Lagniappe (pronounced LAN-yap) is defined as an unexpected gift given to a customer as a bonus, a compliment, or simply for good measure. Mark Twain wrote about lagniappe in Life on the Mississippi (1883). Lagnaippe is "a word worth traveling to New Orleans to get; a nice limber, expressive, handy word--'lagniappe'..." English speakers learned the word from French-speaking Louisianians, but they in turn had adapted it from the American Spanish word la ñapa.
Twain went on to describe how New Orleanians completed shop transactions by saying "Give me something for lagniappe," to which the shopkeeper would respond with "a bit of liquorice-root, ... a cigar or a spool of thread." It took a while for "lagniappe" to catch on throughout the country, but by the mid-20th century, New Yorkers and New Orleanians alike were familiar with this "excellent word."
So, there you have it!
I’m Marion Owen. I work, relax, and love life in Kodiak, Alaska. I’ve worked on research ships, created photographs that hang in The Smithsonian, given up cheese and meat, and enjoy watching bumblebees and snowflakes. And somewhere along the line, I co-authored the New York Times bestseller, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul. I’m learning how to not do too much. To be authentic, embrace joy, and not burn the oatmeal.
Thank you for being here,
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Seven prayers for peace
Every year, the International Day of Peace falls on September 21. But why not celebrate peace every day? I’m not suggesting you run around with a billboard declaring, “World Peace or Bust!” That accomplishes little. To realize true peace, true happiness, you need to practice it as you go about your daily activities, however grand or mundane they may be. Soon, peace will feel as familiar and comfortable as your favorite shoes. And that’s the kind of calmness you want to radiate so that when people come into your presence they think, “Wow, I want some of that, too.”
I invite you to download these posters, which I created from my photographs. Use them on your desktop, your iPhone; print them, share them. “Give peace a chance,” as John Lennon said.
Thanks for visiting. With blessings,

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0 thoughts on “Seven prayers for peace”
Marion, The quote from Mother Teresa is one of my favorite quotes and I have it on my fridge.
Grace and Peace be Yours in Abundance. 1 Peter 1:2 M.
Thank you, Marion, for the inspiring words and photographs.
A humble “you’re welcome” to you Sharon. May your day be filled with peace, calmness and joy. 😉
What a beautiful gift! Thank you! Velda
Sent from my iPhone
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You are a gift, too, Velda!
Thank you, Marion. Beautiful words and Wonderful photos.
Thanks, Candy. Are you guys doing well? How was your summer’s weather?
We are doing well. Summer was good this year with good rains which we always need here. We are headed to Portland later this week to visit Ethan and family. Looking forward to the beauty in Oregon…and seeing the grandchildren. I can see all is well in Kodiak.
Marion they are beautiful! Thankyou very much for sharing xxx
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Oh Hari, thank you so much for taking the time to let me know what you think. There are a bzillion photographs in this world but if my images can encourage even one person to ask the question, “Why am I here? What’s the purpose of life?” then I feel I’ve done my best.
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I’m Marion Owen. I work, relax, and love life in Kodiak, Alaska. I’ve worked on research ships, created photographs that hang in The Smithsonian, given up cheese and meat, and enjoy watching bumblebees and snowflakes. And somewhere along the line, I co-authored the New York Times bestseller, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul. I’m learning how to not do too much. To be authentic, embrace joy, and not burn the oatmeal.
Thank you for being here,

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