My mom kept it. I don’t know why it survived and other work did not. It is a 6th grade essay titled
“What Do You Want to be When You Grow Up? ”
Interior designer.
My kids discovered it and said “Go for it Mom”. Little did they realize I had been going for it for years!
Later in high school my dream was
Writer.
Looking back, I have done and still am doing all of that and more!
As a wife and mom of a military family and later working in East Asia, I designed all of our many homes! I wrote long informative letters home. The discovery of blogging was yet another creative outlet for writing!
Life in Germany, Hong Kong and 6 states was fun as we learned new cultures and for me, new creative inspirations. A major move to China with travel to 7 countries.
That hotel room we stayed in while visiting Paris stays with me for the old French world charm and elegance. The lovely traditional Bavarian hotel was more than charming; it was enchanting. The small villages we lived in exuded old world charm.
China’s rich materials and colors in the architecture were a feast for the senses. Ceramics for beauty. Rustic country cabinets and benches. Thailand elegance and serenity breathed in the wooden pillars and furniture. The colors set in deserts and lush greenery would at times be too much to behold.
Yet, my heart has been rooted in traditional American influenced decor. American farms and porches in the south where I grew up, loving early American history drew me to Williamsburg elegance and farmhouse solidness of my extended family.
My style is tempered with the absolute of function and comfort for living.
I learned that from Mom and Dad. I doubt if they ever heard William Morris’s famous quote to have only beautiful and functional but it was most certainly lived out in our home.
Jim and I added the element of
Welcome , welcome to our home.
One of the sweetest compliments I ever got was from a single woman who worked on a dreary university campus in China. She said coming to our home was like coming to a bed and breakfast for a treat. A little pampering, beautiful, plenty of good coffee and good food. Our large table was often full of interesting people from across the globe and plenty of food.
Yes, my style has changed and evolved over the years with subtractions and additions.
How has your style evolved or evolving? What were your main influences?
may link here
Having traveled now to the UK and Italy, the bug has bitten! I think it is a great idea to let your travels influence your interiors. My souvenir shopping has become much more focused, resulting in lasting treasures that the whole family loves. Great post!
Thanks Kim. Having a focus of items to buy has helped me incorporate them into our home.UK and Italy are so different but both so beautiful! Hope you get more visits to more places.
How so very fortunate you were to have traveled and lived in so many countries and gathered the influences from all of them to create a beautiful home for your family and friends…
Sometimes, I can’t beleive that person is me! Have a good day Shirley.
When the kids were younger, we traveled a lot, Africa, China, Japan, Scotland, Germany, etc. We lived in many places like England, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia. We don’t travel as much these days but my home is very eclectic with many items that I collected along the way. It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to visit so many wonderful places.
I hope you continue to enjoy your travels,
Bev
Hi Bev, I do like having a home that reflects our lives that has taken us many places. A blessing but I am enjoying being settled in a way we have never been before. Thaks for dropping by!
My style was heavily influenced by Thai styles when living in Thailand. I’ve scaled back on that in America, but I really loved those years shaped by SE Asian culture. Thanks for linking up with Little Things Thursday!
THanks for hosting! Enjoyed some of the new blogs. I know what you mean about being more heavily influenced when living in differnet cultures and countries. It’s like when in Rome… We love the blend that reflects our lives and great memories. Have a great weekend!
What a beautiful blog you have! Oh, the stories you could tell with all your travels! Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Thanks for dropping by! Hope to see you again.
Hi Linda,
Found you at Find Your Voice Friday. What an interesting life you’ve lead. I have visited England and Italy and both trips were so special and certainly gave me a new perspective on the world. As for me I just can’t seem to make up my mind on any one particular style. I do like Americana, natural elements and country cottage. Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Patti
Sounds like you have a home you love wnich is the best “style” of all. Thanks for the visit. Happy Monday! Linda
wow, what travels and experiences you have had!
b
It has been an unexpected life. Thanks for the visit. Linda
Nice article and pictures.