Today’s writing prompt challenge from The SITS Girls was to post a fall picture. This should have been pretty straight forward but while I was wondering around my house, I took this and it started a whole thing.
So this is just a front porch swing, right? Seemingly ordinary. Just wood. It wasn’t white when we bought the house but years of weathering on the original finish made this the more practical choice.
And, in fact, that porch swing was a big selling factor for me. When we first saw this house almost 14 years ago, the twins were 2 and our oldest was 5, and it was a wreck. Built in 1978, everything (EVERYTHING) in the house was original (and not in a charming way) except for a few upgrades that were not to my taste at all (red marble, anyone??).
But when we walked up and I saw this porch and this swing I just knew this was where God wanted us to be, and that we could make it into a home.
On this swing I have hugged crying babies (my own and other people’s), and shared wine with friends (and yes, some of them were crying, too). I have sat alone and prayed, and read, and napped. It’s a great place to nap.
It’s seen first day of school pics and Halloween costumes and lots of kids swinging their friends.
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| Jack was a robot. The twins were pumpkins. And would never sit still for pictures at that age! |
And now, as my boys are older, it’s become the preferred place to have private conversations with mom. Or for Scott and I to discuss big things and small things and to dream. It’s a respite from the chaos of daily life and, especially in the fall, when the breezes hit it just right, it’s the closest thing to heaven I have here on earth.
Do you have a spot like that? If you don’t, can you get one? It doesn’t have to be a porch swing – maybe it’s a chair in your back yard or a comfy couch in your bedroom but we should all have that place where we know we can center ourselves and sooth our souls and and our hearts.
We recently had to have the porch swing repaired – the supports for it in the attic just rotted out. It sat, unused, for a couple months and part of me was just sad. When the repairman called me out to look at it, once again affixed in it’s proper place, I cried. And he didn’t make fun of me because I think maybe he’s seen that look before on the face of other owners of other porch swings.
So I’ll enjoy the fall days and my little spot on the porch and be grateful for all the memories past, and all the memories I hope are to come.
My place is a lazy boy chair. It’s my place for quiet time, the place my son likes to come and cuddle (if cuddling with a 100 lb kid is even possible – I think it’s now more like a slow squishing), and has become the place where our new pup can come and cuddle with me while I stair out the window and pray or cry or just be when chaos threatens to take over.
It’s so important, isn’t it?? If we ever move, I’m taking this swing with me!
What a lovely spot! I don’t have a place like that, I think I’ll have to try and get one.
Do, Kristen!! Chaos is, sadly, inevitable so definitely worth the time and energy investment!! Thanks for reading!
Such wonderful memories from a seemingly ordinary piece of furniture. A person never knows where great memories will originate. I really enjoyed your post.
I loved that in trying to find a good picture the reality of how much that has meant to us just hit me !! Thanks for reading!
visiting from sits. i love your spot. and what wonderful memories you shared.
have a great day.
happy fall!
Thanks, Betty!! Appreciate your reading and commenting!!
Porch swings are awesome! They just kind of add one of those touches that make a house a home don’t they?
Heidi – EXACTLY! Our house is certainly not the biggest or fanciest on the block but it’s ours and there’s been a lot of love invested here!
Just beautiful!
thank you, Lauren!!! We are blessed in so many way!
Hi, visiting you via the SITS girls linkup. You’re a vegetarian, I used to be a vegetarian, I’m a vegan now. I’m so glad that you allowed God to lead you where He wanted to be, that is the best place one can find oneself in! Wish you the best with your pursuits and blogging!
Thanks for visiting! I was a vegan for about 18 months and honestly, if my lifestyle supported it more conveniently, I still would be! Thanks for reading!