There are many times I walk as I walk around our house I am reminded at how amazing it is that God paired James and I together with our silly sense of style. It can only be called eclectic. We have no theme, but like the same things, decorations, furniture, paint colors...We are both attracted to the same oddities. If he were a different man or I were a different woman we might throw each others' finds in the garbage when the other wasn't looking or simply refuse to allow them in the house. But we are usually like, "That is awesome! Where did you find that?" It is especially evident in our kitchen where our knick knacks are displayed...antiques, pottery, pee wee herman on a chair, owls, unique quotes, strange figurines, you name it. Each piece loved by both of us. Weird.
It is almost like we never grew out of college decorating style, which is fine with me because I don't want to grow up and lose my personality to one of the big name furniture/decorating stores. It is fine for those who do, but it is not us, either of us and for that I am grateful. Here is a prime example: James called me from WalMart the other day and was like, "Do we have aqua marine in our shower curtain?" I asked, "What, why?" He goes, "Well, Our other liner is gross and we need a new one. There is this really cool aqua marine liner with a design on it that I think would look really good in our shower." Then, I said, "We actually have a navy blue one we have never used," and he was like, "No, I want this one." When I saw it, I knew why. Small pleasures, I know, but I have to admit that whilst showering I do enjoy the aqua marine textured shower liner. It is quite refreshing. Most people would be like, "I need new tile and a totally new tub to feel clean in that bathroom," but I am strangely used to it, not bothered by it, and the liner does make a difference.
The walls and sink are a different story, but even what we are doing with those will be unconventional because that's how we roll.
The walls and sink are a different story, but even what we are doing with those will be unconventional because that's how we roll.
Here are two more small examples of the odd streak in my husband that I adore. When we had to move the sock monkeys from the stairs to hang the stockings, he immediately hung them from the entertainment center. Without packing them away to bring out after Christmas, or even a thought, he took them straight to the living room and hung them there for us to enjoy. I guess he is lucky I operate on the same wave length or it wasn't an accident we were brought together. I am so glad he is mine and I am his. We are just different enough to compliment each other and just alike enough to be best friends. You never know how important sharing a sense of style is until you are actually married. Let me tell you, it is. I have heard stories of couples not agreeing on decorating and it is sad. At least it seems sad to me, because I like for my environment to reflect my personality and brighten my day. If I had to live in a perfectly designed home straight off the showroom floor I'd feel like I lived in a museum and since I spend most of my life in this house, I'd be miserable.
Thankfully, that will never happen.
And, if it seems like I am bragging, I am not. I am the kind of person who defaults to negativity and anxiety over circumstances. I spent most of my youngest years with my grandma Shelby (while my Mom worked) who I adored, but who was always complaining, always depressed, and worried about everything. It kind of shaped my outlook on life for a really long time and I am trying to reshape it with the Lord's help. In order for me to focus on all of my blessings, I have to make a conscious effort. I do have so many blessings. Driving by my home, you might disagree, but God has richly blessed us with 4 beautiful children, a relationship that withstands all that life throws at us a roof over our heads and plenty of nesting dolls to go around.
I hope that if someone reads my blog who doesn't really know me, they don't see me as someone who thinks I have it altogether, know all the answers and live in the only "right way." I am so far from that it isn't even funny. I am passionate and I am real. What you see is what you get with me and it ain't perfection. I just try to find the good in what is around me and because sometimes it is hard for me, just like I posted a few posts back, I have to focus on the Light. And, I have to write about it. It helps gratitude take root in my heart. I want to leave a legacy for my kiddos...
A true story of how a broken person was transformed over the years through the power of the Holy Spirit coupled with intentional living. That's all, folks.
A true story of how a broken person was transformed over the years through the power of the Holy Spirit coupled with intentional living. That's all, folks.
