Posted in Whatever, tagged blessings, Christmas, forgiveness, Gift, God, Inspiration, Jesus on December 25, 2012 | 2 Comments »
The greatest gift of all time is God’s gift to us of His son Jesus. Thank you God, and Happy Birthday Jesus.
Now remembering that He was born to give the gift of His life for our sins…that we are forgiven…let us give ourselves and others the GREAT GIFT OF FORGIVENESS. It is “Time for Letting Go” http://amarquette333.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/time-for-letting-go/ and you will be richly blessed.
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 Poetry, tagged blogs, falling leaves, God's whisper, Inspiration, place of silence, Poetry, Silence, silent, smiles on September 17, 2012 | 8 Comments »
Peace in the Garden by ann marquette
In a time and place of silence
I see the faces and shapes of you
Yet, never a word is spoken
But I see your silent smiles
I hear the birds more profoundly
The sounds of leaves falling
Of tree limbs crackling
I see your silent smiles
I am surrounded by nature
Twenty acres of God’s landscape
Wooded hillsides along the river
I hear the squirrels scamper through the trees
I see your silent smiles
I hear the distant sounds
Of life outside this place
The motor cars, motorcycles, motorboats
I wish them all away
But glad for your silent smiles
I am here with all of you
Within our own silence
Waiting, waiting, and listening
To hear the voice of God
As we see our silent smiles
Yet in this beautiful quiet time
I see your silent smiles
And hear the gates of your hearts open
To the message God has for you
Blessed be the silent smiles…
Copyright © October 2, 2004
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, Poetry, tagged Child, father, God, Inspiration, Light, Love, Moonlight, path, prayer, spirit, star, The Light on August 18, 2012 | 7 Comments »
Candle Light
Oh God, Our Father, You are The Light
which guides us on our path through
this life…when we let you.
Remind me always to surrender all in my
life to your love and care. I am always
your child, and sometimes I forget.
Whenever I see the flame of a candle, the
sunshine, or moonlight…let them remind me
that you will always light my way.
With each path I have chosen, you have placed
others in my life…like stars in the sky…
to help light my way, through you & to you.
Help me to never forget those who come
into my life, even for a short while, for they
are blessings from You.
Let me never forget, God, that we are all
One in You…that everyone in my life is a part
of me, a part of You. I too, am The Light.
Let me not forget that those who have been
lights in my life may also need my Light to shine
for them.
Thank You, Light of My Life
©March 21, 1999
Posted in Poetry, tagged Blogger, calling me home, embrace, hearts, Inspiration, Love, sense of possibilities, soul, spirit, warm embrace on August 15, 2012 | 11 Comments »
You opened your arms to welcome me
You spoke as to a friend
You smiled as we passed
Your heart whispered,
As it flowed alongside mine
“Come Home”
Your charm and beauty inspire me
Your soul reaches out and touches me
Your spirit fills me with endless possibilities, and
Calls Me Home
You wrap me in a warm embrace,
As if a long parted lover
You fill me with joy and comfort
A sense deep inside, that you are
Calling Me Home.
© September 11, 2007
Posted in Poetry, tagged dreamy, Inspiration, Jonn Serrie, night, night orchid, orchid, poem, Poetry, water on July 29, 2012 | 2 Comments »
Image via Wikipedia
You can learn more about Jonn and his music, including some sampling of his sounds on his website http://www.thousandstar.com/index2.html
“Night Orchid” by Jonn Serrie inspired me to write…
A smoky, dusky café by the water’s edge
Evening time
Boats drifting quietly by
The soft sound of rippling water.
People sipping coffee or wine
Talking among themselves
A haunting sound in the background.
Posted in Musings, tagged Aaron von Frank, bitTyrant, bloggers, Facebook, Inspiration, live life, Social media, Social network, Twitter, vacation on July 6, 2012 | 2 Comments »
It is amazing how “great minds think alike” 
He he he! Today’s post by my friend Aaron von Frank was like he had walked through my brain For a long time now I’ve been thinking everything he mentions in this post. It is all so true. Maybe this is why I have not been spending so much time on social media and taking longer to post to my blog.
There are other important things in life to focus on more often.
Do check it out and feel free to leave him a comment.
http://www.tyrantforhire.com/blog/why-you-should-consider-taking-a-social-media-vacation
Posted in Poetry, tagged God, gratitude, heart, Inspiration, Julie Catherine Vigna, Light, Love, peace, Poetry, soul, spirit on June 10, 2012 | 6 Comments »
This is a beautiful poem filled with heart and love; and written by Julie Catherine Vigna who truly has a gift from God.
