The latter half of our trip has been very introspective for Ashley and I. We have intentionally slowed our pace and given ourselves time to really soak in what we are experiencing. Part of this has been due to learning a new continent and partly to weariness from a lingering Scotland cold. The result of this has been time to read and write, time to think and reflect, and time for listening and discussion.
Our discourse has been varied in subject but one of the recurring themes has been a home. We realized that we have been living very much like college students; miss-matched and uncomfortable. While we by no means need the newest and most stylish of possessions we have come to understand the importance for us of a comfortable space instead of a sterile environment. This encompasses layout, practicality, lighting, aesthetics, and comfort. A space to live and invite others to be in with us.
We have been learning about elements of a comfortable space from the many different guest houses, hostels, hotels, and homes we have stayed in throughout our travels. We were drawn to rooms that were obviously well loved by the people living in them and that is what we want for our space, wherever we end up. We want our home to show that we enjoy being in it and reflects our values and I suppose that our previous spaces did at that time.
This trip was a difficult goal to reach as it took a lot of commitment to save up for. Our previous spaces reflected that commitment. Every purchase and decision was weighed against how much we could save if we did not. Though that will still be apart of our lives (my Dutch is exceptionally frugal) we are excited to shed this particular undertaking and start a new chapter of our lives.
It is so interesting that your thoughts and conversation has turned toward thoughts of what home is. Yes. This makes sense. Especially since you are practically going to be "starting over" when you get back.
ReplyDeleteOn an entirely practical level, my suggestion from experience is to buy/find top quality. Get solid pieces of used furniture (given, thrifted, found, whatever) and have it reupholstered. Don't fill your house up ASAP . . . live a sparsely furnished space until you nab your finds. "Less is more." Keep ears and eyes open for family and friends who need to get rid of things, but want to find a good "home" for them. Thrift. Dumpster dive. It is amazing what you can find in the garbage. Save $$ and buy top-quality items, like down comforters and appliances and other household items. It's more "expensive", but don't waste your money on cheap junk. It breaks and it is usually junky-looking anyway. I feel the same way about food. Why buy the crap? It doesn't taste good anyway.
But yes . . . home. Sweet home. What a blessed comfort it is. It is fun to watch it grow and develop over time, to see what sticks around and what you decide to thrift/consign/sell/give away. And once you have kids. Crikes. Then "home" really grows into something else, because you are creating an atmosphere and life for those beloved little people in your care. It goes to an entirely different level.