Living a Beautiful Life: Decorating with Things You Love

One of the blogs I check in with often is Ask Kari and Kijsa. These gals are a wonderful resource for all things home. A recent post of theirs struck a cord with me -- they talked about a poem their father had written for Kijsa when she was five. Kijsa has it framed, and has had it displayed it in her home. This poem became even more of a treasure when they lost their father, unexpectedly, not too long ago.

From that entry:

We always encourage surrounding yourself with items you love, creating a home filled with memories to cherish, especially in the hard times like these.
Find something special...a love note, a child's drawing, a special program ...a poem... and place it where you can see it everyday... create a physical reminder of what is important, who is special, and that you are loved.

Surrounding yourself with items you love is a big part of living a beautiful life. It goes a long way in making your house a home; that haven we talked about yesterday. Money doesn't have to come into it at all (my frugal side appreciates this).

In my bedroom, I have a big arrangement of silk pink roses on my dresser. That arrangement was given to me in the hospital, on the day my daughter was born. Every time my eyes fall on it, I remember what a miracle she is, and how joyful that day was.

Going along with the rose theme, on my bed, I have my Omi's (my German grandmother) pink rose needlework pillow (she stitched it herself) and her summer-weight rose blanket. She was a wonderful woman; incredibly talented with her hands, fun-loving, home-keeper extraordinaire, and had a heart that was always thinking of others. We lost her to Alzheimer's about 6 years ago, and I miss her. I miss their home; so many memories there. (The bend in the road picture on my blog header is from a picture that hung over their fireplace...) When I look at her pillow and pull that blanket over me at night, I remember my Omi, being her grand-daughter, being spoiled by her, and how much she loved me.

As you can tell, my bedroom is a haven to me. It feeds my soul.

My house is nowhere near ready for a magazine spread. (stifling guffaws) It probably never will be. But I'm looking forward to creating my haven little by little. Having things around you that are meaningful and make you happy -- creating a physical reminder of what is important, who is special and that you are loved: living beautifully.