Monday, November 3, 2008

Old Houses...a re-run...

{This post first appeared one whole year ago..and because I'm in a Totally-Tired-Tuesday place, I thought maybe some of you wouldn't mind if I cheated..just a little..}




Ours is an old house.

Not “old” in the sense of “really, really, really old” but it was built the same year I was born….uh..wait..then it’s just getting a wee bit older..”

And just like me, things are wearing out.

Slowly. Quickly.

Depends on the day and what “part” you’re talking about.

The wood floors creak. Sometimes. Mostly in the dry weather. My bones creak, too. Mostly in the damp weather.


Old homes have the garages in the back or on the side – not like new homes who boast of “big huge ginormous” garages that take up the whole front of the house.

So, in that situation, one can’t truly see the character of the house, just what’s up front.

And I love character..in houses and in people..

And I'm glad to say my old house has character. And personality. Up the wazoo.

Old neighborhoods have exposed utility lines.

I have gray hair and wrinkles. Exposed. Showing our age….

Tired. That’s how some describe older homes .

Yep. Sometimes...

Tired. Me too. Sometimes.

But take a little time, fix the house up, give it love, know it’s “home” and soon you begin to see what this old house can offer.....

Stories. Happiness. Tears. Regrets.

It has, like all of us, weathered storms.

Seen births and deaths.

Has endured too hot summers that make it feel stuffy and uncomfortable.

Has been chilled to the rafters in winter – needing warmth and shutting out the cold world.

Gotten wet in the rain and windblown in the storms. But has weathered them all.

Just like me. Just like you.

Aren't we lucky??

Now, go love your house. Make it a home….

-me

PS- none of the homes shown here are mine - wish they all were..but none are..
{Sigh}

9 comments:

Charmingdesigns said...

That was wonderful...I do feel like an old house.lol. Laurie

Val said...

This is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing this. It made my day.

The Feathered Nest said...

Wonderful dear Colleen ~ great analogy...and beautiful homes, I love old, rusty, weathered and cracked... good thing my husband does too!!! ;) xxoo, Dawn

RoeH said...

I love it. I love old houses. And I wish many times I could wake up in another time with those old homes. Alas, it never happens. Great post.

Betty said...

You've done it again...made me see old houses through your very observant eyes...and I enjoyed the view. Thanks.

Senior Bowler-Carolyn said...

You have such a wonderful way of describing thing and bringing them in focus...you so need to write a book.....it is such a pleasure to see where we are going next at your house.....

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post...you are a marvel!...Pam

Updated by Lila Huggins (grandmother) said...

Hi,
I am "Nannie" to eight, great kids. Robert,Zack,Alex,Paul, Caleb,Julien,Ilana,and Sadie.
I enjoy your blog so much. You have such a neat sense of humor.
I also love old houses. Doesn't it seem like they have a personality? Not like the ones built today, devoid of warmth and beauty.
See you soon.

Updated by Lila Huggins (grandmother) said...

Hi,
I am "Nannie" to eight, great kids. Robert,Zack,Alex,Paul, Caleb,Julien,Ilana,and Sadie.
I enjoy your blog so much. You have such a neat sense of humor.
I also love old houses. Doesn't it seem like they have a personality? Not like the ones built today, devoid of warmth and beauty.
See you soon.

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