January 13, 2005

• "Sometimes a life, like a house, needs renovating, the smell of new wood, new rooms in the heart, unimagined until one begins the work. One rebuilds because the structure deserves a renewing"  Doris Schwerin 

  
  

  "Is not this the true romantic feeling - not to desire to escape life, but to prevent life from escaping you?"  Thomas Wolfe

  
  

  As more and more people see the interior photographs of my home I have to smile at the variety of reactions and the vehemence of some. This appears to be a house that conjours up strong feelings!

  
  

  Many well meaning folk are alarmed by the sheer size of it. Others by the age. Most by the amount of work that will be involved in restoring and then maintaining it. Those who know me best of all are not a bit suprised by my choice.( I have a penchant for open spaces, do not like big city life, have been known to take big bites out of life lately (I refuse to say bit off MORE than I can chew because I haven't choked yet!), rise to a challenge and have a habit of rooting for the underdog!)

  
  

  Is it not that way in life also? Aren't many people afraid to make changes because of the very same issues? The sheer size of a task that requires one to change can cause abandonment before the job is even begun. As for age, many say "oh, I'm too old for that" or "by the time I finish I'll be too old".

  
  

  Julia Cameron put it very nicely when she writes (and I am paraphrasing):  "Do you know how old I'll be when I finish - (writing that book, painting, whatever) ?"  Her reply is a very smart "The same age as if you don't start".

  
  

  You have nothing to lose by trying, not even time because the time you spend on any project whether to completion or not is time spent learning and growing. Stretching creative muscles, especially those that haven't been used in a while can be painful and the process of learning new skills can be frightening, but that doesn't make it worth missing the experience. The worst thing that can happen is that somebody out there won't appreciate or like your effort. Actually, that is an absolute guarantee to happen because nobody does anything that everybody likes. The best thing that can happen is that YOU will like what you did, or at least enjoy the journey that got you there.

  
  

  Renovating a house and maintaining it can parallel or mirror other aspects of our lives. How you approach a task often effects how well (or poorly) it is done and our enjoyment of it.

  
  

  Is gardening a chore, a bore, an irritation? Or is it a chance to experience the sacred in nature. A chance to ground yourself and clear your mind of clutter. A time of peace and wonder or something to be done as quickly as possible.

  
  

  Ones home should be a haven from the hustle and bustle of the pressure of everyday life. A place where you can close the door, take a deep breath, close your eyes and smile letting the atmosphere envelope you. Home should beckon and welcome friends to share both happiness and times of difficulty. You can make taking care of it a chore or a joy - the choice is up to you and how you approach it.

  
  

  Many times you can "feel" the atmosphere of a house as soon as you approach it and step in the front door. I truly believe that homes pick up the vibrations of those living within its walls. Is your home filled with peace, or fear, hatred and anger? Does it reflect those emotions?

  
  

  Once you start the renovation, either of life or home (or both), you become infused with energy. As you see the progress it fuels the fire and are spurred on to continue. It can be exhausting and frustrating, but the reward at the end makes it all worth it.

  
  

  I can see past the clutter and dust and damage and have visions of warmth and gleaming hardwood and quiet comfort. I can also see past the clutter, dust and damage in myself as I "renovate" my life at the same time because I believe both structures deserve a renewing!

  • 10:26 am
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