Brings to mind one of my all time favorite quotes. “I myself am entirely made of flaws. Stitched together with good intentions.” - Augusten Burroughs
I think what comes to mind that brings me true joy is the old sauna built right next to the lake which was built with quality materials and has stood the test of time. I am a sucker for a well kept but useful and purposeful building that serves a function. One of the functions being to get clean and burn wood in a stove inside, so it has that cozy comfort of being absolutely accessible and “unfussy”. The exposed beams with hooks made from nails pounded into the studs for clothes and towels. Wooden floors with rag rugs protecting them from the steam and dirt off shoes that can, and do, remain on during the heating process and hauling of pails of water. The aged windows, white, with 6 small panes of bleary glass each. The soot on the stove pipe, and the rocks atop the stove. The smell of the steam and wood mixing into the cleanest smell I can recall. Speaking of the imperfections of my favorite little sauna at the lake. The cabin is so enjoyable because it’s the perfect escape from the everyday “tidiness” and perpetual cleaning that seems necessary at home. It’s fine to relax and leave your shoes on while going in and out, the dogs with muddy paws sleeping on the couch. Crates and baskets with folded towels and a perfectly mismatched hodgepodge of furniture brings it all together in the most enjoyable way. It’s the only place I don’t find myself constantly needing to fix the appearance of. It’s function is to serve as a getaway and a place of respite and enjoyment. It’s taken care of and anything nice about it is due to work we put into it over the years. No one expects perfection at the cabin. It’s functionality over curb appeal, so anything above 4 walls and a roof seems to impress. De-stress is the vibe without any effort or statement needed. Im so grateful for this place. Getting plunged back into nature each week I find myself in awe of the beauty of the woods and pines, the lake, wildlife, seasons and fresh air - it’s the imperfections that strip one of the needless superficial pretensions practiced all week in town at home. It’s the reminder of the beauty and need for humans to be in nature, places a healthy perspective and restores a balance in me to remember the important things in life. I’ll fuss 5 days a week at home about throw pillows and decor, mopping and dusting. I truly enjoy these things as well. But the restoration of my soul deserves and needs 2 days of “imperfection”. It helps me remember that it’s ok and healthy to drop the neurosis and take a breath. It’s taking off the mask and being content with the simple and rustic way. Slow down. Take a beat. Remember life is more than a sparkling kitchen and vacuum lines on the carpet.
I love imperfections throughout my home. Shows the wear and tear that inevitably happens in a home where so many people go in and out of. It’s a reminder of the love of animals, people and gatherings we have hosted over the seven years living here. The parties, celebrations and good times, oh too many to count. My husband and I have pretty much an open door policy (within reason) as he has six siblings. He is one of seven so each sibling has left a dent (literally and figurative) in this house and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I came from a family of two children so the large family was always a foreign concept. I love it now, I appreciate it and my house shows just how many people have shuffled through that front door.
Brings to mind one of my all time favorite quotes. “I myself am entirely made of flaws. Stitched together with good intentions.” - Augusten Burroughs
I think what comes to mind that brings me true joy is the old sauna built right next to the lake which was built with quality materials and has stood the test of time. I am a sucker for a well kept but useful and purposeful building that serves a function. One of the functions being to get clean and burn wood in a stove inside, so it has that cozy comfort of being absolutely accessible and “unfussy”. The exposed beams with hooks made from nails pounded into the studs for clothes and towels. Wooden floors with rag rugs protecting them from the steam and dirt off shoes that can, and do, remain on during the heating process and hauling of pails of water. The aged windows, white, with 6 small panes of bleary glass each. The soot on the stove pipe, and the rocks atop the stove. The smell of the steam and wood mixing into the cleanest smell I can recall. Speaking of the imperfections of my favorite little sauna at the lake. The cabin is so enjoyable because it’s the perfect escape from the everyday “tidiness” and perpetual cleaning that seems necessary at home. It’s fine to relax and leave your shoes on while going in and out, the dogs with muddy paws sleeping on the couch. Crates and baskets with folded towels and a perfectly mismatched hodgepodge of furniture brings it all together in the most enjoyable way. It’s the only place I don’t find myself constantly needing to fix the appearance of. It’s function is to serve as a getaway and a place of respite and enjoyment. It’s taken care of and anything nice about it is due to work we put into it over the years. No one expects perfection at the cabin. It’s functionality over curb appeal, so anything above 4 walls and a roof seems to impress. De-stress is the vibe without any effort or statement needed. Im so grateful for this place. Getting plunged back into nature each week I find myself in awe of the beauty of the woods and pines, the lake, wildlife, seasons and fresh air - it’s the imperfections that strip one of the needless superficial pretensions practiced all week in town at home. It’s the reminder of the beauty and need for humans to be in nature, places a healthy perspective and restores a balance in me to remember the important things in life. I’ll fuss 5 days a week at home about throw pillows and decor, mopping and dusting. I truly enjoy these things as well. But the restoration of my soul deserves and needs 2 days of “imperfection”. It helps me remember that it’s ok and healthy to drop the neurosis and take a breath. It’s taking off the mask and being content with the simple and rustic way. Slow down. Take a beat. Remember life is more than a sparkling kitchen and vacuum lines on the carpet.
I love imperfections throughout my home. Shows the wear and tear that inevitably happens in a home where so many people go in and out of. It’s a reminder of the love of animals, people and gatherings we have hosted over the seven years living here. The parties, celebrations and good times, oh too many to count. My husband and I have pretty much an open door policy (within reason) as he has six siblings. He is one of seven so each sibling has left a dent (literally and figurative) in this house and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I came from a family of two children so the large family was always a foreign concept. I love it now, I appreciate it and my house shows just how many people have shuffled through that front door.