Posted in Musings, tagged 2012, ann marquette, blogs, brother, family, first day, gratitude, joy, March on March 1, 2012 | 4 Comments »
A new day, the first in a new month. It was a great sunny day. Quiet this morning as I accomplished a few things. Then I met a friend for lunch and a long visit.
The best part of this month, is that it is my brothers birthday this month. He is the best part of my life. Ah! Life is good 
Posted in Whatever, tagged 2012, ann marquette, family, gratitude, joy, Michigan, Sibling, Tree on February 21, 2012 | 14 Comments »
It has been awhile…
Much has been going on, including family house sold and closed last week…yippee! Another chapter of life closed, and I am ready for a new one.
The best part of last week was spending some good quality time with my brother, who I love very much. On Friday we took a trip to Rockford, MI to see a cousin who mother cared about and wanted her to have a little something from her Trust. We took her to lunch and presented her with the surprise. That was fun for me and my brother.
After spending a little time walking around the quaint shops with our cousin, in the snow, we headed back in order to stop about half way to meet up with other cousins and one remaining aunt (92 years old) at a restaurant for dinner. On the way there the snow had made the ground (not highway) and trees look like a winter wonderland. On both sides of the highway it was mostly farmland with open land in between tree lines. We happened to look to the right and experienced an amazing site…a herd of deer running from one tree line to the next; about 25-30 deer. And immediately following was another herd; at least 50 in all. It was a beautiful sight.
We…me and my brother, are so grateful for the sale of mother’s house, the good time spent together, and chance to see a few of our relatives. Certainly joy to our hearts.
But…I really miss him. I wish we didn’t live so far apart.
Posted in Articles, PostADay 2011, tagged ann marquette, caring, connecting, family, friends, Friendship, God, Human, inspirational, internet, Love, postaday 2011 on July 21, 2011 | 1 Comment »
Image via Wikipedia
A story a few years ago about being connected got me thinking. These are my thoughts, observations, and feelings about being connected.
When I was a child in Michigan people came and went in each others homes. Neighbors knew each other, spent time with each other, kept an eye on each others children and it was acceptable to discipline someone else’s child. These days there are rare places where people feel safe leaving their doors unlocked. Most parents don’t want their children corrected by someone else even if it means their safety. Neighbors rarely even know each others names let alone have any conversation or socializing,
Many people, maybe even most, have built up walls, invisible boundaries around themselves even within their friendships. Some people are open to their friends just dropping by to say hello, maybe have a cup of coffee and chat, but those friends never have the time, or more likely don’t take the time for such visits. Everyone is too busy with busy stuff these days to truly nurture their relationships with family and friends. Now people are wrapped up in their own worlds. Mind you, I am not talking about people who I know have REALLY busy lives, especially if they have lots of children. The other problem is, we get so tired and stressed with things we have to deal with in this life that we relish quiet down time.
So, how do we connect at all these days? Who do we connect with…and why? I read a piece where the author talked about connecting, being “connected.” He talked about the human need to be connected, even if only through the internet! I am going to say “Oh yes.”
Isn’t it interesting that I use the word “talk” when referring to an editor’s article about being connected? But isn’t that what it’s about? Connecting is a conversation between people…whether it is speaking with your mouth, or via the written words.
For many people, the internet – emails, instant messaging, blogs, and tweets are the main sources for shut-ins, lonely singles (old and young), people who just want to “be connected” somehow. It is also huge among those who are married. Many parents connect with other parents about issues with children, finances, entertainment, house remodeling, cooking, etc. The list goes on and on.
I can only truly speak for myself here, my thoughts and feelings about the desire to be connected.
I love to socialize, to communicate with others, to be connected. However, I am also joyful in drawing wonderful people into my life, and having the ability to let go of anyone who is negative, who has any tendency to make me feel less than joyful. I have been truly blessed, especially in the last few years to have many joyful spirits come into my life…whether temporarily or on a more permanent basis.
The greatest joy of each city I have lived in during my life, so far, are the relationships I’ve made. Even though I don’t live in those cities any longer, the friendships have held. Some of the communications may be scattered throughout the year, and a few may only be at Christmas and birthdays with updates on our lives…but they remain true.
Thank God for those who created the internet, for email, which allows friends, family, and acquaintances to keep in touch and up-to-date with each other.
My computer does not shout “you’ve got mail,” but you can be sure I love the sound it does make when one arrives in my IN box. Sad part of this is that we communicate with our nearby friends more by email that getting up off our behinds and walking down the street, or take a drive to meet each other someplace to have a face to face conversation. Yet, at least through the technology of our cell phones and computers it helps us to feel we are not alone. I think that is why so many people are constantly on their cell phones, so they can feel connected.
I found a small city in South Carolina, which is a perfect day trip from where I live, and not only does it have a beautiful small town feel to its downtown area, with a river running through it and a park at the river below the falls, but it has the consistently friendliest people to strangers I have ever met. It is a place I can go to walk, sit by the river and its little water fall, stop to visit a few friends I’ve made, get a coffee or bite to eat, be at peace and whether in conversation with someone or not I feel connected.
The greatest constant unconditional connection I do have is my relationship with God. He is always there to listen and he connects with me all day, everyday, through a variety of ways…the refreshing raindrops that touch me when it rains, the sun warming me and giving me light, a smile from someone, the sound of the birds singing, a waterfall, and so much more.
Being connected is important to all of us…may you all be blessed with an open heart, to being truly connected.
Posted in PostADay 2011, tagged ann marquette, baby doves, Daddy, Doves, exciting day, family, Mommy, mother, Mourning Dove, parents, postaday 2011 on July 10, 2011 | 20 Comments »
What an exciting day today.
Baby Dove Kiss by Ann Marquette
This morning I was out front planting a new plant I picked up at Home Depot yesterday.
I heard some cooing back and forth by the mommy dove (I believe it was the mommy on duty), and the daddy apparently in another tree nearby. All of a sudden I heard some swooshing and looked up to see mommy fly off and daddy take over the parental duties. I knew there were some babies in the nest which I finally saw this morning and got a few photos. The difficulty getting photos makes it hard to get really good clear ones, but I do my best. Most taken through window from inside the house so birds coloring not so perfect.
Two Baby Doves with Mom by Ann Marquette
This afternoon I looked up to see the daddy take off and leave the babies all alone. So I went upstairs with the camera so I could check out the nest. I could see babies in there and it looked like there might be 3 because it looks like three bodies laying side by side! However, I believe doves only have 2 at a time.
Babies alone asleep? by Ann Marquette
About an hour or so later one of the parents came back with food for the little ones. Of course, I had to get more photos. This time they were situated enough that I could see them to get photos standing on my porch.
Awe! by Ann Marquette
Posted in Poetry, PostADay 2011, Whatever, tagged ann marquette, family, friends, gates, heart, Home, Love, peace, postaday 2011 on May 17, 2011 | 2 Comments »
The Gates photo by Ann Marquette taken in Ireland 1982
These are the Gates to my Home,
and my Heart…
You are welcome to enter, both
as Family and/or Friend.
The keys to unlocking the gates
are kindness, peacefulness,
and love…within yourself.
Once you enter…let us always
be gentle with, considerate of,
and loving to each other. These
will allow us to feel at Home
in our hearts and in
God’s presence.
Upon departing, or retiring for
the night…let us always do so
in peace with each other, with
a hug, and a prayer in our
hearts that all mankind may
someday feel the same.
May God Bless and Protect all
who enter These Gates.
©September 1993
Posted in Musings, PostADay 2011, tagged Easter, family, friends, God, holiday, Inspiration, Love, peace, postaday 2011 on April 23, 2011 | 3 Comments »
It is Saturday, April 23rd. I would like to write something profound, interesting, inspirational, or funny. But nothing comes to mind. I have been resting in quiet peacefulness the last couple days.
Tonight, as I walk the pathways of my brain, looking for something…I find only a quiet mind.
In the quiet spaces I do think about all those I love and care for; and I wish all love and peace.
May you all have a happy, peaceful, and loving Easter tomorrow.
Posted in PostADay 2011, tagged Child, children, family, joy, Love, missed, postaday 2011 on March 13, 2011 | 4 Comments »
I am friends with a family of five children. I have known the couple since the oldest was 6 months old. As the family grew I’ve had the privilege of babysitting and helping them in other ways with the children. Sometimes taking different ones to places they needed to be, or picking them up and taking them home when the parents were busy with the other children, maybe driving the others to and from different events.
Over the last few months I have been able to help in this way with one or the other of two who have been in rehearsals for a play, going to band practice, or dance classes. I love all five of these children. They are awesome. And I enjoy being able to have the drive time with one or the other as we talk one on one.
Well, the past couple weeks they haven’t needed the help with that nor sitting with the kids while Mom and Dad go on their weekly date night. Gosh, the weeks are not the same without at least one appointment with them
I got my fix today when the extended families gathered to celebrate the 3rd oldest of this family, and the oldest of their 5 cousins in another family. We all gather at the grandparent’s house for the celebrations.
Posted in Poetry, tagged bless, considerate, family, friend, gates, gentle, heart, Home, hug, Ireland, kindness, Love, peace, peaceful, prayer on December 8, 2010 | 6 Comments »
Photo taken by Ann Marquette in Ireland 1982
________________________________________
These are the Gates to my Home,
and my Heart…
You are welcome to enter both
as Family and/or Friend.
The keys to unlocking the gates
are kindness, peacefulness,
and love…within yourself.
Once you enter…let us always
be gentle with, considerate of,
and loving to each other. These
will allow us to feel at Home
in our hearts and in
God’s presence.
Upon departing, or retiring for
the night…let us always do so
in peace with each other, with
a hug, and a prayer in our
hearts that all mankind may
someday feel the same.
May God Bless and Protect all
who enter These Gates.
©September 1993
Posted in Poetry, tagged Blessing, family, Marriage, Truth on November 5, 2010 | 2 Comments »
A few years ago a friend asked me to write something for a young couple. They were considering
having their baby aborted. So I wrote this for them.
How often we wonder
What is the purpose of our life
Especially if our life
Was considered a mistake
Maybe we were not planned
By a loving married couple
Or an unmarried couple
Or the result of a rape
However our life began
Whatever our life has been
No matter what we believe
We ARE…A BLESSING
Truth is ~ God loves us unconditionally
Truth is ~ we do inspire others
Truth is ~ we are important
Truth is ~ we ARE a GIFT to others
One way or another
LIFE…IS a BLESSING
© December 9, 2006
Posted in Articles, tagged connecting, family, friends, God, Human, internet on September 20, 2010 | 5 Comments »
Image via Wikipedia
A story a few years ago about being connected got me thinking. These are my thoughts, observations, and feelings about being connected.
When I was a child in Michigan people came and went in each others homes. Neighbors knew each other, spent time with each other, kept an eye on each others children and it was acceptable to discipline someone else’s child. These days there are rare places where people feel safe leaving their doors unlocked. Most parents don’t want their children corrected by someone else even if it means their safety. Neighbors rarely even know each others names let alone have any conversation or socializing,
Many people, maybe even most, have built up walls, invisible boundaries around themselves even within their friendships. Some people are open to their friends just dropping by to say hello, maybe have a cup of coffee and chat, but those friends never have the time, or more likely don’t take the time for such visits. Everyone is too busy with busy stuff these days to truly nurture their relationships with family and friends. Now people are wrapped up in their own worlds. Mind you, I am not talking about people who I know have REALLY busy lives, especially if they have lots of children. The other problem is, we get so tired and stressed with things we have to deal with in this life that we relish quiet down time.
So, how do we connect at all these days? Who do we connect with…and why? I read a piece where the author talked about connecting, being “connected.” He talked about the human need to be connected, even if only through the internet! I am going to say “Oh yes.”
Isn’t it interesting that I use the word “talk” when referring to an editor’s article about being connected? But isn’t that what it’s about? Connecting is a conversation between people…whether it is speaking with your mouth, or via the written words.
For many people, the internet – emails, instant messaging, blogs, and tweets are the main sources for shut-ins, lonely singles (old and young), people who just want to “be connected” somehow. It is also huge among those who are married. Many parents connect with other parents about issues with children, finances, entertainment, house remodeling, cooking, etc. The list goes on and on.
I can only truly speak for myself here, my thoughts and feelings about the desire to be connected.
I love to socialize, to communicate with others, to be connected. However, I am also joyful in drawing wonderful people into my life, and having the ability to let go of anyone who is negative, who has any tendency to make me feel less than joyful. I have been truly blessed, especially in the last few years to have many joyful spirits come into my life…whether temporarily or on a more permanent basis.
The greatest joy of each city I have lived in during my life, so far, are the relationships I’ve made. Even though I don’t live in those cities any longer, the friendships have held. Some of the communications may be scattered throughout the year, and a few may only be at Christmas and birthdays with updates on our lives…but they remain true.
Thank God for those who created the internet, for email, which allows friends, family, and acquaintances to keep in touch and up-to-date with each other.
My computer does not shout “you’ve got mail,” but you can be sure I love the sound it does make when one arrives in my IN box. Sad part of this is that we communicate with our nearby friends more by email that getting up off our behinds and walking down the street, or take a drive to meet each other someplace to have a face to face conversation. Yet, at least through the technology of our cell phones and computers it helps us to feel we are not alone. I think that is why so many people are constantly on their cell phones, so they can feel connected.
I found a small city in South Carolina, which is a perfect day trip from where I live, and not only does it have a beautiful small town feel to its downtown area, with a river running through it and a park at the river below the falls, but it has the consistently friendliest people to strangers I have ever met. It is a place I can go to walk, sit by the river and its little water fall, stop to visit a few friends I’ve made, get a coffee or bite to eat, be at peace and whether in conversation with someone or not I feel connected.
The greatest constant unconditional connection I do have is my relationship with God. He is always there to listen and he connects with me all day, everyday, through a variety of ways…the refreshing raindrops that touch me when it rains, the sun warming me and giving me light, a smile from someone, the sound of the birds singing, a waterfall, and so much more.
Being connected is important to all of us…may you all be blessed with an open heart, to being truly connected.
