Ellen DuBois Blog. Writing and Photography

Taking Pictures From the Air

by Ellen DuBois on 11/03/18

When I first started flying with my fiance, (over 23 years ago). I was nervous. I was barely okay on a short flight and felt like kissing the ground after landing safely.

Over time, I found that bringing my camera helped. I'd focus on the beauty around me. The earth took on an entirely different look from above. The land, separated by lines and shapes of brilliant colors, roads, farms, mountains, water and more, is so incredible when you're up in the air! Taking pictures while flying took my mind off my anxiety because I focused on the amazing views and the pictures I took. Flying went from frightening to exciting.

The picture above is from a short flight we took from the Taunton Municipal Airport to Plymouth, MA. It's less than a 10 minute flight and the views are nothing short of amazing.

I love my Nikon D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Body Only (Black) camera. (I included this link so you can check it out. There are newer models, but this is the one I have.)

PS: I am an affiliate which means if you decide to click on a link and purchase something, I get a small commission at no cost to you.

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.

Comments (0)

Seeing God Through My Camera Lens

by Ellen DuBois on 10/25/18

I love to take pictures, especially of nature. If I'm out driving and I forget my camera, it's inevitable I'll see something "magical" and wish I had it. However, cell phones are a quick fix if there's something I just have to take a picture of.

But, I love my Nikon D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Body Only (Black) camera. (I put a link in there so you can check it out. There are newer models, but this is the one I have.)

There's something about changing lenses, lining up a shot, holding my camera that I love.

Nature is my inspiration and to me, nature comes from God. So, I see God in everything I take a picture of. It can be a tiny insect or flower to a majestic mountain or sunset.

Taking pictures calms me. My focus is drawn to whatever the subject matter is. The rest of the world fades away as I try to get the best picture possible. Sometimes, (especially with birds), I miss the moment. However, that's part of the challenge and I find the entire experience relaxing and quite spiritual.

Taking pictures can be spiritual? Well, for me it is. Like I said, I tend to see God in everything, so when I'm focusing on a flower, sunset, the pond in my back yard, my dog, birds, a leaf, (you get the idea), I feel closer to God and experience a deep appreciation for His, (or Her), creations.

I don't need to be a professional photographer to enjoy it. I'm not. Most of us aren't . I simply take joy and find calm in seeing God through my camera lens.

Nikon D5200 : From Snapshots to Great Shots

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.

PS: I am an affiliate which means if you decided to click on a link and purchase something, I get a small commission at no cost to you.

Comments (0)

Acknowledgments and a Note from Ellen #miscarriage #miscarriagesupport #PAILRD

by Ellen DuBois on 10/23/18

Because it's October, Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month, I want to share parts of my book, I Never Held You, with you. It's a bittersweet month. We feel the sadness of losing our babies and the support of other across the globe. Although nothing can take away the pain, whether it's new or something you've lived with for a while, knowing there are others who have lived the same helps. I believe we draw strength from each other and thank God for it.

Here is an excerpt from my book and it's from my heart to yours. I am so sorry for your loss and I feel your pain. Love and Prayers to you, Ellen, Host of MiscarriageHelp.com and author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery

Acknowledgments and a Note from Ellen

A special thank you to Dr. Linda Backman, who believed in me and this book enough to pour her heart and soul into it, often during a very busy schedule. My heartfelt thanks to Anna Pizzoferrato, who not only shares her expertise as a Reiki Master (in Part Two), but her painful recollection of living through not one, but five miscarriages. To Marnie Pehrson, published author and owner of SheLovesGod.com, for opening her heart and sharing her story and faith. To Mary Foster, my wonderful friend and confidant, whose story of miscarriage shows the devastating impact a complete lack of support after miscarriage causes. Having all suffered at least one miscarriage, we connected in a way that only women who have endured such a loss, ever could. A special thank you to my publisher, Sidney, who not only believed in this book when she published it as a small ebook over five years ago, but carried her belief in I Never Held You's message of hope and healing, catapulting it into the book you're reading now. She understood my vision of helping women worldwide who have suffered the pain and isolation of miscarriage, and has been the springboard to the next level.

I began this book as a way of reaching out to those who miscarried and didn't know where to turn or what to do with their feelings. Why? Because I was at a total loss when I miscarried and couldn't find anything that spoke directly to me and my loss. I needed something to make me say, "I feel exactly the same way. Finally, someone understands and can help. I am not alone." I wanted to provide, through this book, a means of connection between us. I believe that through connection comes the beginning of healing. Isolation only serves to make a person feel worse and less understood.

My journey first led me to Dr. Linda Backman. She is a licensed psychologist and specializes in grief counseling. What began as a collaborative writing project, soon turned into a deeper healing experience for myself. Through Linda's words and expertise, she showed me that life is a continual process of change, growth, and acceptance of yourself-no matter what point you're at in your life. I cannot thank Linda enough, and I know her words will leave an indelible mark within you.

As one who doesn't believe in coincidence, I know my journey 'led' me to Anna and Marnie, too. Their stories, combined with what went on to be lives that would heal and help many, needed to be told. In finding them, I discovered something about myself, perhaps all of us. Quite often, living through pain prepares us for something better down the road, although we can't see it during our experience. I didn't. I'd be willing to say the other women mentioned didn't. I've learned that within all of us lies an amazing ability to get through the adversities in life, and an ever-growing capacity to experience the joys as we heal and continue on our individual paths-wherever they may lead us. I speak to you as a woman who has lived what you have lived. I want you to feel like you're listening to a friend who not only knows of, but feels the pain and confusion in your heart and mind, and doesn't dismiss it.

Dr. Backman speaks to you not only as a professional, offering sound words of encouragement and advice, but also as woman who has lived what you have lived.

It is my sincerest hope that you, the woman who has miscarried, will somehow be led to this book. My wish is for the words on these pages to reach into your heart and soul, making you feel far less alone and far more understood. Most importantly, my greatest desire is of hope and healing for you.

There is life after miscarriage-a quality life-and Dr. Backman and I want to hold your hand and help lead you down the road to recovery. There is no greater step than that of the first.

The best to you on your journey, Ellen

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.

Comments (0)

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

by Ellen DuBois on 10/16/18

I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery

October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month. For all of you who have experienced this, I am so sorry for your loss.

Years ago I sufffered a miscarriage and it was one of the most difficult times of my life. I felt like I had nowhere to turn- nobody to talk to.

I felt very alone.

Eleven years after my loss, (I named my son Alex), I wrote a book to help women not feel as alone as I did. It was a different world back then. There weren't many books dealing with the subject and the Internet didn't offer much, either.

I Never Held You is a book for any woman who has miscarried, whether it was recent or years ago. Dr. Linda Backman, a warm, compassionate, licensed grief counselor wrote the foreword and several of the beginning chapters. She knows the heartache of losing a baby. Her son Adam was born at 26 weeks and lived for an hour.

The love she felt for her baby never died, just like the love I felt for mine didn't. If you've lived through losing a child, sadly you know this is true.

I'm sharing my book with you in the hope it helps you or someone you love who has lost a child to miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, etc.

To all who are missing their babies, I am so sorry for your loss.

Ellen DuBois, Webmaster, Piano Teacher and Author of I Never Held You, a book about miscarriage, grief, healing and recovery.

Visit MiscarriageHelp.com for support after miscarriage. Helping women and their families since 2009.

Comments (0)

Sail away in Falmouth. Photo of a Stunning Sailboat.

by Ellen DuBois on 09/21/18

Along with writing, teaching/playing the piano and making jewelry, I love taking pictures. I think it's something I inherited from my mother, who always had a camera ready to capture life's special moments. Many of her pictures were of nature. She used to tell me that nothing in nature is perfect. That's what makes it perfect.

Cell phones are great for capturing something on the fly. But, to me, there's something special about taking pictures with my Nikon D5200. I loved my Pentax 35mm, too, but sadly it broke years ago. I couldn't part with it so it sits in a bag. Perhaps I'll get it fixed someday.

I tend to see beauty in small things, like a bird, flowers, anything in nature. I feel closer to God when I appreciate things in nature- from the tiniest frog to a stunning sunset. It's beautiful, calming, constant yet changing.

I started a page on Facebook and and Instagram account to share my pictures with. I believe, in their own way, they tell a story. About life. About me.

On Instagram you can find me here: photosbyellendubois

www.instagram.com/photosbyellendubois

On Facebook I'm here: www.facebook.com/Photosbyellendubois

Have a great day and whatever your creative outlet is, I hope it brings you joy, peace and fufillment.

Ellen

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. Have a great, inspired day.

Comments (0)

Tufted Titmouse

by Ellen DuBois on 09/18/18

Along with writing, teaching/playing the piano and making jewelry, I love taking pictures. I think it's something I inherited from my mother, who always had a camera ready to capture life's special moments. Many of her pictures were of nature. She used to tell me that nothing in nature is perfect. That's what makes it perfect.

Cell phones are great for capturing something on the fly. But, to me, there's something special about taking pictures with my Nikon D5200. I loved my Pentax 35mm, too, but sadly it broke years ago. I couldn't part with it so it sits in a bag. Perhaps I'll get it fixed someday.

I tend to see beauty in small things, like a bird, flowers, anything in nature. I feel closer to God when I appreciate things in nature- from the tiniest frog to a stunning sunset. It's beautiful, calming, constant yet changing.

I started a page on Facebook and and Instagram account to share my pictures with. I believe, in their own way, they tell a story. About life. About me.

On Instagram you can find me here: photosbyellendubois

www.instagram.com/photosbyellendubois

On Facebook I'm here: www.facebook.com/Photosbyellendubois

Have a great day and whatever your creative outlet is, I hope it brings you joy, peace and fufillment.

Ellen

Comments (0)

Childhood Memories

by Ellen DuBois on 09/18/18

I wrote this several years ago. Those memories grow more precious with each passing year. I feel blessed to have such wonderful childhood memories.

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.

Comments (0)

Taking Pictures. Another Creative Outlet

by Ellen DuBois on 09/14/18

Along with writing, teaching and playing the piano and making jewelry, I love taking pictures. I think it's something I inherited from my mother, who always had a camera ready to capture life's special moments. Many of her pictures were of nature. She used to tell me that nothing in nature is perfect. That's what makes it perfect.

Cell phones are great for capturing something on the fly. But, to me, there's something special about taking pictures with my Nikon D5200. I loved my Pentax 35mm, too, but sadly it broke years ago. I couldn't part with it so it sits in a bag. Perhaps I'll get it fixed someday.

I tend to see beauty in small things, like a bird, flowers, anything in nature. I feel closer to God when I appreciate things in nature- from the tiniest frog to a stunning sunset. It's beautiful, calming, constant yet changing.

I started a page on Facebook and and Instagram account to share my pictures with. I believe, in their own way, they tell a story. About life. About me.

On Instagram you can find me here: photosbyellendubois

www.instagram.com/photosbyellendubois

On Facebook I'm here: www.facebook.com/Photosbyellendubois

Have a great day and whatever your creative outlet is, I hope it brings you joy, peace and fufillment.

Ellen

Comments (0)

Jackie's Heart, Self Publishing, Not Giving Up

by Ellen DuBois on 08/27/18

When I published Jackie's Heart in 2003, it was the first book I ever wrote...and finished. It was a milestone for me on many levels.

The experience taught me a lot about publishing and about myself. Like: the need for an editor; sticking with it; the (then) new world of self publishing; the importance of reading a contract and having someone else read it, too; how to shake off a bad review; how good reviews are great but aren't everything- and more.

In 2003, self publishing was in its infancy. Today, many authors turn to self publishing and there are some fantastic publishers and options. The world of self publishing has grown and evolved over the years and will continue to do so, (in my humble opinion).

What an amazing time it's been and IS for authors to "get out there"!

Back when I first published Jackie's Heart, (in paperback and ebook), I signed a seven year contract and gave up all rights to my book. When my contract ran out in 2012, the rights came back to me. At that time, I self published my book again, in ebook format only, with a different company. I didn't publish again in paperback because I saw how much ebooks had grown and there was also the matter of money. It costs to have your book published in paperback. (I love seeing, holding, flipping through my own book, (many books), in paperback. Thankfully, I still have some tucked away whenever I need that paperback 'fix'.)

I still believe in my book and even after all these years, haven't given up on it. With that, here's a description of Jackie's Heart and if it sounds like something you'd enjoy, it's available on Amazon for only $2.99:

Jackie's Heart A story of love, loss, grief, suspense and taking the chance to love again

Jackie DuPont thought life was over when she lost her husband. Little did she know of the pain and joys in store. When the young widow discovers she's pregnant with her late husband's child, she wonders where she'll find the strength to be a mother when getting out of bed is a struggle.

After being raped by the prominent attorney and left for dead on the side of the road, she's convinced her heart can't take any more. Nearing the end of her pregnancy, she unexpectedly befriends a kind, trustworthy doctor. When unwelcome feelings begin to develop for him, she quickly buries them, remaining loyal to her late husbands memory.

Plagued by grief, fear and guilt, Jackie finds herself surrounded by gunfire.

Join Jackie as she discovers it takes more courage to live than to die, to stand up for justice and to hold on to a second chance at love--even if it means risking it all.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy Jackie's Heart at its new, lower price.

Happy Reading,

Ellen

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.

Comments (0)

Special Friends Are Like Angels

by Ellen DuBois on 08/04/18

Special friends are like angels-

except you can see them.

They always have your back.

They always look out for you.

They want what's best for you.

They defend your honor.

Special friends are like angels.

They want to make your life easier.

They make you smile and dry your tears.

Special friends are like angels.

They see and love you for the real you.

Sometimes you feel like they are with you-

even when they're not.

Special friends are like angels.

I'm so thankful I've been blessed with a special friend-

in you.

Ellen M. DuBois

2018

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.

Comments (0)