HOME …a Haven from the World

Anger, frustration, rage and fear are everywhere. Turn on the T.V., or listen to the radio, and you are bombarded with images of violence, terror and war. “The world has gone mad,” we say to ourselves. We strive for solitude. We look for comfort. We need a respite, a haven from the world.

I am overwhelmed. Where can I feel safe? I need a place to relax, to unwind, and shut out the negativity that invades my day. I need a place of comfort! I need to come home.

Today’s lifestyle doesn’t leave much room for the “little things” that help to make a house a home. It seems that we spend more time at the office than we do at home. What can a busy working family do to fashion a house into a home, to create a place of refuge when time is at a premium?

It may not be that difficult.

Consider screening the influences that you bring into your home. Choose music that is soothing. Cautiously filter the programs that fill your T.V. screen, and choose wisely the sites and images you view on the internet. Give thought to the influences you are willing to allow to penetrate your personal space.

Surround yourself with calming colors, with beautiful, meaningful images on your walls. Everyone has family photographs, whether taken years ago, or just yesterday. They make us smile when we see them. Often these photos are shoved in a drawer or a photo album only to be forgotten. Why not frame these meaningful photos, and place them on a table, or on a wall where you can see them everyday. Whenever you look at these photos, they will cause you to smile, and envelope you in warm loving feelings. Place these framed photos in every room of your house, and soon your house will feel more like a home.

Photographs are not the only items that you can frame that will generate comfort, love and warmth in your home. Children’s art can be framed in easily assembled frames, so that their artwork can be updated frequently with little effort. Hang these works of art in a prominent place in the family home, perhaps the kitchen, or family room. I can’t think of a better way to make children feel special, and loved!

Perhaps you have a favorite poem, or saying that gives you goose bumps whenever you read it. Frame these meaningful writings in small or large frames and hang them near your desk or workspace, in your study, bathroom or bedroom. They could sit on a shelf, or by your bedside, bringing you joy whenever you read them.

Other items that can be framed to bring meaning and warmth to your home are antique pieces of jewelry, antique doilies, dried flowers, and small collectables. Dimensional items can be placed in a shadow box frame. Perhaps you have a beautiful china plate. It was your grandmothers, and it is the only piece that you have. Line a shadow box with velvet, and place your treasured plate carefully in the frame. Hang it in your dining room, or in your kitchen. You have a precious family heirloom, and beautiful collector piece that will bring back warm memories of your grandmother.

Do-it-yourself picture framers can find inexpensive quality frames and supplies at any department store. Get the family involved. You will find that framing personal items for display in the home can be a fun family activity. This is an excellent family project that will help to create a home that is a place of comfort and joy.

Why fill our walls with decorator prints that have aesthetic value, but no personal meaning? Why fill your home with images that do not generate special memories, or are not unique to you, and your loved ones?

Consider finding an artist to work with you to create a painting that is uniquely yours. This painting should capture your personal memories. A beautifully executed, meaningful painting hung in a place of honor in your home will fill you with warm emotions each time you view it. Be sure to hang it in an area where you spend most of your time, a family room, or other room that is central to family activity. Start collecting meaningful, original works of art that will grace the walls of your home with beautiful memories. There is no measure to sentimental value, however you will find that time will increase the monetary value of your artwork. An original painting can be a good investment, and help to make your house a place of comfort, love and warmth. You have a uniquely created heirloom that can be handed down from one generation to the next, granting comfort and beauty to family homes, and loved ones for years to come.

A house becomes a home when it is filled with love and beauty, creating a haven for family and friends.

A home is a place of memories, the hub of a rich family life.

Whether you live in a mansion, or a small apartment, you can make your home a place of comfort and respite from the world. Blanket yourself at home, comforted with memories, engulfed with beauty and enveloped with love. Here you will find the strength to face the stress and frustrations of everyday life.

What are you coming home to tonight?

Barb Kahle is an artist and freelance writer. As an artist, she creates one-of a kind, original paintings. Her artwork has great meaning. Specialties include Pet Portraits, House Portraits, Portraits and Landscapes.

As a writer, she creates original, meaningful short stories, books, and children’s books from your personal memories and stories.

Contact Barb with any questions pertaining to this article, or her work. barb@cherishedmemoriesinart.com