broke and happy

Although May has been pretty it has not been kind to my bank balance.  First there were the two huge trees that had broken limbs and threatened to take part of my house down.  Big trees = Big money.  Then there was the septic line to the house that had to be replaced. Yes, replaced.  What a nasty, expensive job that was. There were car repairs and an expensive doctor visit too.  And a kid that needed to borrow some money. Oh and before all this I booked a cheap flight to Hawaii to visit M.  Isn't that the way life goes?

But all this life stuff got me thinking about times in my past.  Like when I first moved out from my dads house.  I had a little bungalow that was my first house to fix up.  Not as old as the house we are in now but similar in size. I ripped out the carpet, refinished the hardwood floors, painted everything white and polished the pink tile in the bathroom.  I loved that little house.  Even though I was broke that house taught me my first lessons in simplicity and how to keep a home.  Weekends were now about cleaning and gardening and Saturday nights were more fun staying in than being out partying. This is where I really grew up.

After we married we moved into a little bit bigger house in a much nicer neighborhood.  This is where our family started.  I loved being a young mom with little kids in strollers  Again, we didn't have much money but I was content.  I had the most wonderful neighbor, Sally. Sally was older and much more worldly than me. She had lived in Spain for awhile with her first husband and her home was gorgeous and full of art and antiques.  She invited me over for coffee almost every morning and really taught me how to decorate and entertain.  She taught me to use my best china daily and I sat in awe of her stories about antiques, travel and men. I often wonder if she knew what a big influence she had on me.

The funny thing is that these periods of my life were the leanest and yet the happiest. I don't know why that is but for me it's true.  I think I savor the little details more when I'm broke. It's seems like all the little things get elevated with a grateful heart. I think what has always brought me the most happiness is the idea of doing things on my own and in my own way and making something out of nothing. x

PS - Ok you guys, I caved.  You can find me on Instagram at MRSKORFF  Come visit for 15 seconds of daily beauty.  Or not.  :)