During spring break, my family and I went to Florida, spending our days at the hotel pool, which was packed with people. I didn’t mind. People-watching is one of my favorite pastimes. And the people-watching that week was broadly diverse. Young to old. Pale to dark brown. English to “I have no clue what they…
I’ve written before about the difficulty of receiving God’s blessings freely and with gratitude. I still wrestle with this, especially on days when I read the news. While so many people in the world are suffering, why is it that I am blessed with a comfortable home, a loving marriage, the children I dreamed of,…
A long red envelope—subtle enough for a hundred-dollar bill to feel extravagant, but extravagant enough for even a single dollar bill to feel elevated. If you’ve ever received one, you know. It’s a thing of elegance and expectation. The red envelope’s edges are crisp and, if adorned, exquisite. The flap is sealed, and until the…
My husband and I recently purchased a home built in the 1960s that needed some features updated. One of the challenges with an older home is that you never know what you’ll find as you begin repairs. It was important to me that the mirror my grandmother gifted us years ago was displayed in place…
I’ve heard people talk about “getting back to normal” so many times in the past few months. It’s what we’re supposed to do after something difficult or tragic or out of the ordinary. We’re supposed to move on from the challenging time and live like it never happened. But I’m not sure what “normal” even…
“When you’ve been living in a space for a while, it can be hard to see the possibilities” (Myquillyn Smith, Cozy Minimalist Home). I am currently under the tutelage of decorating guru, The Nester (aka Myquillyn Smith). My family moved into a new home last year. I lack the artistry and confidence to take steps…