Welcome Home!

I wish I could be more balanced. More moderate. But when I dive into something it never fails. I go straight to the deep end.

Over the years I’ve been passionate about many things: People, place and objects. And every time I got in over my head.

When I was a kid, my family was into antiques and collectibles. We spent hours at auctions, estate sales and flea markets. Growing up, I developed my own interests. I fell hard for vintage clothing, beautifully illustrated novels and delicate glassware.

Since that time, treasures have come and gone. When I fell out of love, I sold or gave away what I had and moved on to another new favorite.

These days, with a lot of collecting behind me and too little space around me, I don’t buy a lot. But I never, ever get tired of looking at beautiful antiques and interesting collectibles. I love the light in a collector’s eye when he or she tells the story behind their objects of desire.

You don’t have to be in love to love being around someone who is.

This week in Home

The thing about passion is that it can carry you away. When Rolane Hopper found a passion for antiques and shabby old things, she had no idea she would move into a restored farmhouse on the Palouse and fill it with treasures. Nor did she imagine that her home, and an antiques sale held in the barn on her property, would bring magazine editors to her door. Now, Hopper and partner Sharon Blythe are setting up for a grand sale that will make the pages of Country Living Magazine this fall.

Their story is this week’s cover feature.

Gardens Galore

It’s time for the annual Coeur d’Alene Garden Tour. We’ve got a peek at one of the gardens and tour information inside.

Here come the brides

It’s wedding season and experts say that this weekend will be the biggest wedding weekend of the century. Brides who want 07-07-07 engraved on their rings will be marching down the aisle on Saturday. We’ve got a story about a woman whose business is built on putting bouquets in the hands of brides who want a personalized experience. Forget roses and Lily of the Valley. Pistil Packin’ Posies are one of a kind.

Passions run high this time of year. And here at Home we’re passionate about bringing you the most interesting people and places in the area. This week’s issue is no exception.

Enjoy.