Coffee Granules Personal Blog

A long overdue update!

2012-02-10T17:19:00.001Z

Hello friends and fellow bloggers. I am sorry it has been so very long since my last post but so much has been happening in my life,I really don't know where to start. One has to start somewhere though so here we go... On 26th November last year 2011, I got married to Brett after a whirlwind romance! So I now have a new husband and a new name. He has four children of his own so my family has grown substantially too. We got married in the little Baptist church we both attend and had our reception at my second church, St.John's Methodist in our town. I will post some pictures of our wedding day for you to see. I hope you are all well and I will do my best to try and catch up with your lives. God Bless Ellen Duncalf (formerly Johns)

Great Day out at the Dog Show.

2011-06-14T15:49:00.005Z

Here are a few pictures of our day out at the Working Dog's Show recently.
Who went? Derek, Michelle and their daughter Leah and their handsome hound Scooby and my hounds Finley and Fizz and me.

Michelle made us a yummy pic-nic and we spent almost the whole day there.
Our dogs are pets really and the dogs that were being shown were real working dogs but we joined in anyway. It was great fun.
Thanks to Leah for going in the show ring and helping out.

There were so many dogs there I was in my element.

The funniest part of the day (and Michelle will kill me when she reads this!) was when they announced one of the groups as ''rough bitches over 23'' and Derek said to Michelle(his wife)...''that's your call love!''.

The judge really meant rough haired bitches over 23 inches in height...hee hee. How cheeky. Really Derek!!!

It was lovely to spend some quality time with Michelle and her family, we have been friends since we were 11...school friends.

Hopefully we can have another great day out in the Summer. I am looking forward to it.

N.B. Finley didn't get a rosette but in my book he was the most handsome hound there!!! and the naughtiest!

A breeder at the show recognised Finley as one of his pups from July last year and said his mother is a working dog (lurcher) from Caernarfon and his father is also a lurcher and working dog from Mold. So Finley is 100% Welsh and it's good to know his parentage.

Big thank you to Michelle for the lovely grub. (food)

The first pic is one of Finley posing in readiness for the show. He is 11 months old now.

Wordy Excuses

2011-04-27T11:43:00.000Z

Lord

I was on my way to YOUR HOUSE
BUT
the world got in the way

I was on my way to PRAISE you
THEN
the world got in the way

I was on my way to THANK YOU
AGAIN
the world got in the way

I was on my way to WORSHIP you
STILL
the world got in the way

I was on my way to SHARE with you
SOMEHOW
the world got in the way

I was on my way to CONFIDE in you
UNTIL
the world got in the way

I was on my way to ASK of you
WHEN
the world got in the way

I was on my way to SING to you
ALAS
the world got in the way...

I am here now Lord
Forgive me Lord
That's what I need to say
The world and its distractions
Can wait until another day.

© Ellen Johns 2011

Easter Blessings...

2011-04-22T17:22:00.000Z

Puppy Days

2011-02-28T20:10:00.000Z

I hunted high and low for a ''puppy'' picture of my older dog Fizz...and then I found one.
So, I have decided to post a ''puppy pic'' of both of my dogs, Fizz and Finley.

Fizz will be 9 years old this August and Finley is only 7 months old.

Let it snow...

2010-12-21T00:23:00.000Z

Introducing ''Finley''...the lurcher pup.

2010-10-11T08:46:00.001Z

For a long time now I have been looking on animal rescue sites etc, at the many dogs needing a good home.
I have never gone further than just looking and feeling sad at the many abandoned and homeless animals.

I have had ''Fizz'' my very loved whippet-cross, for 8 years now and she was a rescue dog, but have often thought about getting a companion for her. The expense has been the main reason for denying me the pleasure of another dog.

Well, a week last Saturday, things were kind of taken out of my hands when a friend told me about a 12 week old lurcher pup who was being given away...the idea was that we were just going to make enquiries and see the little one.

Well, he was in a bit of a mess when we got there...smelly, flea-ridden, nameless and GORGEOUS. I couldn't walk away without him...and that's the story of how Finley came to live with us.

He has since been bathed, treated for his fleas, treated for a tummy bug with anti-biotics, registered at the vet, and booked in for his vaccinations and wormer this Thursday.

I have bought him a collar identical to Fizz's but in a tan colour and new lead and toys and he is doing great with toilet training.

He is adorable. Fizz is tolerating his lively behaviour (playtime in the early hours) but stands for no nonsense...he is prone to biting her feet and ears!! She gives as good as she gets. He has to learn where he stands in the pecking order and I don't interfere. Fizz sleeps with me and now, so does Finley. Although Fizz gets first choice of spot in the bed, usually at my feet. There were 3 in the bed....ha.

My daughters love him and I have included lots of pics.

We think Finley has some English Bull Terrier in him and we are not sure which of the sight hounds he is crossed with. I know he is going to be bigger than Fizz, as he is almost as big and heavy as her now...and he eats like nothing else I have ever seen!!!!!!

Yesterday he has his first encounter with a cat and has a 3 inch scratch on his nose for his trouble!!!

I could go on and on but will keep you updated.

Welcome to the family Finley...Happy Days.

A Harvest Prayer

2010-10-01T10:29:00.001Z

O Lord Holy Spirit
Our Comforter
Our Advocate
Our Inspiration
Our Power

You are the driving force behind all good.
The genius in each loving creation
The force behind every act of compassion
The germ in the heart of the seed

The comforting soil
The refreshing rain
The warming sun
The force of growth in the bud
The beautiful flower that is pure peace
All that we have is yours Lord
Accept our thanks and adoration.

Amen
Mike Reed

I love my vegetables.

2010-09-18T23:00:00.001Z

I found this ''lovely'' potato recently and couldn't resist taking this pic. Love is all around!

The Path (Inspired by Psalm 37)

2010-08-23T00:06:00.003Z

Psalm 37 verse 23 and 24

''IF YOU DO WHAT THE LORD WANTS

HE WILL MAKE CERTAIN

EACH STEP YOU TAKE IS SURE

THE LORD WILL HOLD YOUR HAND

AND IF YOU STUMBLE

YOU STILL WON'T FALL''

At times it is steep

and a struggle to climb

It's hard to keep up

And you feel left behind.

Or the road's full of potholes

The passage unsafe

You hold in your breath

With each step you dare take

Wear your backpack of faith

Put your trust in the Guide

He will map out your route

And stay close by your side

There are times when the pathway

Is so overgrown

Your view is obscured

As you tread the unknown

Sometimes you may come to

A fork in the road

Ask Him for directions

Unburden your load

Put your hand in the Lord's

And don't ever let go

Follow closely His footsteps

And spiritually grow

The path that you follow

May sometimes be smooth

A journey so easy

With little to prove

So, look over your shoulder

And see who you find

It may be they're stumbling

And falling behind

Look out for the lost

As you travel your road

Show them Christ's compass

And lighten their load

It points to salvation

A cross for our sin

A life lived in fullness

Whilst walking with Him.

© Ellen Johns

I love pooches...

2010-07-27T23:10:00.002Z

Here I am on a recent hike with my friends, Michelle (middle), Aly (right) and Jo (taking the pic) and the pooches. Fizz, my skinny whippet cross, Scooby the German Shepherd and Madge the St.Bernard.

I reckon I look really happy and relaxed with three leashes in my hands. I have known Michelle and Aly since our schooldays when we were all 11 years old and we have stayed friends all these years.

We all have dogs and love them, so we also have that in common.

Happy Days

Look at That! (A poem about drug abuse/ a Mother's Love)

2010-06-08T09:48:00.003Z

His body's slumped against the wall
His usual poise? Or careless fall?
His hair is matted, tinged with white
He wonders if it's day or night.

His teeth are yellow, caked in plaque
His lips are cracked, his nails are black
His clothes are grey, ingrained with dirt
Those ''too big trousers'', ''too small shirt''.

His skin is pale, his acne raw
The culprit lies there on the floor
A rusty needle, harbouring dirt
Releasing poison with each squirt.

With body shaking, sleeve undone
He wonders what he has become
His veins collapsed from over use
A yellow acscess proves abuse.

His arm is thin, his bones protrude
His system's crying out for food
He head hangs low, he feels the shame
He only has himself to blame

He did try running, tried to hide
From this injected suicide
Before you turn and walk away
Please take a closer look today.

Beside the syringe, down on the floor
Propped up against the grocer's door
A single tatty birthday card
Now read the words, I know it's hard.

''Congratulations to my son
Today's your day, you're 21''
I placed it there last Friday night
I stroked his face and held him tight.

Those haunted eyes look up and stared
The silent words, ''Help, Mum I'm scared''
To think that I could end his pain
And put his life on track again.

To put an end to endless tears
Eradicate the last two years
Repair the damage, see him clean
Would be my one and only dream.

But I will not deceive myself
Not you, or him, or anyone else
He's now a wilting, dying flower
Controlled, beholding to its power.

The drug that makes me rant and rave
The drug that makes him beg and crave
I turn back time, he's on my knee
I put his bib on, fetch his tea(a meal)

I guide the spoon towards his lips
But now that spoon dissolves his fix
I watch you stare and judge and moan
''Where is your son? Is he at home?''

All safe and sound and drug immune
Or does he play a different tune?''
My boy was bright, he knew the score
He went to college, studied law

A life so full, until that day
He found a different game to play
This drug's not choosy, not select
It just wants in to take effect.

To introduce the high of highs
And fool you with the lie of lies
No child is safe, not black nor white
No time is safe, not day or night.

No place is safe, not here or there
We're all unsafe, we're unaware
So when you next walk past my lad
Remember he's not all that bad.

He's locked inside a sealed tomb
The child I carried in my womb
And I'm his Mum, not even me
Can stop his tragic destiny.

© Ellen Johns

How To Die (a poem dedicated to Sir Bob Geldof)

2010-05-05T23:50:00.006Z

How To Die! (dedicated to Sir Bob Geldof)

(dedicated to Sir Bob Geldof)

Suspended in the hammock
of vein stained hands
his head gently rocked

As a million stomachs grumbled

His elbows the fulcrum
world famine the weight
on the verge of collapse

As a million stomachs grumbled

He hauled up his head
and he stared through his hair
and the western world silently waited

As a million stomachs grumbled

In quiet Irish brogue
his monotone mumblings
startled the hardest of hearts

As a million stomachs grumbled

A vision so vast
he reeled in compassion
and rivers of revenue flowed

As a million stomachs grumbled

His microphone soaked up
the sweat and the spittle
and lyrics of lunacy screamed

As a million stomachs grumbled

In death row defiance
and larynx on hold
two lines stopped the world

As a million stomachs grumbled

''The lesson today
is
how to die''

A MILLION TRUCKS OF GRAIN RUMBLED.

© Ellen Johns

A poem dedicated to Malcolm Mclaren and Sid Vicious...Stare!

2010-04-22T00:05:00.002Z

Inspired by Sid Vicious.

Stare!

stare at me.

I am hazardous hair

shockingly styled,

artistic anarchy,

fashion defiled.

A putrid purple

erectile protrusion,

a cerebral carpet

on skull of stubble.

Wince!

wince at me.

I am follicles fused,

graffiti-can lacquer,

needle pine spikes

pierce decade of doom.

Lancing of lobes,

rusting blunt pins,

abuse of skin viewed

in gallery of pain.

Jeer!

jeer at me.

I am Kohl application

in layers of sludge,

liquorice laces

on insipid lids.

Wire thin legs hang,

dangle from pelvis,

bandaged in leather

and tourniquet tight.

Believe!

believe in me.

I am royalty ransacked,

futile flag,

shredded rags

draped over pallid persona.

Chaotic gig,

spewing slurs,

bouncing in pools

of spittle and vomit.

Listen!

listen to me.

I am link over link,

jangling chains

curving the spine,

elderly stance.

Deafening decibels

lyrics disputed,

voice of disturbance

appalled but absorbed.

I am your son!

© Ellen Johns

Silence and I

2010-04-08T16:24:00.005Z

As darkness and light
have their eventide dual

Silence frames the room
spanning wall to wall

I reminisce, nostalgia
stroking my brow

The moment stolen, as time
nudges me, rocks my ribs

Reflection lets past doze
as shadows stretch

Present is perched on the sill
swinging her legs

Whilst future taps her fingers
to the beat of impatience

Disease serves a portion of pain
I wince at the size

Tolerance trips as he enters the room
caught by compassion’s warm grip

Beauty taps at dirt lacquered glass
curiosity parting the drapes

Dust huffs at such intrusion
disperses under duress

Fire in dominance crackles and spits
banishing cold from her place

Strength slips to the floor
a weak breeze bathes my face

Eventually death gathers up what is his,
my shaking soul, and my last earthly breath.

© Ellen Johns 2004

Happy 18th birthday Nicola...x x x

2010-02-24T12:09:00.006Z

On Sunday 21st February (the week-end just gone), my first-born daughter had her 18th birthday. In the U.K., 18 is the coming of age birthday, although I understand it can be 21 in other countries. Nicola was born on her dad's dad's birthday, her ''Poppa's'' and he was 80 on Sunday so they shared a party and a cake.
I can hardly believe I am now the parent of an adult, it's official, ha.

We had extra celebrations, because Nicola was recently accepted into her first choice university, which is Liverpool, where she wants to train and study to be a physiotherapist. There were 1,200 applicants and only 40 places and Nicola secured one of those so we are all really proud of her.

We had a lovely family meal in a local Italian restaurant called ''Mama Rosa's'' on the Friday.
My friend Claire baked and decorated a brilliant cake with ''Meerkats'' as the central theme as Nicola loves these fascinating creatures.

I bought Nic a ''Pandora'' charm bracelet for her gift and other family members bought charms to attach to it.

My other daughter Becky and I, made a ''scrapbook'' of Nicola's life and presented it to her. The first picture in the scrapbook was her first baby scan image at 12 weeks old.I shed many tears whilst trawling through the hundreds of pictures, school certificates and keepsakes of Nicola.

I wonder where all those years have gone to, but they have, and she has lived them as have the rest of us.

She has university place, a boyfriend called Chris who treats her very well, a promising and worthwhile future with a career in physiotherapy,and lots lots more.

The day she was born, my dream for Nicola was that she not only had her dreams but chased them and lived them and she is doing. Good for you Nicola.

Happy 18th ''Nicola''...we all love you very much.

x x x x

''Volunteer Dolly'' (a poem dedicated to the WRVS)

2010-02-14T00:04:00.003Z

Whilst trawling through some of my poetry files, I found this humourous little poem I wrote whilst I was sat in a hospital waiting room a few years back, passing the time.

It's dedicated to the volunteers who give freely of their time to serve the public with refreshments in our busy hospitals.

In these clothes I am...

Volunteer Dolly
with the squeaky-wheeled trolley
down the corridors I hurtle
with my neighbour, name of Myrtle.

With our floral pinnies pristine
from the laundry...pressed by Christine
we pour out the treacle coffee
and restock the choice of toffee.

Our services we render
with compassion, oh so tender
to the patients who are needy
and their visitors, so greedy!

In the W.V.S (Womens Voluntary Service)
we put up with so much stress
smile a thousand times a day
hum and whistle hours away

As we boldly sell our wares
we ignore intrusive stares
keep decorum in the queue
give directions to the loo

Thirty years have been and gone
since we joined this merry throng
so much time to smile and serve
what a varied learning curve

Myrtle says we should retire
when our creaky bones expire
take a cruise around the Med
put our feet up, stay in bed

What? my life with out a trolley?
I AM VOLUNTEER DOLLY...

Ellen Johns 2005

Three cheers for ''Hairless B'' from ''Smokeless E''

2010-01-27T00:14:00.013Z

Hi guys,
I would like to share an event with you that took place recently.
My good friend Berenice/Lydia had all her hair shaved off for charity.
I was the ''official photographer'' for the event and would like to share some of the pics here with you.

The chosen charity is ''Wateraid'' and the target to raise is £500.00... donations have been coming in since the deed was done and hopefully the final target will be reached and hopefully exceeded.

I am very proud of her for actually going through with this and maintaining such good spirits throughout.

She has had a bit of a chill the last few days but hopefully is over the worst of it and her hair is growing back quite quickly.

So, it's three cheers for Berenice/Lydia and a wee prayer for the charity ''Wateraid'' and the good work it does all over this world of ours

Fade...A new song from Richie...

2010-01-14T00:34:00.002Z

Hi there
For my latest blog post, I am writing down the lyrics of Richie's latest song.
It is called ''Fade'' and I wanted to share it here with you.

I find it quite hard to explain how it feels when someone writes a song for you...it is a very special thing, that much I do know.

Richie has embedded a player on my blog and ''Fade'' is the first song you will hear, followed by some more of his music.

This is not the finished draft as it is still a work in progress...will re-post the final version at a later date.

Thanks Richie...x x x

Don't fade
----------

I've imagined of a time
a place true and free
theres only you and i
feelin lucky and secure
no longer out of place
we're home

and You will be right there
to wrap into my arms
you will be the smile
I'll carry all the awhile
you will beat my heart
you will fill my soul
with joy and song

I've imagined of a day
i wake to see you next to me
i reach and u dont fade
whisper softly in your ear
how much it means to me

you're here

you will be my light
when everything seems dArk
you wil be my guide
we know that i'll get lost
you will be my fight
only thing worth dying for
You are...

imagine no more wasted time
no more empty hands
yours are wrapped in mine
our hearts will grow, baby
your the reason i believe
in love

you will be each breath
the ones youve took away
you will be each thought
that brightens up my day
you will be my life
every reason i'm alive

I've imagined of a day
you're right next to me

i reach for you

i reach and you
don't fade

Bunny in scarf!

2009-12-31T10:59:00.003Z

Here is Milo...and he is all ready for the snow that is forecast here in Wales in the next day or two! We haven't seen any yet though!

He has his full winter coat and a bunny scarf to keep him nice and warm.

What a handsome little dude.

I would love to take a photo of him with my dog Fizz, but being as she is a whippet...it's not such a good idea!!!!

Thank you to ''Emma'' his owner, for allowing him to be featured here.

I would like to wish all my friends from around the globe a Happy New Year.

x x x x x x x x x x x

Knitted Nativity

2009-12-23T23:53:00.003Z

Last night, Berenice and I went to see a really good Choir called ''The Conwy Valley Carol Singers'' who were performing at my church.. They sang in English and in Welsh and the readings were also conducted in both languages.

We were invited to sing along with some carols too, and some of the verses were in German and Latin!

It was a lovely evening and during refreshments afterwards, we spotted a knitted nativity and took a couple of photos.

I am a keen knitter and on examining the individual pieces, I soon realised just how much work must have gone into the figures. That's not to say I wouldn't have a go at a collection of these knitted figures myself...it's just very fiddly and no doubt quite time-consuming, but it would be so worth it with the end product being so appealing.

I would like to share the knitted nativity with you and wish you all A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR.

God bless x x x x

Hundreds of Santas...

2009-12-19T21:55:00.003Z

I had completely forgotten about the annual ''Santa run'' when I turned a corner onto the promenade recently on my way to work.

And there they were...hundreds of them. Some were running, some walking quickly and others just strolling along with all the time in the world.

It was quite a surprise!

I took the pictures on my phone and although they are not brilliant quality, they give you some idea of of the scene before me.

It's a charity run and here's a little information about it.

Llandudno will once again become a sea of red along the Prom as the Ty Gobaith Santa Fun Run returns on Sunday 6th December at 11am. The mile long course along the Promenade in Llandudno is open to all ages.

Following the success of the last two years events which has raised over £70,000 for local terminally ill children and their families we are looking forward to seeing you at the start line.

''Poppy'' (A remembrance poem)

2009-11-08T08:31:00.006Z

Poppy

A single red poppy, the symbol of grief,
a circle of poppies, commemorative wreath.
A colour so eye catching, deepest of red,
a shade representing the blood that was shed.

A natural narcotic encased in its' bloom,
reminds us of pain, and impending doom.
With wafer thin petals and delicate stem,
fragility reigned in the lives of those men.

Falling in thousands first one then another,
fathers with sons and their nephews and brothers.
The poppy seeds scatter, they drop in the breeze
fall to the ground like those men on their knees.

A new generation of life had begun,
because those brave men fought our battle and won.
Those sacrificed souls, the spoils of war,
ensured our release so that peace reigned once more.

At attention in death, row on row of white stones
annonymous soldiers, no names and no homes.
So when the parade passes by, rifles shoot
and fragile old soldiers raise hands in salute.

For the ignorant people who walk past and stare,
remember we're here, because those men were there.

© Ellen Johns

Witchy poo!!!!

2009-11-04T22:16:00.005Z

Another lovely animal...

2009-10-26T22:40:00.005Z

Well, here is yet another post of mine with an animal theme.

I would like to introduce you to -----???

I honestly don't know his name, or who owns him, I just know I love him. He has been residing in a field next to the place I work and a couple of weeks ago he disappeared.(I was really upset at the time, as it was the highlight of my day spending a little time with him before work).
However, when I returned to work last week after some holiday time, I climbed the hill, turned the corner and there he was again...hooray!

As soon as I see him, I call out to him, ''hello, you lovely guy'' and he always comes to me. He usually walks over, sometimes trots, and once he even cantered!!! It was so cute to see him hurtling towards me.

I am highly allergic to both rabbits and horses, but that doesn't deter me from getting close to them...even if my eyes swell, I itch all over and get a runny nose...ha.

I don't know who owns this lovely animal but I wish I did...sigh.
I used to go riding a lot in my youth, every Saturday for a few years and I loved it.
I did go riding a couple of years ago in Cyprus whilst on holiday but would love to start again...it's just the allergy that makes it difficult...oh well.

Here are some pics I took last week of ''my guy''.

Hope you are all well and I look forward to catching up with you.
x