Brrrr Basket and a Caring Heart

 

Not that pretty of a picture today. But a picture of caring, of saying "I hope you feel better soon". It has been a week of being sick. Amazingly, I had not been sick for about 15 years. I must say, it just isn't fun! Not sure if it was the flu or just a bad cold; but I think I will survive.

My neighbor messaged me to let us know she would be gone for a few days this week. I said we would be here, as we are healing. A little while after that there was a knock on the door and a message from our neighbor saying she had left some soup by our door. That felt so cared for. Then the next day, our daughter brought more soup. We have the best soup bar at the market by our apartment, I must remember that in the future.

I have often thought about making a "Brrr Basket" as a gift during the winter months. What would I put into it? It would be a basket of cozy things for a cold winter day.

A mug

Hot chocolate mix with marshmallows

Cozy socks

Good book or puzzle

Warm knit gloves

A cozy robe or sweater

Of course, some tea

What would you put in a Brrrr Basket?

My friend that's husband passed away recently, when asked what she needed said "send donuts". Are donuts something that would comfort you? I think I will look for a donut shop near her and send a gift certificate.

My post isn't very beautiful today, but the beauty is in the caring for others. The small things of saying "you are cared for".

Sending love,

Marilyn

Focus on the Stars

 

“In the midst of darkness, light persists.”

– Mahatma Gandhi, Speech (1947)

I love that this stream under the trees still captures the light through the dark forest.

It seems that having chosen the theme this year has kept me focusing on the same rays of light. On Instagram I find myself saying "In darkness, focus on hope". I say it in so many little ways each day. Then I notice that others are also saying the same thing in their own ways. And in this I am noticing little rays of sunshine, laughter and hope. I know I needed this focus to get me through this year.

This picture was a couple years ago, but you might smile at seeing it. It's funny, but dressing this way to go to tea was hard for me to do. I tend to step quietly, not to be noticed. So wearing a fur coat and sunglasses was out of my comfort zone. But I was glad I did it. It was good for me to be bold. It created a memory of laughing at myself, a little silliness does the soul good. A little light in my day.

 Last Saturday I ventured out to the April 5th "Push Back" demonstration. I went with trepidation and concern for safety, but I went anyway. Parking was found close by and I soon found myself standing on a highway overpass with my sign that says "Liar, liar, pants on fire!" Soon enough cars drove by and I was thoroughly brought to tears at the positive response. There were thumbs up and happy tooting horns. So many responded in a special way to the more than a 1000 people that showed up not far from my home to speak out. My heart swelled with joy to feel validated and for speaking up. We must step out of our comfort zone as often as possible. It creates memories, it makes us stronger, and brings surprises to our world. It is HOPE.

What glimmers of hope have you seen this week? Where are you stepping out of your comfort zone?

Sending love,

Marilyn

 

Happy Place

 Recently a long time online friend asked "where is your happy place?". She was wondering where does your mind go when you can't sleep, a place that relaxes you and helps you rest.

This first memory is so strong in my mind I was sure I had a photograph of it, but I think it is just a picture in my mind.

My happy place has always been by the seashore. I remind myself of the time my mother showed me how to dig in the sand a hole to sit in, laying my towel over the hole that fit my behind just right. That image is so real in my mind that I thought I might have a picture of it. I went looking, but didn't find one.

What I did find was this:

 

My second happy place when I need to rest is visiting Hawaii for the first time. I laid in a hammock and just let my worries go out the door. I didn't think I had a picture of that, but surprise - I found one. I can just imagine laying there, swinging gently in the seaside breeze. Yep, that is me 26 years ago.

Then the other night, when I couldn't sleep, my mind went to the time my "live-in gardener" and I visited Carcasonne, France. We stayed inside the medieval walls for 3 nights. At night most of the tourists were gone and we would walk around the little village in the dark. We would stop to eat a local meal under the stars and the branches of a large tree. It was like we were the only ones sitting there in the world just savoring good food and gentle, warm breezes. It was delightful.

Have you notice a trend for me? My comfort place, my happy place is outdoors.

Where is your happy place? Where does your mind take you when you have a hard time going to sleep?

Sending love,

Marilyn

Pie

Recently a friend invited me to come to her yard and pick berries.

In the past I have picked marionberries there, but this time it was

loganberries and raspberries.

Now Oregon does grow wonderful berries

and I love, love having them in my freezer.

So off I went!

The berry vines were loaded and more than my friend could use.

In no time we had a bucket of loganberries and another of raspberries.

Definitely a pie was in order.

"We must have pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie."  ~David Mamet

Indeed I must agree with that quote.

Earlier this week I was reading about "soul food" and what food comforted you growing up.

Thinking on this I came to the conclusion it was pie for me.

Any kind of pie would do, but fruit pies were at the top of the list.

Yesterday I went on a hike with my 7 year old grandson and told him about

reading about "soul food".

I asked if I could teach him how to make a pie and he agreed.

So one day we will plan a day to make a pie.

The berry pie was a combination of loganberry, raspberry, and a hand full of blueberries.

Needless to say, it was quite delicious and quite gone now.

Do you love pie?

What kind is your favorite?

There is another pie filling in the freezer for winter.

I love having summer sun in my freezer during the bleak winter months.

Then the raspberries are frozen too, but for another reason.

I love raspberries in my morning yogurt.

Already I look forward to a hand full of raspberries tomorrow.

Yummmmmmmmm!

Happy weekend dear friends!

Hope pie is a part of your weekend.

Word for the Day - 2020

COMFORT

For zoom church yesterday I was asked to share a word at the beginning of the service.

We call that "first word".

This is what I shared about my mother and God.

Hope you enjoy it.

"With Mother’s Day on my mind I read the scripture for today.  Two words particularly jumped out at me. Refuge and Comfort. These remind me of my mother. As a young girl the town where I lived had a siren that blew each day to mark the time at noon. It was part of my life and a comfort. Once in the while it would ring out loudly at an odd time, even during the night.  It was a signal to the volunteer firemen to come because there was a fire in town. It would wake me terrified, shaking and crying. My mother rocked me until I quieted down and could go back to sleep.  She comforted me.

My mother was a simple, beautiful lady who made simple food that was comforting. Her popovers with homemade jam were the best. And when she was down she told me to get the teapot out and we plopped in a teabag or two and for awhile we pretended to be ladies or we pretended to be the queen. We laughed and suddenly she felt better. Her home was always tidy and clean and she loved her two girls more than I can even imagine. She created a safe place, a refuge of comfort and love.

God’s love can be both a comfort and refuge in times of struggle.  In times when we are down – God holds us in loving arms and says it will be well.

My mother found refuge in God. I knew that she prayed for me daily. She comforted me."

Pandemic Tea Time

 Tea time during a pandemic!

Strange title for sure, but exactly what it is.

My birthday was a 1 1/2 weeks ago and it had to be canceled because of the pandemic.

Today I was scheduled to leave for India, which would have been a dream come true trip.

It was canceled because of the pandemic. So sad about this!!!

Thus said, I am so thankful for being in my own home safely tucked away

that I wanted to do something to celebrate.

Sunday I made the celebration happen by creating a tea time in the garden house

for those of us living in my house.

There are three of us, my "live-in gardener" (husband) and "live-in son".

I told my son "no coffee" as this was a tea time.

My husband made his own herbal tea (tisane).

And then we sat in the garden house and celebrated being there together.

There were tortilla wraps with turkey, cream cheese, and red currant jelly,

calla lily shaped sandwich with cream cheese and orange marmalade,

toasted shamrocks with honey butter, and

toothpicks with pickled beets and olives.

The scone was from a Sticky Fingers mix and was white chocolate/raspberry.

I actually had a little Irish butter, which was delicious on the scones

and a bit of a treat. Not something I usually buy.

Then for the sweet one, my challenge for this year is to make pavlova,

so I made small shells and filled them with vanilla cream

topped off with raspberry, banana, and frozen red currants.

I think they turned out quite yummy.

For some reason I had never made vanilla pudding/cream before

and was surprised how well it turned out and not hard at all.

So thankful for what I have tucked in the freezer too.

Now I must admit the scone mix was suppose to be a gift,

but I will replace it again and give it to the recipient when I can see her.

I think I will get one for my shelf too, it is very handy in a pinch and only took

water to make them.  This is being said from someone that is getting low on flour

and there is none to be found.

Oh and there was a good tea served too.

It was Ceylon Gold, white tea, a gift at Christmas from a friend.

Thanks friend, it is a good one.

Let's celebrate each day however makes our heart happy.

For me tea time in the garden house indeed makes my heart happy.

Why are you OBSESSED about Tea?

 Recently my sweet grandson asked me "why are you obsessed about tea?".

It surprised me, first that he used that word, but second that he would ask that question.

I am not sure what I said, but since then have thought about it.

Why am I obsessed about tea?

So here is my list:

1. It tastes good.

2. It is healthy.

3. Opened a world of dear friendships.

4.No calories, so no guilt.
5. Feels warm and cozy in my hands.
6. Searching out tea experience when traveling is fun.
7. Sharing with friends.
8. It warms me when it is cold.
9. It cools me when it is hot.
10. It quiets my heart to meditate on the day.

Pictures shared a year ago, but hope you enjoy once again.

So yes, I guess I am a bit "obsessed", but to tell you the truth
there could be worse things.
It is a good thing!

Happy weekend, dear friends!
Go have a cup of tea and let it take you to a peaceful moment.

Sit Awhile

There is something that draws me in when I see a chair.

It is a place of comfort, a place to rest for awhile.

If I could I would have a house full of chairs

to comfort you and draw you in.

To sit awhile with a hand holding a warm cup of tea

or maybe a good book.

You would be wrapped in a cozy quilt

to keep the warmth at bay.

Can you imagine sitting in this chair.

Tuck away for moments of quiet.

Soft music playing in the background.

Imagine with me what a chair can do,

then find one nearby and sit awhile.

Chairs found at the Monticello Antique Mall,

but you can find chairs just about anywhere.

Happy searching out chair day!

Ashes, Ashes, We All Fall Down!

 Just yesterday the sun in my neighborhood looked like this.

There was still smoke and ash in the air

from forest fires nearby.

 In the garden there is ash on the leaves.

It feels like it did when Mt. St. Helens erupted years ago.

There is a stillness in the air,

a smell of smoke,

and a sprinkling of ash.

So sad to know that just nearby there is destruction to our scenic highway.

I pray that homes can be saved and people can once again be safe.

I pray for those on the east coast that they will be able to return to their 

homes safely and their homes will be intact.

I pray for recovery in the south from the deluge of water.

And I pray for all those hurting, terrified, and in jeopardy around the

world that they will be comforted and held in the arms of those

that can give comfort.

During these times of upheaval I once again pray with

the song, Let there be peace on Earth and May it begin with Me.

Join me in holding those in need in prayer and comfort.

 

Multnomah Falls which has been in jeopardy this week.

Thankful for the fire fighters that are fighting to save

this beauty and the surrounding forests.

Pure Bliss

 Dear Sleep,

Sometimes you allude me

and I sleep not at all.

I toss and turn and toss again.

Finally I take my mind to those places long ago.

Places where sitting or laying by water

wrapped me in your protective blanket and took me to dreamland.

 As a young girl I remember digging a chair in the sand,

laying my towel there, and tucking into the comfy place.

Listening to the waves roll in and tumble the pebbles

at the edge of the sea while soaking up the sun,

I was lulled to sleep.

As a young mother, the exhaustion was true.

As the family played on a beach along the canal

I laid for what was to be a few moments rest on the dock,

but it became an hour sleeping in the sun.

As time went by I remember another time finding

myself in the tropics along the shoreline.

A hammock swung between two trees.

It beckoned me.

Soon the sun was warming clear down to my toes.

As I listened to the gentle waves and soaked in the sun,

I slept.

Do you have those moments when you must

walk with the memories that lulled you to sleep?

Does it help?

It sometimes helps me.

These are the memories I bring to a sleepless night.

The pictures of more recent times,

of sitting in the sun and near the water.

This truly is Pure Bliss to sleep by the sea

 with the sun warming our souls.

Truly a Luxury

 Joey thinks so too!

Only vintage pillow cases are used on my bed.

Why have them and not use them?

About 7 or 8 years ago while traveling in France I bought two linen vintage sheets

at a street market and I fell in love with linen sheets.

Fast forward (it seems) and the sheets were beginning to show a lot of wear.

We used them always and did I say loved them.

Oh the crispness of climbing into bed each night,

tucked in with a good book to read and sweet dreams to make.

Or tea in the early morning light was also a delight.

What was I going to do when they wore out?

My friend, Mary, at the blog A Breathe of Fresh Air had mentioned buying
sheets from Rough Linen, but I felt like it was beyond my budget.
Then with my dear sheets wearing out I knew I couldn't go back to cotton or a blend.
Do I take the leap?  Am I worth gorgeous sheets?
Well yes!!!   So I did it just recently.  I bought a bottom and a top sheet.
This week they are on my bed and I am delighting in the luxury.
My bed it a regular size, but I bought a Queen size for the bottom because
you use them as a tuck in, not a fitted.  Then because the size is so generous
the Twin size worked for the top sheet.
Oh the LUXURY, I am worth every single penny of it.
I am in love with my linen sheets.

https://www.roughlinen.com/

Light and Love

For you France

For you around the world that are hurting today

Sending Love

Holding you in the Light

Blessings on your weekend

We Loved York

For a few days we traveled north of London to York

and the Bronte BandB near the old city.

We loved staying here.

It was so comfy and by far the best bathroom on our travels.

I was really looking forward to meeting a blogging friend, Linda P.
of A Rich Tapestry.  You can visit her here.

What a lovely time we had over lunch and wandering in York.

This was a first for Linda to meet an online friend.

I hope I didn't scare her too much (Ha!)

Online friends can be just the very best and Linda is on that list for sure.

My "live-in gardener" and I just fell in love with York.

We were greeted by this gladiator as we entered the walled city.

 I just love the many ice cream vendors we encountered all

along our travels in Europe.  This is just a sampling of what many looked like.

 No trip to York would be complete without walking along the top of the wall.

 Peeks of York Minister was seen from all angles,

but I loved the peeks into backyards and manicured gardens too.

 A stroll down The Shambles was definitely on our list and we

found ourselves there everyday.

This was where the meat vendors at one time had their shops.

The buildings were constructed to lean toward the street to keep

the sun off the meat hanging there.

 We will return here next week with more posts.

 The inside of the York Minister was breathe taking.

 They were busy preparing for an upcoming stage production,

so my photos were taken looking up.

 No visit to York would be complete without the York Castle Museum visit.

 Outside the museum there was part of an old castle on the hill and a carousel.

The carousel wasn't running right then or I would have hopped on.

Fascinating street entertainment.

The gate we often walked through to enter and leave the old city.

We got to experience train trips quite often along the way.

Here we are waiting to return to London.
It was a wonderful time in York and there will be more to come
next week of this lovely city.

Today is National Scone Day in England

and I celebrated with a scone and tea this morning.

Happy Scone Day

and blessings on your weekend.