Monthly Archives: June 2017

The Getaway

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Marcia Ren

“Every change of scene becomes a delight.”~Seneca   The opportunity to appreciate, love, and enjoy what we have is a gift. For me this especially applies to my home. My home makes me come alive. It is my passion cottage garden With that said a change of scenery can be a good thing because it shifts how you see things. Mini adventures can set you on a new path and give you a fresh vantage point with your life and home.  I recently returned from a little getaway (not too far away) and just far enough to take a breather from all the little projects that (I tend to obsess about) keep calling out to me here at my cottage. Summers are wonderful on the Oregon coast. I think they might be my favorite time of year. With the mild temps I really long to stay put. I am charmed by the coziness of … Continue reading →

Posted in Coastal Living | 4 Comments

A Summer Cottage By The Sea

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Marcia Ren

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” ~Frederick Keonig Hello my sweet friends. Happy Summer!     As I write today’s post I’m heading out for a mini get~away.  So mini that more than likely I  will have returned home by the time you even stop by for a visit here. you won’t even know I have been gone  Before I left I had been busily working in the garden. Season by season everything seems to be evolving   It’s delightful to experience how things are coming together I’m not sure if I ever showed you the New England arbors I had installed or the arbor in back with a new bird bath The window box built earlier in the year is looking wonderful and the roses have been blooming on and off for months This pink rose bush … Continue reading →

Posted in Garden/Tea Time | 2 Comments

Art As Life: A Parisian Folly

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Marcia Ren

  “To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.” Henry David Thoreau Earlier in the week as I was  getting ready for a bike ride I noticed a beautiful rose peering through an opening in the fence. as if calling out to me It was such a simple lovely moment, and yet it made feel  abundantly rich. I decided to capture it. The two of us stood holding hands for a long moment. clickityclickityclickclickclick    That magical moment reminded me of yet another memorable life experience which had occurred years before while visiting the Musee d’Orsay art museum in Paris, France and experienced the  beautiful impressionist paintings by Monet. It was a fabulous experience.  Viewing art can be similar to how we view our lives. A painting might look dull or boring in a book, but when viewed close up and you are able to see the fine brush strokes, different textures, along with its … Continue reading →

Posted in Our Cottage | 7 Comments

Come Sail Away With Me

Posted on June 8, 2017 by Marcia Ren

“If your going through difficult times today, hold steady. It will change soon. If you are experiencing smooth sailing & easy times now, brace yourself. It will change soon. The only thing you can be certain of is change.” ~James Dobson: Life on the Edge: The Next Generation’s Guide To A Meaningful Life Ahoy mates! How was your week? I hope it was good. Today I’m taking you to the shores of  Coos Bay/North Bend for a Festival of Sail & where I recently enjoyed a day of sailing. come on let’s go! I thought it would be nice to sit back, relax, put our feet up and take it easy for a while.. Perhaps you have gone sailing before. When I lived in California I frequently took the small boat cruise to Catalina. However it’s been years since I have gone sailing. I made sure that we have a … Continue reading →

Posted in Coastal Living | 2 Comments

And Then It’s Summer

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Marcia Ren

  “The wisdom of a learned man {or woman} cometh by opportunity or leisure…” ~ Ecclesiasticus 38: 24-25 For many of us Memorial Day weekend marks when the summer season officially begins. Case in point this past weekend I was able to fire up the grill and host our first barbeque for the season. It was an enjoyable afternoon with family, friends and neighbors. Relaxing fun and of course at best a reminder of what summer is really all about. Leisure A time for slowing down and taking life easier. Summertime tells us to ease up on the stresses of everyday and enjoy the moments within the day just a little more. A time which allows us the opportunity to balance life. When I was still teaching and life was more hectic I longed for summer leisure And even though I’m now retired (btw 6 years this month!)  living on the coast, leisure is still important. Leisure includes reading, going … Continue reading →

Posted in Coastal Living | 2 Comments