Just spent the morning with my Tom going to open houses. It’s difficult to articulate the thoughts going through my head. We walked through four completely different homes. Two were empty, two were still occupied. I am constantly intrigued by how people choose to live. Some seem to live very intentionally, surrounding themselves with things that they love and others seem to just exist and settle. I know that it would seem to be a financial issue…but I disagree. I’ve seen people with very little cash, live very intentionally and be very selective about what they bring into their homes, and I’ve seen folks with lots of cash live in homes that are mediocre as far as style goes.

The last home we walked through wasn’t inexpensive and yet it held no appeal to me. Awkward floor plan, popcorn ceilings, builder’s oak finishes and not a good smell. The furnishings hurt the showing in my opinion. On the other hand, another home we toured was less expensive, yet the homeowners had excellent taste, which made the home appealing. I have vision (I think) and I can see beyond the furnishings, so that wouldn’t make or break a house for me. I am just baffled by choices in how we live. Comfort vs aesthetics…why not try for both?

I know this may sound judgemental. But I think it’s more just confusion. Why choose to live in a space that doesn’t have personality or style? I disagree with what is taught by supposed experts on how to prep your house for sale. They say to remove personal mementos and photos. In some cases, if the displays aren’t well done, I would agree, but in most cases, if done well, I think it might help? Just thinking out loud.

This openminded attitude that I’m trying to have isn’t easy. I love my home. I came home from the open houses today loving my home even more. Can I see us in another home? Yes, I can, and I know I can make any house ours, but how much work are we willing to do to make it ours? I’m up for a total redo, but it will have to be priced right, so that we can justify the expense. Would it be better to build? No. Because I want an established neighborhood.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts. Sometimes just sharing in written form is all you need to do to make things more clear. Hitting publish makes it official.

Meanwhile, I continue to get to do what I love. I took Jimmy’s senior photos. I saw something in him. He had his own style. Now he is a family man.

I get to teach this guy in Mini-Mites on Sundays.

This face. Such big blue eyes and sweet little mouth.

Again with the big blue eyes.

It was nothing short of a miracle that this happened.

Love this family photo.

I love laidback parents. They were totally fine with letting the kiddos get dirty at the end.

Cuties!

God bless your day!