A House with Stories to Tell

From the Heart of my new "Old" home in Washington

This autumn has brought a season of change as my husband and I settle into our new home in Washington. Phase one of our renovation is now complete. The foundation has been repaired, the worn carpets are gone, and new “Vintage Pine” floors have given the upstairs rooms a warm breath of life.

During the work, the house revealed small pieces of her past. Beneath the old boards were newspaper scraps from 1939 and a tiny tarnished Christmas bauble that still held a faint glimmer. In the closets, we uncovered the original red and gray plaid linoleum. These details offered glimpses into the lives once lived here.

As we continue to settle in, we are learning the personality of this old house. Her walls lean and her floors dip, yet her character grows on us every day. Even our neighborhood has its own rhythm. Most mornings a flock of wild turkeys strolls down the street, stopping in each yard for breakfast. And on our very first visit, two twin fawns rested under the pear tree, a gentle sign of welcome. I still see them return with their mother.

Living here feels like collaborating with time. The house’s quiet imperfections remind me that beauty is often found in the worn and weathered, and that renewal comes in small, thoughtful steps.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am grateful for this home, for our family, and for the chance to share my art with you.