There is no place like it in the world.
4 little letters. One syllable. Home. How can such a small word conjure up so much emotion?
While a
house
is often referred to as a "home," the concept of home is far more broad than a physical dwelling. Home should be our personal haven. A place of refuge, of safety, a sanctuary
where worldly cares fade and the things and people that one loves becomes the focus. Think of the proverb, "East or west, home is the best". These concepts of home as sanctuary and refuge are becoming more and more desirable in today's fast paced, hectic world.
No matter your budget or the square footage you home possesses, your home can be beautiful. When it comes to creating a warm, welcoming home, attention to detail is far more important than budget and space. For instance, have you ever walked into a large, exquisitely furnished home and yet felt unwelcome? Or entered a modest apartment and never wanted to leave? I certainly have.
But where does one start? Banish those things that you do not find to be useful, beautiful or meaningful. It is an old adage to be sure but still so true.
Surround yourself with those things that you most cherish and peace will
find you.
Choose the colors that soothe you, not what is the most popular at the moment. The same applies to furniture styles and accessories.
Your home is your nest. Fluff it, tweak it, feather it your way. Make room for music, candles, good scents and family treasures.
What is your concept of home? How do you feather your nest? It is a very personal decision!
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I am so late to thank those sweet blog friends who recently gifted me with special awards. I have placed them along my sidebar and want to warmly thank each one. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart! As always, I am so humbled...and honored. I love you all.
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I posted the other day about our Janet's birthday. Well, today IS the day! If you have yet to do so, please pop over and wish her a happy one!
And today is also a special day for another dear friend. Please skip over and wish Deb
a very happy birthday as well! Her blog is filled with such delightful words and photos. It is a magical place! And, while you are there, please leave a birthday message for her wonderful dog Ben. Ben is one of the gentlest of God's creatures. It was recently his 11th birthday and he is as handsome as ever! He holds a special place in my heart...
We also have a new blogger that is celebrating her birthday today as well. Please wish Diane
a sweet day too!
May all of you have a year filled with joy and precious blessings!
Happy Birthday!
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I must run now...I need to do a little clean up around the old nest.
Have a wonderful evening and a sweet Wednesday!
Love and hugs,
Susie Q
32 comments:
What a wonderful post, and congrats to you on your awards and Happy Birthday to all!
Home does conjure up so much. The feel, the smell, the memories... It is wonderful. Thanks for a great post. I am not sure if I have visited before but I am sure I'll be back. Hugs!
There NO place like home. Can you hear the heels of my ruby slippers clicking?
Make that There'S NO place like home. I HATE typos!
Everything you say is so true. I may not have the fanciest house, but I love my home. And we're going to be moving to a small retirement cottage in a few years. I told Mike I plan to make it a 'doll house.'
Mike had a friend back in his school years. I kid you not, his mother not only had that tacky plastic on her living room furniture...she had a rope across the doorway to keep the kids out! What on earth is the point of a 'living' room if you can't live in it? (She's long since passed away and I can hands down guarantee she didn't take a stick of that furniture with her.)
My thoughts exactly! I'm all about the little things! What a lovely post you've written.
Congrats on the awards!
Manuela
Hi Sue, congratulations on all your Awards Sue! How true about a House v a Home.....we have visited peoples homes and they are so grand in decor but you don't want to sit on their perfect sofas! We are with Manuela, it's all about the little things in a house that makes it a home, and number one is love :) We can't leave without saying, we think you are inpspirational. Jenn and Jacqui
oh my, it's too early for us obviously! That should read inspirational :) J & J
Lovely post Susie Q. and I think you know how I feel about our sweet nest. ~ Smiles ~ Lyn
Hi Susie Q,
I so agree there's no place like home! What a great post.
I wanted to thank you for such a nice comment on my blog. Come visit again. :)
Hugs,
Donna
Great post...I feel the same way. I have been in some awsome houses...built with the finest materials..decorated from all over the world and felt a chill.
I think it is the heart in you that makes your house a home.
I have always prayed when I had company that they felt the love and warmth of home.
I loved your post Susie!!
I love a warm cozy place. It really doesn't matter how big or small as long as it's inviting and cozy. I love mixing up new and old together.
Have a great night!
Rosemary
Congrats on the awards!! I agree with you about creating a "home". I have walked into huge homes, "perfectly" decorated and felt cold, and walk into a friends apartment and felt enveloped in warmth and love.
Hugs,
Penny
Sue,
Ditto to everyone's comments. In my line o work you see a lot of houses that aren't homes.
Thanks or all the b'day wishes and publicity. All over until next year, pheww!!
Janet
You really do have a special home full of so much love.
HOME is the best place to be in my book...I just love it..especially when it's clean, which it's not right now, but I still love it. :o)
Happy birthday to all.
Congratulations on all your awards and thanks for the sweet words...your posts always lift our spirits!
Have a blessed day!
smiles, kari and kijsa
Am so loving being back here to see you! What a beautiful banner, Sue, and what a lovely, lovely, post. A breath of fresh air! "Beautiful, useful, and meaningful" . . . thanks for that wonderful reminder! LOL, gives me a whole new perspective on simplifying. Am so grateful to have my lil home (mountain apt), too!
Tell you what, Sue, you have sure brightened my home with your heartfelt visits over the past few months! Are we all blessed, or what?! Mega Hugs!! :-)
Hi, Susie! Yes, there is no place like home! I've certainly been enjoying my nest this month, as I clean, organize & redo some things. It's so much fun, esp. this time of year when we have to be inside more.
Hugs,
Rhoda
Did you see Artsymama's post today? It is about home as well!
Karla
Beautiful pierced porcelain bowl!
Sandra Evertson
See here's the trouble with all that "nest feathering". Eventually, you have to clean the darn thing, too, or you end up with...I don't know...nest mites or something. Or would that be feather mites (?)...anywho...the point is, it's all good and well to surround yourself with the stuff you love but unless you are also surrounding yourself with people who will help you clean, your little nest might just become your worst nightmare over time.
Ah heck. Just ignore me. I've been negative all month. And I've been watching that show "How Clean is Your House?" on BBC America for the past couple of weeks and it's led me to believe that the whole world is filled with sloppy, lazy, filthy housekeepers. Or maybe I'm just projecting.
:)
Kari
THANK YOU so much Susie! Benny thanks you too :-}
Hey Susie Q - Esther Sunday here. Peeking in from work - don't tell the boss! Thanks for stopping in to see me, leave such sweet comment and reading my other posts! I feel honored! I LOVE reading your blogger profile? Gary Sinise - yeah, baby. Touching that you read Anne Frank's diary every year. I was lucky enough to have been able to visit the Anne Frank House in Amesterdam when I was 15. Very sobering. Hey - gonna be 45 next month - lovin' my forties!!!!!! Adding ya to my links so I can check back in. I am assuming that is your lovely home in the banner? Love, Esther
Congratulations on your awards! And you are so right about home, There is no place like it, no matter the size.
However, as I look around I can see this home needs a little dusting!
Just came to your blog via Lavender Hill. Referring to your little rant about the anchor woman and Spears, I feel quite sure in saying I am sure you are not pure and perfect. Eh,sorry I came by.
Wow, that post above mine is a doozy. Funny how those people always leave their comments anonymously. And for the record, I'm quite sure you ARE pure of heart and perfect in 345,734 ways.
I just spent a lovely afternoon catching up on your posts. Woman! Kari has nothing on you for rants and raves (Oh... and I hear George Clooney IS panty-less ... but briefless? I can only hope.) I'm with you. Let's fly to Italy and take a look. I agree with you. People want to wear the "victim" hat and be given "victim" absolution, but they are NOT victims in so many cases. TRUE victims DO have my pity. And the sentiments on home? I LOVE them. I just finally moved past that hurdle of being trendy ... on to doing what makes my nest happy. I painted my wall BROWN. And I LOVE it. Also, I loved the restaurant photos. I love all of your stuff. I'm so glad that you blog. You have no idea what your thoughts and photos contribute to my day. You are a star in my book. Thanks for all you do for us ... your blogger fans and friends. I love ya, Suzie Q. Even if I only spell your name correctly half of the time. Lol. Now ... let's go look for George. I bet he loves blonde fans.
Oh yes. p.s. I have bag tagged you, if you would like to play. Show us your bag and it's contents if you dare. Mine is on my blog today. You know ... I don't think I've ever had an actual purse. But if I ever find a really cool orange one. That will be IT man. It's MINE.
HOME! Such a warm happy word!
xo
I've spent the day at "home" and it's been wonderful. Your post is so true - there's no place like home. Congrats on your awards sweet friend.
Hugs!
Kat
Dorothy had it right when she clicked those heels together and said "there's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home!" I agree completely. Great post Sue!
and it smells nice too...
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