tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126895989861214382024-02-20T22:47:38.600-04:00Cedar Street ThoughtsMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-76097025449649804122017-11-24T23:24:00.000-04:002017-11-24T23:24:37.910-04:00She used to ask herself, What more could I wish? But she always distrusted that question, because she knew there were limits to her experience that precluded her knowing what there was to be wished.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-78496002156843414742017-09-13T01:30:00.001-03:002017-09-13T01:30:52.617-03:00Who I am, is who you are<br />
White wheel barrows and wood piles<br />
Earth worms and speckled trout<br />
Sawdust and grease<br />
Salt air and spice<br />
Fresh cut grass and gasoline<br />
Apple blossoms and Marsh roses<br />
Beach glass and lost bottles<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-56946362665945728542016-08-29T16:37:00.001-03:002016-08-29T16:37:56.591-03:00Choosing Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and start thinking of what could go right. Better yet, think of everything that already is right. Be thankful for nights that turned into mornings, friends that turned into family, and past dreams and goals that have turned into reality. Use this positivity to keep going, and fuel an even brighter tomorrow.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-77401975178763550562016-08-28T02:41:00.001-03:002017-03-23T14:16:10.174-03:00Me before you<br />
Before you, I was strong.<br />
Before you, I knew what I wanted<br />
Before you, I had a heart that was kind <br />
<br />
Before you, I laughed<br />
Before you, I wondered about all of things that I could be<br />
Before you, I didn't give up<br />
<br />
Before you, I didn't need someone to take care of me<br />
Before you, I believed in the good in others<br />
Before you, I trusted<br />
<br />
Before you I knew what love was<br />
<br />
And after you...<br />
<br />
I am stronger<br />
I still know what I want<br />
My heart is still kind<br />
<br />
after you....<br />
<br />
My laughter remains<br />
I am exactly who I should be, and I will keep wondering about what <i>else </i>I can be<br />
I haven't given up<br />
<br />
after you....<br />
<br />
I can still take care of myself<br />
I still believe in the good in people<br />
I still trust<br />
<br />
After you, I still know what love isMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-44247304103716381462016-01-18T02:07:00.000-04:002016-01-18T02:07:18.178-04:00Maybe the journey isn't so much about becoming anything.<br />
Maybe it's about unbecoming everything that isn't really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-73540376466062298572016-01-18T02:00:00.001-04:002016-01-18T12:08:23.278-04:00Believe<div>
You have loved.</div>
<div>
You have even experienced great love. </div>
<div>
You have given your heart, and been given it back. Sometimes whole with new appreciation, and other times pieces. </div>
<div>
It is no secret that you have lost a round or two, but do not hang your head. You are the luckiest, even with the weight of the world. </div>
<div>
You have had moments shared, and moments lost. Promises made and promises broken. True words spoken, but taken back, and words not said, and regretted. </div>
<div>
Look at it all not as a failure. Look at it and be grateful.</div>
<div>
Some say you have a heart too soon made glad. But you have a heart that is open, welcoming, and forgiving. A heart too soon made glad is not a liability, it is unsheltered. </div>
<div>
Be conscientious, but do not disconnect; underneath there is an innocence we are all guilty of. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-26597028089089112442015-11-04T16:49:00.002-04:002015-11-04T16:49:48.990-04:00Real love is a choice" No one falls in love by choice, it is by chance. No one stays in love by chance, it is by work. And no one falls out of love by chance, it is by choice."Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-79639467302811979112015-06-11T19:31:00.002-03:002015-06-11T19:31:35.061-03:00Isn't it?<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Have enough courage to trust love one more time. And
always, one more time.” — Maya Angelou<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what I want – and have wanted to believe in.
Sometimes, it’s harder to do then say. For anyone who has ever loved and lost,
and loved and lost again, it can be hard to comprehend that this could ever be
possible. But a life without love is incomplete; love is always worth it…isn't
it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that there is no all-encompassing formula for
relationships, as the diversity between people these days ensures no possible
algorithm for success. Relationships change, fail, and face struggles, and sometimes
we change into someone we clearly are not in order to fit our partners’ ideals.
It is hard to believe that anyone would
ever be worth the risk of going through all of it again. But, a life without
love is incomplete; love is always worth it… isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took time after a certain relationship and reflected on and
re-evaluated every variable that didn't serve me or that relationship. This made me well aware of the intricacies involved in maintaining a
partnership that would survive the minute details of daily life. Going through that experience taught me what
I could and couldn't handle. I defined
new limits which would detail how far I would be willing to go for the one I
loved, and the places I knew I couldn't venture. This is why I believe so strongly in the
depths that I know I would go for that person and why. Because a life without
love is incomplete; love is always worth it…isn't it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought the second time around I would get to guide myself
towards someone who fit within my limits, and that my standards would
never waiver. I know no one in this
world will ever be perfect, but I thought that my experiences had defined
exactly what I knew would be perfect for me.
I started to draw confidence from all the elements of my personality which
some have labelled as flaws, because this next time I would find the person who
revelled in every detail of what made me who I am. That someone would know I would be incomplete
without all those integral components, flaws and all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don't look for someone to “complete you” or check off
all your boxes; instead, learn how to complete yourself, before looking for
someone who can share in that completeness. Because a life without love is incomplete;
love is always worth it. <o:p></o:p></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-33448495796259012392015-02-24T20:19:00.002-04:002015-02-24T20:19:33.752-04:00A Reminder<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hadn't realized it had been so long. Words, phrases and sentences are always going through my mind. It's writing them down that I neglect. Sometimes scared of how permanent it can be. Remembering to remember is hard. Remembering to forget is harder. But one thing I'm always reminded of is - </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together"</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-62333796977686947172014-02-09T21:56:00.001-04:002014-02-09T21:56:43.836-04:00It's only geographyRumbling thunder, unleashes its baritone<div>
A divine rhythm</div>
<div>
The ocean strokes the shoreline</div>
<div>
and water bathes the sand</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Land without contours can't even hope to be wasteland. </div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-55177299952798527062013-05-13T20:21:00.002-03:002014-02-09T22:03:49.469-04:00I swore I would never, but....It's funny how we grow up to do exactly what we swore we never would. My brothers high school yearbook quote was " I grew up to be the kind of kid my mother never wanted me to hang around" and for years, I swore I would never be a teacher, simply because my sister was. Yet where did I find myself? In a classroom in front of 23 students, teaching. I also swore I would never be one of those girls who got so caught up in a guy that I lost who I was and what I believed in. I swore I would never get divorced if I ever married and I swore, I would never be like my mother. So far, I'm 4 for 4. (The one I'm most proud of that I swore I would never do is the last. I am more like my mother than I care to admit, but it's a good thing). All of these things I swore I would never do, and did, brought me to exactly where I should be. It's life's lessons that we should reflect upon and say thank you. We are all where we should be when we can look at our lives and understand the growth that we have achieved and the people who have helped lead us there. It is especially important to be thankful for those who are in the present of that reflection. It is they who were important enough, patient enough, strong enough and courageous enough to either help you through those lessons, or were found when the lessons have been learned. My record might not be a stat that one would look at and put their money on, but it is one that I am now proud of, as I am no longer afraid to make mistakes, stumble and fall, because most of the time, the greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare you or you swore you would never do, and maybe, just maybe, you'll get everything you wished for. Maybe you'll get more than you ever could have imagined. I did. Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-73254149605186392702013-05-12T21:22:00.002-03:002013-05-12T21:22:30.559-03:00RewindIt sneaks up on you<br />
No notice given<br />
Surprise! <br />
Dumbfounded and confused an account of memories and time-lines are reviewed<br />
Thinking back you ask "When did it happen?"<br />
The realization that you aren't what you thought you were, but once were what you wish you could still beMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-62765903645160862782013-05-12T17:12:00.000-03:002013-05-12T17:18:04.930-03:00LearningTo be unsuccessful at something is only a failure if you didn't learn anything from your mistake. Thank you for teaching me something.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-19847931072494740792012-11-16T12:09:00.000-04:002012-11-16T12:09:35.655-04:00SkylaSo last night was the Big Sisters Big Brothers Big Night Out event, and being apart of the program for 8 years with the most amazing little sister I could ever have been matched with, I was one of the proudest people there. Proud because when Skyla found out we were going she asked if she could say a few words about our experience with BBBS. I was surprised and excited! The 9 year old girl (now 16) I met when first matched would hardly say more than 2 words in a conversation. Now, I can hardly get her to stop talking. She amazes me everyday with what a wonderful young lady she is becoming; honest, caring, open, thoughtful, smart and determined. I am honored to have her in my life and to have played a part in hers. I have always known that she cares and that we are best friends because of the connection we have, but last night I got to hear her put into words her thoughts and feelings of our match and relationship. I was blown away! Her hopes were to make me cry, but I was so happy and proud of her that no tears could come. Well, not until I sat down and read her speech alone anyway. I asked her if I could share her speech as I hope it will be a testimony to how much we as mentors/adults can influence young kids lives by just being a friend and how ultimately we get just as much of a reward out of it as they do. Below is her speech and I will forever be grateful to Skyla for making me a better person, friend, listener, and big sister. Love you kiddo!<br />
<br />
" Sometimes in life you find a special friend, someone who changes your life just by being part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop; someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an un-locked door just waiting for you to open it. 8 years ago I met this someone special through Big Brothers Big Sisters, her name is Melissa. And since then we've become extreamly close! Over the years we've done many activities such as: going to the movies, road trips to Grand Manan, shopping, singing at the top of our lungs in the car, and so much more. She is someone I can be my complete self around. I can always go to her about anything, even though she might not agree, she will support my decisions. I wrote this mini speech so I could make her cry! But also because I wanted her to know how much I care. Thanks to everyone who made this whole experience possible and thank you Melissa for always being there for me!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-82829123189939369542012-10-15T13:11:00.000-03:002012-10-15T16:08:48.996-03:00DeservingIt was getting too dark to see<br />
Corrupted by knowing more love than shown<br />
Believing that it was a mistake to look too far ahead<br />
But courage is only an accumulation of small steps - one step closer<br />
And now words come with a rush from the heart<br />
Love is not the absence of fear, it's believing that it is more important than fear<br />
Be scared-nervous-afraid, but also be brave and know that there will be a time that love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.<br />
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-50805046909881931242012-10-15T13:06:00.000-03:002013-05-12T16:47:56.589-03:00515.11 milesYou hold me without touch and make sure to keep your distance. Yet I begged for you to see, waiting for you to say what we had, and I know it's easier for you to let me go. I wish I could have seen through your walls, because you can't find a reason to be loved. Distance in meaning is further than distance in milesMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-79984139656379709472012-09-03T21:34:00.000-03:002015-05-25T17:33:35.319-03:00350 5th aveGrand buildings, skyline staggered<br />
Horns, laughter, beeps and whistles<br />
Wheels screaming, shoulder to shoulder, heel to toe<br />
Excuse me, pardon me, move thanks<br />
Neck cramped, eyes wide, tears at times<br />
Heat sticky, sweat streaked freckles showing<br />
Heart beating, smiles glowing, happiness<br />
Sights of bewilderment, amazement and imagination<br />
Beauty in so many places<br />
Then, quiet, only for a moment, no sound is heard<br />
Breath taken, sweet tastes linger, eyes shut tight<br />
Forgetfulness allowed<br />
Open once again, stunning sights to be seen<br />
A wonderful place to beMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-91006467453493882022012-08-01T00:53:00.002-03:002012-08-01T00:53:31.803-03:00UndoneThere's a rush of current and crashing waves, white surf spray and circling tides. Sand is pulled from the shore, clawing for a return; once more removed, shifted, repositioned and replaced.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-23374832079026687132012-06-17T23:06:00.000-03:002012-10-16T19:30:02.682-03:00WalnutsYou opened up to me, and I let you in.<br />
Words written with great meaning touched the corners of darkness. <br />
<em>You smashed through my seemingly impenetrable emotional wall like it was made out of paper, and you did it almost instantly</em>.<br />
A departure that now almost seems forgotten is forgiven by time. <br />
Better, stronger, ready. <br />
Vulnerability is no longer a threat. <br />
See me, all of me<br />
Ready, set, goMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-9058489582575620962012-06-17T20:33:00.002-03:002012-06-17T20:33:29.987-03:00Waiting on YouSome things, don't turn out like they should<br />
But every now and then things turn out for the best<br />
<br />
The uncertainty of events, actions, emotions and choices<br />
Lined up in a pattern of disaray<br />
<br />
The confusion is now clear<br />
Lessons learned, self, discovered<br />
<br />
It took a while to uncover what was there<br />
Pieces needed to fit, put together by mistakes, experience and understanding<br />
<br />
Thank you for waiting, for believing <br />
And for seeing it become externalMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-25344652274945614482012-05-22T12:58:00.000-03:002012-05-22T12:58:14.908-03:00A melody can be a memoryMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-26047964115937535812012-04-02T00:19:00.001-03:002012-04-02T09:46:06.289-03:00StreetsI've wanted to leave this place for a while now, but I don't think it's actually this place. Funny where life leads us, in directions that don't last forever. In directions that we know we should take a few steps back from. But what do you do when life keeps bringing you back to that same spot in which you backed away from? You turned and ran the first two times, but when you turned back around, ready to move forward the ending played out the same. There is no vear in the road, no cliche fork in the path, just one direction pointing straight ahead. You don't want to go there, know you shouldn't, but it has taken over. How many more times do you run back in the direction you just came from, thinking that somewhere along the way, something will change and you won't find yourself at that same familiar landmark in life. I know I can't change the past, it has already developed, unraveled, played its part in this unforgiving future, but I won't let it hold me back. I'm going to leave me for a while, instead of this place and I wish you would stay until I figure it out. Meet me there.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-5998808161130712542012-03-30T14:31:00.000-03:002012-03-30T14:31:08.530-03:00HermanaHow do you put into words how much someone means to you?<br />
How they are appreciated<br />
How they are adored<br />
How they are selflessly there, always<br />
How they are loved<br />
<br />
How do I tell you you're the best someone anyone could ever have? How do I tell you that even though I tried so hard, not to be like you, there isn't anything in the world I would love, than to be more like you?<br />
Educated in such a way that it always makes me shake my head with a smile and think, "She's the smartest person in the world.....and she's my sister"<br />
<br />
She's the one who everyday balances her array of lives:<br />
A mother,<br />
A daughter<br />
A student<br />
A teacher<br />
A friend<br />
A leader<br />
and among all of these time to be my sister.<br />
<br />
You are the one whom I compare to nothing, as there isn't a way to calculate, measure or title your gift.<br />
I love you for every role you play<br />
<br />
How do you tell someone how much they have shaped you, taught you, loved you and been exactly what you've needed, every time?<br />
<br />
You don't, they just knowMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-36063280621216726272012-03-15T23:02:00.001-03:002012-03-15T23:03:57.956-03:00A Matter of WhenI thought it was the opening up that worried me. <br />
I thought it would be the letting you in. <br />
Making room for things that weren't mine.<br />
Making space. <br />
I thought it was letting the walls down and allowing vaulnerability.<br />
Trusting.<br />
I thought it was the commitment, or learning to love someone new. <br />
It isn't.<br />
It's losing itMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-512689598986121438.post-31908545272894879922012-02-26T12:23:00.000-04:002012-02-26T12:23:09.862-04:00shhh.......You're hiding regret in your smile, there's a storm in your eyes I've seen coming for a while. Hang onto the past tense tonight, don't say a word I'm okay with the quiet. The truth is gonna change everythingMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759782500344050469noreply@blogger.com0