Each of us has a story to tell.
I have so appreciated and
enjoyed each story being shared.
Here is my story.
As a young girl, I dreamt of being a fashion designer.
I would design clothes from scraps of cloth for my dolls.
My family didn’t understand that desire to be a creative soul,
so after a while, my dream left me,
but it must have really just been tucked away
in a corner of my heart.
As I was approaching forty years old
I began evaluating my life.
Where had I gone?
I had married at 21 and had two children by the time I was 30.
I was a mom and a wife,
but that little tickle in my heart was still there.
Finally, I put a voice to this dream
and went back to school gaining
a degree in apparel design.
I didn’t become a famous designer,
but I had a 25-year career as an apparel
pattern maker and technical designer
for several well-known companies
in the Portland, Oregon area.
I was proud of what I had accomplished
and I think my family was too.
I retired from Nike at 65 years old.
While I was at Nike
I began coming across blogging.
Corey’s beautiful blog was
the first one I discovered.
Whenever I needed a few moments
to break at work
I headed to her blog and
took a mental holiday.
It brought me so much joy.
After I retired I decided to write a blog,
With my last bonus check from Nike,
I invested in a “big girl” camera.
Well I didn’t even know-how
to turn the camera on,
but with blogging, forced me to learn.
Blogging and taking pictures
gives me an outlet to share
and still have a creative outlet.
While I was working at Nike
I realized I had one more dream.
It was to have my own business.
After making a list of the things
I loved I realized I loved drinking tea.
Simple isn’t it?
Just sit and drink tea all day I thought.
Do I open a tearoom?
No, that is a restaurant.
Being involved with product development
I would love making products
for other tearooms.
I developed a line of jams and jellies
made with tea and sold them wholesale to tearooms for 9 years.
Now I sell on Etsy "Marmaladys",
a line of tea-related sewing patterns.
See the connection?
I was a pattern-maker
that now has incorporated tea
into the picture.
Friendships and connections
always touch my heart.
The people I have met through
pursuing my joys has delighted me.
How I would still love to meet Corey,
but when I travel the I-5 corridor
from Oregon to California
I make a stop in Willows
and have met Corey’s mom a couple of times.
Yes, connections and friendships
are my total joy.
Always curious and learning,
it keeps my heart young
and puts a smile on my face.
You can also find me on
or on Facebook
where I share quotes, tea pictures,
pictures from nature and my garden.
Occasionally my grandson pops in there too.
At 69 years old I became
a first-time grandma and
I love having my
8-year-old grandson by my side.H
My dear Marilyn. I have loved this blog posting.
You are very dear to us all.
Blessings my friend
and thank you Corey for sharing your blog for all these guest postings
Much love
Posted by: Jeanne | 02 December 2020 at 01:58 PM
I very much like all your photographs - the investment in a proper camera is always worth it.Every day I read the stories of women here telling about their lives I'm amazed at the enormous creativity that has been building up so far !
Posted by: Liese | 02 December 2020 at 04:58 PM
I love that I get to see Marilyn's beautiful photos every day on Facebook, and have shared tea with her a few times in person too. Life can be beautiful.
Val
Posted by: Valarie LaBore | 02 December 2020 at 07:09 PM
"Mental Holiday" - I love that, perfect description of this beautiful blog! I am amazed at everyone's accomplishments, just incredible what all you women have done! Marilyn your phots are gorgeous! I love that you were/are a pattern maker -such a skill is rare! It's so motivating to read how you have been able to grow and build on all your talents and loves to make a company to call your own! Thank you for sharing!!
Posted by: Penni | 02 December 2020 at 08:12 PM
Well done Marilyn
Lovely to see that your creative journey has taken many different avenues and now you have moved to photography, which is a very gratifying pastime. I loved all your images and reading your story. Best wishes for the festive season from NZ. - Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Phillipps | 02 December 2020 at 08:18 PM
I love reading about all of these diverse and interesting people. A pattern maker for Nike who pivots into photography and writing books. I bet you're great at puzzles:) Marilyn, your photographs are lovely and the child's tea party book looks like great fun.
Posted by: jackie | 03 December 2020 at 11:04 AM
Brava for creativity and several reinventions! Love the photography.
Posted by: Sue J. | 03 December 2020 at 02:09 PM
Marilyn,
I just want to sit in your garden and enjoy all the blossoms, tea and wildlife! Beautifully done. I now follow your blog, inspired by its romance and calming energy. Thanks for sharing.🥰
Posted by: Kambria | 03 December 2020 at 04:33 PM
Oh, you wonderful lady! You pursued your dream and -Just did it. Love your Instagram account.
Fabulous photos.
Thank you
Ali
Posted by: Ali | 03 December 2020 at 04:59 PM
What a pleasure to see a tea friend on one of my favorite blogs! Thank you for sharing your story!
Posted by: Cathy Smallwood | 03 December 2020 at 05:25 PM
Thank you everyone for your very kind comments and love.
Posted by: Marilyn | 03 December 2020 at 06:23 PM
I loved this post, Marilyn! Now I'm off to check out your FB profile!
Posted by: Linda Piazza | 05 December 2020 at 12:39 AM