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Do you live
in a House or a Home? This probably sounds like a silly question, but it
really is a question that we should sit back and ask ourselves. If you are
anything like me, I’m often so caught up with the everyday stresses of life
that my house often becomes a nothing more than an after thought. On the
flip side, for some, your house may be so showplace perfect that it truly is
not a home. What is the difference between a house and a home, and does it
really matter?
A house is
simply a structure that provides a roof over your head. It offers water,
heat, appliances needed to store and prepare your food, space for belongings
and valuables, a bed for rest, and most likely a TV for entertainment;
basically all of the necessary conveniences for a comfortable life. Living
in a house maybe okay for some, but I think we all deserve a place to call
home.
A home is so
much more than a house. A home is a reflection of you. A keeper and creator
of memories; It is a place that you are thankful to come home to; where you
can laugh, relax, cry and share special times with friends and family. A
home provides a place to play and another for quiet contemplation. A home is
for lively gatherings and private conversations. It’s a place where guests
feel welcome and one that you can’t wait to get back to. A home says this is
who I am and what I love.
The good news
is that creating a home is something that all of us can do. Terence Conran
says this; Home is the heart of life…Home is where we feel at ease, where we
belong, where we can create surroundings that reflect our tastes and
pleasures…Making a home is a form of creativity open to everyone. After all,
it’s your special touch that uniquely makes your house a home. Think back to
homes that you have visited and what you liked about them. What made them
special and what do you remember about them? Homes that I remember best are
those that reflect the personality of those who lived in them. My childhood
home had bold and happy colors; purple, red and gold. There are lots of
family pictures, exotic items from travel adventures, and a few special
pieces from my parent’s childhood homes. It’s a home that reflects their
personality, heart and passions. My home (which is always a work in
progress) is done in welcoming warm tones of yellow and gold; you’ll find a
painted quote on a wall by Mark Twain about following your dream, candles in
every room, and kids are always in and out. It can be a lively energetic
place or a cozy place to curl up and read.
One home I
remember visiting years ago was an old farm house. The owners had numerous
treasured farmhouse antiques, but what I remember most about this home, is
that almost everything had a story. A quilt on the wall was made by a great
grandmother. The walls of a guest room featured a very old christening gown
and several outfits that were handed down from generation to generation.
Hung next to the garments were pictures of children from several
generations, each of them wearing the same special garments that were handed
down throughout the years. What a great way to share history, create
conversation and re-live memories.
Yes, a house
provides you with a roof over your head and a place to sleep at night, but a
home is so much more. It tells amazing stories, embracing both laughter and
tears; it provides a place to unwind, breathe a little easier and energize
for what tomorrow may bring. As Dorothy once said, “there is no place like
home”. Don’t we all deserve a home?
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