Ellen DuBois Blog. Writing and Photography

Photo: Heavy Branches

by Ellen DuBois on 01/18/19

I remember taking this picture. I wondered how much the trees could take. The snow was wet and very heavy- the kind that breaks branches, brings down power lines and doesn't spare your back when shoveling.

But...

The scene in my own back yard captivated me and when you love taking pictures, you love it when your camera is with you. You never know when you'll get that "perfect shot".

I'm glad I did on this gray, snowy day. This picture is worth a thousand words- or more.

Thanks for stopping by, and if you like my pictures, please follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/photosbyellendubois/

Ellen

Hi. My name is Ellen DuBois. I'm the author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery and Jackie's Heart. Since 2006 I've been hosting MiscarriageHelp.com, a support site for women and their families who have miscarried.

I'm published with Blue Mountain Arts, and am a contributing author to several books including: Soul Matters for Teens, Sisters, (a Blue Mountain Arts gift book), Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders- Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News, Romancing the Soul, More God Allows U-Turns.

I'm also known as "Miss Ellen"- a piano teacher to students from 5 to tween and beyond. Music is another passion of mine and I'm blessed to share the gift of music. I'm also a shudder bug like my mother was. I love taking pictures.

Disclosure: I'm an affiliate so I have to let you know if you click on a link and purchase something from my site, I get a small commission at no cost to you.

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Cardinals on a Rainy Day

by Ellen DuBois on 01/05/19

It's a rainy day here in Massachusetts. Very raw outside, which doesn't do much for my sinus infection. Today is a better day than yesterday, which was spent in bed drifting in and out of sleep.

The birds were very busy both at the feeder and on the deck. For some reason, the pictures I took of both the male and female cardinals came out better when they were standing on the deck. The male is such a beauty with his vibrant, red feathers. Whenever I see him, I can't help but stare in awe. God's creations are magnificent.

A female cardinal, although not nearly as vibrant, is beautiful in her own way. I love how the picture I took captures her beauty. There are variegated shades throughout her feathers. I think her profile is quite pretty, for lack of a better word.

Taking the time to look at the world around me and capture it with my camera is extremely calming. When I look at my pictures, there's usually one or two that really captivate me. These are two of those pictures.

I have a NikonD5200 and love it. Even though I've had it for several years, there's still so much to learn. I love that, too!

Have a blessed day and remember...look up from your phones now and then. You might be amazed at what you see!

Ellen

Hi. My name is Ellen DuBois. I'm the author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery and Jackie's Heart. Since 2006 I've been hosting MiscarriageHelp.com, a support site for women and their families who have miscarried.

I'm published with Blue Mountain Arts, and am a contributing author to several books including: Soul Matters for Teens, Sisters, (a Blue Mountain Arts gift book), Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders- Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News, Romancing the Soul, More God Allows U-Turns.

I'm also known as "Miss Ellen"- a piano teacher to students from 5 to tween and beyond. Music is another passion of mine and I'm blessed to share the gift of music. I'm also a shudder bug like my mother was. I love taking pictures.

Disclosure: I'm an affiliate so I have to let you know if you click on a link and purchase something from my site, I get a small commission at no cost to you.

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On the Fence

by Ellen DuBois on 12/22/18

I recently captured this image of a bird sitting on the railing of our deck. I was waiting for him to go to the feeder, but was pleasantly surprised at this picture. I entitled it "On the Fence". The lighting is natural and the silhouette of the bird is beautiful. Nature always inspires and amazes me. It's my favorite subject to photograph. My camera is a Nikon D5200 and taking pictures is one of my most relaxing hobbies. You don't have to be a professional photographer to enjoy taking pictures. Just look at me! Thanks for visiting.

Hi. My name is Ellen DuBois. I'm the author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery and Jackie's Heart. Since 2006 I've been hosting MiscarriageHelp.com, a support site for women and their families who have miscarried.

I'm published with Blue Mountain Arts, and am a contributing author to several books including: Soul Matters for Teens, Sisters, (a Blue Mountain Arts gift book), Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders- Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News, Romancing the Soul, More God Allows U-Turns.

I'm also known as "Miss Ellen"- a piano teacher to students from 5 to tween and beyond. Music is another passion of mine and I'm blessed to share the gift of music. I'm also a shudder bug like my mother was. I love taking pictures.

Disclosure: I'm an affiliate so I have to let you know if you click on a link and purchase something from my site, I get a small commission at no cost to you.

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If I had a Wish This Christmas #griefsupport #miscarriagesupport #griefpoem

by Ellen DuBois on 12/10/18

If I had a wish

I knew would come true-

I'd ask to visit Heaven

so I could see you.

You're loved beyond measure,

you're missed

so many ways.

I send you my love

this Christmas-

and every day.

- Ellen M. DuBois

#griefsupport #miscarriagesupport #griefpoem #missyouatChristmas

Hi. My name is Ellen DuBois. I'm the author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery and Jackie's Heart. Since 2006 I've been hosting MiscarriageHelp.com, a support site for women and their families who have miscarried.

I'm published with Blue Mountain Arts, and am a contributing author to several books including: Soul Matters for Teens, Sisters, (a Blue Mountain Arts gift book), Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders- Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News, Romancing the Soul, More God Allows U-Turns.

I'm also known as "Miss Ellen"- a piano teacher to students from 5 to tween and beyond. Music is another passion of mine and I'm blessed to share the gift of music. I'm also a shudder bug like my mother was. I love taking pictures.

Disclosure: I'm an affiliate so I have to let you know if you click on a link and purchase something from my site, I get a small commission at no cost to you.

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Bad Book Reviews Are One Thing. Malicious Ones are Another. #standupforyourself

by Ellen DuBois on 12/07/18

This is what I wrote today in response to a pretty malicious review about my first book Jackie's Heart, (2003, republished in 2012). I know. What took you so long, Ellen? Or, you may be wondering, Why'd you even bother? I understand both perspectives. I mean, the review was posted in 2012.

Here's what I (finally) posted on Amazon in response to the review:

"While I understand you didn't like my book, (that's putting it mildly), was it really necessary to advise people to: 'Save your self and your time and run from this thing called a book'? While I certainly understand that not all books are enjoyed by everyone, I find being inappropriately mean to be highly unnecessary. It's taken me years to post something about your review, (of my very first book), but I finally decided to say something. It's not because I can't handle a bad review, but a malicious one is simply not tolerable."

Back in 2003 when I wrote and published Jackie's Heart, I was under a 7 year contract with Publish America. (Ouch!) Remember, this was back in 2003. A couple of years after my contract ended, I moved my book to Createspace as an ebook.

I digress. Back then, it felt great to finish my book. To take something from start to completion was, (and still is), a big deal. Additionally, I learned a few things, (emphasis on the word few), about the (then) very new world of online publishing. I'm still learning as that world continues to evolve.

Being an author, I had to develop a thick skin. Almost my entire life, whether through writing, singing, playing the piano, teaching piano or even making jewelry, I've put myself "out there" and subsequently, open for critisism. It's all part of it- part of me.

However, the one review that got under my skin and lived there for years, has been responded to...by me.

Why?

I realized that the one star review was not simply a "bad review" but a malicious one. I can handle bad reviews. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But when a review gets nasty and malicious, I believe the line has been crossed.

I don't think my response is going to make a difference to anyone but me, and that's okay. I feel free, empowered even, because I opened my mouth and responded. Finally the words are off my chest! I can LET IT GO.

I still agree that this person had every right to dislike my book and post a review saying so. To me, he or she crossed the line between writing a bad review and a malicious one, i.e. Zero Star, Yuck!!!, Run!, Save yourself and your time and run from this thing called a book. (I think you get the picture.)

I've always stood up for people who have experienced an injustice.

That includes me.

Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting!

Ellen

#standupforyourself

Hi. My name is Ellen DuBois. I'm the author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery and Jackie's Heart. Since 2006 I've been hosting MiscarriageHelp.com, a support site for women and their families who have miscarried.

I'm published with Blue Mountain Arts, and am a contributing author to several books including: Soul Matters for Teens, Sisters, (a Blue Mountain Arts gift book), Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders- Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News, Romancing the Soul, More God Allows U-Turns.

I'm also known as "Miss Ellen"- a piano teacher to students from 5 to tween and beyond. Music is another passion of mine and I'm blessed to share the gift of music. I'm also a shudder bug like my mother was. I love taking pictures.

Disclosure: I'm an affiliate so I have to let you know if you click on a link and purchase something from my site, I get a small commission at no cost to you.

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#imwithrudolph

by Ellen DuBois on 12/05/18

I can only speak for myself and I'm going to!

#rudolphtherednosereindeer was a special part of my childhood. I, along with millions of other kids, (I know I said I was only speaking for myself), looked forward to watching Rudolph save the day with GREAT anticipation. Not ONCE did I feel Santa was a bully for not recognizing Rudolph's red nose and how it could help "soon enough". That was part of the story- the very reason I thought, "Come on Santa! Rudolph IS your answer! He'll get your sleigh through the foggy night!" It's called a PLOT and if Santa realized right away that Rudolph's nose was the answer, we'd have a twenty-second story! I never thought becoming a dentist was a bad thing. I admired Hermey the Elf for sticking to his guns and daring to be different. Not once did I feel the little guy was "creepy" or was "dentist shaming". I didn't even know what "shaming" was! I always felt sad for the misfit toys and was DELIGHTED when they were celebrated for their differences, rescued and went on to live happy lives. Many people are coming to this show's defense, and it does my heart good. Many are tearing it apart and I find it to be a sad reflection of where society is and is heading. Must we overthink, overanalyze and overdramatize everything? Does society have to dig, find and over exploit perceived messages of ill will in everything instead of good will? Maybe THAT'S part of the problem. I wish all the energy spent analyzing and tearing apart Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, (a children's TV show), was spent on things like, oh, I don't know, feeding the hungry? Maybe giving of your time to help those in need?

Rant over. Almost. Please look at some of the new shows on TV kids are watching and at the video games kids are playing TODAY. Many are violent, combative and sexy. THAT'S okay? That's what our culture is "accepting"? I'm with Rudolph. Yeah, #imwithrudolph

Hi. My name is Ellen DuBois. I'm the author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery and Jackie's Heart. Since 2006 I've been hosting MiscarriageHelp.com, a support site for women and their families who have miscarried.

I'm published with Blue Mountain Arts, and am a contributing author to several books including: Soul Matters for Teens, Sisters, (a Blue Mountain Arts gift book), Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders- Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News, Romancing the Soul, More God Allows U-Turns.

I'm also known as "Miss Ellen"- a piano teacher to students from 5 to tween and beyond. Music is another passion of mine and I'm blessed to share the gift of music. I'm also a shudder bug like my mother was. I love taking pictures.

I'm an affiliate so I have to let you know if you click on a link and purchase something from my site, I get a small commission at no cost to you.

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Streets, Houses, Ocean, Horizon

by Ellen DuBois on 11/27/18

I've always been fascinated by how the world looks when I'm flying. My fiance's been a pilot for many years and when I first started flying with him, I was a nervous wreck! I quikly found a way to reduce my anxiety: Taking pictures.

Most of our flights were pretty short. Still, when you suffer from anxiety, even a ten minute flight can set you into a panic. Although I'm much better when flying now, for years it was an effort to keep it together.

Taking pictures while flying quickly turned into something I looked forward to. I saw the world and all its beauty from a completely different vantage point. Houses, streets, buildings, cars, people- all looked so small. The land so clearly divided by colors, textures, roads- like a patchwork quilt. At night, both the earth and sky glisten with lights. It's amazing.

I took this picture on a short flight to Martha's Vineyard (I think) and I love how the streets, houses, ocean and horizon look. I used my NikonD5200.

Thanks for stopping by! If you want to see more of my photos, please follow me on Instagram at photosbyellendubois

https://www.instagram.com/photosbyellendubois/

I'm Ellen DuBois, I'm an affiliate so I have to let you know if you click on a link and purchase something from my site, I get a small commission at no cost to you. I'm also the author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery and Jackie's Heart. Since 2006 I've been hosting MiscarriageHelp.com, a support site for women and their families who have miscarried.

I'm published with Blue Mountain Arts, and am a contributing author to several books including: Soul Matters for Teens, Sisters, (a Blue Mountain Arts gift book), Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders- Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News, Romancing the Soul, More God Allows U-Turns.

I'm also known as "Miss Ellen"- a piano teacher to students from 5 to tween and beyond. Music is another passion of mine and I'm blessed to share the gift of music. I'm also a shudder bug like my mother was. I love taking pictures.

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See how NYC glows at night with TopView's Night Tour

by Ellen DuBois on 11/21/18

I have never been to New York City. Well, I was there once, but it was such a brief trip that I never got to see the sights.

I'd love to tour the city. It's so rich in history, culture and diversity. And the lights!

I know I'd have my camera with me, ready to capture my very own images of The Big Apple. I imagine how amazing it would look and feel at night, too. There's a tour I found below and I'd love to go on it one day. Maybe I'll make it a goal for 2019. Sounds good to me! The tour is offered by a company called TopView and it sounds AMAZING!

See how NYC glows at night with TopView's Night Tour, which takes you from Times Square all the way to Brooklyn.

Thank you for reading my blog and visiting. YOU are appreciated!

I'm Ellen DuBois, I'm an affiliate so I have to let you know if you click on a link and purchase something from my site, I get a small commission at no cost to you. I'm also the author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery and Jackie's Heart. Since 2006 I've been hosting MiscarriageHelp.com, a support site for women and their families who have miscarried.

I'm published with Blue Mountain Arts, and am a contributing author to several books including: Soul Matters for Teens, Sisters, (a Blue Mountain Arts gift book), Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders- Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News, Romancing the Soul, More God Allows U-Turns.

I'm also known as "Miss Ellen"- a piano teacher to students from 5 to tween and beyond. Music is another passion of mine and I'm blessed to share the gift of music. I'm also a shudder bug like my mother was. I love taking pictures.

Have a great, inspired day.

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Buildings of Boston (From a car)

by Ellen DuBois on 11/19/18

I took these pictures a couple of years ago and am glad I found them. Love the buildings of Boston. These were taken from the car as we drove by the wonderful, historical mix of the buildings of Boston.

This is installment one of this post. More to come.

Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you for reading my blog and visiting. YOU are appreciated!

I'm Ellen DuBois, author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery and Jackie's Heart. Since 2006 I've been hosting MiscarriageHelp.com, a support site for women and their families who have miscarried.

I'm published with Blue Mountain Arts, and am a contributing author to several books including: Soul Matters for Teens, Sisters, (a Blue Mountain Arts gift book), Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders- Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News, Romancing the Soul, More God Allows U-Turns.

I'm also known as "Miss Ellen"- a piano teacher to students from 5 to tween and beyond. Music is another passion of mine and I'm blessed to share the gift of music. I'm also a shudder bug like my mother was. I love taking pictures.

Have a great, inspired day.

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Beautifully Messy - November's First Snow

by Ellen DuBois on 11/16/18

By the time I took these pictures, the snow had turned to rain. (Isn't the a line from a song?) My boots sunk into a slushy, slippery mix while walking around my yard. I hoped to keep my footing while capturing a few images of November's first snow. I'm happy to report I did.

I caught a few images of what the morning rain topping of the night's snowfall looked like.

Beautifully messy.

Thank you for reading my blog and visiting. YOU are appreciated!

I'm Ellen DuBois, author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery and Jackie's Heart. Since 2006 I've been hosting MiscarriageHelp.com, a support site for women and their families who have miscarried.

I'm published with Blue Mountain Arts, and am a contributing author to several books including: Soul Matters for Teens, Sisters, (a Blue Mountain Arts gift book), Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders- Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News, Romancing the Soul, More God Allows U-Turns.

I'm also known as "Miss Ellen"- a piano teacher to students from 5 to tween and beyond. Music is another passion of mine and I'm blessed to share the gift of music. I'm also a shudder bug like my mother was. I love taking pictures.

Have a great, inspired day.

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