Welcome Home!

You can find anything in a garden, if you look hard enough. Some go outdoors for fresh air, others for a little peace and quiet. For some, there is nothing more spiritual than a contemplative walk along a meandering path.

After living on a large, sun baked, water-guzzling, suburban lot for many years, my tiny city backyard is a welcome relief. The narrow strip of lawn is framed by roses that stand against or climb along the fence. It takes only a few minutes to mow and a fraction of the water I used to use keeps it green and healthy.

There’s just enough room for a petite hammock, a couple of comfortable chairs, a table to hold a glass of wine or iced tea. There’s just enough room to let the dogs run after tennis balls tossed lazily from one of those chairs.

There’s just enough room and it’s all I need.

I’ve discovered a lot in that little garden. I found determination I didn’t know I had. And focus I thought I’d lost. And when I needed it most, I found comfort.

I can circle my little backyard in only a few steps. And I do it often. First thing in the morning and last thing at night.

Eventually, after all that circling, I stumbled on the one thing I needed to find the most.

I found myself.

This week in Home

I’m always amazed at the ordinary people I meet who look at the world through the eyes of an artist. Where others see only hard work and time taken away from pleasure, they see a project that will change the landscape.

When Don and Pat Schelling took on the renovation of the garden behind a cottage in Spokane, they created a masterpiece. Now, as a result of their collaboration and the vision they shared, they spend many happy hours in that garden.

City life

Raising a child doesn’t always mean doing things the way they were done when you were growing up. In this week’s Urban Style profile, Amy Klamper introduces us to a mother and child who have made a playground out of the city.

It’s another beautiful week here at Home. Indoors and out.

Welcome