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

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

For me the kickoff to the Christmas season is the holiday show at my favorite antique mall in Portland. This post is showing most of the pictures I took this year at the show; so, it is picture heavy. I thought you might enjoy. It is indeed beginning to look like Christmas. Next week I will share my apartment pictures. Stay tuned!

Since I have downsized I don't really purchase, just taking pictures; but these butterflies fascinated me, and I did sneak one big butterfly on to my tree this year. So far, my "live-in gardener" hasn't noticed it. Now how can you avoid one large butterfly in this pretty green color? Just saying!

This wedding dress reminded me of my mother's wedding dress. The fabric even felt the same. I used to love playing dress up as a young girl in her wedding dress.

Now why didn't I smile? I was in my happy place.

I love, love the sparkle and shine of Christmas.

There seemed to be quite a few deer hiding here and there.

If I needed a chair, I could have been tempted by this yellow chair. It would brighten any room.

And sending best wishes of NOEL as we enter the season of JOY!

Love,

Marilyn

Focus on the Stars, The Wonders of the Season

 

Pull up a chair, let's sip a cup of tea and embrace this day of Thanksgiving. It can be a magical time of wonder or if watching the news, a time of terror. Let's hold on to the wonder of the season and be thankful. We will notice the warmth of sitting by the fire, wrapped in a cozy blanket and something warm in our hands. As we walk outside, we will notice the sounds of crisp leaves being stepped on or the sounds of the wind. We will tuck our hands in cozy mittens and our arms in a favorite warm coat.

Could this be the cozy coat or something simpler? Found at a local antique mall but didn't come home with me. I think I have simpler tastes. Just a quilted, puffy coat will do.

We will notice the simple things, like a paperwhite sitting on my kitchen windowsill.

Whatever path we take, always take time to notice those things of wonder and joy.

Sing a song of Thanksgiving and Rejoice at the simple, small things in your everyday life.

I am thankful for you and you. Thank you for stopping by. Have a most delightful week.

Sending love,

Marilyn

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