June 3, 2024
When my husband and I were still newly married, we longed to get out of our rental duplex and into something that we could call our own. We tried every housing angle possible, and each opportunity fell through for 3 years. One opportunity stole my heart, and to this day I have every room in this old farmhouse etched in my memory and can imagine how I would decorate it.
The doll of a farmhouse boasted about 1,800 square feet for $30,000. Yes, you read that right. Now granted it was stripped down to the studs and required extensive renovation, but my husband and I were young and eager. No bank would touch such a scenario, and so alas, we had to whisper āgoodbyeā to that sweet girl.
One aspect of that farmhouse that captured my creativity was the wrap around porch that literally went almost all around the house! I could not believe it; it just kept going and going!
Fast forward almost ten years, and we enjoy a small charmer in a city about an hour and a half away. Though our current house is not my dream house, I have learned āin whatsoever state I am therewith to be content.ā Learning contentment for this spoiled princess has not been an easy process, but I would not trade the lessons that God has taught me in our current house for a stunning starter home.
All this to say, I am learning to take what I have, embrace it, and live joyfully and fully right where Iām at. Does my current home have even one porch? Nope. In fact I donāt even have a place to decorate around my front or side door. But instead of whining about the lack of architectural canvas, I have learned to think outside the box.
My solution to the porch conundrum is to treat my back patio like I would envision a grand, sweeping front porch. I am decorating it without abandon and using atypical items for an outside area.
The environment is not kind to my patio. The southern sun mercilessly beats down on my patio. The maple tree tosses its helicopters, leaves, and pollen on this outdoor space all throughout the year (who knew a tree could be so destructive?).
Though the environment is rather cruel, I am at peace with the fact that whatever I set out on the patio will eventually be destroyed. I would rather use and love an object than hoard it in my attic for a āsomeday houseā that may never happen.
Granted, I donāt put my special treasures on the back patio, but I still set items out that would seem abnormal for an outdoor area. For example, an old painterās ladder draws the eye up and creates a charming vintage focal point in my seating area. Old crates, scored for $5 apiece, house beautiful flowers. An antique stool elevates a flower crate, adding unique charm.
I love this space, and my heart smiles at Godās goodness in giving me the creativity to decorate and enjoy the home we have.
Friend, you may not be exactly where you want to be. Itās okay to set goals for āsomedayā, but donāt let beauty slip by while you wait for the āsomeday.ā Contentment generates an unparalleled beauty of its own and fuels a creativity for the āhere and now.ā What touches of beauty and creativity can you sprinkle in your life today?
-Ashley
Personal Disclosure
As the author of Ashley Qurollo Blog, all opinions are my own. Any possible applications are universal in nature, not directed at any one individual or people group. My sincere desire is to help others by sharing what I am learning. Nothing stated on this blog is ever intended to hurt others. Ashley Qurollo, owner of Ashley Qurollo Blog and Website, is not held liable in any way for any application of the ideas and thoughts stated here.
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This is such a beautiful space! š
You do such a lovely job at decorating your space, Ashley. š
Thank you for this article, Ashley! What a great reminder to be content with such things as we have! My family dreams of an unfound farmhouse on acreage, but we find that we are right where God wants us for now- in the city. We can either make the best of His best for us, or complain and be dissatisfied, always chasing after a pipe dream. Your patio/porch is beautiful!!