Posted in Musings, tagged 2013, Blank slate, blessings, empty vase, first day, God, grateful, gratitude, new beginning, New Year on January 1, 2013 | 7 Comments »
A vase. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Thank you God for this first day of 2013, for the rain we need, for all the wonderful people in my life, for being with me as I walk the path of transition and begin working on my goals for this year.
I am grateful for a clean slate to write on, an empty vase to fill. http://amarquette333.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/a-blank-slate-3/
Posted in Musings, tagged New Year, New Years Eve, Sunshine on December 31, 2012 | 3 Comments »
Believe ~ In New Beginnings by Ann Marquette
It has been a good year. I am grateful for all the many blessings, including good health, work with a good company (very close to the house, and great people), the rain to nourish the land, sunshine, a nice place to live, the ability to pay my bills, to eat, the times of sharing with family and friends. The greatest blessings are the wonderful people in my life.
I am looking forward to a fresh new year. A recent teaching about The One Thing we all have within us that we need to commit to inspired me to set a goal for my “One Thing” (actually two) to accomplish by the end of 2013 
A new year…an even better attitude and more gratitude.
May you all be richly blessed in the New Year.
Posted in Musings, Whatever, tagged Autumn, Birthday, blessings, Fall, gratitude, joy, Seasons, Thanksgiving, Waterfall on November 1, 2012 | 3 Comments »
I have always liked this month, partly because it is in the autumn season and also the month when we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. The end of the month is special to me because it’s my birthday
I am grateful to be alive, healthy, and richly blessed with wonderful people in my life…especially my brother. I love you John.
Posted in Musings, tagged Autumn, Fall, greenville sc, leaves, October, Reedy River, Waterfall on October 24, 2012 | 4 Comments »
Cool October Morning Along the Reedy River by ann marquette
Then the Sunshine and Flowing Leaves by ann marquette
Over the Falls by ann marquette
Posted in Musings, tagged Autumn, Autumn colors, Fall, For Patti, God's gift, peace, quiet time, Reedy River on October 18, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Patti, I know you loved the Autumn as I do. What a beautiful time to walk into the next life with our Lord. You sounded so good in your last post and the last comment you left on my post about Autumn. I forgot how sick you were and that there was no cure. Your husband left us the message on your blog today. I will miss you. I add more photos here of Autumn…for you Patti.
Autumn in Downtown Greenville SC by ann marquette
Stop Awhile Autumn Time by ann marquette
A Favorite Spot by ann marquette
Posted in Musings, tagged Autumn, beauty, Fall, falling leaves, greenville sc, moving on, peace, Seasons, softly falling on October 16, 2012 | 2 Comments »
Falling softly into Autumn, then time to move on…
Softly Falling Into Autumn by Ann Marquette
Moving On Through Autumn by Ann Marquette
Posted in Musings, tagged ann marquette, Autumn, Fall, falling leaves, Inspiration, Spring cleaning on October 1, 2012 | 14 Comments »
Ok, I know that in the U.S. this season is referred to as Fall, but the word Autumn creates a more beautiful vision for me…multi-colored leaves drifting to the ground thanks to a lovely breeze on a beautiful sunny day and cool crisp air.
This is a view of my autumn last year from the living room window. The tree is gone now.
Autumn Outside My Window by Ann Marquette
Posted in Musings, tagged California, calling me home, embraced, energized, Florida, Georgia, Greenville South Carolina, Home, Inspiration, Main Street, Michigan, motivated, Starbucks on September 24, 2012 | 3 Comments »
It was late in my life when I realized I was looking for that special place to live. I wondered what it would be like. Never thought it could actually be a place that would make me feel “at home” until I found it.
A few years ago, someone I knew only briefly and once when he hugged me…a long warm, holding me in his arms hug. There was something I never felt before, at home in his arms. Didn’t know then it was a hint of something to come…no not him, but something more.
I lived in Michigan, Florida, Ireland, Georgia, California, and back to Georgia. It’s a long story. Just know that I have never felt at home in either place.
A few years ago I decided to check out a city two hours from where I currently live as a possible place to get away now and then. The first day I went there to its downtown area, with a river running through it under the Main Street bridge, the beautiful river walk, a waterfall, and a park. The downtown has wonderful art studios and galleries, shops and restaurants. I had a great day there, and was amazed at how friendly the people were.
I knew that it was a good place to make get away day trips.
With each trip I took lots of photographs and told friends here in Georgia about my experiences…because they asked and wanted details. They asked if I would take them on one of my day trips.
I also heard the place had art festivals downtown, and decided to have a weekend trip about 3 months after I first started going there. I invited a friend to join me, as she had gone with me on a day trip and really liked it.
Each person I took on a day trip loved the place, and also experienced the same friendliness of the people.
Such a great place to have a break from routine, to get away, and an easy two hour drive. So, fairly frequently I would take a day trip, and weekend stays for each of the three special festivals of the year. As time went on I began to sense a peace wash over me as I got nearer. While there I would feel energized, motivated, inspired and a sense of endless possibilities for me. Every single time there someone would always stop start a conversation with me. Coffee from Starbucks and sitting at the café tables outside on Main Street near the bridge always made opportunities for more conversations with others. The next significant change in me was that each time I had to leave there and return here I would feel yukky (yes this is the only way I can describe that feeling) inside.
The biggest event was the day I was there, standing on the Main Street bridge looking over at the river when I realized this place was HOME.
I had been reading about this city and different things going on, I had started making friends, and then got involved in the TEDx events where I connected with a lot more people.
I have known for a long time now that it is truly where I belong. The reason Greenville, SC feels like HOME to me is that not only have I embraced the city and the people, but the people and the city have embraced me.
One of these days I will live in that special place for me; that I will call HOME for the rest of my life. Thank you, Greenville and all of your people who have embraced me and continue encouraging me to get there.
My Greenville…a few favorite photos taken by me at different times.
A Favorite View of the Reedy River and Falls (photo by Ann Marquette)
Favorite Resting Spot by the Reedy River (photo by Ann Marquette)
Posted in Musings, tagged Autumn, dreams, Fall, friends, God, Inspiration, life, September on September 3, 2012 | 10 Comments »
Ah September…the month when we sense the beginning of a new season to come ~Fall, or as I prefer “autumn” :-) In 20 days from now, it begins.
Today after church I went to Starbucks where I met up with friend Judi and her sweet puppy Tammy. We spend a few hours over coffee and chatting about many subjects. Then it was back to the house to do a couple things, freshen up, then pick up friend Barbara and out to a new Brazilian restaurant nearby for dinner and catching up.
Tonight I read some new posts from my blogger friends, some very deeply profound.
Thoughts on Moving On http://gingetz.com/2012/09/01/moving-on/
and, Sweet September http://teeceecounsel.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/sweet-september/
and, a new young writer whose words in two of her posts spoke to my heart, my spirit… My Missing Piece http://anightcreature.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/writing-my-missing-piece/ and Cheerful Delusions http://anightcreature.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/20/
So now, I am stepping along the deep parts of me, remembering times gone by, my own missing pieces, and the acceptance that a lifelong dream although has never come to pass. Somewhere in time along this new path I am on a new dream will come to be ~ God’s BEST for me.
Posted in Musings, tagged beauty, blossoms, flowers, Gardenia, lovely, plants, white on August 21, 2012 | 7 Comments »
When I first got my little gardenia plants I read about planting and caring for them. It was recommended that when a blossom comes out, that it is a good idea within a couple days to cut the flower and put in water indoors to enjoy for a few more days. So I did just that with this first one, put it in a martini glass to set next to my computer where I can get a whiff of that wonderful Gardenia scent and enjoy the beauty of the white blossom. I took some photos. Enjoy.
Gardenia in Martini glass blk by Ann Marquette
Gardenia in Martini Glass Wht by Ann Marquette
