Monthly Archives: December 2016

A Year In The Life – 2016

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Marcia Ren

  “We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives. ..not looking for flaws, but for potential.” ~Ellen Goodman I had posted this as a goal for 2016. If 2016 has taught me anything it has been to enjoy the process & not so much on the end result. As I reflect back on the last 12 months  ( I started by reading this post) A peek at 2015  I realize that 2015 was mainly about adjusting to a decision to move to the Oregon coast. Looking back I can see that 2016 has been learning  how to experience a deeper sense of connection to my choices in life. Trying new things, looking past boundaries and most inportantly enbracing change. Nothing … Continue reading →

Posted in Coastal Living | Tagged , | 6 Comments

This Christmas. …♡

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Marcia Ren

This is a re-post from December 2013 Hello,  Welcome to Marcia’s Cottage. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas,  and are now relaxing.. And enjoying some time with your family. ♡I know that’s what I’ll be doing. I have to tell you that I will be listening to Christmas music until 2014. I don’t know about you my friend,  but this has been the most JOYFUL December month for me ever!♡ As a matter of fact,  I am actually looking forward to another little get together this evening.  We have invited a few friends, and family over for a dinner.  Nothing grand. A very simple little get together.♡Really,  really simple. I’m off to deliver some homemade chocolate chip cookies to a neighbor,  and then a little grocery shopping for our dinner. Joe said he is exhausted,  and wonders where I get all my energy. I told him I LOVE Christmas … Continue reading →

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My Holiday Casual Wear

Posted on December 25, 2016 by Marcia Ren

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. ♡ With December almost over, and the holidays still lingering a bit longer, I decided to share a few simple outfits that I wore this past month. It’s important to keep the weather here on the coast in mind when putting any kind of outfit together. I enjoy simple, practical & yet stylish. Enjoy the rest of your holiday! 🎁

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A Christmas Winter Stroll

Posted on December 23, 2016 by Marcia Ren

The final plans are in place for Christmas. Seasonal influences from both the sacred & secular surround us.  Welcome to the magical time of the season. Christmas is everywhere. THE HALLS ARE DECKED THE TREE IS TRIMMED AND CAROLERS ARE singing: holiday spirit abounds. Living in Southern California I was use to seeing all the big city kind of stuff. Malls were almost on every corner, or jump hop on the freeway and you could have your choice for a festive exciting experience during the holidays. Just recently I was reminded that wonderful things come in small packages as well. Come along as I take you on a Christmas Winter Stroll through my charming coastal town. Make sure you are bundled up it is very chilly on this almost Christmas Eve. This small town Christmas stroll is an occasion for the local merchants to welcome visitors into their shops for spiced apple cider, … Continue reading →

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A Christmas Tea

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Marcia Ren

 I’ve discovered this is a wonderful time of year to share the message of Hope 🌲 and Peace 🕊 with those around us. In 1996 while still living in Southern California I invited a few friends over for a Christmas Tea. Every year since I have hosted a gathering for tea during the holidays. There have been gatherings of 3, 8, 10, 12, and one year 40 ladies attended! Over the years that first Christmas Tea has developed into the perfect tradition. One which is steeped in love. And nothing pleases or excites me more than hosting one myself. I’m not sure why I get so much pleasure when preparing for a tea. Perhaps it has something to do with involving all those things that I so enjoy. simple comforts of home Creating a special cozy place for friends to visit and come together for an afternoon of relaxing. Seriously… could it get any better. I think … Continue reading →

Posted in Garden/Tea Time | 8 Comments