For as much as we learn about living from houses here at cityhome, it is the wisdom shared by the people and pets who inhabit them that has the power to change us. And if we are lucky, all we have to do is ask. But if we are smart, we will also slow down. And listen.
I asked a few friends in our community about their house, their life and what they love.
What we hear, here, is up to us.
We have a love for home in common. I know because I have been coming to yours for twenty years and it has always felt inviting to so many of us! So, let’s start with the most important question. In your eyes, what makes a house feel welcoming? Beauty without clutter, music without noise, art to draw you in.
Your home sounds like good music. If someone was gonna pull a record off your shelf and put on some good tunes while they read these words, what would you hope folks start with? And let’s hope they do it. Bill Frisell “The Intercontinentals” is wonderful. It’s also our go-to dinner party album. Or any Leonard Cohen.
You have had a significant and seamless addition in recent years. The home was art filled before. Any new pieces make their way in with the extra wall space? Any old ones find a new spot in the house? All of our artwork is in a slow rotation moving from room to room. It is remarkable how you can rediscover a familiar art piece in a new setting.
Animals make a room. And Finn feels happy. When and where and how does the family get along best in these new digs? Evenings on the back patio make for lovely family time and Finn is right there with us in all of our spaces (except for on the new sofa!)
Not all structures maintain their soul and not all couples make it. All seems to be thriving at the Pickett residence, what gives? We’re coming up on 20 years together already. We genuinely enjoy each other‘s company, which makes kindness easy. We find it’s important not to take yourself too seriously. Find joy and keep learning together.
Along those lines, for those of us on the path of tending to the gardens that we are, any other thoughts on what has worked for you? I know movement matters in your world, and so does water. Help us stay alive alongside you Tim and Sara and Finn! What else do you do that is working? Give us the goods, the family secrets for a world gone wild! We discovered meditation some years ago and strive to practice daily. We find it really ties the room together.
You really have kept it glowing, from dusk to dawn all these years. For all of the folks who have found a light on during these last decades, when can we come over and have a reunion? It’s been too long and this definitely needs to happen. Stay tuned for a fall soirée!
Speaking of which, stay tuned for the perspective of our friend Greg Upwall, the architect for this home’s modern addition.
And may we all keep doing our best to settle into the rooms that we are, this house that grounds and holds us together.
Thank you Tim and Sara. What a nourishing treat.
