Love. Be. Go.

Hello, Welcome to Marcia’s Cottage by the Sea. I’m so happy to see you today my friend. Shall we have a little tea.

20151125_131320

Joe and I decided to go away for Thanksgiving.

20151125_134239

So, we packed up our precious belongings and were on our way for the 3 hour drive to Ashland, Oregon.

0099806-20090421

This was my first visit to Ashland. I discovered it’s an extremely arsty, fun, and creative place.

20151126_145526

The famous Shakespeare festival is held here.

20151126_075106

We stayed at The Historic McCall House.

20151126_092727

20151125_192710

c1f4fe226725f2d8de08cf6c46b1d3d2

20151126_151811

20151126_151736

If your ever in Ashland, I highly recommend checking out this quaint Inn.

20151126_074851

The Innkeeper is Daniel, and he will help you with all accommodations.

20151126_152057

The Inn has a no pet rule. However, the carriage house does allow pets. And,  since we were bringing Earl, and Cami… Daniel made sure to book that room for us.

20151126_110850

20151125_183847

20151126_151902

be4e2eef67dc0465ff059a704c6e94f3

How was your Thanksgiving?

157b892744fb4b1cfd858b2646d1d66f

Wherever, and whomever you celebrated with…I hope you were surrounded by those you love, time for reflection, and of course good food.

25d789735a3c102d8d05feb0ba8acd73

It’s now time to prepare for the momentum upon us with the Christmas season.

7291727f471017426646350510c5ff02

I’m still getting use to the change of time for Autumn,

8a2524d26ad7a732813aa508f563db5f

as days grow shorter, and nights grow longer.

ba34b8c2a1a9161b5af51e35bf9bb41e

It seems that I’m conditioned to think that when it’s dark outside, it’s late.

20151123_173154

I’m often surprised that it’s only 6:00 in the evening.

1d9266430d9899f0eaa3ba8067dc0420

And, now since the tourist season is officially over here on the coast, the locals close their shops sooner, so it feels like darkness comes even earlier than it really does.

8cf6cad91e520900fa7507718a82912f

Of course with a simple flip of a switch we can change darkness to light.

00974e2ea68a8972564dd050c71ad39f

However, we forget that a nearly perfect, low-cost source of light comes from a candle.

74c247e8c90aa3f1d118fe9f73dff0c0

Not to mention the wonderful scents you can now choose from.

20151116_163210

I enjoy the variety. A selection of scented candles carry me through the season. I tend to purchase the pumpkiny harvest scents during November.

20151116_163029

And, then switch to the pine, or vanilla smelly ones during Christmas.

f0d8817176c0c7312b2ef8ff26f8b74f

I recently read that some  photographers even choose candle-light over harsh incandescent or fluorescent lighting because it’s softer and more becoming to their subjects.

20131218_180904

Who knows perhaps, I was an altar gal in another life. ..since I often have a candle burning. Candles symbolize passages. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas. Prayers, and celebrations.

9f15994c95da8df266c92f2881622665

During this time of year I particulary enjoy lighting candles,  and see it as a symbol of reverence and ritual.

0f53b2a1d89f780f48ececebe90ae5f4

A lit candle represents spiritual illumination and consciousness.

ec4651269b94b9d6ba9b6d640d2d5ae5

Candlelight draws us back in time to a source of light used for thousands of Autumns.

09a504a72bbe0ebcd2f7d4389994049d

As night cloaks the world in darkness and the fall wind whips up the leaves, I light the candle and  reflect on living in a time when candles were the only source of light.

8d7a77e5f9fb618f14959a5a82a78bb6

And, Somehow,  the thought of that light comforts me.

Feeling thankful for so much. Family, friends, full tables, fuller hearts, and you~ always you.

 

Safe weekend travels. ..

 

“A candle must not be set under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that it may give light to all.” ~anonymous

Marcia
This entry was posted in Coastal Living. Bookmark the permalink.

12 Responses to Love. Be. Go.

  1. Joe Kuehner says:

    Thank you for a wonderful, inspiration post!

  2. Peg says:

    What lovely thoughts, Marcia. Thank you for sharing.

  3. Nancy Coughlin says:

    A beautiful message, as you always share with us. Feel exactly the same way about candles. My late husband never “got it” about candles. He would say I should just burn my money because he saw it as a waste. Could never agree with that sentiment. I light candles all the time. The Chris Rice song is beautiful. Had never heard it before and will be seeking it out. Have to admit, I do use some LED candles. My newest cat is very curious and pokes into all kinds of places. Better safe than sorry!!! Keep a close eye on him when the ‘real’ candles are burning.

    • Marcia Ren says:

      Hi Nancy!
      Thank you for your kind comments. Yes, we may watch those curious cats of ours. Glad you sometimes continue to light candles. You light up my day with your sweetness. ♡

  4. Nancy Coughlin says:

    Just watched your tour of the McCall B&B. What a beautiful place. It is always a pleasure to see homes that people have saved and re-purposed. A beautiful place that obviously has had a lot of love spread over it. Save travels as you return home.

  5. Jenny Bonynge says:

    Always an inspiration…The first night we spent in our new home I lit a candle as it is symbolic to me too. It is calming, soothing and exudes those warm, fuzzy feelings of happiness. Thanks for walking us through the Ashland B & B!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *