Tag Archives: life transitions

When the World Feels Loud: Listening for Peace in the Quiet Corners

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Marcia Ren

There are days that begin with the comfort of routine…grocery lists and favorite stores, a fresh haircut appointment, a tidy to-do list. Days where everything seems to hum along just fine. And yet, sometimes, beneath the quiet rhythm of life, there’s another current. One that pulls gently at the edges of the should, asking for attention. Today was a good day. I went to Trader Joe’s…a place I always enjoy, full of cheerful flowers and familiar things…and made an appointment at a nearby salon. I appreciated that it’s so close to home, even if it doesn’t offer everything I’m used … Read the full blog post →

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Easter Light: A New Chapter, A Quiet Blessing

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Marcia Ren

This week marks a tender, sacred time… Not only because it is holy week, but also because it reflects the season of deep transition in our lives. Just a few short weeks ago, my husband and I moved into a new townhome in a new city. The journey here began in January, when we first started talking seriously about downsizing and letting go of the home we had loved along the coast. We listed our home on February 10. By Valentine’s Day, it was in escrow. Since then, life has been a swirl of packing, donating, saying goodbye, and now… … Read the full blog post →

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After Goodbye: A Story Still Unfolding (Finding grace in the in-between)

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Marcia Ren

“Sometimes the bravest thing we do is begin again…quietly” – Unknown It’s been a week and a day since we stepped through the door of our new townhome…a modest, light-filled place nestled in the rhythm of a different city. The kind of place where the mornings are quiet, the birds sound unfamiliar, and the light pours in from just the right angle to remind me we’re somewhere new. In many ways, the goodbye we just lived through feels like it happened years ago. And in other ways, it’s still sitting with me…tucked inside half-sealed boxes, in the scent of our … Read the full blog post →

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Chapter 3: Returning To The Coast

Posted on March 31, 2025 by Marcia Ren

Leaving London behind didn’t mean leaving its influence. Eleanor carried it with her…the glow of city lights, the weight of history, the quiet realization that change had already begun. As the plane descended, she found herself caught between two worlds: the one she had always known and the one that had yet to unfold. The plane touched down under a sky streaked with soft blues and grays. Their home was perched along the edge of Seabrook coast… a rugged stretch where the sea met the land in a way that had always felt like theirs. The waves rolled in steady … Read the full blog post →

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Cozy Winter Living: A Look at My Home Right Now

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Marcia Ren

As winter envelops us in its chilly embrace, there’s something inherently comforting about creating a warm and inviting space to retreat to. Today, I’d like to share some cozy corners of my home, where elegance meets comfort during this transitional season. The Living Room: A Simple Elegance In my living room, I’ve kept the decor minimal yet elegant. The focus is on comfort, with an elegant flair, which gracefully adds to the room’s aesthetic. Instead of overwhelming the space with seasonal decorations, I have chosen to showcase just a book or two on the coffee table. One such book, centered … Read the full blog post →

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What London Taught Me About Convenience, Choices, and Living Well🫖

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Marcia Ren

As we step into a fresh new year, I find myself reflecting on a trip to London that left a lasting impression on me. While I’ve always loved the peaceful charm of home, being in a bustling city surrounded by so many conveniences was a refreshing experience. Imagine stepping out of your door and having cozy cafes, unique restaurants, and charming shops just a short walk away. That’s exactly what I found in London…a lifestyle that felt effortless and full of possibilities. Whether it was grabbing a quick bite, wandering through a nearby market, or just soaking in the lively … Read the full blog post →

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Seven Years Later…🌻

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Marcia Ren

“To have courage for whatever comes in life…everything lies in that.” – Teresa of Avila Hello, sweet friends… I hope you are doing well… This week marks seven years since Joe and I made the move to a small beach cottage along the Oregon coast… looking back I realize now that this move was a h.u.g.e leap of faith for me… But taking a leap of faith meant that I fully surrendered to all expectations. It meant that I allowed myself to start anew and feel completely free. Along the way I came to realize that who I am is … Read the full blog post →

Posted in Coastal Living, Our Home, What’s Cooking? | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Music…My Father…and…The Piano🎶

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Marcia Ren

  “Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of song.” -Pam Brown Hello, sweet friend… These past few days the weather has been beautiful… I’ve been enjoying the garden…  The ‘Doris Day’ roses Joe planted in memory of my father’s 100th birthday… are blooming beautifully!  That being said…and with Father’s Day just around the corner… today I would like to share a re-edited post written several years ago…dedicating it to my father a.k.a.… ‘Captain Ed’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Original post published June 2015   One of the reasons I love to blog… is that I … Read the full blog post →

Posted in Coastal Living, Garden/Tea Time, Our Home | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

Just Another Week in Paradise

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Marcia Ren

“Take care to keep open house: Because in this way some have had angels as their guests, without being conscious of it” ~Hebrews 13:2 I’ve been meaning to share with you a chair that I saw a few weeks ago. It seems as if I’m often finding chairs that call out to me. This particular one came home with me that day. Oh and since we are becoming such good friends I also thought I’d  share a little quirky thing I do quite often  Periodically I go on the outside and pretend that I’m a visitor. I walk, look around and imagine that … Read the full blog post →

Posted in Coastal Living | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Navigating Into The New Year

Posted on January 12, 2017 by Marcia Ren

  It’s mid~day, mid~week, and close to being mid~month as I sit down and write today’s post. Since our last visit together I’ve built a snowman and seen it melt,  Experienced raindrops come and go pouring down rain  hung the new 2017 calendar🎉 halfway through January already!  and the Christmas decorations have all been tucked away  The rainy weather has provided a perfect backdrop for staying inside and getting organized again. When the sunshine is out, I have to be outside. credited to my SoCal roots (most likely) riding a bike, walking the beach, gardening or running around discovering new wonders on this beautiful coast  … Read the full blog post →

Posted in Coastal Living | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments