There's No Place Like Home

I'm HOME living in the first house I purchased with my then-husband many years ago. I'll always remember the day we found it – feeling the excitement of a dream as I climbed the steps to peek through the window of the front door, seeing the bright brick fireplace for the first time, the gentle mist of sea air surrounding me, and the feeling that this was home.

Even though it feels like a lifetime ago, the feeling remains the same. A deep inner joy and satisfaction in turning a house into a home with things I love that nurture and support me. Home is a symbol of the love that continually protects and surrounds us, nurtures us and allows us to be.

What excites me the most is bringing my space alive to reflect the woman I am today. I am inspired to honor all the parts of her, all the places she's lived and explored, the people she has met, who she was, and who she is becoming.
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If you read my last email, I talked about the way we emerge from one stage in life to the next. I am in a new phase in my becoming, and re-creating the space around me is an affirmation of what matters most to me, what I have brought with me, creating space for what I'm inviting in more of, and remembering that the home of my dreams dwells within.

A big part of this process is getting rid of most of my belongings. Over the years, our needs change, and the desire to simplify is palpable.

As I watched the men dismantle the daybed and drive off with it, I was surprised by a bit of nostalgia. I've thought a lot about things and their place in our lives. After all, they are only things. I thought about how and why I would have an attachment to the furniture I bought so many years ago.

The truth is that the daybed held sunlit afternoons close as a respite from the world, a sense of untouchable tranquility. It held visits from far-away friends. The trundle was perfect for my precious young nieces and nephews, reading, storytelling, trampoline and somersaults. And the feeling I got seeing the daybed elegantly placed in our guest room. It's not the item or piece of furniture; it's how it made me feel and the memories I will keep of beloved guests in my home that will remain with me forever. The furniture is gone, but the memories will live on.

What's next to let go of? I think it will be the glass-top dining table with carved pedestal legs and upholstered side chairs. When I chose it, I thought it was the most beautiful, elegant dining set I'd ever seen. Will I wax nostalgic? You betcha! Memories of all the celebrated birthdays, candle-lit anniversaries, dinner parties, Thanksgiving dinners, my father's book signing, wine tastings and everyday enjoyment. I am once again reminded of the preciousness of life in each moment through the lens of time.    

As I clip pictures, explore ideas and become obsessed with Pinterest, I am reminded of limitless possibilities in creating a new vision filled with purpose, possibility and loving protection. A house is built of wood and beams. My heart is full as I make a home of love and dreams!

​Is there a place in your home that reflects you – your present visions and dreams? If you don’t have a particular place, I hope this message inspires you to create one and that it supports you in remembering that the home of your dreams dwells within...