Category: Uncategorized

Let's Be Honest, Uncategorized

Meaning is Subjective

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I have this theory that a house isn’t a home unless its contents are meaningful–meaningful to its inhabitants, that is.  Which means that our homes aren’t complete when they are the best version of Joanna Gaines-ness that we can muster.  (Just an example.  Nothin’ but love for Joanna!)  Rather, our homes get to be gloriously different, just as what fulfills and shapes us is wonderfully complex and different.

Here’s what I mean in pictures:

I love to travel.  So did my grandmother, whose vintage suitcases I inherited.  In our family room, they keep cards, games, and puzzles accessible.  They’re practical and meaningful.

 

 

This planter, stolen from outside, displays a decade of beach treasures because I have such happy memories by the ocean.

 

 

This metal sconce preserves love letters from a long-distance relationship that turned into 22+years of marriage.  (“Why didn’t you just text or email?” the young things ask us. Ha!  It wasn’t invented yet!)  It strategically hangs by my side of the bed:  a gentle reminder of the love we fought for.

So, what items remind you of your heritage?  Favorite memories?  Deep values?  Dreams or aspirations?

Work them into your decor; replace stock items for functional–but meaningful–ones.  Start with a special item and find a way to make it useful or beautiful.  Or, consider what part of your soul needs the most bolstering, and find a way to represent it in your decor.

Making meaning tangible in your home is like sowing a smile in every room.

(Cheesy.  I know.)

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Let's Be Honest, Photos, Uncategorized

Let’s Be Honest . . . about how you REALLY live

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–Not how you WISH you lived.

Case in point:  Framed family pictures (professional or not) are reasonable for most people but apparently not for me.

Our last professional family photo was 10 years ago, and those didn’t even make it to frames.  Shameful, I know.

I’ve tried!   But somehow, even my  “Oh, we’re finally all here, decently clothed, and almost all-smiling-in-the-same-shot” candids still have never made it to our hallway gallery.  And, if I’m honest, this is not going to be something I pull off anytime soon, either.

But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE pictures (like I was the photo “Historian” for a group in high school and made scrapbooks long before they were vogue).  So, I finally accepted these two competing realities and compromised with this:

Hallway Bulletin Board

This bulletin board hangs in my hallway where our large framed professional (out-of-date–like, added another family member since then) prints used to hang. Now, I can add candid shots whenever I want, including those of my adorable niece and nephews (who happen to have moms more diligent with family photos).  A few ribbon flower embellishments and rhinestone push pins dress it up.  A sign declaring my fan girl love for these people helps make the collection a focal point.

And who knows, one day I’ll probably put back the beautifully carved and coordinated frames holding lovely, professional pictures of my family.  Until then, this display supports my desire to have those I love ever before me–without all the expectations of a “Most people have . . . ” or the shameful, “It shouldn’t be that hard . . . “.

What “wish you could” or “ought to” do you need to let go of today?

Ask yourself:  what about the “wish you could” is most appealing?  Does it accomplish order?  Make a statement?  Link you to something or someone you care about?

Abandon any justifications for why it isn’t your reality and put that energy into achieving what’s possible.  Once you decipher the value at stake–the essence of what you’re really trying to accomplish– you’re on your way!

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Uncategorized

Dwelling on Home

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Imagine a place where you long to linger, tarry, and really live.

That place where you sigh with relief that you’ve arrived.  Where your soul has space to breathe, to be encouraged, to be nurtured, and to be inspired.  A place that reminds you who you are and who you can be.  With a little intentionality, every person can create a place to dwell well.

Time?

As much or as little as you want to commit, but never all at once.

My favorite spaces evolved over time.  Maybe they were remodeled in a short, quantifiable time.  But, the feeling that special life moments happen there; that effect is curated.  An inspiration here, a little tweaking there, and a considered space that nourishes your being takes shape.

Let’s Dwell!