I’ve always thought that the place I am has more to do with who I’m with and why I’m there than the actual location.
Everyplace that has mattered in my life has been about the who and why.
Here are some of my favorite places:
My Bed
Seriously, I love being in my bed. Sleep makes me happy. And it may have something to do with who is with me.
Back when my kids were little we bought a king size bed so we would have room for all of us to snuggle. My littles are not so little anymore, but it still makes me smile to snuggle up with them.
The Beach
I’m not talking about a bright sunny day to frolic in the water. I love the beach off season, when it’s a bit deserted and quiet. When all you can hear is the wind and the waves. It’s perfect.
My house
I haven’t always loved my house. And honestly, it’s nothing spectacular. You won’t find it in the pages of Better Homes and Gardens and there is nothing to suggest a visit from Joanna Gaines.
But I’ve learned to love this house. This three bedroom ranch, that’s a bit too long and not quite the shade of blue I thought we were painting it. I love this house because it’s where my life happens with my people and for that I am grateful.
(A little secret about learning to love your house: every time you arrive home say something lovely about your house. For me it was, “Hello beautiful blue house.” There’s something powerful that happens when we say things enough times.)
Places I’ve Been
The actual places matter less than my memories from there.
There’s the cottage by the sea in Maine that reminds me of sea glass and cool nights and the best carrot cake I’ve ever had.
And the farm-stay where my littles slept better than any other time and when I finished this favorite book by lantern in the middle of the night.
Our recent trip to a guest house on a farm was magical with more fireflies than I’ve ever seen and a barn that makes me want to throw a giant party.
And the trips to Chincoteague where we had time with people we love and I was reminded of how precious life is. Maybe I’ll tell that story soon.
Where do you feel most like yourself? What places make you smile or cry or feel deep into your heart? What are your favorite places?
Check out these great sites I’m linking up with: Literacy Musing Mondays, Purposeful Faith, Tea & Word Tuesday, Abounding Grace, Tell His Story, Porch Stories, Let’s Have Coffee, Worth Beyond Rubies, Moments of Hope, Tune in Thursday, Dance with Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Faith ‘n Friends, Blogger Voices Network, Grace & Truth, Heart Encouragement
Guess where I am going this Saturday? Chinocteague! My in laws rent a house for the whole family one week a year. We’ve been going down for almost 15 years. We love it there! I love visiting the two book shops on the island and just playing games together. I also like going to the beach on Assateague. I’d love to hear your story about your trip there!
I’ve been three times Rachel and I love it! My whole family does. Pony Penning week is crazy, but it was a good thing to do once. I hope you have a great time, and I will tell that story soon. It was very scary, but God is so good!
Hey Rebecca, I like your favorite places, too. So creative and unassuming to list your bed and house. We normally think we “should” list some fantastic places so others “o-o-h and a-h-h” over the details. 🙂 But the ordinary and the familiar often bring us comfort and enjoyment.
Thanks Karen. They do bring so much comfort and peace!
I so love this post, Rebecca! And this right here –>’There’s something powerful that happens when we say things enough times.’
Words matter, yes …
😉
Isn’t it amazing what words can do?!
I definitely LOVE my bed and our home. I too prefer the beach on the off season when it’s usually just us and the sound of the waves.
So much in common — Good taste 😉
So glad there’s a place in Maine that holds your heart!
I’ve also learned to love my home–the remoteness, the big spaces that require tending and the small spaces that require creative “management” of people and stuff. All of it is a gift, and I appreciate your thoughts here on how the spaces we inhabit shape our lives. God wastes nothing.
Yes, the spaces we inhabit do shape our lives! You’re such a poetic and powerful wordsmith!
I LOVE my bed. It’s a huge King size four-poster bed that gives me a good sleep. What I love most about it is the way I found it and the price I paid for it. God was totally in the details of it all.
Places like Chelsea Market, Time Out Market and The Highline here in NYC are some of my favorite places. Chelsea and Time Out are food markets filled with people and the Highline is an elevated park with a whole lot going on.
We were just in NYC over the weekend. We had a great time at The Color Factory and seeing Wicked.
Rebecca, it is true – I also love my house. It brings me such comfort just to be here with my family. And my bed … when I put fresh sheets on it and get in, I ALWAYS say, “I LOVE my bed!” My favorite place is returning to Lake Winnepausakee each summer for our family vacation. It has yet to grow old! Enjoy the summer!
Fresh sheets are the best! Love it! And Lake Winnepausakee is a lovely area!
I love this Rebecca —> being reminded of my favorite places. I have a few. 🙂 The beach certainly is one of them. See we have chocolate AND the beach in common! I also have a local coffee shop that is very special to me. It’s a place where I draw a lot of inspiration from. I do a good bit of writing there. I’ve been blessed to have it as part of my journey. Pinned.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Love how kindred our spirits are!
Such sweet memories of your favorite things. I love the beach but find the mountains are just as lovely. I visit the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee as often as I can. My house has become so dear to me because it is where my family gathers but it is the place my kids call “home” and it is their safe place. It sure is fun to pause and reflect.
I haven’t spent a lot of time in the mountains, but I know I would find something lovely about them. Unless I had to walk up them (LOL!)
I enjoyed reading this post, Rebecca…especially the advice about saying something nice about your home every time you return.
It’s such a small thing, but makes a big difference. Instead of seeing the landscape I wish was different or the house design that I would change, I see a home I am grateful for!
Oh, how beautiful and wonderful…each place sends me to another time and place in my life where I can envision just where I was and what I did that made it so special. Thank you for sharing as I may just be pondering some of those places this day and week. Maine started me off as that is where Kenneth and I honeymooned 26 years ago. So special and especially now in my life. The pictures of the coast also reminded me of Oregon and how I loved living in that state. And I could go on but better not! Thanks again. ~ linda
Love how the post took you down a memory lane with your favorite places!
I love your beautiful sentiments. Thanks for sharing. I especially love saying nice things about your house. My house us nothing spectacular either. 1200 feet and crowded with a dog and 2 kids. That was a good reminder of appreciating the things we have now!
It’s amazing what the change in perspective can do!
This list makes so much sense, Rebecca! And it’s true that it’s more about the memories and the people we’re with. Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you!
Thanks, friend!
Hi Rebecca,
I enjoyed reading the places you love most. My favorite is that you love your bed! One of my favorite places to be is in the woods deep in the Smokey Mountains in East Tennessee. I find it soothing to be surrounded by all of the trees.
Thanks, friend! I’ve never been to the Smokey Mountains but I would love to go! It sounds so lovely and peaceful!
I had to smile at the first one. Many times right after I snuggle into bed, I thank God for it.
I agree, it’s often the people or the occasion that make places special. I had trouble liking the house we lived in for 12 years in another state, but over time we were able to make it more to our liking. But that’s the house my kids will remember most–so many milestones and growing up done there.
I agree about the beach, too! I grew up very close to the beach and we went all the time.
Oh my word, that Maine cottage! If I ever go to Maine…