Focus on the Stars

A tea tasting just today. There were eleven teas we sipped. Some teas I liked and some not so much. The ones I liked I wanted to just sit in quietness and savor each and every sip, wrapping my hands around the warm cup, feeling the warmth travel through my body.

I am asked why I use this word, SAVOR. What does it mean to me? Is it something good to know and use? Yes, those questions sit unsaid at times, but I see them in your eyes. Is savor a word you like to use? It isn't one I hear often.

For many of you seeing my teatime utensils probably are not as familiar as seeing an English teapot and cup. Yes, I do sometimes have my tea English style, but then sometimes I have Asian style too. Most of my friends tend toward Asian style; thus you see that style here today.

One English style teacup just to give another view.

 Savor tells me exactly how the warmth feels in my hands. It tells me of the joy of God's creation as I sit in the early morning hours and watch the sun rise. It tells me of the feeling I have when I wrap myself in mothers warm embrace or feel the sticky juice from a freshly picked peach as it runs down my chin or walk hand in hand slowly through a snowy day.

Savor is a good word, a word that creates so many images of JOY for me. It is a bit romantic in its feel.

Is there a word you cherish and love to use that is out of the ordinary?

Happy new week, dear friends!

Love,

Marilyn

Focus on the Stars

 This coming Sunday I have been asked to give the "First Word" to begin the church service. My pastor said to think "Gratitude". In writing the Focus on the Stars this year I feel like it has been a nod to "gratitude".  Often we notice and focus on the big things, such as wellness/illness, food/no food, or the well being of those around us.

 In my church each Sunday people share requests and celebrations in offering prayer and it is the big things that often get mentioned.

I hope by "focusing on the stars" this year you have taken time to notice some of the small things, the things we often forget to mention. I know I am always thankful for food in the cupboard and good health. I am thankful for a full cup of tea, apple pie, and a friend to share it with.

I am thankful each and every day that I am mobile. I am thankful for beautiful nature, even when the trees lose their leaves. I am thankful that my tea plant on my patio is in bloom right now. I am thankful for a warm, cozy place to lay my head each night.

What small thing would you share?

Have a great week, dear friends!

Even though life is insane at times, let's keep focusing on the stars, the glimmers of light and hope.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Focus on the Stars

 Winds of Hope

Do you like the wind blowing on you as you walk a country lane?

Or at the seashore with your toes imbedded in the sand?

As a young girl I absolutely loved the wind blowing on me.

Secret be told, I still do.

The wind feels like it just washes all worries away.

It lifts my spirits and makes me smile.

I feel like I can fly away over the sea and trees,

a bird with no cares.

The trees sing a special song just for me.

They sway to and fro saying "come hither".

Walk with me, let the winds blow.

Allow it to sing a new song just for you and smile.

For each day is a new day, wiped clean by the wind.

It's as fresh as a baby's scent when nuzzled close.

Embrace it, savor it, and let the stars shine for you.

Hold on to HOPE.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Well Hello! Focus on the Stars

 Happy Halloween week!

Do you like spooky stories? 

How about when you were young?

When I was about 8 years old I had a friend that had a grandmother that was so good at telling spooky stories. I loved visiting in the evening, laying on the floor covered by a blanket as she turned the lights down low and told us the best, scariest stories. I would be shaking and covering my head in terror, but at the same time I looked forward to it. I loved it!

I wish I could remember the stories, but just the idea of that time in my life brings a smile to my face.

I actually think she would have been scolded by the parents for telling us the stories, but what a treat.

Were there bad dreams, maybe!! I won't tell.

Do you like spooky stories?

Just for the fun of it, I am reading a witchy story this week.

Will there be some sleepless nights? I don't think so.

I once had a dolls head similar to this. My grandson made me hide it because it scared him so much.

I guess it could be a little creepy. What do you think?

I love the whimsy of this season. A time when goblins come out to play. Play is good for the soul. It lightens the dark nights. Hoping you find time to play and lighten the dark nights. Maybe light some candles and make some hot apple cider to lighten the darkness and see a glimmer of the stars.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Focus on the Stars

Autumn JOY!

This past Saturday I was out at the NO KINGS rally. There were a few inflatable attendees that just made me smile. The song that has rung through my head since then is God Bless America. I am continuing to sing that each and every day. We are blessed and must hold on to that HOPE. It was a gorgeous blue-sky day, and we were joined by thousands, no millions, around the world to speak up.

Do you love driving in the country at this time of year? I love finding beautiful colors popping up here and there.

And then in my own little place I love having some touches of the season and a bit of silliness to celebrate the season.

This pumpkin scarecrow greets us as we enter the apartment.

Even at teatime the season invades.

Sunflowers are the final touch that makes me just smile.

How many pumpkins did you count?

Do you celebrate the season in your own place?

Does it make you smile?

Sending love,

Marilyn

One final pumpkin. Do you see it in my patio garden?

 

 

 

 

 

Focus on the Stars

Martin Luther King once said, "only in darkness can you see the stars."  However, when I did a little research, similar quotes go back as far as the mid-1800's. Then in the Psalms, King David referred to the moment when the night is at its darkest, that the brightest star rises.

All of these references indicate holding on to HOPE.

When we can't see the way forward; we must hold on for the wild ride, the tender ride, the sad ride and notice the brightest star shining in the darkest night. For love will guide the way.

I always associate a red rose to love. Let it be a symbol for us to love one another.

Never, ever give up. Always hold on to HOPE.

Keep your eyes open.

Light candles in the dark night.

And keep singing a joyful song.

One foot in front of another will lead to love.

Sending love,

Marilyn

 

Focus on the Stars

 "Keep truth in the light" heard on YouTube

With the insanity of the world these days it is more important than ever to focus on the glimmers of light and truth. Some days for me are harder than other days.

Many of you know I live in the Portland, Oregon area. I am sure you have seen in the news that some say the city is in turmoil. As we in the area are trying to focus on the beauty of our city, I can tell you we are not in turmoil. People are out and about doing their normal living. It has been gorgeous here lately. I choose to share that beauty here.

Yes, I might go out protesting with my sign, but at the same time I will savor the beauty around me. I choose to focus on the stars.

Fall is in the air.

Gardens are winding down.

Colors are golden.

Pumpkins abound.

I bought some delicata squash at this farm stand. I couldn't resist the feel of autumn here.

My cousin's front porch. Isn't it pretty?

There are still roses in the gardens.

And dahlias all around.

Now go out and notice your glimmers in your part of the world. What are they? Focus on the stars, the glimmers, and the beauty of your world. And let truth reign!

Sending love,

Marilyn