Sandwiched
We had the opportunity to enjoy a lovely afternoon recently at the home of some new friends in Old Town Noblesville. This awesome family just happens to belong to my son’s girlfriend. They were hosting people to watch the Noblesville parade to kick off the holiday season, as they live right on the parade route.
Her family wasn’t just fun, friendly and a joy to be with, but their home was wonderful. I’ve always loved old homes, thanks to growing up in a 1920s bungalow in Mishawaka. I’m also an Old Town Noblesville resident, having lived on South 9th Street now for over 21 years.
I had witnessed the complete transformation of this house when it was featured in the Noblesville Preservation Alliance Home Tour a few years ago. This was long before Jacob met his girlfriend or even thought about having one. It was fun to see it again and get another private “tour.”
Do you know, though, what I loved most about the house? The fact that it wasn’t perfect.
Please don’t misunderstand me. The house has gorgeous floors, woodwork and windows. The family has decorated it from the heart, with numerous photos and unique artwork throughout, including decorations that can’t help but make you happy. And their renovation of the second floor is still being talked about amongst my Noblesville Preservation Alliance friends.
But it’s also a work in progress – just like my house and so many others in Old Town. I was thrilled to see another family in the midst of some great projects to restore their home. It’s not, however, a house like what you’d see in a magazine, blog, or on Pinterest.
It was great to witness someone hosting a gathering with delicious food, drinks, conversation and laughter where no one was worried about keeping everything in its place. I watched as kids chased each other throughout the house, occasionally hollering and stomping. I enjoyed seeing everyone simply living and celebrating without any fussiness.
There are some moments where I get nervous about having people over to my house. We’ve been slowly building a garage out back that has left our backyard in rather poor shape. Our deck badly needs refinishing. However, I know I need to push those worries aside.
We face so much pressure in our society to have everything look perfect. But if we all wait to arrive at perfection, we’ll rarely get to grab those chances to enjoy time with beloved family and friends, most of whom don’t give a hoot about whether our house is ready for a magazine.
Our new friends got it just right a few weeks ago. To me, their home – and its contents – is imperfectly perfect. And that will always be just fine with me.