Proverbs 31:27

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."

On the banks of the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs, Florida, my home abides along the rushing waters that flow into the Gulf. A small city within the vast abundance of so many in the grand format of land across America. The small jut of a city on the West coast of Florida provides vacationers with a plethora of tourism, yet still lays claim to my cove of comfort to which I spend my time nurturing and nesting to bring comfort within its walls for my husband and me.

From the lower deck in the backyard the waters flow with the tide. The great Gulf of Mexico is within sight and the brackish waters rush just beyond the lower deck, sometimes covering the walkway, while at others, revealing a glimpse of sodden land over which the waters surge. Dolphin play and Manatee float ever so slowly toward the bayou in these waters, while the sky above envelopes eagles that soar and bring a sense of freedom and courage on any given day. Starfish and jellyfish wash onto the deck, mixed and mingled with seaweed. Mullets (known to me as "happy fish") leap from the water, while Snook, Redfish, Trout, Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Flounder, Pompano, Near Shore Grouper, and Snapper all reside together for local fishermen.

At the top of the hill, the back of the house faces the water. From the exterior, it doesn't appear to be anything other than the average Florida, stucco home surrounded by many of the same. But within, a story of romance evolves to reveal the heart of another place and another time. At the present, I've been married to my Larry for five years. I left my home in Memphis, Tennessee to spend the rest of my life in his country, so to speak. The world here is different to me. Although it is as far South as you can get, my roots were cultivated in the "real" South, up North in Tennessee.

The culture shock has been an experience but I've managed to keep my true passion alive in my home. It's refreshing to be within a few miles of every necessity, yet return to the sanctity of my haven of rest. That is what I have aimed for when decorating my home. The harshness of life ends at the front door and peace abides within my heart as well as my home.

It's not common for a man to regale in the whim of his bride's decorating taste when it involves the color pink. But... believe it or not, my Larry has complied. Oh, don't get me wrong, he has his Harley garage and his Harley "man cave" to retreat to in the event that my color palate becomes too overwhelming. And I might add here that the kitchen floor tile and counter tops were already a lovely shade of pink when we got married. To me, that said pink is good. A serendipitous occurrence if you ask me!

My journey as a nurturer and nester began years ago, and with age, becomes an even greater substance of meaning in my life. As an artist and crafter, my mind races with "projects" and I'm never without an idea. That's the road that this journey will travel with posts from my home to yours. My desire is to leave a legacy to my children. For them to one day say, "You know, my momma was a great example of the Proverbs 31 woman." And as Proverbs 31:27 describes, I want to look well to the ways of my household, and never eat of the bread of idleness.