Be It Ever So Humble....

All day today I bemoaned the fact that I still have so much laundry to do and the house needs a good scrub and our garage needs a good straighten. I fret because we have barely begun our Spring yard clean up and worry that we will fall behind. I fuss that people will think we are terribly unkempt or uncaring about it all to be so slow to get 'er done! But you know...we will. And it is probably only me, myself and I who even notice all the things that are wrong with my home and yard. I ran an errand this evening and upon my return, driving into the garage, I was taken by this thought. For all it's imperfections and dust bunnies, I love my home. I really do. It is not grand and will never be on the cover of Architectural Digest. It is small and cute. I like cute. I like small. Really I do! It is newer (5 years old) but built to look like the old row houses of Georgetown, MD. Longer than they are wide, attached garage in back. The homes are not connected but have small grassy areas between each one. White picket fences link each house. The yards behind are small and every home's is done differently. We have a deck, a brick walk way and a small flower garden. I call it my *secret garden* but doubt that it is too much of a mystery to anyone! Our home backs up to a nice city park. There are treed areas all around us. Each home is also connected by a small "alley way" that runs behind each of us. We have the smallest model, with the smallest living room. It *is* small, at least by American standards. So cozy. The ceilings are 9 ft. on the ground floor so it feels airier than you would expect. We do have a gas fireplace that is so nice during the chilly time of year. There is a small, wood floored entry and hallway, a tiny study with a multi paned glass front door, a dining room that is *just* large enough and an eat in kitchen. A laundry room and powder room make up the rest of the 1st floor. We have a basement family room. It is a nice sized area and we use it all the time of late. A nice sized storage room is down there as well. The 2nd floor has a decent sized Master, 2 other bedrooms and 2 baths. No cathedral ceilings, no Jacuzzis, no sweeping staircases, nothing at all glorious or grand. Except to me. No one will ever be *bowled* over by my house. No one will ever leave my home drooling over it's size, decor and elegance. Shoot, what do I know about elegance? But I think that everyone leaves feeling that our home is comfortable and warm. Isn't that the best compliment? We moved so much over the course of Bill's Naval career. I had 17 addresses in 27 years and some of those were not my cup of tea believe me! But you adapt I guess. I tried to make each home (house, apartment, condo) OURS. I always shed a few tears (Okay, buckets of 'em) upon leaving each home. Yes, even the ones that were not *me* when we moved in. I left a tiny piece of my heart in each house. Just ask my cardiologist! But this home *is* me. I never wished for a large home and yard. Okay, maybe a bigger living room would be nice at times but I always liked small. I have no idea why, just did. Bill always did. I guess it is just the old hippie in him. He could live in a tent and be comfortable. He is not materialistic at all. I am...about my home that is. I like *stuff* for my home. No, not expensive really, just unique and pretty. I like things that make me smile. I am always tweaking this or that. Some would think my home is way too crowded with *things*. Not me. I call it "artfully arranged and well kept clutter". My style was pure American country for years. I even worked in a wonderful country/antique shop while living in VA. You will never convince me to part with my gorgeous Hoosier cabinet! Never! Go ahead. Torture me! I won't bend. Our shop participated in a "to die for" Country Show every year that featured the best craftspeople in the US. I met Mary Emmerling and so many others that were then (and still are) written up in Country Living and Country Home magazines. People who were instrumental in bringing country style to the forefront. I was like a crazed rock star groupie. Tickled my poor husband to tears. Forget some long haired singer! I was after potters and weavers! I have moved more into English/French country now but bits and bobs of the other will always remain. Perhaps an elegant decorator would be appalled at my style and see it as too muddled and mixed. Phooey. It is me. Muddled and mixed up and cluttered. I have tons of decorating books and read each one. I have taken classes on design and know what *THEY* say is right or wrong. Aw gee, even *THEY* can't agree on one particular thing. I say just go for what makes you happy. What produces a smile. What warms your heart. Use the colors you love. Use the furniture that fits your life. It is YOUR home and needs to reflect YOU. Oh, did I mention that I LOVE my home?