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| Photo Credit: ©Renaissance Woman (aka Bird Legs) |
What gives a home instant curb appeal? For me, it’s always the little touches: a
willow garden arbor; watching hummingbirds blissing out on red geraniums in window
boxes; that classic rocker calling my name on the porch.
When I think first impressions, I always recall a teacher of
mine who had the kind of front yard that made you want to stop and linger. Her brand of curb appeal started less than
six inches from the street. It was
always about the mailbox. People went
out of their way to see her latest creation.
I know because I was one of them... her mailbox groupies.
Today, as I finished revitalizing a seriously sorry looking
mailbox at the end of my country lane, I realized I was paying homage to that most
extraordinary individual who taught me the true meaning of painting on a whole
different kind of canvas. I only wish it
hadn’t taken me so many years to do something about the forlorn sight that
greeted every visitor to my home.
When does a mailbox become more than a mailbox? It ceases to be a standard 6-inch x 18-inch
receptacle when it becomes a means of celebrating life, personal expression,
and the essence of home. Thank
you, my friend, for teaching me to see the potential in everything. If there were such a thing as
human curb appeal, its name and definition would be Carolyn.
Though my first mailbox renovation isn’t on a par with her
works of art, I think she would be pleased that I went all out to create
something whimsical. Carolyn, more than anyone,
understood that whimsy is good for the soul. I hope
my new mailbox makes someone, maybe you, smile on the inside.
What kind of whimsy might you express today?
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This unique birdhouse is truly beautiful!!! I think Miss. Carolyn would be honored and proud. Sometimes it does take years for the influence others have had in our lives to become obvious to the world, but in our own hearts we know they have always been there. A beautiful tribute, and new home! Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
ReplyDeleteYes... we carry those important lessons in our hearts... always. In due season the influence takes wing. Thank you for appreciating this first attempt at applying Carolyn's mailboxology. It felt really good to rise up.
DeleteDiana, your birdhouse of happiness means so much more than its DIY beauty when being a tribute to Carolyn. A fabulous display for Earth Day!
ReplyDeleteI love the synchronicity, Ruthi. Thank you for picking up on it and reminding me that today was the right day for this tribute. You always pay deep attention to the things that matter.
DeleteOn this Earth Day of 2014, this is a fine example of a way to 'repurpose'. And being 'whimsical' makes it extra-special.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pat. I'm happy the timing worked out as it did. I had hoped to finish the birdhouse earlier, but then the April showers, as in snow showers, kept coming, and coming, and coming. It seems the project took on a life of its own and intended to be revealed for Earth Day. Serendipity at play here. :-)
DeleteWonderful that you've made such a beautiful home for your neighborhood birds. I always make homes for the birds in my garden, but none as pretty as your birdhouse. Awesome tribute for Earth Day!
ReplyDeleteSome might think it silly that I spent so much time on a birdhouse. It gives me great pleasure to express what I feel about birds. How I enjoy their presence, their music, their loveliness.
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