Friday, August 1, 2008


The House of Edward in High Summer

"Our house was not insentient matter - it had a heart and a soul, and eyes to see with; and approvals and solicitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence and lived in its grace and in the peace of its benedictions. We never came home from an absence that its face did not light up and speak out in eloquent welcome - and we could not enter it unmoved."

Quotation by Samuel Clemens
Painting by Kevin Nichols


18 comments:

JoJo said...

Oh that all the world could have a home such as this! I read at one time that it was Clemen's home that ultimately became the inspiration to write his most successful works. Apparently in decorating and appointing his home he nearly went bankrupt. In order to keep his sanctuary, he turned to the pen. Thank you for sharing this writing.

LL said...

So lovely...the image and the quote.....would that everyone had such a home as described here, to come home to.....( I suppose I am echoing what jojo said....)

enc said...

How touching. I wish I had hope of finding a home like this. A condo just doesn't cut it.

xx

Rebecca Ramsey said...

I love that quote! And I feel like that too about my home. It may not be furnished lavishly, but it cheers me and makes me feel good!
I always enjoy your blog!

willow said...

Lovely quote and artwork!

I picked up "The Architecture of Happiness" last night from my library branch...can't wait to sit down and digest it! :)

Dee Dee said...

What a wonderful quote...I do feel that way about our home...it's quieter these days now that the children are grown....hmmm maybe a lovely dog one day :)

pve design said...

Looks like the sort of house Snow white would inhabit.
I could see her entering and whistling while she worked to tidy it up and then take a nice afternoon nap in a big comfy bed.

The Dutchess said...

A lovely,lovely place..

Kalianne@BygoneBeauty said...

What excellent sentiments. I really like this quote. What a wonderful home you have dear Edward!

Lucy said...

I enjoyed a rather new agey book called 'Spirit of the Home', which really helped with the fairly turbulent and sometimes difficult relationship we've had with this house, confirming the kind of things we felt but which seemed too irrational and anthropomorphic to give full credence to. We and the house really love each other now, but it took faith and courage and hard work to get to that point!

And I'm not sure you can't develop a real relationship with any home, however modern and impersonal it seems...

Elizabeth said...

Home is where the heart is and yours looks charming indeed.
I did not realize Alain de Boton had a new book out -which is what living in Morocco will do for you.I loved his one on The Art of Travel.How are your dogs?
I'w writing this with onr hand while my son"s puppy fights with m other one !

rochambeau said...

Dear Pamela,
What beautiful you have written to convey the affection you have for your house!
So fortunate you are to have a "true" home. It is a gift. The place you and the ones you love have placed your roots. You have put your energy into it and it gives you shelter and peace and a place to celebrate life!
You have put the "soul" into your home!

xo
Constance

Pam said...

"...and we could not enter it unmoved".Bet Edward feels that way about your home(his too of course..).I bet his tail wags like mad!Lovely quote. I am reading architecture books lately and find them fascinating.

steviewren said...

Beautiful painting of your home. I love the way the trees and sky blend together. I love my home too. There is no place like the place we make for ourselves.

Melissa said...

Pamela,

That was such an eloquent quote. That is exactly how I feel about Sunbonnet Cottage.

May everyone be so blessed to have a home like that.

Melissa

Esther said...

What a sweet and wonderful home! Is it yours? If so, was it you that captured it in this beautiful painting?

Mmm said...

What a lovely picture rendition of you home. Charming.

Debbies-English-Treasures said...

So pretty, thanks for sharing!
Kisses Kisses
Debbie
xxx

P.S - Welcome to the blogland!