There is a young woman at my church who makes me smile every time I see her. She is not just beautiful, she is strong. Tall, model-status lovely, smart, and full of life. It was my honor to host her 18th birthday party here at Autumn House.
Category Archives: Place Making
A Christening of Sorts
“You can say no,” she said. “But I want to throw my nephew a surprise party and I was wondering if we could use your house.” It was an easy yes. We have a big, spacious home with a pool along with a pool house that just screams to be used for parties. When theContinue reading “A Christening of Sorts”
Everything Old is New Again
Originally published May 22, 2020 on alifeofsimplejoys.com. It feels like we just unpacked, happily discarding the last of the boxes and beginning a new life here in this beautiful neighborhood surrounded by hills and pasture. I have become accustomed to the drone of maintenance equipment each morning as they parade out onto the golf course.Continue reading “Everything Old is New Again”
Let’s Build a Garden, Part 2
After the construction of our big, beautiful raised beds, I called around to find out who would deliver dirt. After a bit of research I found a company whose dump truck wasn’t broken (that is apparently a common issue around here) and they delivered a big, beautiful pile of soil just a few hours later.
Let’s Build a Garden (Part 1)
I have missed growing vegetables. Our previous home was located within the domain of an HOA that forbade such “unattractive” landscaping so, aside from the pitiful potted tomato plant on my pack patio, I had to go to the local Farmers’ Market to find fresh veggies. Now we have eight beautiful acres. I have thoughtContinue reading “Let’s Build a Garden (Part 1)”
And So it Begins
We moved in on the first of July. Buried beneath a mountain of boxes, I frantically unpacked one after another, driven by the intense need to rid the rooms of cardboard and see the beautiful hardwoods hiding beneath the piles of packing paper. Finally, after two weeks in this lovely place, I ascended a stepladderContinue reading “And So it Begins”
Give Your House a Name
A few months ago I read Andrew Peterson’s book, Adorning the Dark. In this incredible work, Andrew describes the labor and intentionality of creativity and community. He describes his family’s decision to leave the city and move out to the country, putting down deep roots. He encourages the reader to be purposeful in settling down by saying, Continue reading “Give Your House a Name”
