Hands build a house, but hearts build a home.
At the Door
Welcome! So glad you stopped by. This site is devoted to sharing my passion for all things home and family. I know. I know. You’re probably thinking that covers a lot of territory. You’re absolutely right. It covers just about everything plus the kitchen sink. And that’s exactly what you’ll find here…anything related to home and family examined from my personal perspective as to how it impacts our efforts to create A HeARTful Home.
The inspiration for my image of home came from my paternal grandparents. The moment you crossed their threshold, what you noticed was not that all the furnishings matched, because they didn’t…not that all the appliances were modern, because they weren’t…not that everything was immaculate, because it wasn’t. You noticed the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen, the colorful array of projects scattered about, and the palpable sense of welcome. Grammy and Grampa suffused every room of that house with their love and artistry, transforming it into A HeARTful Home.
They set the standard against which every place I’ve ever lived has been measured. Whether dorm room, apartment, or house…rented or owned, the desire was always to create a cozy, welcoming space. A place where as soon as you opened the door bid, “Do come in. There’s love in this home…love to spare.”
Knowing home was where my children wanted to be, where they were proud to bring friends, and where they are still happy to return fills my heart. Having a home where family and friends are eager to gather is deeply gratifying. Hearing, “I just love being here,” is music to my heart…a fitting tribute to my grandparents.
A HeARTful Home entails an array of elements. Although these essential elements may be the same across the board, how they are manifest is unique to each one. There is no single blueprint for creating A HeARTful Home. No two are exactly alike. This lifelong endeavor requires keeping our eyes on the details while keeping our minds on the big picture. By sharing my knowledge and experience as well as what I continue to learn, I hope to inspire and encourage your efforts to create A HeARTful Home.
