Photo: Great grandparents at their farm in Blandinsville, IL, with five of their six children .. my grandpa was yet a twinkle in grandma's eye. Stable boy and governess also pictured. Hodges farm, circa 1903-4

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

The Patina That Comes With Living

When we built our home and took occupancy in 2007 everything was brand spanking new.  Wood floors that shined and had zero scratches; walls and white trim woodwork crisp and fresh; windows that had clean screens and sashes; shiny new appliances .. sparkly new sinks and carpet that showed footprints from being brand new.

My idea of a home and life has been somewhat shaped and modeled after watching the TV series, The Waltons.  I love how there were well worn floors and painted surfaces; a homey feeling conveyed from the front door to the attic and on the screened in summer porch off the kitchen.

A newly built home suffers from not having any lackluster.  When everything is new and without life's everyday scrapes and bumps, it holds little character.

Fast forward five years .. a relatively short time and pull up a chair at the kitchen table.  You will find older furniture with little scrapes and scars from being used countless times.  My table and chairs witnessed the everyday living beginning with two newlyweds, the arrival of four children, countless birthday parties, craft projects including paints and glue, and grand children sitting in a wooden high chair used by our first born.

Time marches on and wears well on the fabric (and furniture) of everyday life.  Now we have little scrapes and dings in our wooden floors that at first were troublesome (in my silly head) and now don't seem so noticeable.  Doorways that have worn painted surfaces from countless little hands holding on for balance.  A stainless steel kitchen sink that has a well worn sheen without notice of any particular scratch.  And appliances that show we have had plenty of good meals served up by examining how many times they have been wiped, scoured and cleaned.

New homes are good for a short season .. but the best part of a home is the character that is etched on the surfaces from holding on to the memories of every day life.

Update on my granddaughter:  I believe the doctors are trying to ween her off of life support as I type.  This is her last hope of recovery.  Will keep you posted.  Any and all prayer is appreciated.  

7 comments:

Sandy said...

Still praying. Please keep us posted.

Anonymous said...

You are so right about the best part of a home. Just like the Velveteen Rabbit, our houses become real homes with love.

I will continue to think about and pray for your granddaughter and your family.

Sandy Livesay said...

Mrs. Mac,

I'm praying for your Grand Daughter and for a full recovery.

New houses grow with the families in them. Memories will be made and marked thoughout the house. Families and memories are what the television program The Waltons was based on. I wish more families would have these type of memories and markings in the world today.
God Bless.

Felisol said...

Dear Mrs. Mac,
I am praying as I'm writing, remembering Lidia's grandson, Full of Hope, I pray your granddaughter must be a full of Hope and Faith girl.
Yours Felisol

Felisol said...

Still praying for the entire Mac Family.

Jada's Gigi said...

I love the wear on my house too....although I surely do appreciate newness too...fortunately I do not expect it to survive forever...:) Wearing well is a result of good product and as you say...living...may I wear well myself...still praying for baby..

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Hi Mrs. Mac,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post, except for the part about your granddaughter. I wish I kept up with my blog reading better. If you are up to it, I'd like to know more about your granddaughter, and what happened to her.

You know, I was just thinking how we used to be so careful about cleaning and drying our stainless steel sinks, and other surfaces in our kitchen after the remodel. Now, the sinks need a thorough cleaning, because they are starting to appear stained. We had out of town company, and spent some time in the kitchen. As I was sitting on a short stool, I noticed some grime on the backsplash. I feel a little better about that after reading your post, but I still better get a wet rag to it.