That was my take. You may have a different one. But having read who he was and who he came to be gave me the sense that indeed he loves his wife.

Yet, he was brutally and painfully honest about his drug addictions. He was just as revealing when sharing the disturbing challenges he had with his fans. Or should I say, the lack thereof. Fans, that is. I guess I never knew there was a deficit. After all, I had been a fan and didn't know there was a reason not to be one!

Then there was his refusal to "separate" from his brothers; it cost him. But to him the greater cost would have been to have left them behind. He believed in them. And it mattered not what the industry tried to convince him.

He concluded that his autobiography could have been much longer than the published copy. I would have been glad to have read the much more! Now that's a good story teller, one that makes you not want their story to end.

Hats off to you, Larry, wherever you are! May you continue to find peace in your life.

Copyright © 2008 by Write Memories 4 Life. All rights reserved.

1/1/09

Let's Begin Again in 2009

Blessings in the New Year 2009. Hope to see you soon with many new memories to share for the last and new year. Get your pens and paper or computer ready!!!!

Begin with what was your most life changing event of 2008 and how will it cause you to do something different in 2009? Think about it!!!!

Copyright © 2008 by Write Memories 4 Life. All rights reserved.

12/18/08

Christmas Memories

OK, so I have been making way too many holidays memories. This is my fav time of year. So I spend most of my time savoring every moment.

Speaking of fav time. I wrote a Christmas letter this year for my sweet little mama, only it wasn't much of a letter. I decided to do something a little different. I remembered how she used to play on the piano A Few Of My Favorite Things from The Sound Of Music. So I wrote a list of "her" fav Christmas things.

Example: Mom's Fav Christmas Story, Song, Decoration, Santa Memory, Gift Memory, Best and Worst Memory, Things To Do, Candy, Food, etc.. It was fun and I know her family and friends will enjoy reading it.

You might want to try that for a loved one who, like my mama can't write much anymore. Or write about your favorite things and share them as a gift to your family. Ask them to write theirs as well. It can be entertaining as well as informative! Fun Times!

Too, please forgive me for not being on the site of late. I've been writing non-stop, just not here.

I should be up and running again after the first of the year. And hopefully, some in between.

Thanks for your emails and support. Keep them coming.

Wishing you the best Christmas Memory ever. Just make sure you give it a line or two in your spare time!

Copyright © 2008 by Write Memories 4 Life. All rights reserved.

11/27/08

Memories To Be Thankful For

I hope you have a day of giving thanks for all of your wonderful and colorful memories you have written about over the past year.

I am delightfully thankful for your contribution to the blogsites over the last few months.

Much has been going on in my household. Children in college, a mom with many needs, grandchildren to see and enjoy, and life with its surprises.

I'm enjoying them all.

I have taken a break from the blogsite as you know. But my memories continue and I hope yours have too!

Get out your pen today and write a page or two about the love you felt today. If you didn't, then write your feelings about what was difficult and what you did to make it better.

See you soon!

10/31/08

Falling Into Autumn!

Wishing you a wonderful Fall Festival Day!!!!!

10/11/08

Writing In Animal!

This week's homework:
Write about an animal. No, not your husband!

Seriously, most of us had some kind of pet growing up. If not, perhaps you had an experience with a friend's or neighbor's pet. The encounter may not have been the most pleasurable or it may have been one you would love to repeat.

I have a few tails, I mean tales to tell about animals in my life.

Of The Feline Nature

My parents didn't believe in animals being in the house, so I kept my kitty cats in the wild. They roamed the neighborhoods near and far. But they always returned to check in on me or the latest squirrel. My fav was Snowball. And Blackie, who was an untamed wild raging Tom Cat. Snowball, on the other hand hung close to home. They were brother and sister, but they never mentioned the connection. When my parents weren't home, I'd sneak Snowball in the house. Blackie wouldn't hear of it.

Then there was Mama Cat. She populated the neighborhood. Poor thing. Once my neighbor, who was deathly afraid of cats begged me to help him take Mama Cat off to populate some other territory.

I don't know what he said to convince me, but I finally agreed. So off we went in his Volkswagen Bug with Mama in the back, screeching and clawing the heck out of me. WE took her miles and miles across town. I remember thinking what had I got her into? When we arrived at the destination of his choice, he grabbed her and dumped her out of the car. And as if to confuse her, he spun the car around and around in circles. Then with terror on her face (and probably mine), he lit out of there like a bat outta ...well, you know where.

The most amazing thing happened. I prayed for forgiveness. Well, really the most astounding thing was that about a month later, I thought I heard a cat purring outside. I ran to the back door, only to find a weary worn cat with greying hair patiently, yet mournfully waiting for me to bring her a morsel of food. Our eyes met. My heart lept. Could this be? As she nuzzled up against my legs and purred, the answer quickly filled my spirit. Mama Cat! She came back! But more than anything, she forgave me! And she NEVER had to worry about my loyalty again. I took care of her from that day until she took her last breath!

OK, OK, so maybe I sound a little gooey. That's OK. I figure I'm allowed "goo" once a month!

Now this story was not to out do my animal break-down. Yes, I had a break-down...well, my resistance to dander! Here's the scoop:

The Night I Slept With Gomer
I went to a sleep-over party at a friend's house in the 7th grade. Are you ready for the confession? I slept with Gomer Pyle. Can you believe it? Probably not. Besides, you say, he was too old for me, not including the rumor that he was gay. Well, I don't know about any of that, but I can attest that he was a great bed partner!

OH my. Look folks, "he" was Siamese. Cat. I know, I know, who would name a cat Gomer Pyle? Vickie, my friend!

On with the story. I was more than happy to have him curl right up by my face and go to sleep with me. Only thing was the next morning when I woke up, I couldn't see. Or so I thought. Remember, I was just a child. I thought I'd gone blind. I was freaking out. Literally, I could NOT see. Did I mention that my eyes were swollen shut?

"Uh, Ellen, that might have something to do with your sudden blindness!" seemed to be coming out of the corners of my over excited little head.

Bottom line, according to the doc, was sleeping with Gomer did me in once and for all. He broke my resistance down, and I would suffer with cat allergies to even this day!!!

So I went from being a kitty lover to admiring their graceful qualities at a safe distance.

Both of my children have the same allergy. Hummm. Did sleeping with Gomer cause them to suffer as well? Well, you know they say the sins of the fathers will pass on into other generations! Oh well, Gomer was still worth it! Don't tell my kids!

Of Dogline Nature!
While I have many other stories, I think one of my fav is about a German Shepard POLICE Dog.
Police would be the operative word. I didn't give it much thought, at the time. Again, I was just a child. Well, in this case, I was about 19.

I had gone to pay my insurance. The agent was ahead of the times as he worked out of his house. No problem. I got out of the car, walked toward the house, when out of nowhere came a jet of fur. Attached to it were, snarling teeth. Not a good mix. At least not if you don't know much about doggies. He was for sure no Gomer Pyle. Sergeant Carter, yes!!!!

So I considered my options. And realized, I didn't have but one, or so it seemed. I froze in my tracks. And he made sure of it as he encircled me, daring me to step near his well drawn out territory.

I looked back over my shoulder at my attentive audience in hope to be rescued. They were in the car. You see my husband's aunt, her child, my child, and a dear grandma were frozen as well. I knew by the terror on their faces as they pressed them against the windows, I was in more trouble than I bargained for. And all because I was paying a bill? Would my insurance cover this possibly tragedy?

Regardless, I couldn't filter through the blaring sirens going off in my head. I think I had an out of body experience! Amazing what our minds will do in a moment of terror.

And just as suddenly as it all began, it came to a close...with "doggie" fangs wrapped around my thigh. If you have never been attacked by a mouth full of pointy teeth, be ever thankful. To this day, I can still feel his teeth puncturing through my corduroy jeans.

I thought it was over, when I heard my insurance guy screaming, "Jack, back off, NOW!!!!!! NOW, Jack. NOW!!!!" Suddenly, Jack the ripper, turned into a soft spoken pup. He whimpered away to the back yard.

The insurance guy, standing on his porch, with phone dangling, sorrowfully said, "Ellen, did he just attack you? Are you OK?" All I remember is everything was spinning around me. I didn't move an inch. He politely came to me and retrieved the check.

Yet, there was no consolation in that fear drenched moment. It was all I could do to make my way back to the car where the drama continued. My family couldn't get me in the car fast enough, checking me out from head to toe. I never spoke a word. Maybe it's called shock!

I can't tell you much more except that I NEVER went back to make another payment at any one's house again! And that I lost a good pair of jeans! But I got to keep my leg!

By the way, not long after, Jack broke his chain once again, only this time he was the one standing at death's door. And he walked through it. A car ran over him. Truth is, Jack was only doing what he had been taught. To protect his master's territory. Evidently, he didn't get the memo that day.

NOTE: This might be an example of a draft!

9/22/08

Waking Up And Clearing Away Writers' Block

Research says our mind thinks more clearly, and we are happier people when we meditate. Meditate on what? You decide.

Which triggers my memory about a story... What, are you surprised?!

Once while I was in Barnes and Nobles with my mom and young son, we passed by a lady comfortably snuggled up in a cozy chair with her eyes closed. Mom being the no-nonsense person said, "Why is she sleeping here? She NEEDS to go home and do her sleeping!"

Oh my. I told Mom she shouldn't say things like that out loud, as we continued on down the aisle. Without acknowledging my sentiments, Mom took a turn to the mystery section. My son and I pressed on to the "sale" tables.

In the distance, I kept hearing, "Ma'am, Ma'am. Uh ma'am. Excuse me. Ma'am, Ma'am. EXCUSE ME...EXCUSE ME, MA"AM!!!!" Realizing someone with an urgency to get my attention was on my tail, I halted my steps and turned to see who could possibly need me with such persistency.

Uh huh, you got it. It was Sleeping Beauty. And she was clearly not happy that she had been awakened by something besides a kiss.

I said, "Yes?"

"Excuse me, I just want you to know I was NOT sleeping."

"Well, I didn't say you were."

"WELL, for your information, I had my eyes closed because I was meditating."

"Like I said, Miss, I wasn't the one who said you were sleeping."

"I heard you. And I want you to know that I was meditating because my husband just left me, and I was meditating to send him messages to come back home to me."

"OOOK. Whatever you say ma'am."

Realizing she had purpose behind those closed eye-lids, who was I to argue? Who was I to convince her I did not speak ill of her behavior? She obviously wasn't in the mood to step outside of her box, but yet she wanted me to step out of mine.

For sure, it was probably an opportunity for me to exercise my counseling skills, but I just wasn't in the mood. I was only interested in finding the person who got me into this mess. Yes, sweet little Mama!

I chased up and down aisles, only to find her nestled away in some cranny with her nose stuck in a good read. I promptly told her what happened to which all I got was her trademark giggle. How do you argue with that? humph. Clearly Mom was not going to join the dance with me. So I gave it up. I went on about my shopping staying clear of anyone who even remotely looked like they might be thinking about nodding off while reading their book!

Well, there you have a life story. Amazing how one word can evoke emotions and memories, don't you think?

But really, my original point was that meditating has proven to help us feel better about ourselves and life. Your chosen method to meditate is up to you. I'm not certain I believe it will bring back your runaway spouse, but for sure it will energize your thought processes. Which in turn will clear your mind. And therein is a fertile place to pen a story.

So take some time out today and meditate on a Scripture verse, a prayer, a favorite proverb or saying, or how about a warm memory. And see if it clears your road-block down Writer's Lane.

Copyright © 2008 by Write Memories 4 Life. All rights reserved.

9/11/08

Your View On 9/11

Take time today to reflect on the historical event of 9/11.

Where were you?
Who were you with?
What was their reaction?
What were you doing?
What were your thoughts as you saw our country being attacked?
How did you feel about our vulnerability as a nation?
Do you have any political views on the matter?
Could it have been prevented? Not?
What do you think our country learned from the tragic event?
What did you learn?
What words of wisdom might you have to share with future generations on this subject?

Now take those thoughts and put them to paper or on an audio! Why don't you add some photos from the event to add flavor to your work?

9/9/08

The Amazing, Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan, Author and Autobio of the Week! Reading his book has truly been an inspiration. He digs deep into the soul of a matter while finding humor along the way. A nice blend.

If you want to know more about what makes Jackie tirelessly weather through scene after scene without doubles in his movies, this is the book for you.

He takes the reader back to his childhood when he suffered much emotionally, mentally, and physically. Yet, he quickly brings into focus the value of these involuntary chapters of his life.

I might be "reading" him the wrong way, but it seems to me that he's someone I would enjoy sharing a moment with. He exudes the passion of life.

TITLE: I Am Jackie Chan You can purchase it at Amazon, Half Price Books, or ck it out at your local library!

PHOTO: Download from Jackie's website. By the way, there are some fun photos awaiting you there!

9/8/08

The View... From YOUR Perspective

Write about the events of the day. Current affairs. Historical events. Example? How about the fact that we are facing changing times in our nation come November 4, 2008. We will either have our first lady vice-president or our first African-American president.

Write a story about your view on this grand occasion. It's a perfect time to share your thoughts for others to gather around and discuss. Dangerous, you say? Perhaps, but think of the interesting conversation it may evoke at your next family gathering. Oh my. I'd love to be there!

NOTE: Are wondering why I included an xtra shot of Sarah? Answer: I've decided on the person I'll be voting for this fall. I'm voting for that guy on the FAR TOP LEFT corner! He's cute, and I hear he's great with kids. I believe his name is Todd. No worries, my hubby knows.

9/1/08

Memorial Day Thought

Reflect. What runs through your mind? Write it down. Savor it. Bring it all together for a story.

8/30/08

Down Home Author Cooks Up A Book!

This book and author are on my fav list. And it's not just because the author is my dearest sis-in-law of a lot of years...like over 30! Charity Faye.

The title of her book as you may see is
Apples, Pumpkin, Popcorn, and Peanut Butter... And Other Fall Favorites From Aunt Charity's Big House On The Prairie.
I believe this was written around 1991.

The introduction page began with Charity writing that I (Ellen) saw where someone had written stories with their recipes as a backdrop. And since she had a love for cookin' out on the KS Prairie, why didn't she put her hand to the pen to the paper?

Soon thereafter she and her daughter, Becki, came down to visit. Along with them came this lovely book filled with family recipes, each draped with a story. How I loved it. And I've used it in some capacity ever since. Whether in the days gone by when I was in craft shows across the DFW area or in the last 10 years in my writing workshop.

Here's a sample of its contents:

Grandma's Corn Bread

Grandma didn't cook by measurements, so I had to hold the measuring cup under the flour sifter while she helped me get this recipe!

(I'll leave the recipe out. Email me if you would like to have it! It does look yummmy!)

Charity concluded with...

The first time I took Charles to "meet the family", we went to Grandma's house for the big family Christmas dinner. The table truly groaned under the bountiful variety of holiday fare. Charles ate a slice of ham and Grandma's corn bread with a glass of milk. He was happy, and I was in shock! Grandma said, "You leave him alone! He's got just what he wants." We have been married 22 years and Charles is still delighted with "just corn bread and milk." He tells me it's almost as good as Grandma's.

Well, Charles and Charity have been married a few more years since then, and he's still munching down on cornbread and milk. Now I bet Charles would tell you that Charity's cornbread is indeed better than Grandma's.

But isn't this a novel way of writing your life story? Cooking could be the theme of your autobiography! Now, I'm not suggesting this for people who do not like to cook. However, it's always fun to write at least one of your stories centered around a recipe or family meal.

I don't know about you, but this has inspired me to write a few more stories of my own around a great meal. This makes me hungry. See you at the table!

PHOTO: Picture of book at top, and picture of "Aunt Charity" in her mom's kitchen, where many a meal was shared and devoured, I might add!
Copyright © 2008 by Write Memories 4 Life. All rights reserved.

8/24/08

Check Out This Author!

The newest edition to the blog: highlighting a different author a couple of times a month. What do you think? I knew you would agree.

What better way to launch this new feature than to begin with a friend. Donalyn Powell Parker. Just recently I was afforded the opportunity to spend personal time with Donalyn in her Southern Living home!
And what a beautiful home. With a beautiful family.

How did we meet? Our parents were friends forever ago. Say 50 plus years. Wow! My dad was their pastor and friend. Donalyn and I met for the first time just weeks ago. What a pleasure and blessing. It took us forever to find out about each other, but once we did, we immediately connected. First via email, then in person.

She might tell you that I had plenty of questions about how she got into writing. I love details, and I couldn't get enough from her. I could have listened for hours. She was very gracious in sharing how she came to be a published author. Quite an amazing story, I might add. I loved every minute of it. The only downside was that we didn't have more time.

I was fascinated to find that she didn't start out as an aspiring writer. Amazing. She just felt God leading her to "write", and she obeyed. In no time she was published. Did I say amazing?

Her books are mainly non-fiction. They have reached and brought healing to many.

Her newest adventure is writing fiction. She allowed me to take a peek behind the scenes of the draft. I didn't want to quit reading! I think you'll love what's ahead. I'll keep you posted.

When you get a chance, check out her website. You'll be pleased to find that not only is Donalyn a writer, and speaker, but also an artist. Go to the products page for more details. I love her greeting cards. She's left the inside blank so you can pen your own thoughts. I like that.

Looking behind the eyes of published authors can often give us fresh ideas on how to add punch to our writing skills. We need all the help we can get, right?

PHOTO: Taken from http://www.donalynparker.com/

Copyright © 2008 by Ellen M. Samples. All rights reserved.

8/19/08

Take This Book 4 the Wk of 8/17

My ever faithful friend, Charl, once again sent me an email about a book that I can't pass up sharing with you. This book is based on fiction. As you know, my focus is usually non-fiction. However, every now and again fiction finds it's way to our site and for good reason. What reason? We all need a time of refreshment via pleasure reading.

Too, let me say, you should take a little trip over to Lynn's site. I enjoyed what she had to share about writing. I plan to use some of her thoughts in my next writing workshop. Hope to see you there!

Here you go.....

I'm reading a great Christian fiction book..author is Lynn Austin.... A Woman's Place..highly recommend for your website..2 people told me about it..one couldn't put it down..the other was lookin' for it at Half Price..i got one from my library..I put a hold on one of her other books about generations of women..Eve's Daughters...for your book website !!!!!
check her out on website....XOXOXO

http://www.lynnaustin.org/

Thanks, Charl!!!!! Keep them coming!

Copyright © 2008 by Ellen M. Samples. All rights reserved.