Welcome to the series of Posts from Your Archives and I will be sharing posts from the SECOND six months of 2023 from your archives.
This current series is now closed to submissions but there will be a new series to participate in later in the year.
This is the first post from writer and blogger Melanie McGauran of Leaving the Door Open and shares her thoughts on life and taking passions to the limit….
Take It to the Limit
I was fifteen when The Eagles released their song “Take It to the Limit.” Just typing those words brings the melody to mind; it has that strong of a hook. Some songs are like that.
The song was unique because it was one of the rare times that base player Randy Meisner took the lead vocals. Typically, Meisner sang the higher harmonies on most of their albums. This song, however, needed his upper vocal range, and he carried that song into the rafters every time he was on stage.
Randy Meisner died July 26th at age 77. Most news platforms paid appropriate tributes to his legacy. NBC shared an interview where the famously shy band member spoke about his big hit.
“My take on ‘Take it to the Limit’ is to keep trying, especially before you reach a point in your life where you feel you’ve done everything.”
I think of this in a couple of different ways.
First, if you have a singular passion, whether it be writing music or becoming a foster parent, stick with it. Take your commitment to the limit. That singular focus should bring success. Be patient and take the dream as high as you can.
I also apply it to people who want to see and do it all (metaphorically speaking). Without getting into too much “pop psychology” about it, I think of it as taking your overall life’s journey to the limit.
I recently saw a story of two friends on the news. They are both 81-year-old women, who decided to travel around the world in 80 days as a nod to the iconic book written in 1872, or the movie I guess which came out in 1956. They succeeded, even working around a global pandemic.
I get it. That type of high energy choice is not for most of us. But it illustrates exactly what Meisner was saying about trying until you reach your “I’ve done everything, I’m too old for that” stage. That stage is on a spectrum. It’s just not a green light or a red light. Clearly, the women are at one end of that spectrum, but there’s a whole middle section, smaller in scope, which may still be worth trying; worth saying yes to. That spoke to me and I knew it would become my first post as I return to the blog.
Meisner’s message actually parallels my whole theme this year, which I referenced in January. I called it my #liveagreatstory year. Briefly, “Live a Great Story” is a movement. It initially started through Instagram, where people shared photos (usually travel) of what they believe is a great story.
There are other ways to approach this goal, though.
It could be starting a business, being a teacher, or just trying to enjoy the moment. It is solely based on the person and what that phrase means to them.
After randomly finding a “Live A Great Story” sticker on a beach shower pole, I wrote in January that I wanted to try to do that in 2023. I hoped to both find and try something new, something engaging this year. I wanted to experiment with that line of thinking (although I’m not parachuting out of a plane!)
I would say the biggest experiment I’ve taken on so far was to enroll in an online Independent Study writing course for a month this summer.
The instructor was kind, accessible… and tough. I felt like I was in writing boot camp, but honestly, that was precisely where I wanted to be. Her questions and feedback probed, re-directed, and with a little guidance on “tone”, I re-wrote entire sections of an ongoing project. She responded with enthusiastic approval. The content I sent her is absolutely at a higher level because of her.
Live a Great Story is a wonderful idea, but there is room for Meisner’s take. My “taking it to the limit” might be as simple as saying “yes” to as many things I’d like to try. I’m not ready to face all red lights yet.
A serendipitous reminder I ran into on my birthday
Luckily, that same classic song is so familiar, it can serve as a personal reminder for us. It can nudge us when we hear it on the radio, or streaming or even in an ad. It will encourage us to think about what it means to each of us to take it to the limit.
“So put me on a highway
Show me a sign,
Take it to the limit
One more time.” (And maybe one more time after that…)
If you are new to the song, or want to reminisce: Eagles
©Melanie McGauran 2023
My thanks to Melanie for inviting me to share posts from her archives and I know she would love to hear from you.
About Melanie McGauran
In between school carpools and planning Halloween parties, I started out writing professionally as a free-lance reporter for Pioneer Press Newspapers in the Chicagoland area. I interviewed two dozen business owners in my “A Day in the Life” series and covered countless speakers at various public venues.
When my son was older, I took a full-time job with Legacy.com. This is the company which hosts obituary pages for newspapers, literally, around the world. I was intrigued by a medium which helped people connect on a global scale; a still relatively new concept in 2007.
After moving from Chicago to Florida’s Space Coast, I began the blog to hold onto the stories and situations I was now facing helping my elderly mother. I had hopes of creating a communal platform with tips and helpful conversations about coping with an aging parent. But I got cancer instead. I decided to write about that. Life loves throwing a curveball. Since then, the blog has shifted into memoir, feature pieces that satisfy my reporting side, interesting conversations and more. I like to offer a consistent variety.
I’ve been published in Literary Mama, Illinois Parks & Recreation, The Rotarian and Story Circle Network’s 2022 “Real Women Write” Anthology. Available on Amazon
Connect to Melanie on her blog: Leaving the Door Open – Twitter: @opendoorstories
Thanks for dropping in today and it would be great if you would click the share buttons on your way out… Sally.
What a great blog and I loved the ‘Eagles’ reminder too.
for me ‘take it to the limit’ has been my fantastic time with my grandson and now my granddaughter. I didn’t think I would love my playtime again, as much as I do. and I never thought for one minute my grandson would look forward to our adventures as much as he does – gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. We certainly are ‘living a great story’.
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I love that Alexander and his sister have such a wonderful grandmother and I suspect there will be another lego fan or two in the family as they grow. ♥
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Thank you. Yes.
I take each visit and play day I have with the grandchildren as a bonus. I never assume it is a given. I make the most of what we have at the moment as everything could change.
For a start the 10 minute collection time is now 45 minutes there and 45 minutes back so Isabelle’s playtime is different.
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Loved it, loved that song and still do. Thanks for this! It does strike home.
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Thanks Tricia. xx
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Thank you Tricia! I love that it struck home with you; that means a lot. And it’s easy to say that this band was my favorite during my teen years. There wasn’t a song I ever passed over on the radio…just a few years ago. 🙂
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A fantastic post – congrats, Melanie
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Thanks very much Toni ♥
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Thank you so much Toni! I am humbled that you thought it was fantastic and I appreciate that you wanted to share that here. Have a wonderful day. 🙂
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Terrific post!
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Thanks Jennie! I appreciate your enthusiasm so much. 🙂
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As one of Melanie’s regular followers, I always perk up when I see her posts. We first connected through our moms living at assisted living. Whatever she writes about, it’s always thought-provoking and honest. What more could you want from a writer?
The Eagles are up there at the top of my all-time favorite bands. Not a week goes by when I’m not checking out their group or solo work. I especially love listening to Meisner or Henley.
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Thanks for your boost for Melanie’s blog Pete and I am an Eagles fan too. I still have the original tapes despite not having anything to play them on..perhaps I need to buy a vintage car lol.. hugsx
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That’s a very cool solution to your dilemma Sally! Go for it.
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♥
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Gosh Pete, I am sincerely touched by your support of my writing. Thank you very much for sharing it here. We have definitely had many conversations and I have learned so much from you. I do remember that The Eagles are in your top 3 or 4 of your favorite bands, and for good reason. They’ve earned their spot to become a legend by taking their talent to the limit, haha. Thanks again.
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So great to see Melanie and her inspirational post here today Sal. I love the Eagles and I love the message, and the choice of lyrics is perfect. ❤
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Thanks Debby, I felt the same when I read it… ♥♥
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it! ♥♥♥
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No doubts Sal ❤ xx
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Hi Debby! Yes, I just added some thoughts to the core of Meisner’s lyrics; he totally led me there. 🙂 I’m glad the message came through (along with a great melody) and I definitely appreciate Sally including me here. ♥ Thank you!
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Great to see you here Melanie. Hugs ❤
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Hugs, too! 😊❤️
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❤
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Much food for thought in Melanie’s blog post!
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Thank you Liz! All of it was just inspired by Meisner himself. I’m so glad you liked it. 🙂
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You’re welcome, Melanie!
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Certainly is Liz xx
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A super message, Melanie. I love the Eagles and it was a treat to listen while reading your post.
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Excellent John! You gave yourself a double dose of The Eagles in song and words, haha. Seriously though, Meisner’s words spoke to me about choices and living life. I sang this song a lot as a teenager, but it’s meaning is so different now.
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I have been very sorry at the passing of the Eagles one by one.
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I am right there with you. I have always wanted to see them in concert. Without Glenn Fry and Meisner, it just wouldn’t be the same, however, it’s possible Don Henley could do a solo tour.
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Yeah , Don is great.
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Thanks John..hugsx
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😁
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Thanks for sharing. Powerful and important message.
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Thanks very much Andrew. Enjoy your week.
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Thank you Sally. ♥
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Pleasure Melanie.. ♥
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You’re welcome, Sally. Same to you.
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Thank you Andrew! I really appreciate that the message resonated with you. It’s been a personal goal to “live” in a bigger way.
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You’re welcome, Melanie. It’s something I’m constantly striving for.
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Ahhh, love that Andrew. You’re a kindred spirit.
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🙂
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love this share and this song with lots of insight! The Eagles is a fav and love this song. Good thing we keep on keeping on! 💓🌏💓🌏
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Thanks very much Cindy and one of my favourite bands… and it is a good thing we keep on keeping on. I have sent you an email with two dates for your archive posts I have selected and I am sure they will be much enjoyed.. ♥♥
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You’re so very welcome, sally. They are soooo good and we sure do! Oh yippee., Thank you so much💕🙏🏼
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♥
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Hi Cindy. 🙂 Most of The Eagles albums are absolutely a soundtrack to my youth. I adore them. I was sad to learn of Meisner’s passing, but thrilled to find the story and message behind “Take it to the Limit”. And yes, we must “keep on Keeping on”, thank you!
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Yes, indeed Melanie, mine as well! Soooo sad but a great message indeed! My pleasure for sure💓💓
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It is tempting to slide into “I’m too old”. I started my business and writing when I was too old, but no one told me!
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With you on that Jacqui…hugsx
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What a great point Jacqui! Age is truly irrelevant if we have goals; it’s not setting them which slows us down to all red lights. 🙂 I appreciate your comment here today! 🙂
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I love this song, and had it stuck in my head a couple of days ago. I am not familiar with Melanie, so this is a great introduction. Thanks, Sally!
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Wonderful thanks Jan, delighted you enjoyed and how spooky that song was stuck in your head already.. ♥
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Hello Jan! Nice to “meet” you. I concur with Sally, that is crazy that the song got stuck in your head a couple of days ago! But I am happy to offer up an Eagles song to get it stuck again haha, as it is such a talented band. Plus, I like their lyrics. Thanks for taking the time here.
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Just perfect and a song worth taking in!
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Thanks very much Noelle… ♥
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Thank you so much Noelle! I’m glad you liked the piece…and the song!! 🙂
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