Last month we were able to stay at the family home of my sweet friend. It was beautiful, wonderful, lovely, refreshing, cool and all the things we needed.
The view was almost too much. I cried when we walked out into the yard the first time. Just cut right out of the mountain.
All day long butterflies and bees hummed around as we soaked up the beauty before us.
We hiked off to waterfalls but we always hightailed it back to this little piece of home.
As a small girl, I dreamt of my piece of story place. Where picket fences and suits and blouses with big bows met home cooked meals and that one specific smell that meant you could kick your dirt filled shoes in the corner and curl up tight.
I dreamt of my own home.
I’ve been thinking a good bit about home.
About 31 Days, too. Last year I wrote about determined joy. And I haven’t completely decided whether or not I’ll do it this year mostly because I’m thinking of doing something a bit different, of writing about home for 31 straight days. Not designing, although I love to read about and be inspired by design. Not arranging, although I do my fair share of that and my husband is about ready to stage an intervention of epic proportions.
I’m thinking of writing about home home. That piece you carry around inside you that makes you who you are. That deep down feeling you dreamt of even if it was in peachy and mauve dated tones. I’m thinking I’d approach it like I do (or did) a lesson. With digging into roots and meanings and research, really exploring how to build a sense of belonging and the why of it all, too. It’s very dear to me. And maybe? Just maybe? Some sprinkled in pictures of my own home and the story pieces in it?
It’s awful different than what I’ve been writing about. And mostly I’d be learning as I write. How about it? What do you say we study this thing called home together?
I’m so excited to see what you choose to do for 31 days. :)
And… Ellen… those photos. You’re not in South Carolina anymore, Toto. That is just stunning.
Can’t wait to see you soon! xo
Love this idea friend….so excited to see it unfold!
THANK YOU for reminding me about the 31 day project! I still remember posts from last year’s topic of JOY that just resonate with me even still. And in this transition I’m in right now where home kindasorta feels like it doesn’t exist, I’m really ready for what you have in store.
Where were those beautiful pictures taken please?
hi, lea! we were in little switzerland, north carolina. it was beautiful in every way.
I think you have a great idea to write about home, although I think that almost no matter what my topic is, in the end it IS about home, one way or another. :)
yes, yes, yes! you are totally picking up what i’m laying down. smiley face. it’s all about home and what we carry with us.
I love the topic – as a child I lived all over the world and still today marvel at the way my parents managed to instill in us an understanding of home and our identity as Australian, whilst still being citizens of the world. Now as a mum with my own desire to live overseas I wonder how that (potential) move could affect our girls. Love it.
Yes! This sounds great. I can’t wait for it.
Love the topic of home. As someone who has traveled extensively- it is a lesson I have learned slowly through the years.
It’s a lovely topic, one that makes me tear up and smile big at the same time.
I’d love to meet you in person at Shandon when Emily comes to speak. It will be so wonderful to meet.
I think that’s wonderful. Home home, as you call it, is one elusive thought, but it feels oh so good when you’re there.
Excited to read more.