Comments on: Call This Home. Call It Good.

By: MaryLena Anderegg

MaryLena Anderegg — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:22:31 +0000

My attitude, even while parenting 11 children (only 3 were born to either of us), was “If anything is dirty enough to offend you, it’s dirty enough for you to clean before you leave.” As a result, we’ve always had lots of drop in company. In fact, we sometimes come home to find friends sitting on our small deck enjoying my small cutting garden. Have a covered dish party where everyone brings something. Talk about your childhood experiences, how you met your spouse, the youngest memory you have, sing together, not just adult songs but childhood songs, read poetry together, etc. Conversation is a lost art, especially between married people. Don’t let it happen!!! Notice the little things you appreciate about each other and share it. One of my dearest friends calls sometimes just to say that something she just saw or heard reminded her of my husband or me and how that reminded her. Another emails, “just thinking of you”.
When we were remodeling this house, the rule was when one of us got tired of it all (six days a week, 8-10 hours a day), that one would yell “beach time” and we packed water and a blanket and went to the beach for the day.

By: Rona

Rona — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 04:45:01 +0000

We used to live in a small apartment..600 square feet. Now we’re in a 2000 square foot apartment. And it’s much more challenging to decorate. My husband, teen and I are always looking at furniture clearance stores, consignments and sales for affordable decor.
There are times I do miss our small apartment. But it’s definitely a plearsure having 2 bathrooms.
Our March plans include a housewarmng party this month.

By: teresa

teresa — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:21:47 +0000

Great list- I may need to think awhile to see what I would add. Right now it’s all about getting the garden ready for planting.
Thanks for sharing.

By: Debbykay

Debbykay — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:38:35 +0000

Love your ideas of kicking back and relaxing–great ideas for a enjoying spring-simply!

Happy spring!
Debbykay
Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm

By: The Antiques Diva

The Antiques Diva — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:13:45 +0000

Having just moved into our closet-less apartment a month ago this week, I find there are still stacks of pictures to be hung, storage units to be bought, and bathroom mirrors to be hung – but my solution at surviving the move-in-madness has been to have one room perfectly ready. In here, I can go read, relax, snuggle with my husband and not worry about what needs to be done and when! Each night before bed, my husband and I retire to the family room and we each pull a book from the shelf and read by dim lighting with a glass of wine in hand. We are taking time to “just be” – something I am notoriously bad at doing – but am learning to slow down and do!

As for “perfection” in my home – I struggle with this. I’m an interior decorator and sometimes I fear I verge on staging my home rather than just living it. Moving into this German apartment sans lighting fixtures, storage of any kind and closets, has really been an adjustment for in accepting that guests do not care if my home looks perfect – I’m the only one who cares! That said, our first visitors arrive from the UK next week, then a few weeks later guests from Zurich descend!

And my mantra regarding everything that isn’t done yet is “It just doesn’t matter! It just doesn’t matter!” They’re coming to see me (and for that free place to stay in Berlin) – and as long as they’ve a place to sleep they’ll be happy!

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:56:25 +0000

I have issues with guests and perfection too. I told myself I wouldn’t clean before my mom came over on Friday, but just couldn’t help myself. It’s my mom, for crying out loud! She doesn’t care. I should adopt your attitude!