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  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
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Join Me For A Cup Of Tea

12/24/2014

18 Comments

 
Picturemarcoujor
I can hear you... "I have way too much to do today. There's never enough time in the day. I'll never get it all done... better take that coffee 'to go' ...!"

Thanks for taking time out of these busy days to join me.  I hope these thoughts will be worth your time and consideration. 

The older I get, the slower I want to be.  I want to listen to what you have to say - I still might learn something. I want to experience and feel as much as I can from the moment - I will never have that moment again.  I want to have a second cup of tea with my friends - time together is to be cherished.

Time should never be taken for granted ... Ten years ago, I shared the holidays with my dad, my mother-in-law and Black Lab, Alvin.  Five years ago, Christmas included my mom, my sister-in-law and Yellow Lab, Aunt Baby.  

I read my friend, Vicki Warner's, recent post on Life Talks - I Write, discussing the commercialism and sense of entitlement displayed in our children today. Wholeheartedly agreeing with her, I believe this culture of wretched excess is rooted in the parents (and grandparents) of these children - sadly, in our society at large.

Mom always valued the gift of time above all else.  Your presence was the best present of all.  

Mom also taught us to give flowers to those who were alive.  It's really hard for me to visit someone empty - handed, without even a small floral bouquet.  

I recently made a holiday visit to a friend who is in the end stages of cancer.  She is totally coherent and ready to die.  She is amazingly inspirational - aware of her priorities, even offering comfort, wisdom and gentle humor to those around her who are grieving the effects this disease is having on this once vibrant and energetic woman.  I knew a physical gift would be overwhelming, especially as I saw her room surrounded by floral bouquets and decorations.

I made another holiday visit to a friend who is in the beginning stages of dementia, having recently moved to a senior living center with her husband.  She is increasingly confused - yet hangs onto the same semblance of gracious and ladylike behavior she demonstrated through her life, in her personal and professional life.  I knew a physical gift would be forgotten, as likely my visit was.  

In both of these situations, I wanted to listen to Mom's words and came to the realization that flowers truly symbolize the time spent with those you love. 

I have a dear friend who lost her husband over ten years ago to cancer.  Helena and her amazing children formed The Leaping Leprechauns Team of the ACS Relay for Life.  As a proud Leprechaun myself, I rate our Team an A+++  when it comes to passion, energy and dedication. I love when Helena calls me with the latest fundraiser initiative. 
  
This Christmas season the Team sold cans of tea bags  - right up my alley, so I was all smiles...! 
 
There are 6 different types of tea available - each tea has their own can design.  There are 10 tea bags in each tin which will make 2 - 3 cups of tea.  This is not like Lipton or Tetley.  It looks like loose tea in a fine mesh bag. 

 Faith:  Serene Herbal Tea - a calming and comforting blend of Chamomile, Lavender, Australian Lemon Myrtle and            Spearmint Leaves.  A tranquil, light tea for the body, mind, and soul. 

 Hope: Moroccan Mint Tea - This exhilarating and refreshing blend of Green Tea and Moroccan Peppermint mingle together     to refine your palate - pleasing with every sip. 
 
Life:  Breakfast Blend Tea - Enjoy this hearty blend of Assam, Ceylon and Keemun teas at the beginning of or throughout      your day.
 
Love:  Mango Amazon Tea - This special blend of Black Tea with ripe pieces of Mango and Marigold Flowers is fragrant and uplifting.
 
Peace:  Sencha Green Tea - This pan fired Green Tea is simply the best .  Savor this clean and robust flavor while you enjoy the many health benefits 
 
Prayer:  Daily Detox Tea - this unique blend of Medicinal Herbs and Berries provides a host of antioxidants and health  benefits. A feel good drink that lasts all day.

Each can was sold for $10.00 and our profit (to the American Cancer Society) was $3.30 per can. The Leaping Leprechauns was able to donate $400 to the ACS - that's a whole bunch of tea and many goodhearted folks.

This Christmas I couldn't buy flowers for my Mom or my two friends who aren't feeling very well.  But I sure did buy quite a few cans of tea... and I pray with my heart and soul that one day there will be a cure for cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Before I go ...

A few special items of interest I'd like to share with you before I go...

  • There's an awesome post you won't want to miss in Sunday's special edition of Inspiration Station with a list of wonderful goodies you should see before Christmas!
  • A moving story by guest author, Paula Jay, on LTIW titled The Loss of My Lifeline.
  • Please hop over to the Pumpkin Run Pulse to get acquainted with what should be your newest addition to the Sunnie Day book collection titled, Within My Heart.


That covers it for this edition of mar's Desk.

My love, thoughts and hugs go out to you and yours for a peaceful and blessed Christmas. 

See you next Wednesday.

Hugs, mar
18 Comments
Shauna L Bowling link
12/23/2014 11:47:03 pm

Merry Christmas Eve, Mar!

I love the idea of the teas. They all sound wonderful and for a good cause on top of it. Everyone wins! Is there an online store where they can be purchased?

Thank you for starting this day with a smile. Now, I'm off to begin preparations for tomorrow's dinner.

Merry Christmas to you, Geoff, and Mr. Andy. His first Christmas with his new family. What a special day!

Reply
Maria link
12/24/2014 11:49:11 am

Dear Sha,

I'll check with Helena to see if it's too late to place another special order that would benefit ACS. I'll let you know...

Merry Christmas to you and Chris and those you love as well.

Reply
Vicki
12/24/2014 12:08:49 am

Dear Maria,
What a beautiful article. You'll never really know how much I would love to be sitting next to you, or across from you, petting Mr. Andy, and drinking a cup of your delicious tea, as we converse and solve all the problems of the world in one lovely session.
We know we're both slow, but that's the only way to truly savor life. I loved to hear about the visits you make to your precious friends, and your additions to your many fund raising efforts. You are a special and loved friend.
May your Christmas be blessed and peaceful. And please know you'll be in my thoughts as I spend these precious days with my family at their home.
Love you always



Reply
Maria link
12/24/2014 11:51:03 am

Dear Vicki,

I imagine that we are having tea and 'chatting it up' all the time.

Thanks for stopping by and please enjoy every special moment with your daughter and family. Love you too!

Reply
Alice Brogan
12/24/2014 12:41:33 am

Lovely like you, Maria. Did we sip 2 cups at lunch? As I celebrate Christmas eve and day w my 2 sisters their and our family I think of you and life. The ocean was ferocious a cpl of days ago but today the waves laugh and play! We are all enjoying each other and family.

Yes I do want to buy the tea for ACS when I return.

Love and Blessings,
Alice

Reply
Maria link
12/24/2014 11:53:09 am

Dear Ali,

You and I have had way more than two cups...'the light dimming girls'!

Enjoy your family visit and I have a can of tea with your name on it on hold...It was not in when we got together for lunch. Love, Maria

Reply
Kathy Molchanow
12/24/2014 01:56:43 am

love your words and enjoy our tea together. Wishing you and Geoff a Happy and Blessed Christmas.

Reply
Maria link
12/24/2014 11:54:27 am

So lovely to see you, dear Kathy. Merry Christmas to you, Mike and family too.

Reply
Mike
12/24/2014 03:46:30 am

Hello mar. It sounds like you are surrounded by Christmas Spirits. Your work for the cnacer society earns you many brownie points. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Reply
Maria link
12/24/2014 11:56:06 am

Dear Mike,

The ACS is near and dear to my heart as you know.

Hope you are having a festive Christmas Eve with your loved ones.

Reply
kimmie
12/24/2014 04:05:32 am

Dear Maria
You my friend are the spirit of Christmas not only this time of year but the whole year through. I truly am in awe of your giving spirit which blesses so many. I have been on the receiving end many times and each encounter always leaves me feeling very much loved. May the Lord bless you and always keep your cup full as you have filled many cups along the way.
Merry Christmas
Love you!
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
12/24/2014 11:57:53 am

Dear Kimmie,

These remarks are as beautiful as you...thank you and bless you, my friend.

Wishing you, Roy and your loved ones a beautiful Christmas day.

Reply
Ruby link
12/24/2014 06:24:04 am

Hello Mar. I made myself a cup of coffee and sipped while reading this inspiring piece, of course I'd rather be sitting with you on this Christmas eve day. It is pouring rain and gloomy here, but your upbeat writing takes the chill away. Tis a time for giving to charities to help stamp out cancer and Alzheimer's disease, plus The Wounded Warriors. ( My favorite. ) Take care and have a wonderful Christmas....

Reply
Maria link
12/24/2014 11:59:46 am

Thanks for spending some of this dreary weather day with me, dear Ruby. We had the drizzles all day as well but the temperatures are quite mild.

Enjoy your Christmas, dear friend and hugs to you, Maria

Reply
Gail Sobotkin
12/24/2014 07:29:42 am

My Dear Maria,
So glad I took the time to read this inspirational post today, and so grateful for the time(s) we got to spend together this past year. Each and every moment was savored and stored in my memory bank. I am truly blessed to have you for a friend. Your big heart and generosity touches the lives of others each and every day, spreading kindness, wisdom and joy.
May you have a blessed Christmas and Merry New Year,
Love,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
12/24/2014 12:01:58 pm

Dear Gail,

Thanks for the gift of these words and your special friendship, which I have come to treasure.

Wishing you, Fred and your loved ones a peaceful and happy day.
Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Martie link
12/24/2014 09:53:17 pm

My dearest Maria, your habit of giving gifts, including your time, love, devotion, advice, a shoulder to cry on, etc. etc., is truly remarkable. I feel terribly stingy when I compare myself to you.

I am having a virtual cup of tea with you and wish you the most peaceful and merry Christmas 2014 :)

Love,
Martie

Reply
Maria link
12/31/2014 03:15:10 am

Dear Martie,

Just seeing this sweet comment now - thankfully the tea kettle is always "on" around here...

There is nothing at all stingy about you or your beautiful friendship, which you bless me with every day.

Happy and peaceful 2015...Love and hugs, mar

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

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    Thank you,

    mar  



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  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me