Saw this today. So fun...yet so confusing. How long do you think you would have to live there till it would stop freaking you out?
Notice the bench upside down on the roof? Or the wheelbarrow?
Got me thinking about two quotes that I have had on my mind lately...
“Life is full of ups and downs. The trick is to enjoy the ups and have courage during the downs.”
"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed.
- Most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise.
Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.
The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."
-President Gordon B.Hinckley
I have been trying (not sure if I am quite succeeding) but trying nonetheless to enjoy, not just muddle through life. Especially right now. I don't want to look back and feel like I missed my 27th year of life. Or Ethan's 7th year. Or Tyler's 5th. I want to enjoy and learn and THRIVE each day that God gives me.
And in a lot of ways that house is me. Something that once looked so "normal" is upside down...for the world to see.
Right now things are different. Really different. Really confusing. And like I wondered above I think most days I am "freaking out." Trying to get my bearings and not feel "upside down."
But as I was looking at that house I realized that instead of trying to make sense of it...spending all my time trying to make it right side up again. Maybe I should just enjoy it. Recognize its uniqueness and enjoy my stay.
We won't live there forever - its not my dream home and it's definitely not my final resting place. But for now its a "vacation home." And I'll find some beauty here!
andrea, this was an awesome post, and believe it or not, just what i needed right now! our situations are totally different, but this is what i've been missing. i need to stop trying to get back to "normal", and enjoy my life as is. it's all too fleeting, and i have far to many missing years myself already. time to get my head in the game and play!!
ReplyDeleteyou have an amazing attitude, andrea! and i know that it must be hard to think that way all the time. i admire you for your courage and strength! keep at it! those little boys are lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quote from Pres. Hinckley. Where did you find it? Is is from a talk? I would love to read the entire talk. Thanks!
ReplyDeletei love that quote, and love president hinckley!
ReplyDeletep.s. to anonymous--it's a quote by jenkins lloyd jones
that house is crazy and i think every day i would fight not to walk into the front door doing a handstand.
i really like what you wrote here and commend you again for what a great job you're doing at adjusting to all of these difficult changes.
who's to say what's "normal" anyway?? i'm married to a man who's obsessed with cheese. you find someone who can say that's "normal" and i'll give you 100 bucks.
plus you are changing what may have looked like "normal" but was really unhealthy and damaging into what might be looked at as "abnormal" in our culture but is really a happy and loving home. and if that's not considered "normal" then i don't know what is.
because normal or not, it is what is the most important.
I feel like you're the smartest person I know. I watch you not only do incredibly tough things but do them REALLY well. I think we've all thought this and/or done this but I've never heard it verbalized so perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI feel like you're the smartest person I know. I watch you not only do incredibly tough things but do them REALLY well. I think we've all thought this and/or done this but I've never heard it verbalized so perfectly.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully expressed. Andrea, you're so amazing and so strong. Thanks for sharing these awesome thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog Andrea!!! I went blogstocking :) You are really an amazing person you have done more in your 27 years than I have in my 48. Love you !!! Melia
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