Hello!
Get it? H- Hello?
never mind...
Anyway,
I wanted to talk about
Home today.
I have people emailing me
and asking me why I don't
show more
pictures of my house.
Well, this is what greets you
at the front door...and
I REALLY MEAN IT!
I do sometimes post pictures
of the house-when it is integral
to what I am blogging about.
However,
I don't often post pictures
of my home on my blog.
That might be unusual-
In fact I KNOW it is
UNUSUAL
but there is a reason
that I don't do a lot of
HOUSE POSTS
-at least my reason-
Make no mistake about it~
I love my home and it
IS a lovely home.
But my home does not define
who I am on a personal level.
That being said, I LOVE
looking at other people's homes.
I pick up lots of ideas and
inspiration that I employ.
There are some of the most talented
people in the world here in
blogland.
People that take quite
ordinary houses and
transform them into beautiful homes.
However, I know there are others
out there that are struggling
just to pay their bills,
to keep a roof over their heads;
to feed their families.
With that in mind,
I don't want anyone to feel
like they are
"outside looking in"
because I have felt like that
in the past.
My Hero and I got married
with nothing in our pockets.
We picked up and moved
from Florida to Wisconsin,
his hometown.
We had a rough, tough few years.
We sold our first home because
we couldn't afford to keep it.
We went into a home that
was dated and needed lots of
fixing-and we had no money
to fix it.
I used to go on those
Home & Garden walks
with my friend, Ruthie,
and come home
and feel like crying~
knowing that I was coming home
to a house that didn't reflect
ME.
That is when I started
making do with what I had and
making the best of it.
Everything we owned was
thrifted or hand-me-downs.
I learned to paint,
recover and refinish.
Pieces like this...
Over the next several years,
we refinished and resold
14 homes...to get to this one.
Is it a beautiful home?
Yes it is.
Do I love it?
Yes I do.
But...
If I had to sell tomorrow
I could do it and
not lose my soul.
Why?
Well, because
THIS is only my temporary home.
I am here for now.
Someday, someone else
will own this house.
My "things" will be gone.
Their "things" will be here.
But...I will take my heart and
soul with me
because I figured out that
it is not WHAT you have
but WHO you are.
And, someday, if I play
my cards right,
I WILL HAVE A
PERMANENT HOME...
over there...
where my family before me
has made their home.
I know I usually leave you
with a laugh-
but today I hope to
leave you with a
warm smile.
A smile that makes you
happy with who you are
and not so much what
YOU HAVE
or what
YOU DON'T HAVE...
to know that
BEING YOU
is just enough.
And THIS?
Well, THIS is where
MY HEART LIES.
You can't put that on
a shelf now, can you?
A blessed Sunday to you!
ps. The grey one in the
center of the
bottom right hand picture..
Yeah---that might be one
of MyHero's relatives
because
NONE OF MY FAMILY
looks like that-
63 comments:
Beautiful post Diana....thank you for keeping it real.
Blessings!
A very sweet post. Wishing you a blessed Sunday.
Beautifully said. Wow, y'all flipped 14 homes. That is a lot. I love my home, but actually would love to downsize. The man says it isn't doable since our house is worth so much less now than it was five years ago and he isn't leaving his garage. Ugh.
Dianna,
LOVED this post!
Being real, Joe and I almost divorced 23 years ago, I almost lost my home because he could not find a job for 2 years, he got to stay home with my oldest son because i was the only bread winner at the time ,I had to return to work when my second son was only 5 weeks old because we would not have had health care if i didn't and this was NEVER my dream house!
I have worked hard my whole life for what i have but my greatest accomplishment in this life is not how much money I now make or how my house now looks but it is my sons and the wonderful adults that they have become.
They are my legacy.....
Hugs,
Deb
I'm happy for you, for all you and 'your hero' have accomplished.
You are a beautiful person, and your posts reflect that so well.
Lovely post. I am living in my dream home...Its where we raised our DD's, welcomed our SIL's and grands, share laughter and tears. It's all that I dreamed a home could ever be
I agree with you. Once upon a time, I too bought fixed and sold 17 homes till I finally worked my way to this one. I love it dearly but if I had to leave it, I am certain I could buy and fix another , till I go HOME for real:)
What a great post. But then I love your welcome mat! Need one like that with the pink roses.
Keep your posts the same, actually I had never thought about the fact you do not show your house? I guess u keep me entertained enough!
such a beautiful post, you made me cry.
I understand you 100 percent,
Great, meaningful post, Diana!
What a beautiful post! Have a blessed Sunday! Hugs, Penny
Such a beautiful post, Diana! Very well said. I'm happy enough seeing pictures of your yard! : )
So sweet. Have a blessed and beautiful Sunday, Diana!
So true! a really thought provoking post and your thoughts are mine too. Where your treasure is...........! Joan
This post is a gem, Diana. Perfectly stated & a wonderful reminder to all. Thank you.
What a wonderful and well said post, Diana! I can not imagine moving that many times, how on earth did you do it? AND, maintain your sanity? Ok, we know about your sanity!!! Seriously though, I can totally relate to feeling like being on the outside looking in. Thru out my single years, it was really painful to see all of the happily married couples and families. And they all seemed to have gorgeous homes, and I was renting a tiny house. It was tough. Thanks for being you, and for keeping it real!
Diana, your post did leave me with a smile, but the grey relative left me with a laugh too!
So true what you have to say. It's important to keep things in perspective.
Enjoy your Sunday with your beautiful family.
You know, I knew why you didn't post it. I have never felt that way. I am always so happy that someone else is doing well, and I am so happy for you, because I know it wasn't handed to you right away. What most kids(and adults) don't understand these days is that it takes a lifetime to get stuff. And that you have to work for it! What kills me are those shows where the kids who are just married want move in ready??? Seriously??? Haha. We didn't even understand the concept back then, did we?
You can show your decor skills in close ups and not show a lot of your home. That's what I do. I don't show mine for security reasons. I would love to see more of your decor ideas, and more of your hubby's relatives!
Amen to your blog. You could of not said it any better way. I am glad you spoke what was in your heart. The truth.
I have moved hubby and I so many times. Each time we move it gets better to give up things. Our children never suffered they all were good students and also grounded in the Lord their choice. We did send them to a Christian school but we asked them if they wanted to make that change. They at 14 said yes. We have down sized ourselves the last year to an a house apt in the country and we have our name now for 8 years in town for a two bedroom apt. It will be a senior apt. Then we are close to everything we need. Hospital, Doctors, Dentist. Modern Grocery store. I have people in my family and it was my Mom was an example. When she was in her late 60's she held to materialist things and her home was not rented but their own. The sweat of their brow people always say. Okay whatever. My dad also agreed with my Moms statement as she always talked this silly talk.. They said they would not leave their home that when they get older our family would have to carry them out feet first. They would resist them moving them. And all I ever heard was money, money and want, want things. Never happy with what they had. Never shared things. All self. I told myself after growing up and seeing their behavior. I do not want to be like them. I wanted to marry the men in my life who was not all money talk and things and a bragger. So I was blessed. God gave him to me. Lord has blessed us together 50 years last Sept. Most people never want to down size and they really think they are going to live on earth forever and ever. One never thinks of your age each year the things you cannot maintaine outside. Our lives are ages. From birth and each year it is less and less of being the young person we were. Every ten years is ten years of closer to being older. Everything that is natural in ageing people close the eyes too. So my hubby and I are 100% agreeable with you Diana. Our days are numbered with God. He is in control. Once you know that in your heart and believe it. Then things you can let go. My Mom was a Christian and my dad but they never really grew in Christ . They loss their joy. Things got in their way. I seen it before my eyes. Then the rest of family I noticed started to lean like them. Wanting better things. Less joy. I and hubby enjoy the spirtual more then the carnal.That is what we like. That is us growing in Christ. He is king of King and Lord of Lord. He is peace one never can have from things.
Your topic is different but It has open a whole new day. Of realizing who we really are. Who we really serve. If one has a husband who shares all this. Then that is so wonderful.
Thanks for sharing this Diana. Bless you for your honesty.
A wonderful post Diana. In addition to the smile I also had tears in my eyes. We tend to forget that there are less fortunate people who don't have the advantages that we have.
Jim and I too started out with nothing. Those were the best years of my life.
Diana, this is such a beautiful, uplifting post. Thank you so much!
This reminds me of one of my favorite songs ' I'm not home yet, take this world and give me Jesus....'
thank you for making us reflect on what matters most...luv ya bunches...xo
You didn't cheat us out of our little laugh at the end, but you did speak out for those who are struggling. I'm just as interested in reading of a young couple painting their old cupboards as in the antiques someone has just imported from France. The expensive homes do give us all something to knock off, so it's great to see them and the simpler homes show us how to create a something from nothing. Wherever you lived, we'd thank you for being you! ~ Maureen
I agree with you that the "stuff" we have isn't what should define us. It's who we are personally and how we live our lives. Sounds like you've made a good life for yourself despite the challenges you've faced. That is a wonderful reminder to all of us to be grateful for what we have and remember what's really important. I applaud you for that.
Hello Diana,
What a great post!!
I haven't visited in a while but love to.....you always have the best things to share every day.
I hope you are doing well!!
Suzann ~xoxo~
Oh that is so true lovely and sweet Dianna. I think you always came accross to me JUST LIKE I FEEL YOU ARE, lovely lady..REAL, SWEET, GENEROUS and KIND TOO!! I enjoyed your real post, I too never could get all I wanted, except for a beautiful, almost empty house, as been american, there weren't anything I could buy here in those days, except handy downs we fixed with all our hearts and things we could have made here with some artisans, thank goodness for them. Now there's almost everything for the young, all they need to have is, some money..lol..
I love your beautiful family pics, handsome hero and lovely kids for a beautiful kady like you. Yeah, I was wondering who the GRAY GUY was..ok, I'm clear now. Have a blessed week.
FABBY
Wonderful post Diana! Straight from the heart.
Beautiful post and exactly what i needed today. I read so many different kinds of blogs and the ones that I find the most fun and uplifting don't have a thing in the world to do with home decor. You do have a beautiful doormat though.
Hi Diana! This was a wonderful post and I say a hearty AMEN! Mr. Precious and I started out just the same as you - he had a tiny little TV and I had a rocking chair! :) Just like you, when we bought our first home it took all the money we had and we didn't have money to do anything to it. So I just cleaned it the best I could and painted walls and things when I could.
Yep, as much as we love it, this world is really not our home. Like the olden song - we're just passing through!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
...that's why a lot of my posts are about free or almost free projects, and low cost recipes. 10 years ago, I lived in an African hut for 3 months. no water, no bathroom, no nothing...I am thankful for what I have and make the most out of it. On a different note, Jesus played all the cards right for you and I (and everyone else). That makes me happy. Keep enjoying your family!
Hi girl, I love how you opened yourself up here and were authentic! I totally understand; we've had good years and not so good years; it has humbled me so much. I love the collage of your family too. But my friend, you've kept it real but could ya just give us a glimpse-I love seeing other peoples homes because it helps me know them better. Blessings to you this day.
Love you!
Noreen
What an inspirational post, Diana! It is always good to read something to help us stay grounded!
We have just returned HOME (where our HEART is) after being away for a few days, so I will be catching up on your blog now.
xo Nellie
Love this post. I think that I am going to write about home also.
Hi Diana: Thank you for a lovely post that makes us all stop and think. I have a plaque in my head (sometime it will become real and placed beside the front door) that states, " The Garland House, built 1870, remains in safe keeping with the N. family." We have to remember we are only custodians for someone elses future..Happy Sunday..Judy
now THAT was beautiful. You may be a little nutso but you certainly have your head screwed on right...blessings to you and yours this beautiful Sunday.
Diana,
What a beautiful post and from your heart.
XO
Danielle
Diana,
What a beautiful post and from your heart.
XO
Danielle
Wow... I am sitting here with tears rolling down my face! What a beautiful post! This really touched my heart.
And someday, they'll greet us at the door and welcome US home, too! I feel the same way.
I always see your sweet comments on other people's blogs (we must always visit the same blogs:) so I figured it was time to come and introduce myself! I'm already enjoying your posts and am following you- I hope you'll visit me back :)
Susan
What a beautiful post. And so true!Thanks for sharing yourn thoughts. I agree 100 %. I have to add, too, that since I have discovered thrifting and repurposing, I don't even want to buy brand new ,expensive items anymore...seems so devoid of imagination and creativity...
Diana, this is such a touching post! You have stated this so eloquently! I understand and have often thought of those not doing very well. There are so many struggling. Jobs have been lost and lives have been uprooted! You have made a valid point about where our hearts lie and we are not defined by our homes! Thank you! What a precious post! Blessings to you!
THIS is why we love you so, Diana. :)
Hugs ~
xoxo laurie
A hearty Amen!!! You are a woman who's got it together!!
Hi Diana,
What a beautiful post and so true. You have given me a smile knowing that the treasures we hold dear in the material things of life are only gifts for us to oversee for awhile. Looking towards our heavenly home is much more important to who we really are.
I do share home interiors of my makeovers simply because that is my profession, but like you, does not define me as a person.
Thank you for sharing this and reminder of what is really important.
Hugs, Celestina Marie
Diana, what a great, great post-so true in every way
But we all need to be reminded as a lot of blogs are filled with "look at what I have" and I also think a lot of us are still struggling. Your blog is so uplifting and full of love, hope and caring for others. Thank you so much, Phyllis
First up Diana, I a not sure why I am not following your awesome blog? I just realized it.. And now I am bummed because I have been missing out.
Anyhoo.. now that I have alleviated that problem. I have to say what a completely dead on post this is! That is so true about "things" not defining you... like the adage about Millionaires never driving new cars. You never really know what someone is going through, you only know what they are willing to show you.
I want my home to be my refuge, and sure I want to be proud of it, but I want to 'improve' it because it makes me happy to live there. I remember many nights after buying a total nightmare house from hell, that I would lie in my bed in the mornings and not want to get up because it meant spending another day in a place I wasn't happy. So one day, I was so sick of tired of being sick and tired.. and I decided to do something about it.. even on a tiny budget.
That day changed my life, and the way I look at my home. You are right though, if I ever had to choose between the people I LOVE and the house, the people will always come first. Since it is love that makes my house a home.
Thanks so much for the great post. x0x0x0
Kim
What a beautiful post! But listen you have to stop reading my mind! LOL! I was saying I know I need to visit my girl Diana! Then I got your comment! You have been very blessed. I appreciate your honesty. Love to you today and always!
I LOVE this post, Diana! Even though I am a vintage dealer with lots of treasures...they are just things to me, too...only a few family items have any importance. Family is what matters to me, too! My family doesn't want to be on my blog, but rest assured, that's where my heart is, too! Great post!
Such a lovely post and you are so right! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Diana, I am in total agreement with your post. If I had to part with my house tomorrow, I could because family is what is the most important. You can always get another house, but there is no way we can replace family. It made my day when my oldest two grandsons called to wish their grandmother Happy Birthday. I don't care about presents because there is nothing that I really want or need. Have a great day. Hugs from your Missouri Friend.
your treasures!!! yes, that is where your heart is.
good for you!
Yep, those of us that realize all this are truly blessed.
Our house is small, old enuf to be PLAIN...not old enuf for all the charm. We raised our kids here and our grandkids have never known another MEMAW'S house.
We have never had money...and never will. I have loved thrifting since we married,(from my mother) and still love it.
I still wanna see some of your pretty things, tho. :))
You are an awesome lady!!!!!
Diana, What a thought provoking and inspirational post. I know what you mean, my family is the most important thing in life. I too, look forward to the day I will be reunited with all my dear loved ones who have gone before.
I love my home but it is modest compared to most of the homes in our lovely community. We moved here for security reasons. The first time we had to evacuate for a hurricane, everything was put into perspective. Some people couldn't believe that we didn't put certain things on another floor or yet get a uhaul to move the out.
My response was God gave it and he could have it back. I only wanted a safe return for my family and my wonderful neighbors. We packed clothes for two days, took insurance policies, important papers and family pictures, prayed and went inland.
The comedic relief...when my teenaged daughter opened her suitcase it was filled with bejeweled and be dazzled belts, the fashion of the day. She said she didn't remember packing at all.
We all know where you are coming from. I usually post something I have done or something I have gotten for nearly nothing. I do see homes and things that I could never possess but it doesn't bother me.
Thank you sweet Diane, Blessings,
Happy...that's what this post made me!
I love this post. You are so right, you can make a home anywhere. Like you, I have always told my hubby and family, If we lost this place, no matter where we ended up, it would always feel like home. I think making a home feel inviting and warm is more important then what it looks like. I like your perspective on life....Hugs
I love this post! It's difficult at times to NOT feel "less than" when looking at some of these fabulous homes. I keep in mind that I am blessed to be where I am ~ safe and secure, small enough to not require a lot of energy bills or "stuff" and I have a beautiful view. I'm healthy and happy and that means the world!
Thank you, sweet friend, for being so real!
xo
Pat
That was so nicely put!
I've learned through some tough times that family and love are what carry you through.
We take nothing with us except the love that we have given away.
Ok that did it you got me all teary! That will teach me to catch up on my blog reading at work...hard to explain the tears. Absolutely, beautifully, perfectly said...a post I will always remember, thank you.
Lynn
Lovely post, Diana!
You said it so well Diana! We really are just that, our families!
My Mom and Dad fixed up home after home and sold and sold.
We moved and moved.
They never made a lot of money but enough to keep afloat with 8 kids.
But I have to admit, I think that your home would be fun to see...at least bits and pieces!
Hugs friend,
Cindy
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