Gratitude, Attitude, and Joy … February 21, 2012

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Gratitude, Attitude, and Joy … February 21, 2012

February 21, 2012 by Ann Marquette

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 Whatever | Tagged 2012, ann marquette, family, gratitude, joy, Michigan, Sibling, Tree | 14 Comments

14 Responses

on February 21, 2012 at 9:22 PM | Reply Laurie Buchanan

Ohhhhh, what a great blog post — like getting a letter full of news, and virtual tour all in one!

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- on February 21, 2012 at 9:34 PM | Reply Ann Marquette
  
  Gee Thanks Laurie 🙂 Maybe I need to more of this kind 🙂 Only I tend to be a variety kind of writer, I think 🙂
  
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on February 21, 2012 at 9:30 PM | Reply teeceecounsel

Lovely photos! Nice to have enjoyed the company of your brother too. Sometimes distance makes us appreciate the value of our loved ones more than we would have if we lived with them. One of life’s ironies! Nice post.

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- on February 21, 2012 at 9:35 PM | Reply Ann Marquette
  
  Hi teecee 🙂 My brother and I have always been close. Even though we don’t live near each other we talk often by phone, and sometimes for a couple hours.
  
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on February 21, 2012 at 11:47 PM | Reply Patricia Blomeley-Maddigan

Hi, Ann –

So, is that the Big Tree we are seeing over the roof of the house – in the back yard? Wow! That is an amazing tree!
Did you live in this, the family home? In any event, the closing of the sale must have brought many emotions.
As far as the deer – Holy Smokes! What a blessing to see such an event!
Distance relations with family can be very challenging, I know.

Thank you for this enjoyable post, Ann.

Patricia

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- on February 22, 2012 at 9:28 PM | Reply Ann Marquette
  
  Hi Patricia, Yes that Big Tree is in the back yard and you see the top of it from the front of the house 🙂
  Yes we lived in that house, and our parents lived there before they passed away. It was time for it to go to someone else and we were glad to be done with it and move on in our lives.
  It was really cool to see all those deer like that. Wish we could have been in a position to photograph the scene.
  
  Thanks for stopping by Patricia. I have to catch up on all the blogs I missed while away.
  
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on February 22, 2012 at 12:18 AM | Reply Julie Catherine

Lovely post, Ann, and that is one huge tree! It’s beautiful! I’m so glad you were able to enjoy some quality time with your brother, and really liked the part about all those deer – wonderful. ~ Julie 🙂

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- on February 22, 2012 at 9:30 PM | Reply Ann Marquette
  
  Yup! one HUGE tree is right 🙂 My brother and I always enjoy time together, even if it is only by phone. Some times we can talk for a couple hours on the phone.
  
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on February 22, 2012 at 3:28 PM | Reply Barbara K. Smith

Such an inspiring and heartfelt article…I felt as though I was with you and your brother…viewing the vast farmland and a visit with you kin. Ann, you’re a very special person who cares for everyone…God Bless You & Your Brother

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- on February 22, 2012 at 6:37 PM | Reply Ann Marquette
  
  Thank you so much Barbara. You are so kind and I am delighted whenever you stop by.
  Love to you dear Friend. Bless you,
  
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on February 22, 2012 at 8:01 PM | Reply Julie Catherine

Ann, you won the FREE copy of James Hutchings’ ebook from my blog – congratulations! ~ Julie 🙂

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- on February 22, 2012 at 9:31 PM | Reply Ann Marquette
  
  Thanks Julie Catherine for making sure I got this message of my winning the free ebook. I look forward to getting it from James.
  
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on February 22, 2012 at 10:55 PM | Reply Huffygirl

I know just how you feel Ann. Selling your familyl home is bittersweet – a little hard to give up, but still a chapter that feels good to be closed.

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- on February 22, 2012 at 11:16 PM | Reply Ann Marquette
  
  Hi Donna and thanks for stopping by. Me and my brother were really ready to let it go so we can move on with our lives.
  Most important than a building is that we have each other 🙂
  
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