Tuesday, March 22, 2011

"wherever you are, be all there." (jim elliot)


In the house I grew up and spent nearly 22 years of life in, there were specific things that to this day mark my memory with colors, smells, textures.

The floor to ceiling wall paper in our 20' ceiling living room of a snow-covered mountain.
The deer wallpaper in the family room.
The white ceramic lamps, and specifically, the one I broke.
The tweed couches with wooden arms. Green carpet, wood floors, woodstove, open windows.

These things almost carry a sixth sense with them in my mind.

Now, being a mother and a homemaker, I do not take lightly the responsibility to create my nest. What I gather to keep these walls warm and nurturing...it matters.

The meals I cook. The quilts we toss. The pictures that hang over our sleepy heads, and the plates that hold our meals where stories are shared and lessons taught...

These are important things.

There is a little girl who is watching. Learning. She's discovering what is safe. What is home

This is where training happens. Where boundaries are established. Questions are unfurled and we allow protection within these comforts. Fragile human hearts grow in love and faith here; both hers and mine.

I take this very, very seriously.

That's why I am quick to make it feel like home. Especially now. Especially here.











“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


(back with my sister-writers over at Finding Heaven. check 'em.)




15 comments:

  1. Andrea,

    Beautiful post...as always. Curious, where did you get the Amazing Grace sign?

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  2. I love this, as creating a home whereever my family is, is a long time passion of mine as well. I am much older than you, and my early mentor in this, was the writings of Edith Schaffer. Have you ever read "Hidden Art" or "What is a Family?" You would love them.

    Your home looks cozy, warm and whymsical.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  3. awesome. And I second Glenda's suggestions. they are on my shelves too.

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  4. Love word art..Andrea..creating this home for her is ...only my opinion .. but one of the BEST things you could ever do with your life. I was once that little girl and there was no home for me and I grew up craving that and making bad choices as a result. You are on the right track and I can't wait to see what you are going to do on this new journey.
    I'm dead serious. You matter to me. I wish I could meet each of you all in person!
    xo

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  5. Thank you for pointing out the importance of making a home. Sometimes I need to be reminded of that. Yours is beautiful.

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  6. Thank you for sharing the pictures of your home. It's fun to get a peek into your life. Also, the first two descriptions of your home made me giggle. One of my good friends growing up had something very similar. I always thought her forest wallpaper was so cool. :)

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  7. I love, love, love that you are back and arrived safely!

    Can I just tell you what so struck me out of all your pics? The one with the empty frame...perhaps it gives me hope of what is to come.

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  8. Christy — thanks :) it's actually the Cracker Barrel!
    Glenda — thank you for those recommendations. I will definitely check them out!
    Dee - thank you sister :)
    Tiffini — (who, by the way, I always feel compelled to call you "tiff". i have a thing for nicknames.) I really value your perspective on this. And I too, would LOVE to meet all of you :)
    Courtney — I need the reminders too. I post things like this so even when I'm tired, I can go back and remind myself :)
    Amy — it is funny, isn't it? those 70s homes....photo wallpaper was all the RAGE.
    Jen — i'm glad to be back too! it feels familiar and like home to be doing routine things again :) And I love that the frame is what jumped out at you. Gives me a glimpse into who you are even more :) I like ya, I do.

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  9. My grandma also had a 20' (or something close) completely wall-papered wall with an Alp or something similar on it...I always made fun of her for it. :)

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  10. cute house. can't wait to visit!

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  11. You do a beautiful job of homemaking!

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  12. Peggy - I wonder if it was the same one!! :)
    Abby - soon, please. :)
    Rachy - thank you :)

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  13. Beautiful. I adore that quote by Elliot. I think what you are doing for your daughter is amazing and will make such a difference in her life. Making a home for the both of you is a beautiful thing. And I think you have a fabulous home...all those touches.... FAB!

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  14. Critty — thanks for the encouragement! :) I love that quote too. It's been one that has followed me around for awhile.

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  15. Your words pulled at my heart strings, realizing those days are all but over for me. Now I am watching my own daughter create a nest and there is joy in the watching.

    I was sad I couldn't read the music/literature sign completely but that changed a few pictures later. I love it!

    Love the Jim Elliot quote.

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