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The Roots That Raised Me
My story doesn’t make sense unless you meet the two people who shaped me long before I knew anything about heartbreak, rebuilding, or starting life over. My grandparents weren’t just grandparents — they were my foundation, my teachers, and the steady heartbeat of my childhood. They raised me on a kind of love that this world doesn’t hand out often anymore, and those quiet lessons are the reason I am who I am today.
My Grandmother: Soft Hands, Strong Spirit
My grandmother was a woman from a time that barely exists anymore — part homemaker, part hunter, part teacher, and part quiet warrior.
She hunted her own meat. Cleaned it herself. Canned vegetables from her garden. Made fresh bread, homemade applesauce, and jars upon jars of jelly that filled her shelves with warmth and sweetness.She taught me what it meant to live simply but fully — to work with what you have and make it beautiful.
But the real magic wasn’t just what she did.
It was how she taught.
She taught me gentleness.
She taught me patience.
She taught me that learning could feel like love.
Every question I asked was answered. Every curiosity encouraged. In her home, I was never “in the way.” I was wanted. I was welcomed. I was hers.
My Grandfather: Strength Wrapped in Tenderness
My grandfather maintained more than twenty acres of land — two ponds, an orchard, a massive garden, and a workshop full of tools he kept in perfect condition. Nothing ever broke without him knowing how to fix it and if he didn’t have the right tool, he simply made one.
I never saw something he couldn’t fix. I never saw him rush. I never saw him get frustrated, lose his cool or raise his voice...
...Especially with her.
He was as strong as a rhinoceros and as gentle as a baby mouse. A man who could weld, repair, build, lift, and restore — yet with me, he was soft, sweet, and steady.
He took me everywhere — to church, to vote on election day, to Democratic headquarters to eat dinner and watch election results roll in, even to the state house when I served as a page in first grade.
He taught me involvement.
He taught me responsibility.
And most importantly — he taught me devotion.
A Marriage Worth Learning From
They were married nearly sixty years. And in my time with them I never saw them argue. Not once. Their loyalty was the kind you don’t read about anymore — an unshakeable, unconditional and rare kind of love. You would never see one without the other.
As a child, I watched everything they did. I listened to the way they talked to people, to each other—kind, measured, respectful. I learned their patience, their gentleness, their work ethic. I knew they were the kind of people that other people respected.
When my grandmother became sick with dementia, my grandfather refused to leave her side. As she grew confused, scared, and restless, he stayed steady. He protected her, held her, anchored her. When she could no longer speak and eventually could no longer walk, he moved his recliner into their bedroom and stayed there with her day and night.
In her final days, when she could only lift her head toward her feet and then rest again, he moved to the foot of the bed so she could see him. He rubbed her feet gently—those same feet that had spent a lifetime walking alongside him.
He would look at her with the eyes of a smitten young man who had just met the love of his life and whisper over and over:
“You are so beautiful. Mom I love you so much. I’m right here.”
He held her feet and stood there until she took her last breath and then his head and shoulders dropped and I watched a part of him die too.
A WWII Purple Heart and Double Silver Star hero…crumbling in front of me.
He and I sat as they took her body from the house, with our foreheads pressed together as I held his hands—hands that had built, fixed, protected, and loved for nearly a century. And I felt his soul shatter.
It changed me.
I carry their lessons everywhere: work hard, love gently, protect fiercely, choose loyalty, and honor the people who walk through life with you.
What They Gave Me
They gave me:
Strength without harshness
Honesty without cruelty
Loyalty without conditions
Patience as a form of love
Resourcefulness as a way of life
The belief that anything broken can be rebuilt
Kindness as a strength rather than a weakness
Everything I do — this blog, this store, this journey — traces back to them.
Their fingerprints are on all of it.
If you understand them — even a little — you understand me.
Transform your living room into a warm and inviting sanctuary
o, and why I never stop rebuilding — you have to meet the two people who shaped me: my grandparents.
I grew up surrounded by a kind of wisdom you can’t Google, can’t buy, and can’t replicate. The kind you only learn from people who lived hard, loved deeply, and built everything they had from the ground up. They didn’t shout their strength into the world.
They lived it.
And I watched every second.
---
My Grandmother: Soft Hands, Strong Spirit
My grandmother was a woman from a time that barely exists anymore — part homemaker, part hunter, part teacher, and part quiet warrior.
She hunted her own meat. Cleaned it herself. Canned vegetables from her garden. Made fresh bread, homemade applesauce, and jars upon jars of jelly that filled her shelves with warmth and sweetness.
But the real magic wasn’t just what she did.
It was how she taught.
She taught me gentleness.
She taught me patience.
She taught me that learning could feel like love.
Every question I asked was answered. Every curiosity encouraged. In her home, I was never “in the way.” I was wanted. I was welcomed. I was hers.
---
My Grandfather: Strength Wrapped in Tenderness
My grandfather maintained more than twenty acres of land — two ponds, an orchard, a massive garden, and a workshop full of tools he kept in perfect condition. Nothing ever broke without him knowing how to fix it.
And if he didn’t have the tool?
He made it.
He was as strong as a rhinoceros and as gentle as a baby mouse. A man who could weld, repair, build, lift, and restore — yet with me, he was soft, sweet, and steady.
He took me everywhere — to church, to vote on election day, to Democratic headquarters to eat dinner and watch election results roll in, even to the state house when I served as a page in first grade.
He taught me involvement.
He taught me responsibility.
And most importantly — he taught me devotion.
---
A Marriage Worth Learning From
They were married nearly sixty years. And in all that time, I never saw them fight. Not once. No bickering, no bitterness, no storms between them. They moved as one — an unshakeable pair.
When my grandmother developed dementia, their love transformed into something almost holy.
She was confused, angry at times, frightened. But he never left her side.
As her mobility faded, he moved his recliner into their bedroom. And in her final days — when she could barely lift her head from the pillow — he moved his chair to the foot of the bed so she could see him no matter what.
He held her feet in his hands as she took her last breaths, rubbing them gently, whispering:
“You’re so beautiful, you know that? I love you so much. I’m right here, Mom. I’m always going to be right here.”
A WWII Purple Heart and Silver Star hero…
crumbling in front of me.
Heartbroken.
Devoted until the very end.
I held him as he shattered — a lifetime of love slipping from his grasp.
I will never forget that moment.
Or the way it changed me.
---
What They Gave Me
They gave me:
Strength without harshness
Honesty without cruelty
Loyalty without conditions
Patience as a form of love
Resourcefulness as a way of life
The belief that anything broken can be rebuilt
Everything I do — this blog, this store, this journey — traces back to them.
Their fingerprints are on all of it.
If you understand them — even a little — you understand me.
Creating a welcoming space that radiates warmth and comfort is essential for relaxation and well-being. By thoughtfully selecting key elements and layering textures, you can craft an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel at ease every time you step through the door. Whether it's curling up with a good book or hosting intimate gatherings, the right decor can elevate your home into a sanctuary.
Embrace warmth: Key elements for a cozy atmosphere
Creating a warm atmosphere is the first step to transforming your home into a haven. To achieve this, start by selecting a warm color palette that includes earthy tones, soft neutrals, and rich, deep hues. Soft lighting plays a crucial role too; consider using lamps with warm bulbs, string lights, or candles to create a gentle glow. This not only highlights your decor but also invites a sense of comfort and relaxation. Incorporating natural elements, such as wooden furniture or stone accents, can further enhance the warm, welcoming vibe of your space.
Another essential element in embracing warmth is the careful choice of textiles. Soft, plush fabrics like wool, cotton, and linen provide a tactile experience that encourages relaxation. Drape cozy throws over your sofas and layer soft cushions to create inviting nooks where you can unwind. Don't forget the importance of rugs; they add warmth underfoot and help define spaces within larger rooms. By integrating these elements, you can effectively transform your home into a haven where warmth and comfort reign supreme.
Layering textures: The art of creating inviting spaces
Layering textures plays a crucial role in transforming any room into a cozy haven. Start by combining different materials like soft throws, plush rugs, and woven baskets to create visual interest. Mixing textures such as velvet cushions, knitted blankets, and smooth wooden accents adds depth to your space, making it feel warm and inviting. Don't shy away from experimenting with various materials; each layer contributes to the overall atmosphere, enhancing the sense of comfort in your home.
In addition to textiles, incorporate natural elements to further enrich your cozy decor. Smooth stones, rough wooden surfaces, and even plants introduce an organic feel that complements your chosen textures. Utilize oversized pillows and ottomans for a welcoming touch that encourages relaxation. When you combine these diverse elements, you celebrate both style and comfort, effortlessly inviting friends and family to unwind in your transformed retreat. Embrace the art of layering, and watch as your home becomes a sanctuary filled with warmth and charm.
Personal touches: Infusing charm into your cozy decor
Adding personal touches to your decor can make your space feel uniquely yours, enhancing the coziness of your home. Display cherished mementos, such as family photos in beautiful frames or travel souvenirs that evoke fond memories. These items not only add character but also tell a story about your life, inviting conversation and warmth. Consider hanging artwork created by friends or relatives; their personal significance will create an emotional connection that a store-bought piece simply cannot replicate. Remember, the goal is to curate a haven that resonates with your personality and experiences.
Incorporating handmade or DIY decor further adds a layer of warmth to your cozy spaces. Craft simple items like knitted blankets, macramé wall hangings, or even a collection of potted plants that reflect your interests and hobbies. Not only do these elements showcase your creativity, but they also instill a sense of accomplishment and pride in your home. Take the time to choose colors and materials that resonate with you, creating an inviting atmosphere that wraps around you like a comforting hug. By surrounding yourself with items that reflect your identity, you truly transform your home into a haven.