We Love You. We Got You a Dumpster.

November 27, 2015 by Dana Andrews

Sixteen years. On one hand it seems like yesterday, but on the other hand, there is no place that has ever felt more like home to me. All the other places we lived in were just “houses.” I love this place so much that it feels like my soul was born here.

We moved into this 3-story colonial farmhouse 16 years ago. We knew it was time. We needed more bedrooms, a better school system, a location that was closer to everything, and a place where we were not located barely 15 feet from the street. We decided to take the phrase “Out with the old, in with the new” literally. We sold our 1740’s house for a home built in 1831. That counts as newer, right?

If Winter Were a Tree, I Would Hug it!

November 24, 2015 by Dana Andrews

Wintertime is almost upon us, my friends! It just dawned on me... There are so many HUGE reasons I adore this season.

The tree branches are undressed, and we see things that we haven't seen in a long while. I love the new nests that have been built in the past year. I love how the leafless branches reveal, like curtains part before a show, a clear view of the twinkling stars. There is just something about winter that sings to my soul, tells it to slow down and take in everything that is before me. A pleasant, heartfelt reminder that winter is finally here, and the magic show commences…

We're Still here

November 21, 2015 by Dana Andrews

While raising our 5 kids, what we feared most was their being kidnapped. From an early age, they knew not to talk to strangers, let alone walk off with them. Fortunately, they remained safe, and despite our having childproofed the house back then, these days our kids still manage to come back in!

When our kids get together now, they remind me that when they used to jump on the bed, I warned them the mattress springs might pop out. They are thankful that never happened, and both they and their mattresses remained intact. Sadly, their innocence didn't.

What's In YOUR Heart?

November 19, 2015 by Dana Andrews

I've heard it said that some people "wear their hearts on their sleeves." I often wonder if there are some who wear not only sleeves, but a thick "designed-for-subzero-temperatures parka" over their hearts.

The Wizard of Oz muses "Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable." Undoubtedly, a beating heart keeps us alive, but people do die from a broken heart. How ironic that what keeps us alive in happiness, can also lead to our demise in the absence there of?

A lovely place to pass the hours...

November 13, 2015 by Dana Andrews

This sweet abode was originally planned to be a rustic potting shed; in my heart, however, it was always meant to be the cottage I’ve dreamed of since early childhood. This tiny (10’ X 12’) haven was built from doors and windows salvaged from old homes. It is heated, air conditioned, and has a loft with a little window where I can find my inspiration while looking outside to enjoy the view, which includes our chickens, ducks, and my lovely English cottage gardens, which I tend.