Discovering unexpected treasures in our life stories.
Welcome! I’m Marilyn
and I’m so glad you stopped by.
My grandmother had a beautiful lilac tree in her yard. Occasionally, she would snip a few stems, place them in a jar of water, and set it on her kitchen counter. Even now, if I close my eyes and inhale, I smell the sweet fragrance.of the flowers and her home.
Welcome! I’m Marilyn
and I’m so glad you stopped by.
My grandmother had a beautiful lilac tree in her yard. Occasionally, she would snip a few stems, place them in a jar of water, and set it on her kitchen counter. Even now, if I close my eyes and inhale, I smell the sweet fragrance.of the flowers and her home.
Lilacs are a treasure and a trademark of my hometown, Rochester, New York. Colonists brought small slips of these beauties to the new world and later, varieties were developed by horticulturists. Today, thousands of people from around the world, visit Highland Park, where over five hundred breathtaking and colorful lilac varieties cover twenty-two acres. As a child, I went there to see an array of trees on Lilac Sunday in May.
A simple gesture of lilac cuttings on the kitchen counter, the tenancy of horticulturists, and acres of varieties of lilac trees on display for the world to see-each is an extraordinary treasure–much like life: small moments and big ones; challenges and ordinary times; personal moments and shared experiences.
For me, the simplicity of growing up in an Italian family and gathering for “spaghetti on Sunday” with endless conversation, moving several times in my married life to unique areas, and the greatest challenge of my husband’s sudden fatal heart attack, have shown me the treasure of God’s faithfulness in all seasons. You can read more on my About page.
If you’re looking for encouragement, you’re at the right place. Together, we can find peace during pain, wisdom for a decision, learning through waiting, hope when grieved, and even joy when circumstances say otherwise. Meet me at my blog and join the conversation where together we’ll encounter treasures in unexpected places.
Marilyn


Hopeful Living: Moving Forward While Remaining
Reflecting on changes 2020 brought in daily living, relationships, and celebrations, each one of us can look back on disappointments—the trip that didn’t happen; or the opposite-sweet moments where we had smiles --finally hugging grandchildren. Perhaps we felt a sense of accomplishment-- reading books, organizing and cleaning closets, or...
Will You Carry Me? Leaning on God’s Promises
After walking around a theme part for six hours, my five-year old grandson, despite loving every ride he went on, was tired. His legs just couldn’t take one more step. He didn’t whine or cry, but his slow walking led his uncle to see his need and pick him up and carry him. As they approached me, I saw a smile on his little face, . Do we ever...
January is Hot Tea Month: Steeping in Life Lessons
In celebration of National Hot Tea Month, brew a cup of tea, and let’s look together at lessons tea offers for hopeful living. According to legend, in 2737 BC, as Chinese emperor Shen-Nung waited for water to boil, tea leaves from a nearby bush inadvertently fell into the pot. Whether he was curious, thirsty, or a risk-taker, the emperor drank...

Have we connected on social media?
You can find me here:

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)