Friday, July 20, 2012

You Know How I Feel

 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_ig1gkgoQc

My swim aerobics class played this song by another artist this week
and I just enjoyed moving to it.
I thought it was the perfect ending to the week
and it seems we all need a little movement and JOY in the world.
So dance and move, swing to the music and let your mind go free.
Happy Weekend!

+++++++

Now you didn't think I would forget as I was swinging to the music, did you?
The winner of The Color of Tea, summer reading book is:  Mary at A Breathe of Fresh Air.
If you haven't visited her blog, stop by and enjoy it.  Tell her Marilyn sent you.
I hope you have clicked on the youtube link to hear the music and picture show.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

The Color of Tea

 

From The Color of Tea, by Hannah Tunnicliffe:

Macarons

Macarons are tiny French confections made from the finest almond powder, egg whites, and sugar.
They have charmed Parisians and Europeans for centuries, their crisp, sweet shells sandwiched together with
creamy fillings.  They are infinitely more elegant than cupcakes, daintier than tarts, prettier than pastries. 
Charming, meringue-like buttons, full of French couture attitude.  The delight is in the changing flavors,
inspired by seasons, whims, or moods.  They are best enjoyed over a cup of tea and a conversation
filled with secrets and gossip.  These sweets have a cult following, and it is easy to see why; after your first, you will be hooked...


Ok, I am hooked on macarons with my tea.
What a perfect combination for afternoon tea.
The book was picked up at the market recently
and is just a fun summer read.
I had fun reading it and now want to pass it on.
If you would like to be the next to read it,
leave a comment today and I will announce the winner tomorrow.


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

A Better Place

 
From ~ The Wind in the Willow

Come along inside............
we'll see if tea and buns can make
the World a better place.

As we all know,
the World is definitely a better place because of tea!

Go out and make the World a better place today.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

What would you miss?

 
 


The following is from Cheryl Richardson.  I thought it was worth sharing here.

As many of you know, the creative genius, Nora Ephron died recently after a long illness.  Nora was responsible for such wonderful films as Heartburn, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, and her latest movie, Julie & Julia.  

While reading about Nora's vast, accomplished career, I came across an excerpt from her most recent book, "I Remember Nothing: and Other Reflections."  The excerpt made me stop and think about my life.  It was a list of what she would and would not miss.  It's the "What I Will Miss" list that inspired this week's newsletter.  Have a look:

WHAT I WILL MISS 

My kids
Nick
Spring
Fall
Waffles
The concept of waffles
Bacon
A walk in the park
The idea of a walk in the park
The park
Shakespeare in the Park
The bed
Reading in bed
Fireworks
Laughs
The view out the window
Twinkle lights
Butter
Dinner at home just the two of us
Dinner with friends
Dinner with friends in cities where none of us lives
Paris
Next year in Istanbul
Pride and Prejudice
The Christmas tree
Thanksgiving dinner
One for the table
The dogwood
Taking a bath
Coming over the bridge to Manhattan
Pie
 
As I read through Nora's list, I thought about the little things that bring me joy that I'd miss - the things that often go unnamed as important.  Things like a bird's nest under construction that captures my attention each morning while I enjoy a cup of tea.  The way my cat Poupon covers his eyes with his paw when he naps, making me smile every time, regardless of how many times I see him do it.  Or, trees billowing in my backyard like soft sheets on a clothesline when a strong breeze blows.  And, of course, the beautiful, nuanced moments that occur when I connect with others.  

I wonder what you'd miss?  

And I wonder something else:  I wonder why we give so much attention to things that are not on the list.  

Just something to think about today...

++++++++++++++++++++
 I hope you will think on these things this week.
The photos above were take up in the Puget Sound area.
They remind me of Camelot, especially with the clouds touching the earth and water.
This I would miss and I would miss you.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Friday, July 13, 2012

Gathering, Better Junque

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gathering, Better Junque
Willows, California

There was another stop I had planned to make on our quick road trip.
Each time we would drive down the I-5 highway and I saw the sign for Willows,
I would say one day I am going to stop there.
One of the blogs I have followed the longest is Tongue in Cheek,
so I knew this place of enchantment was there.
Corey's mom and a friend care and run this shop.
Tucked in back is a secret garden, where I chatted with Corey's mom as
she watered plants. I found the sweet bunny garden stake here.
Wherever we travel, I just love searching out antique shops to browse.
This one was a special treat and I know there will be stops here again.

Click on the pictures to see the details and enjoy, I know I sure did.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

A Winner!



The embroidery was hanging just outside our door at The Yreka Third Street Inn.
Click on picture to see the details.

A week ago Monday I received an email from a past Marmalady's customer, Traci.
She was telling me about a Bed and Breakfast she was helping a friend with for the summer.
The amazing thing was that we were traveling right through the town of Yreka, California
on our short trip to California.  Yreka is on I-5 and just over the Oregon border near Mt. Shasta.
A room was soon reserved for a stop in Yreka and I had the opportunity to reconnect
with a tea friend from my past.  Now how fun is that?  So how was it a winner?
Well, it was totally delightful and a lovely place to stop.

The Yreka Third Street Inn can be found here online.
It was a Victorian era home surrounded by many other beautiful Victorian houses
and a historic downtown.  The evening was perfect for walking and then sitting in those chairs
in the yard for time of visiting.  Breakfast included delicious fresh fruit, eggs, sausage, muffins and scones.
Definitely worth stopping for a relaxing night, I highly recommend it.

*****************
Now I promised to announce another winner.
The winner of my 1000th post give away is Faye.
Congratulations, Faye!
Please email me your address to confirm where to send this gift.