Focus on the Stars - Celebrations

 Christmas time comes with celebrations to cherish.

The beginning of the month of December I picked up a friend and off we drove through the countryside to a farm for tea.

And then I invited my women's group to my apartment for teatime.

I served sandwiches with cucumber, another with smoked trout, and then my favorite black olives. There were also fruit skewers, mince pies, and stollen, plus cheeses and crackers. And of course, there was tea.

My "live-in gardener" and I went out for French onion soup and a sweet. I was enamored by this restaurant Christmas tree.

Our realtor has a party every year where they give a freshly cut tree, greens, or a wreath. Plus the party has soup, hot drinks, and cookies/donuts. Since we used this realtor 23 years ago when we bought our house and then they sold the house for us at the beginning of this year, we are a long-time client. We love their annual party. The past 3 or 4 years we have enjoyed a wreath, but before that we had many trees.

A friend and I traveled to Salem, Oregon for the next celebration. Teatime at a historic house, Deepwood Estate. They had a storyteller sharing the story of Dickens and the Christmas story.

The tea was a rose scented black tea. Isn't the cup pretty?

There were trees decorated throughout the house.

I got to say hello to my little girl. She told me she was happy in her new home.

She was my doll for over 50 years and now lives at the museum to greet visitors.

This desk reminded me of my grandfather's desk. I could picture sitting here writing you a letter and sipping my tea.

There are also early morning personal celebrations just sitting on my green velvet couch with candlelight and tea.

A Christmas concert to enjoy.

Cookies to be baked.

And finally, a church program to attend.

Here is my "live-in gardener" reading The Night Before Christmas.

Christmas season is a time for celebrations, and I love them all.

Hoping you have had moments of celebration in the season of JOY.

I know sometimes there are challenges and sadness that go along with this time of the year, but for me I try to focus on the JOY and HOPE.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Focus on the Stars - Passion

 Passion

A glimmer only do I see

A spark takes hold and

begins to shine

Only a spark at first

It grows 

It ignites

It envelops

and consumes

The fire has been created

and soon it dances

with exuberance.

It is said a fire becomes

the color of the heart.

Yes, reds and golds

and heat do sing in my chest.

In this my singing heart

I find Passion.

Passion is of the heart

A Joy not to be contained

A fire burns there

I know it does

I will dance and

embrace this heart full of Passion,

this heart of God.

This God of Love.

M.Miller

What passion do you find burning in your soul?

A Joy not to be contained?

As we approach a new year soon, I am beginning a mental review of the past year and also the coming year. What passion do I want to include in 2026.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Focus on the Stars - My Decorations

 Welcome to my front door. What can I say, but I am thoroughly enjoying my little abode in this apartment complex. At the end of this corridor is a dog park/play area to run in.

Step inside.

The family gallery is just inside the door.

The door ahead is the office, which is messy.

I won't be showing you that as it is just computers, desks, and bookshelves.

Turn left into the kitchen and living space.

This is where it is beginning to feel like Christmas.

There are two trees in here, my little silver foil tree sits on a vintage child's chair.

Take a peek outdoors on the patio. I am not sure you can tell, but that clay pot is holding our tomato cage (upside down), wrapped in lights and a bow on top. It's our outdoor Christmas lights that twinkle at night.

Here is the main tree with a family antique quilt underneath. In front is my reading/napping chair, which I found at an estate sale many years ago. It is 100 years old and sooo cozy.

The large cabinet I found at a farm auction in Kansas about 50 years ago. It was built before the Civil War. It is where I store my china and accessories.

Since I don't have a mantle now, the window will have to do for my little village of trees and cottages. The JOY on the cabinet usually stays out all year just because I love the bling.

Here's a closer look at some of the tree decorations.

Here's the butterfly I added this year.

The clothespin ballerinas came from the time my daughter and I took ballet many years ago.
Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into the twinkle and delight in my world this year.

I hope you are surrounded by twinkle and delight this holiday season.

Sending love,

Marilyn

 Yesterday a friend and I kicked off the holiday season with teatime at Pomeroy Farm.

The drive through the countryside was a delight. The food was delicious. And the festive decorations put us in the mood for celebrating.

Just outside the tearoom was this beautiful apple tree. I just had to snap a picture.

Included in teatime was a tour of the old log house. I thought you might enjoy seeing a few sights from the house.

Fascinating that even the ceiling had wallpaper.

Pomeroy Farm is about an hour north of Portland, but the drive was beautiful through the countryside. It is a historic farm that has special events throughout the year.

Sending hopes that your Christmas season is full of delight and surprises.

Marilyn