A house a home

moms collection of coastal decor always are a delightful sight

Home: a symbol of the values it rests on, and the dreams its filled with. A symbol of everything that could be-of possibility. 

My childhood home was a seaside retreat, a cottage in a quaint and small beach town. Its quite simple and beautiful, really. It was where my sense of compassion grew. Where I gained an awareness of God and human vulnerability and learned the depths of love and the importance of living through Faith. It was built by hard work with a purpose, and where love is and always has been given without measure.  Its where the bond of the important things in life can and will always be found....Faith, family the smell of the salty air and the sea. 

Our home was blessed with values that couldn't and can't be measured in dollars and cents.... It was where I learned the experience of selflessness and about the dignity of work and commitment and the joys of family life. Side by side, my parents taught me by example.

It was in that small beach cottage were unconditional love was taught to be more powerful than any circumstance. Regardless of any disappointments or failures, they were never defining.  How confidence and strength aren't built by knowledge or physical skill.... since both can be lost to us in an instant. Where life was sustained by love, and having compassion and a commitment to live life boldly during the good times, and through the bad. That God in himself is good.

While my house formed my values as a child, as an adult, my experiences helped to clarify the kind of person I wanted to be. And it was in that house I learned lessons that after all these years continue to stay with me. As I begin building a nest of my own I am reminded of a place that will always be welcoming, nurturing, comfortable and safe. My childhood is a beautiful tale that rhymes with the very foundations of life and beginnings and coming to find a place that you can always touch no matter where you are. 

The Moore's Anna Maria Island

"There’s something about a beach house that requires little more than people. All becomes secondary, making the focus just being together."  -unknown

"....no matter how far we roam, we always need to return to the places people and practices from which we draw inspiration and vitality so we can go out into the world again." -unknown

"....you'll realize no matter where you might reside at the moment the home you have is all you need to shelter your dreams." -SBB

Dear Lilly,
If home is where the heart is, then my heart is with you and daddy, wherever you two may be. The brick house on the corner, the one with the black shutters and the pink swing hanging from the tree... its our very own. Its where daddy and I have begun to spread the seeds of our dreams. Here is where we have prepared and planned and painted and prayed for you, our sweet one. Now with you here, this house has become a home. 

During the last nine months I've put careful consideration into the design of your nursery. Making sure each chosen piece of fabric and furniture bring comfort and function and beauty to the space. Its a canvas with a perfect palette of creams, white, gold, and muted pinks-- that calm the soul. Above your crib, a chandelier dangles below, providing bright white and adjustable light. Your room is so lovely.....and your bedding Lilly, its all I imagined it to be. I searched high and low in numerous fabric stores for the perfect linens and silk. Lilly, your Nana stitched a custom creation made just for you. Oh how this room has allowed my heart to ponder what is precious!

 With a cross displayed over our heaven sent little girl laying peacefully sleeping, I am reminded of the many blessings that fill our home. What a beautiful place to house your beginnings.

My childhood home taught me the importance of nurturing the soul through beautiful surroundings. So I've placed sources of beauty all around us; photos of family and loved ones, precious souvenirs collected through the years, books and maps and globes-- to allow your heart to wonder. You'll see the site of wings and crosses upon the wall. symbols of God; our guardians and grace.

Its been such a creative chapter in my life....a beautiful project and true labor of life. I've put lots of energy and creativity into renewing and restoring rooms and furnishings throughout. Making sure its filled with comfortable places to sit, relax and reflect. Something I've been doing more of lately. This home of ours embraces, nurtures, sustains and inspires.... Its designed to display an interior that reflects the rich life of the love, happiness and abounding Faith of the people who occupy it. This is our lovely little space. Welcome home my love.
         

[Letter to Lilly Kate Journal entry May 2012]

                

.............

Proverbs 24:3-4

by Tilly Claire