Last night we went to a "cookout" of sorts -- it was catered and we each paid so much for our meal. The purpose was not great culinary experiences, but fellowship with church members.
The host and hostess proudly showed their home. It was beautiful and everything seemed new and perfect. The light carpets weren't stained or anything. Everything was beautifully displayed. The furniture all matched and everything seemed decorator perfect.
Overall, it was a good evening, except for the feeling when I walked in my home. Everything seemed so so so, well, shabby.
I don't know if it was because I was extremely tired or if it was just overwhelming to see a perfect house. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't jealous they had this lovely home and they were generous to share it with us.
Just in comparison, I felt like my house didn't compare. One bathroom in their house was bigger than the bedroom I have my computer and store my office supplies and my teddy bear collection.
They had one large storage area with shelves and everything was tidy and straightened up.
Other than my kitchen appliances, most of the things in my home are old or older. Lots of flaws, nicks, and scratches around here. A lot of my dishes are second hand because I collect Blue Willow and I buy at second hand stores, Ebay, antique shops, and garage sales.
Most of my doilies and tablecloths are either hand me downs from my mom and grandmother or things I have bought second hand.
After a good night's sleep, waking up, I realized that so much of my life isn't for show, but for my pleasure. I like having the tablecloths that I feel I can use so if they get spilled on or soiled, the world doesn't end.
The desk where my computer sits is an old school desk I bought from the school district for $20 and spent less than $20 refinishing it. It's not beautiful and perfect, but boy, is it sturdy. It has dovetail drawers. It's the perfect size for my small room and it stores quite a bit.
My dining room table is oak and there are scratches on it, mostly from my clumsy antics. The first scratched I cried over. The second became a badge of honor of sorts.
As for my friends from church, I am pleased they have a lovely home. I enjoyed visiting there and seeing their gorgeous things and huge home. Last night I was dissatisfied with what I had, which is bad. I think it makes me think I need more. Heaven knows I have plenty of stuff.
But, I like my sweet, shabby home. As I cleaned the bedroom and put out the quilt that has been washed numerous time and is showing a little wear, I think of the comfort that quilt provides on a cold winter night. Would bright colors and perfect machine quilting make it any warmer? Probably not. And, my home isn't a show place, so I don't need a perfect home. I need to remember I have more than enough and be satisfied with what I have. I am not the type of person who has to have everything match and be decorator perfect. And, with that in mind, I need to make sure I’m not anywhere near a store when that feeling of dissatisfaction hits.
Home Sweet Home
October 8th, 2011 at 09:22 pm
October 9th, 2011 at 12:28 am 1318120122
October 9th, 2011 at 03:46 am 1318131990
October 9th, 2011 at 01:46 pm 1318168015
I collect Blue Willow, too!
October 9th, 2011 at 05:58 pm 1318183084
October 9th, 2011 at 10:07 pm 1318198048
October 12th, 2011 at 01:35 am 1318383309
October 12th, 2011 at 12:25 pm 1318422338