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.

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Joe and I decided to go away for Thanksgiving.

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

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

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The famous Shakespeare festival is held here.

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We stayed at The Historic McCall House.

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

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

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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.

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How was your Thanksgiving?

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

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

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

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as days grow shorter, and nights grow longer.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

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A lit candle represents spiritual illumination and consciousness.

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

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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.

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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. ..

https://youtu.be/XorDSG-o6qQ

 

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

Marcia
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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!

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