Finding extraordinary treasures in ordinary and challenging days.
Welcome! I’m Marilyn.
I’m Marilyn and 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.
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 canning jar filled with 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 in its own rite is an extraordinary treasure.
Isn’t life like that, too? Small moments and big ones, ordinary and challenging times, personal and shared experiences? In each, we can find extraordinary treasures.
The simplicity of growing up in an Italian family that honors tradition, moving several times in my married life, raising three daughters, 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 and extraordinary treasures, you’re at the right place. Together, we can find peace during pain, wisdom for a decision, learning through waiting, compassion when grieved, and even joy when circumstances say otherwise. I invite you to meet me at my blog and join the conversation each week.
Looking for treasures with you,
Marilyn
Lessons from Frozen 2: Reminders for the Christmas Season and Beyond
One of the fun outings I had with four of my grands over the Thanksgiving holiday was seeing the film, Frozen 2. We settled in our reclining seats, passed popcorn, and as the film opened, I anticipated shades of blue, splashes of glitter, and a beautiful heroine. The animation delivered, but I didn’t expect to get life messages from a fantasy...
Gratitude Never Ends: Thanksgiving Part 2
Years ago, when I lived in the snow belt, I exited my office building met by snowflakes falling at record speed. My co- worker and I laughed as we walked to the parking lot, both expressing surprise. Snow was due at midnight. Our offices were in a windowless basement and we had no idea we’d have to clear and scrape icy windshields before...
Thanksgiving: More Than a Holiday Part 1
Thank you to new subscribers and those who commented during our October National Book Month series. The winner of the drawing was Karen Scalf Bouchard. “What are you thankful for this past year?” Families from youngest to oldest answer that question around a Thanksgiving table. Teachers ask children to...
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)
