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"I do believe in an everyday sort of magic...the inexplicable connectedness we sometimes experience with places, people, works of art and the like; the eerie appropriateness of moments of synchronicity; the whispered voice, the hidden presence, when we think we're alone." Charles de Lint

Monday, July 20, 2026

Family Table

I great up on a farm with 8 siblings....so there was a window of time when there were 11 of us around our family table. We ate dinner together almost everyday....and I have fond memories of the sights, sounds...and smells. 

My niece Holly and her husband Hikmet have the family farm table now and yesterday 11 of us gathered around it for a full Turkish breakfast. It seemed fitting that there just happened to be 11 of us....and the four of us who remember our childhood around this table even knew exactly where we sat. 


A Turkish breakfast includes vegetables, olives, cheese, eggs and all kinds of breads and jams.


When the dishes were cleared and the tablecloth (very Turkish) removed...I recognized every scratch and wooden grain line of this family table. My heart was full.


And I had a chance to have some one on one time with dear sweet Ayla.

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10 comments:

  1. dotty seiter: now playingJuly 21, 2026 at 5:38 AM

    MaryAnn, wow.

    Everything about gathering around this table's grain lines, scratches, and Turkish tablecloth with family shines with the love, joy, and connection of breaking bread together ❤️

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  2. AnonymousJuly 21, 2026 at 7:10 AM

    So lovely to have such a large family gather at the memorable table. Family means everything. Enjoy.
    Kathy

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  3. AnnJuly 21, 2026 at 7:37 AM

    Such a beautiful family, and family memories! 💕 I was one of five children, so our family dinners were “only” for seven. And I’m sure each of us could also tell you exactly where we sat!

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    Replies
    1. MaryAnn ShupeJuly 21, 2026 at 8:57 AM

      You do know what it feels like to be part of a big family. Joyful abundance!

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  4. Judy HartmanJuly 21, 2026 at 9:04 AM

    The family table is such a wonderful symbol and how great to be able to gather around your childhood one with loved ones! Ayla is such a lovely girl - I remember when she visited you and made some art. So glad you are having a good visit, MaryAnn!

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  5. JulieroseJuly 21, 2026 at 3:09 PM

    What a lovely breakfast spread you had there; so nice to gather for a family meal, isn't it? Too far and few between here, with everyone's being so busy these days...
    Hugs, Julierose

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    Replies
    1. MaryAnn ShupeJuly 21, 2026 at 4:27 PM

      Thanks Julierose! I have such fond memories of our family meals. That translated to me...and we always had family dinner around the table with our two boys.

      Delete

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