Thursday, August 21, 2014

Our Homes Tell Our Story. What Does Mine Say?

Hello and come on in Through My Back Door and have a cup of coffee. We can have a cup of hot tea with fresh honey too, because Ken, who I call my "honey man" sent me a small jar of honey. I am going to have some with a hot biscuit today. Ken's honey is so good and he is so sweet to remember me when he robs his bees. Thank You Ken. He is such a fine young Christian man.(I love his wife too)
As you know I belong to a couple of FB decorating pages.(I know you know because I have been complaining about the lack of kindness shown) any way, the most popular answer to any question is to paint it black. Not only among younger decorators.If we all did the same thing, how boring it would be. Everyone has their own ideas and what works for one may not work for another. Our homes are unique, they are us, but I had never thought of the fact they "Tell our Story". Jane Bruce, who is a member, and I don't know her, came up with this comment on one of the pages yesterday. Our homes tell our story. Five simple words, but yes they do. OUR STORY. Not someone else's. Someone else may like bright colors but you like muted, so which do you use? The one you like of course. It made me stop and wonder what story does my home tell.You all have been coming Through My Back Door for almost four years. You know what you see when you pull in the driveway.
Run down, decrepit, shabby, should be torn down old smoke house. Doug says it is a blacksmith shop. Anyway this tells a bit of my story right away. I like old and I like red. When I see the tobacco basket, I think of a friend and her sister who gave it to me. Part of my story, generous friends. Thank you Dottie.
When you walk Through My Back Door you learn more of my story. You see I truly do have a back door house. No one ever uses my front door. (Except for the people who broke into my house 3 years ago)lol. No one. When you walk in, the first thing you see is.
This is the view from the back door. I get different responses, one being, it looks bigger inside than out. My favorite response is , it feels so homey. Come on in and you can sit down and decide your response.
This may be on if I am not expecting you, but  I will turn it off. (I think I am one of the few people left on the planet, that likes drop in company)If I am expecting you it won't be on. I think when we have guests, we need to pay attention to them and not TV. What story are you reading as you come in? I hope you see someone who loves old things and treasures the past. I use the word treasure loosely, as I know what the real meaning of treasure is and it isn't things. We all have to have a place to live and I think we need to make it as pleasant and peaceful as possible.If it is hot outside I will offer you this.
Sweet tea. Actually my family calls this Betty's Heavenly Tea. Sweet tea is a staple in the south. You saw my sign.
If it is fall or winter you get coffee served in this. I love drinking from these red ware mugs. I have to admit I always think of the song, "You are the  potter, I am the clay". You can feel where the Pied Potters hands molded this cup. It traveled from Ma to East Tn to become part of my story.
Or you might get hot mulled cider served in this.
So what has my story said so far? Hopefully, that I love company, am hospitable and put thought into how my friends are treated. I hope that is how it reads.
When you came in the back door and looked into the living room you saw a red chair and sofa. I think the story says, Betty loves red. You also saw a blanket chest beside the chair. That blanket chest tells a story, along with most pieces of furniture in my house. It was found in a garage next door to where Curtis grew up. It was painted white. What do you think would have happened today, if I posted a picture of it as it was on one of my FB groups? I promise 95% would respond paint it black. Curtis saw the beauty under it and stripped it 23 years ago. It has a gorgeous patina on it. It is mixed woods, walnut and tiger maple.  I hope my story says respect for old hand made pieces. It is about mid 1800's and is southern. There is controversy whether it is Tenn or Va. Doesn't matter. Loving hands built it and loving hands restored it to it's original beauty and that too is part of my story.
This is a close up. Curtis used to say wood spoke to him. Know what I think? I believe it did.
If you look to your left, you will see more of my story. An electric fireplace. I can hear you now, why on earth is an electric fire place part of my story? It is like this. I always wanted a mantle to decorate and there was no place to put a chimney,  I didn't want a "fake" one so no fireplace. Well one day a truck pulled in my front yard.
 It was Debbie and Michael with an I love you gift. Yes an I love you gift. Part of my story is my family. I have the best family and I love them so much. Everyone of them. See I have a story that goes beyond decorating and home. So do you. I will continue my story on another post. What does my home say to you? Does it make you want to come in and visit? I hope so, because I love it when you come Through My Back Door where life is good.
betty
PS: Look around your  home today and think of your story. If you wish to share with me you can
PSS:I will continue "My story" on another post as there is more to share
PSSS: I hate to ask, but I know you are prayers. There is so much going on "in my story" right now and so many friends who need prayer desperately. Kenny, Marianne, a little boy Levi who has had a 2nd transplant, and many, many others. This is one thing we can do for one another. Thanks so much







20 comments:

  1. My dear such a sweet post..
    Sending you big hugs xx

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  2. One of your very best if the your best post yet! I wonder what story my home tells visitors? Thanks again for including Marianne in your post. She is slowly recovering and we are hopeful that she will be well soon.

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  3. Your home is one of the most inviting homes that I have ever seen! I love visiting your blog and would love to be your next door neighbor and visit often!

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  4. What a wonderful post. I had an great aunt that had white rugs and plastic on her furniture. She also asked her sister (my grama) why no one came to visit her...well DUH. Her home was not welcoming. We have 1800 furniture everywhere..except our couches and chairs..but no one feels uncomfortable when they come over...in fact they want to know the story about most of the pieces we have. Janice

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  5. Not only does your home tell your story but so does your blog. You have a great talent with words and sharing your heart. This is a place where I always smile and feel the love! Thank you Betty!
    Be blessed,
    Cindi

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  6. Your home says LOVE to me..
    HIS and yours.
    I just love visiting you.
    Like a great big hug from a very dear friend.
    Blessings to you

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  7. Love this post Betty. Your home warms my heart every time I have been blessed to enter through that back door. It is a wonderful place and you are so gracious. I can feel the love and acceptance of just being who I am, nothing more expected from you. Since distance prevents our visiting often, I am so thankful you take the time to visit with us through your blog. Every post is so inspiring. Now, you have me thinking.... What story does my own home tell?. Have a great weekend. And hope you are over the crud!!!
    Angela

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  8. Such a lovely post, lovely home, and clearly a lovely heart. I love home stories....we all have ones to tell. You did yours beautifully. Have a super weekend! Jane

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  9. You know I love the reds and the mustards. Marshel in Alabama

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  10. I so enjoyed my visit today. You have a very lovely home, and it definitely has that homey feel to it. What a sweet gift of the electric fireplace. It is very pretty!

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  11. I just love your home! It says homey and comfortable to me! A few years ago on Halloween, neighbors that we lived close to for over 29 years came to Trick or Treat because I made a small baby's 1st Halloween scrapbook. I had my home all decorated for Halloween and had a table set up for trick or treaters with cupcakes, treat bags, and other decorations. He and his wife wanted the tour so Duane showed them the house. About a hour later, a knock on the door. She said hello, I am Stewart's sister and he has not stopped talking about your home since he got to Mom's. Would you mind giving me a tour and is it ok if I take pictures?? I said sure come on in. Duane gave her the tour and afterwards he told me he had never been prouder of me and he doesn't tell me often enough how special I make our home. It is a small 1930s cottage house so I decorate for each holiday and season because I only have so much room to display things so my décor gets changed a lot. I love your home and your blog! Prayers for all that need them.
    Hugs,
    Lynn

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  12. Lovely home, lovely blog representative of a lovely you! Relatively new to your blog and East Tennessee, love both.

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  13. How I would love to really come through your back door and visit you in your warm and lovely home. I would feel right at home there because I already consider you a dear friend although we have never met except in blogland. Your home and your words tell a wonderful story about you and the good person that you are.
    Thank you for your kind comment on my blog. This has been a sad month for us. Your concern and prayers are appreciated. I wish Kenny the best and will continue to pray for him. Have a good week. Hugs, Lura

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  14. I love visiting your blog/home for the very reasons you stated...I feel welcomed..no matter when I show up... I feel loved..hearing stories about your life, your family, your community, your church, your friends....I want to drink coffee/tea eat cake, muffins, cookies and sit down and talk...I want to touch the furniture..hear the stories of where it came from...what it means to you..Your home says much about you and one of the greatest things it says, "you definitely have been given the gift of hospitality and love that explode through the power of the Holy Spirit in you"! Keep inviting us through your Back Door! Blessings!

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  15. Love visiting you today, and no that little smoke house is there to greet your visitors and should not be torn down.

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  16. Hi Betty, I always enjoy reading your blog. It is like a daily diary or something of this sort....Interesting and some where that I would love to come to and have coffee. Your home is so welcoming! The smoke house should stay! Blessing to you..

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  17. I found you over at a friends blog. Enjoyed your blog,and am now a follower :-)
    Blessings,Renee
    http://glowacademy2015.wordpress.com/

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  18. As always I fell welcome as a guest in ur cozy home filled with memories. U have shared the joys of ur family and the heart aces. Bloggers were the kindest most supportive ppl to me when my son was killed. Prayer warriors. Liftn prayer for ur requests.

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  19. Betty,'
    Such a beautiful post.. I think the best compliment I have gotten from those who come into my home is how warm and cozy it seems. It makes me smile....
    Oh sweet tea. my fave, I would love to come a have a glass with you! enjoy! OLM

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  20. Betty - Betty - Betty!
    I LOVE your story and your home is just beautiful and warm and inviting. I only wish we could have kept our original date last Spring and we could have lounged in your wonderful family area and sipped whatever from whatever vessel you served it in.
    After all the years of knowing you on forums and blogs you are one of the most home - family oriented person I know.
    Blessings to you my friend
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by.I love to read your comments.