Marcie's Flowered Curtains: November 2008

Friday, November 28, 2008

A Year of Hope

Reflections on a Theme

How do we sum up a year full of incredible and even miraculous events in an effort to come up with one theme that would reflect the whole? I think I would have to honestly say that it wasn’t necessarily this year that brought me to the selection of this theme, but the years (and challenges) that proceeded 2008. Contemplating the words and or phrases that are part of the package, I would have to choose those that admittedly may seem over used, but are too often taken for granted: prayer, faith, repentance, forgiveness--all necessary in realizing the true nature of the word HOPE. Or is it hope that is the catalyst that drives the former? Nevertheless, I don’t believe one can coexist without the other.

It is our prayer this Christmas that through our Savior Jesus Christ we can keep HOPE alive as we face our individual challenges and those that lay ahead for our families, our nation, and even the world. Hope and all that it is comprised of, is what keeps us forging ahead with strength, courage, and integrity.

About Me

I was born in San Pedro, CA to a Greek immigrant father and a mother who was first generation Greek, American born. They are two of my greatest heroes, and I express gratitude to them for not only giving me life, but for the incredible sacrifices they made for their daughters. I am proud of my heritage, but I "am not a hyphenated anything!" I am an AMERICAN.

I grew up in Long Beach, CA and was a proud "jackrabbit" at Long Beach Poly High. (Skit, skat, how 'bout that!) I graduated with my Associates from Long Beach City College. My transcript was sent to Cal State Long Beach, but I married the summer before entering, and worked to help my husband finish his education after his return from deployment to Germany. We divorced and my biggest regret in life is not returning to finish mine.

I married Paul in 1980, and helped raise his daughters who are now married with children. From the girls, we have five grandsons and one great-grandson.

Together, we have two awesome miracle sons, a precious daughter-in-law, an adorable grandson, and an angel granddaughter.

I have four sisters that are part of my heart and soul, despite our differences: Mary, Irene, Nicoletta, and Angeline. From them, I have twelve wonderful nieces and nephews, and numerous (32 and counting) grand-nieces and nephews!

After leaving Long Beach, we lived in Fallbrook, CA for seventeen years before moving to Orem, UT. I love the mountains, but I dearly miss the ocean.

My church is my life. You will see it reflected in my writings, my testimony of the Gospel, and my deep love for my Heavenly Father, my Savior and the Holy Ghost.

A Tribute to Joni Mitchell and Days Gone By

Teenage years are often the best years of your life but they can often be tumultuous times as well. Loosing Dad at the onset of my junior year was bad enough but then Mom had to venture out and go to work. Angie, my youngest sister and I often comment on how when Dad died, we lost our mom as well. These were lonely and very reflective days. I often found solace in my sanctuary...my bedroom. I painted the walls of my room a bright and sunny yellow, purchased navy blue curtains with bright colorful flowers, and spent hours listening to the sounds of Joni Mitchell and others on my "turn-table". I was so proud that I purchased these items with my own, hard-earned money! Joni Mitchell's songs reached deep into my searching soul and I totally connected with many of her lyrics. When I discovered the song "Marcie" on a newly purchase album "Song to a Seagul", I was quite excited. Marcie was not a common name back then at all and the words, for many personal reasons, felt like they were written just for me. So therein lies my tribute to Joni Mitchell...and days gone by.