Brandon Ellrich's Blog, page 7
November 26, 2022
Caturday 11-26-22
Photo by Brandon EllrichIs he a cat or a bat?
November 23, 2022
Are You Thankful for Failures?
I wrote an article two years ago called Thankful? It has received the most “likes” and comments of all my posts, so I thought I would take it and revise/update it for this year’s Thanksgiving.
Since it is Thanksgiving Day in the United States, I thought I should write something in regard to that occasion. In many households, it is a tradition to go around the dinner table and ask each person what he/she is thankful for. For this post, I wanted to do something a little bit different.
Showing Gratitude, Sometimes Not EasyNaturally, we should all be thankful and show appreciation for people in our lives who have had a positive influence on us. Many of us would not achieve success or be as healthy or happy if not for the assistance or influence of certain individuals who have crossed our paths. Sometimes we may get caught up in the busyness of our lives and forget to show our gratitude, but if we stop to think about it, it should become apparent who has been that positive influencing factor.
For some people, showing thankfulness is not easy. If you are not one of these individuals, it may be difficult for you to understand this. Showing gratitude means that you must acknowledge that someone has done something for you, and of course, that you have accepted this gesture. It requires humbling yourself, in a way, and some may see this as a weakness, that they shouldn’t need help. For this reason, they have difficulty expressing their gratitude, hence exposing the fact that they may have required some kind of assistance in the first place or that they didn’t ask for your kind word of sympathy, etc.
In some cultures outside of the United States, showing gratitude is reserved for those who are not close to you. I was listening to the podcast episode Hidden Brain: Decoding Emotions, and the guest said that in the Dutch culture, she would not thank her husband for bringing her a cup of coffee, for instance. Saying “thank you” was reserved for the neighbors, let’s say–people who are mere acquaintences.
Not Focusing on the NegativeI thought briefly about asking what you are NOT thankful for. These things are almost always blatantly obvious, as they usually prevent us from getting something we want or cause us pain or distress in some way. Maybe it’s just my pessimistic side, but I think it’s easy to find things to complain about. There are a lot of evil and selfish people in the world and they can often get in the way of our own goals, whether noble or selfish themselves.
Aside from that, there are sometimes circumstances that are no one’s fault, but still hinder whatever progress we are attmepting to make to move forward with our intentions. Focusing on the negativity is too easy, and I did not want to focus on such a negative aspect of our lives, anyway; it does no one any good.
Rejection or Rejuvenation?Failures are seen by most people as negative occurrences in our journeys through life. After all, if we try something, we presumably want to succeed at whatever that thing may be. A failure would then stop us from reaching that achievement. Of course, we then have the choice to either put forth another attempt, go about it in a different way, or simply give up on that particular venture. If you choose to see failure as a negative thing, you are most likely going to fall into the category of those who choose to give up. However, if you see failure as more of a learning experience and use it as a stepping stone, of sorts, to achieve something greater, it can certainly be a positive and powerful tool.
As a writer/author, I have been rejected many times; it comes with the territory. I do not allow those rejections to translate into failures, though. I know that I am a good writer and I continue to pursue my passion. I have received enough encouragement and validation from others to help me keep going. If not for this encouragement, I admit that I would most certainly question whether or not I should be continuing in this pursuit. If I am rejected by one source, I simply believe that it was not the right timing or not the right company or publisher. It is merely a stepping stone or learning experience to help me to achieving a desired success.
On that note, I would like to take this time in my post to thank those of you who have provided such encouragement and support for my writing. I truly do value your feedback and your appreciation for the words I put out into the world. Clicking on the “like” button helps me to know which posts are of some value and that you would like to read more of the same type of content, so I hope you will remember to do that.
FeedbackLooking back over your life thus far, what past failure has given you the motivation to achieve something you otherwise would not have done? Maybe there was an individual who discouraged you in some way, yet at the same time, lit a fire that caused you to keep going. Has there been a door closed on an opportunity that has led to another door or window to open? Was there a roadblock that stopped you, and you later realized that following that path would have put you in a worse state than where you are now?
So, my question to you is: What failure are you most thankful for? This question can be rhetorical and for your own reflection, or you can post in the comment section below.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, please click the like button to let me know. Please share it with someone else if you think it may be of some benefit. Follow me if you would like to receive updates whenever new posts are published.
If you enjoyed this post, please check out Thank You, Critics.
November 22, 2022
Happy Birthday, Sadje!
If you aren’t aware, Sadje is one of our dear blogger friends. She is always a supportive and positive light, as well as a talented writer. Please check out her page at Keep it Alive.
November 21, 2022
Eatin’ My Thanksgivin’ Meal
This poem is in response to Sadje’s What do you see # 161- November 21, 2022, so please visit her page to participate and/or read other responses.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please click the like button and leave a comment as well. Follow me if you would like to receive updates whenever new posts are published.
If you liked this poem, you may also like Give Thanks, Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Appetizer.
November 20, 2022
Thanksgiving “Appetizer”
And you’re feeling kind of jerky,
‘Cause you look at family members,
And it prompts you to remember,
All the arguments you’ve had,
With your uncle and your dad.
You start getting indigestion,
But I have a good suggestion:
If you have a grateful attitude,
And your heart is filled with gratitude,
And you focus on what’s good,
Treating people like you should,
You’ll feel better in your tummy,
And your meal will be more yummy.
You won’t get your feelings hurt,
And be happy for dessert.
If your anger is reserved,
By the time the pie is served,
You’ll be able to truly say,
You’ve had a great Thanksgiving Day!
Copyright © 2022 Brandon Ellrich
I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this post, please click the like button and leave a comment. Follow me if you would like to receive updates whenever new posts are published.
If you liked this Thanksgiving poem, look for my post on Thursday when I write about a twist on a Thanksgiving tradition.
November 19, 2022
Mouse Without Tale
Image from wikipediaIt’s been a little over 24 years since Matthew Shepard was murdered. If you don’t recognize that name, there is plenty of information on the web, in addition to a movie about the incident.You can also visit The Matthew Shepard Foundation to lend your support.
This poem was written in response to W3 Prompt #29: Wea’ve Written Weekly on The Skeptic’s Kaddish, so please visit his page to read other responses.
This is a Blitz poem, in case you were wondering about the form.
Before you read on, this one is rather graphic, which is not my normal style. Sometimes I think we must be shocked in order to create awareness, evoke emotion and spur us to action. Last month marked the “anniversary” (I hate using that word to mark such a horrible occurence) of his death, and along with a couple other conversations I had this week, it just got me thinking about the discrimination and violence that is perpetrated toward marginalized groups. That is the place from which I wrote this.
Mouse Without TaleQuiet as a mouseQuiet in the houseMouse on the looseMouse has a nooseNoose around the neckNoose above the deckDeck him in the eyeDeck him ‘til he criesCries but why botherCries for his motherMother fucker makes me sickMother fucker likes the dickDick loverDick DiscoveredDiscovered your secretDiscovered Can’t keep itIt’s outYou’re outOut Now you’ve lost itOut of the closetCloset of liesCloset can’t hideHiding whoreHiding no moreMore sticks and beerMore kicks QueerQueer as fuckQueer as a duckDuck your headDuck or you’re deadDead little girlDead to the worldWorld unknowingWorld keeps goingGoing without youGoing to doubt youYou’ll go to HellBetter not tellTell your storyTell and be sorrySorry you survivedSorry you’re aliveAlive but not livingAlive but not givingGiving detailsGiving your taleTale about violenceTale that is silencedSilencedViolenceCopyright © 2022 Brandon EllrichThanks for reading. If you were moved by this poem, please click the like button and leave a comment as well. Follow me if you would like to receive updates whenever new posts are published.
Stay safe
November 18, 2022
Caturday, Nov. 19th, 2022
My cats have taken ownership of my new Fall blanket.
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November 17, 2022
Film Friday: The Lost City
Photo by Denise Jans on UnsplashThe Lost City (2022) Paramount PicturesThe Lost City, starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, is an Action/Adventure, Comedy. The movie follows Loretta Sage (Bullock), a romance novelist, who has grown disenchanted toward her novels and their somewhat shallow subject matter. She wants to quit, but her publicist (played by Da’vine Joy Randolph) and her loyal fans are not ready to see the stories end. Someone else who doesn’t want the series to end is Alan (Tatum), who is the cover model for Sage’s novels. He has grown attached to the character, “Dash,” he portrays and enjoys the fame it has brought him. The action begins when Sage is kidnapped by a wealthy businessman (played by Daniel Radcliffe) and finds a coincidental link from one of Sage’s storylines to an actual treasure.
Sandra Bullock, to me, is a very versatile actress and her comedic roles are always great; this movie is no exception. Her characters are believable, even if the storyline is not. Channing Tatum is always funny and has great chemistry with Bullock. He’s not too bad to look at either. Speaking of which, Brad Pitt makes an appearance in this movie as well, and adds additional comic relief.
This movie reminded me somewhat of Romancing the Stone and Jewel of the Nile, if any of you have seen those. In The Lost City, there was definitely more comedy than the two aforementioned films, but it did have a moral lesson, which can be lacking in other films. The premise is “out there,” but as long as you know that going in, you can sit back, watch, and be entertained.
Overall, I give this film 4 out of 5 stars.
*This review is my own opinion and I am not a paid spokesman for any entity or company.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please click the like button and leave a comment as well. Follow me if you would like to receive updates whenever new posts are published.
If you liked this review, please check out Film Friday: Bros and Theater Review: Rocky Horror Picture Show.
*Originally published on Medium
Six-Word Stories Vol.2
A while back, I wrote a blog of six-word stories. It seemed to be enjoyable to many people, so I thought I would try another one.
If you’re not familiar with it, a six-word story is exactly as it sounds: It tells a complete story in only six words. This requires some very creative thinking. Many writers can describe a scene in several pages, using flowery descriptors and embellishments, but are you able to tell an emotional, significant story in just a few words? Some of mine have titles and some do not. I would like to hear from you. Can you come up with a good six-word story? Please post in the comments below or create a post of your own and link back to mine. I would love to read them.
Kitten found me; now I’m his.
Fear became my prison without walls.Seed planted, no water, no growth.
Drove too fast; now I’m “slow.”
Built my walls, brick by brick.
“Moving On”
Sent his mom flowers–no more.
Smiled more; people liked me more.
“Seasons”
New growth, warmth, leaves fall, cold.
Copyright © 2022 Brandon Ellrich
Now it’s your turn. Write a six-word story containing a beginning, middle and end. Post it in the comment section or post the link back to your own website/blog.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please click the like button and leave a comment. Follow me if you would like to receive updates on new posts whenever they are published.
November 15, 2022
Give Thanks, Thanksgiving
Image credit; Pavel Danilyuk@ PexelsI’m giving thanks for people living,In this home on this Thanksgiving.You ask why that I’m not stressed,Ask instead why I’m so blessed.I don’t deserve such great rewards,God rewards me greatly by His word.Have we been lifted from so low?All we have to Him we owe.Join hands to pray that we are able,Pray, come to join us at our table.Copyright © 2022 Brandon EllrichThis poem was written in response to Sadje’s What do you see# 160- November 14, 2022, so please visit her page to see other responses and/or participate. It is also inspired by Ben’s W3 Prompt #28: Wea’ve Written Weekly. Even though I missed the cutoff this time, I still wanted to give credit for the inspiration.
Chiasmus: In simple terms, chiasmus happens when the writer says one thing and then says something very similar in the next line, but the grammatical structure has been reversed.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this poem, please click the like button and leave a comment as well. Follow me if you would like to receive updates whenever new posts are published.
