“There is nothing like staying home for real comfort.” quote from Jane Austen.
Remember when Dorothy, on the Wizard of Oz, stated that “there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home!”
I am clicking my red heels in agreement as we speak….!
Funny thing is, in my life, I’ve lived in many different homes, from a century-old Summer Kitchen, a farmhouse, a Craftsman bungalow, an English Tudor, another farmhouse, married, then back to another Craftsman bungalow to begin life as a newlywed Bride.
In the past few weeks, we’ve been “gone” for three weekends in a row and look so forward to a weekend when we’re finally home.
Last weekend was the busiest, or most productive. We celebrated a belated Valentine’s Day dinner, attended grandchildren’s musical events, sporting events, and next weekend we’ll be gone as well, with a Baptism to attend. In each city, we’ve had lovely accommodations in local hotels, clean and beautifully- styled rooms, King-sized beds, a “lounge” to grab a snack, or a breakfast room to start our day.
What more could we ask for?
In Wisconsin, naturally, we ate cheese curds for a snack during the gymnastics meet. The evening before, we met our son at a Cuban Restaurant for a leisurely meal, where we spent time just “catching up”.
The restaurant was fun, brightly hued, and the spicy aromas were as vibrant as the orange walls filled with art! The evening was filled with family, good conversation, great food, and all-around perfection. We loved every minute of our weekend getaway,
and then, on the last night, my husband says, “I can’t wait to get in our own bed!”
For the life of me, I laughed out loud!!
Our mattress needed replaced about two years ago, there’s a crater in the middle, and I literally have to hang on to the side of the bed, so I don’t roll into the hole! This doesn’t bother my husband; the compressed mattress seems to conform to his “shape”!
Sorry for such a long drawn-our story, but when I’m not at home, I’m usually with family. I do love the Jane Austen quote above, that ” there is nothing like staying home for real comfort.” And yes, no matter how many houses you may live in, and no matter where they are, they will each become your “home,” simply because this is where YOU are, where you live, laugh, cry and love those whom you share your home with.
Tell me, where is your favorite place to “be”?
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t sit in the house for days on end, I love to get out, to see and do, to travel to places unknown to me. I love the “new” that adventure brings: the new sounds, sights, tastes and roads traveled. Travel is both inspiring and stimulating to me, it feeds my curiosity, I must have an inquisitive soul.
But my friends, when the trip is over, nothing can beat the feeling of “coming home”.
Don’t you agree?
If I asked you where your favorite, most comfortable “place” is in your home, where would it be?
And why?
Personally, I enjoy finding “beauty” in unexpected items, or a view, a piece of art or furniture, all of the “things” needed to create a cozy corner of my home, or a sense of comfort. Would you think it silly to say that I’m really quite fond of the block-print fabric lampshades that are becoming popular, again? They’ve taken an old-fashioned fabric and brought it right into the Target stores, and I’m excited to see that.
In the above photo you’ll notice antique items, vintage and worn combined with the new lamp and candle. I love the mix of old and new. The aged items add a story of their own, the wooden pieces add their warmth, then I add a scented candle. Please consider pleasing all of the senses, and not for your guests alone, but for yourself!
My husband and grandsons prefer to please their senses in the kitchen.
The scent of baked goods, breads, cakes or cookies put them over the top, but I still think my Mr. prefers to smell a roast in the crockpot or lasagna in the oven. Food is their love language, the look of it, touch and taste of it, the smell of it, all of it except the dirty dishes afterwards. Then, the “workers are few”.
Friends, I feel like I’ve rattled off quite a bit, but on the subject of HOME, I could go on and on.
So, where do you start, when creating a “home”?
With one small corner, one open shelf, a plant in a basket by the window, a picture hung over the mantle…one step at a time. There is no rush, no contest to win.
I recommend taking your time, choosing one task, or area at a time, always inserting yourself wholly into everything you do, just love your house, and in return, it will give you a “home.” ~~Me
Blessings,
xx,
