We all want to feel grounded and have a special safe place we can journey towards or return to for comfort. I recently saw the movie "Judy" and was reminded of this theme as I listened to Renee Zellweger chant the words of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as she portrayed the role of Judy Garland. (She did an amazing performance and in my opinion deserves an Oscar Nomination.) What struck me most as I sat through the movie was how important the ideology of this song is and it's relevance today.
To me the idea of home is having a place of comfort to return to at the end of a long day. For many it is a destiny that will bring happiness to our mundane lives. During the holidays we often fantasize about returning to the home where we grew up. As an adult this can be a positive feeling or a void of lost memories. I tend to get emotional when I hear this song. All young people wanted to be "Dorothy's" and seek their futures on the other end of the rainbow. Towards the end of the movie you learn what a tragic life Judy Garland actually had and that her rainbow place was just a fantasy. Sadly she succumbed to many outside pressures and was never able to define the image of her true home.
Home can be a tiny cottage, a large house, a tent or for some just a place away from danger. Home is the environment you hopefully choose to live. Ideally it should be a place with people that make you comfortable and things you enjoy being surrounded by.
I had started this blog post over a month ago but hadn't quite finished it. In holding off, I read a great article today about story telling in the WSJ. The thesis of the article was the importance of story telling that should be shared and passed from one generation to the next. Although one may not appreciate hearing some family lore these are often part of who we are (the foundation of our homes). When we think about home and sharing time with family and friends over the holidays perhaps it is the string of stories that bring commonality and comfort to each of us.
The older I get the more I wish I had listened and taken better notes of my family history as many of the first hand storytellers are no longer with us. (Embrace the chance to listen to each other and only take out the your technology tools to take notes and keep records vs. checking your social media. The opportunity cost of FOMO is higher amongst those who are present with you to share their stories. You can always catch up on your friends posts at a later time.) As the holiday season approaches I hope you will embrace this time and enjoy positive feelings as you voyage towards that place you call home.
Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham. She loves helping people find their dream homes. Check out her website at www.wendybcb.com or find her on facebook @wendybcb.
A common phrase I hear a lot as a realtor is that "Home is where the heart is". I believe one of the things that defines home is a place where people feel comfortable and welcomed. This type of environment is not defined by the size or age of the property but rather by the ambience set by its owners. No matter the square footage of a house, the kitchen often becomes the epicenter of the property. One lesson I learned from my parents (who had the smallest house of all my friends) was that it was alway very important to be a good hostess to anyone crossing the threshold. It was important to always have a full kitchen and to offer beverages (either warm or cold) to anyone who visited. Following through with this philosophy in life is to always be prepared and able to serve my guests. You never know who may come by unexpectedly. Thus when I set up my kitchen below I am sharing my basic vital items that I always keep on hand.
As many of my friends know I am a big coffee drinker. I frequent Starbucks and have more recently learned how to make a good brew at my house. In fact, the first purchase for my house even before kitchen furniture was a coffee maker. I have more recently acquired different coffee maker devices specific to my crowd. (see my toys in bottom photo). Depending on the guest size, I will make a pour over cup if it is just for me or use a Keurig for my husband who loves flavored coffee. If I have a large group I will brew a pot of coffee. A good cup of coffee is particularly enjoyed earlier in the day. It is also great as a mid-afternoon pick me up or after a meal with dessert. In addition, coffee is always great to offer a guest who may be doing work at one's home during the day. (Of note, I also keep a full stock of tea bags on hand). My guests often say I run a great local coffee shop!
Conversely towards evening a libation is a great way to wrap up a busy day. Most adults (over 21) I know will enjoy a glass of wine. Wine is a the holy drink of many religions but has also become the versatile drink to have as the day winds down for even the agnostic. I often enjoy having a glass before dinner (sometimes while cooking). I also welcome the chance to share a glass of wine with guests often accompanied by appetizers or during a home cooked dinner. Wine is perfect to serve during a party or an evening social event , as well, such as bookclub.
For the non-drinkers I always have some ice cream on hand in my freezer as this is something easy to serve that generally disappears quicker than it would perish. Who doesn't love ice cream? This is alway my happy food and my last basic stock item. Guests of all ages can't say no to a little treat and just the mention often brings a smile to ones face. These days I try to keep a supply of regular and low sugar options as some of us have to watch our diets. Although there is nothing better than Brighams Ice Cream, the Halo flavors are low in sugar and high in protein and a great alternative. Ice cream is a great mid afternoon snack or after dinner dessert. It is also a great late night munch.
These days with the all the turmoil in the world, all three of my above basics can help one get through each challenging day. I enjoy a cup of coffee at home when I wake up in the morning as I read the newspaper and catch up on my social media feed. I may also pick up a cup mid-day as a pick me up. Incidentally studies have shown positive health effects on drinking coffee including longevity. More often than not, most of the turmoil is a bit abnormal and once I get home at the end of the day, a glass of wine is quite welcome while I watch World News. I sip it slowly as I prepare dinner and generally finish it off with my meal. My doctor actually told me a glass of Red Wine in moderation is actually good for my heart and we all love to listen to "Doctor's Orders". Lastly depending on how much I ate at dinner I will have a small scoop of ice cream for dessert or sneak downstairs and have a bit later in the evening before catching the daily recap on late night comedy shows.
As my readers can see, my three basics have been the key ingredients to make my house a happy home. Whether I am entertaining or home alone, these easy items enable me to be a good hostess or to keep balance in my daily homelife. I love hearing from others about what simple things make them happy and help make their homes their happy place. Maybe we can meet up in person and discuss over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Wendy is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham. She enjoys writing about local events and issues near and dear to her heart. Please visit her website www.wendybcb.com or visit her Facebook page @wendybcb.
