Pictures of parents conjured up cherished memories today. Funny how they can just race right across time to find us, again and again…
…bringing things with them that haven’t been thought about in ten…fifteen…twenty years.
Kevin’s memory bridges back a few years further than mine. Mine, for the most part, only seems to stretch back as far as the farm.
My parents moved us there during a snowstorm, on April Fools Day, 1983. I was eight years old, and I learned real quick that the middle of nowhere + snow + wind = no joke.
I never imagined living there would leave such a lasting impression on me, or that twenty-nine years later I would only remember a handful of things that happened there in detail.
There’s something so quietly powerful about those kinds of memories though, don’t you think?
The peaceful ones from your childhood that are still crystal clear. The ones that make what you missed at the time, seem so…magical now.
*still need to add knobs and pulls to our salvaged kitchen cabs, but that side of the room is coming together, slowly but surely!
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Traci
You are so precious! That’s all I can say.
Layla
Well, you KNOW I love you to the moon and back too, Miss Traci. 😉
Jane
Hi Layla & Kevin!
I just recently came across your blog & love it! I look forward to being further inspired by you & gleaning ideas from your e-book! 🙂
take care!
-Jane @ urbanejane.com
Layla
Thank you, Jane! It’s so nice to e-meet you today! 😀
Urban Wife
Such lovely thoughts and sentiments! I often wish my memories of childhood stretched back a little further than they do, but I’m just glad to have the handful I do which are vividly branded forever in my mind.
p.s. Is that your newly remodeled kitchen?!
Layla
Yep. We still have a few projects to tackle, but it’s coming together- bit by bit! 😀
tearinguphouses
that’s so true! how quickly we seem to forget as we get older…
Layla
Some of those memories stop me right in my tracks. Powerful, powerful things. 🙂
Carol
Kit-Cat is PRECIOUS in that picture! It’s like he’s saying “look at what my mommy and daddy have done”. Cats do pick their people.
Layla
Why, thank you Carol! I’ll tell him you said so! 😀
Susan Kelly
Layla, who wrote and is there more to the quote about the ladder reaching up to the clouds. I have a special book that I write quotes in that I like and then look through to find things to use in our four daughters scrapbooks. We have one daughter that is definitely a dreamer and I think this would fit perfectly on one of her pages. Thanks so much for all your inspiration.
Layla
The quote reads, “…at last the ladder which had been built slowly, slowly, one hope at a time, reached up to the clouds. And the dreamer began to climb.” It was part of a poem called “The Ladder” by Katherine Berry. 🙂
Antoinette Seminario-Skinner
This is so true, Layla. Thank you for sharing so special to you with all of us!
Layla
Thank YOU for stopping by and leaving me such a sweet comment to find! 🙂
Lacy @ downMODERNhome.com
We were just looking at old family photos today. It’s amazing the influence captured moments can have on the future.
Enjoyed your thoughtful post 🙂
Layla
Thank you, Lacy. 🙂 You’re so right about the power of captured moments!
Dianne
Oh my gosh! It’s wonderful! I knew it would be but you surprised me tonight with the completion. Great job!
Layla
Thank you, Dianne! 😀
Penny
Cherish those memories…I know you do 🙂
Kit-Cat looks like he belongs in your house, I was so happy to see that you kept him!
Layla
I do, and he does! Thanks, Penny! 😀
Sara @ The Fat Hydrangea
Love this post! I have a handful of pictures I cherish and keep nearby, so that whenever I’m feeling stressed or blue I can pull out and remind myself that life is more than just this moment in time, and it reminds me to focus on the wonderful things! Photographs are great that way 🙂
And I LOVE the full chalkboard wall! I was so inspired by your pics of this when you first posted that I painted a chalkboard wall in my eating area too 🙂 I posted pics of it on my site last week – you should check it out!
Layla
Thank you, Sara! 🙂 Off to check out your blog right now! 😀
kelly in georgia
simply
beautiful..
your words AND the wall!
Nicole
I just discovered your blog today, and I love it! This post is one of my favorites, as it is so sentimental and heartfelt. I just started up my own blog, like just started, and yours is quite an inspiration for me!
Nicole
My Thrafty Life
Just B @ Love Where You Live
So glad I read your post tonight, Layla. My sister and I, just yesterday, spent the day together and our conversation turned to our parents more than once, How grateful we are to them that we had the childhood we did, the simple fun things we did as a family, simple because our parents couldn’t afford the elaborate or fancy – – but to their credit, we certainly never knew that. You’re so right – – those crystal clear memories are magical. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
lisa
Hi Kevin and Layla…I have never been a huge fan of taking pictures of family events because I would rather enjoy the moment, but THIS year I am making more of an effort to take just a few. My parents were here visiting and my momma always likes to hold my hand as we sip on tea…next time, I am grabbing the camera to document our special bond…because you never know the last time such a moment is to be had again! LOVED the post…as always! Love to YOU and to the little fuzzy fur feets! :}
Ness Lockyer
I have been going through Family photos to try and make a wall of memories. It has had me thinking about me and my Mum playing tea parties and shops and barbies pool parties in a big old soup crock.
It is the small things that make the best memories for me. Loved hearing yours.
Ness xx
Marley & Lockyer
Layla
Oh, Ness, I LOVE reading about yours too! Such a sweet comment. Thank you! 🙂
Lisa Brown
So true! Thankful for those kind of memories… Thanks, Layla.
Lynne
I have always said . . . the stories of our lives . . . are who we are and sharing those stories, the bits and pieces, are what make us unique and authentic. I peek in to visit you often . . . and each time I do I catch a glimpse of YOU and what has made you the person you are. Creative . . . sensitive . . . insightful . . . authentic . . . beautiful. I so enjoy the visual story of your ever changing home . . . no day ever ends . . . memories are made . . .
Laurie Blaswich
Hi Layla,
Your post has left me breathless, it’s so touching. My husband’s memories are much more clear than mine as well! lol It makes me laugh!
Fondly,
Laurie
Layla
Thank you, Laurie. 🙂 Your comment made me smile today!
Melissa R
Thank you for sharing that beautiful wall with us!
Layla
Thank you for stopping by, and leaving a sweet comment today! 🙂
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh
I felt the same way going through our basement over the weekend. I found many cards from people who are no longer with us and a picture of my grandma in a heart frame I used to have on my nightstand as a kid. I’m so glad I still kept those things to spark my memories as the years go by!
Layla
LOVE finding photos like that! So glad you found it this weekend. 🙂
Nicki
Love all the pictures on the post and seeing your 2012 word make an appearance as well!
Layla
Thank you, Nicki! 😀 I love seeing “my word”…it keeps me on track! 🙂
Maribel
This is awesome and so beautiful, I love the practical approach to it, and how you can add to it. Lovely way to display memories, and the dome idea is fantastic. Thanks so much!
nina
Kit Kat is looking so healthy! What an awesome little guy, after a rough start he sure found a great family.
Laura
I love that your cat matches the wall and cabinets. Way to color coordinate!
Angeline
I thought I was “over chalkboard paint – ’til I saw your lovely wall – Love the Word of the Year idea, too!
ToTheMoonandBack
Hi Layla! What a beautiful post. I love your new wall and how you’ve incorporated such special memories.
Cynthia
Awww….. look at your sweet Kit Kat up on his “perch!” He looks exactly like my tuxedo boy Felix. I am happy that you decided to adopt him, as I’m sure he brings much joy to your house!
Wenderly
Beautiful post. Beautiful message. Beautiful photos. I’m so glad that I stopped by! Wishing you a most lovely day!
Leen
you are so sweet, I love your thoughts and your eloquent way of putting them into words.
Jody Tolsma
Thanks for sharing your memories and your BEAUTIFUL arrangement of them in your kitchen. Your kitchen has inspired so many great things in my own. I had those very same cabinets and we are in the process of redoing them. Your before and after photos finally encouraged my hubby to get on board with the plan. We aren’t done yet but you can check out my “Layla” kitchen here: http://homeyhomedesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/challenge-has-been-set-forth-karah-at.html
Thank you for all of your inspiration!
Caroline
Can you tell me where you found your “an original is hard to find but easy to recognize” plaque? I am getting married next month and would love to give something similar to my husband-to-be.
Thank you so much,
Caroline
Tracey
It is crazy what our brains choose to remember. My baby is on an antibiotic right now that’s causing her to have diaper rash. The other day when I was applying Desitin to her, I watched as she arched her back slightly and shivered from the chill of it and it instantly reminded me – One of my very first memories is my mom applying Desitin to me. I remembered it being so cold and the smell of it and the linen closet it came from. It was surreal to have remembered in that exact moment that my own daughter was experiencing it. Just one of those fleeting things…
Jo @ To a Pretty Life
Wow, that chalkboard wall is stunning! Thanks for sharing your memories too!
Danielle
Layla – LOVE that you make room for these pieces in your kitchen. A daily reminder of what…and who…matters the most. Thanks for sharing today!
Deborah
i love how your home is coming together. you inspire me. Thank you for this blog to follow.
Jane
Thank you for this post. My mom went to be with my dad in heaven this past Monday. I just returned home from her service a couple of states away. This was a much needed comfort.
Frances
Looks fantastic! I think it’s fantastic that you guys are gutsy and brave enough to keep new ideas coming through your house! I’m the type of person who does not feel comfortable moving furniture or redecorating after a room is “done.” We’re remodeling our house, room by room, very much like you guys. But gosh, I give you SO much credit for constantly trying new things! Once a room is done at our house, I’m always thinking, “And this is going to stay like this for 10 years!” It’s awful, I know, but, I’m sure to come along eventually.
Rene' Foust
Memories are such a wonderful blessing!!!
Krystle @ ColorTransformedFamily
Isn’t it fun to come across pictures of our childhood that we have forgotten about.
I love how your kitchen is coming along!
Layla
Thank you, Krystle! Slowly, but surely! 😀
Sherry Ann
So, so true! Love how you can change and add (pictures, sayings) to that section of your home with the chalkboard wall, such a great idea! So cute that the kitty is in the picture!
Heather
This completely reminds me (talk about memories!) of my best friend from middle school. She always said, “A day is not wasted if a memory is made.” I’m not sure if it was hers or from someone else, but it definitely stuck in my mind. 🙂
Jennifer Grey
My favorite post yet. Truly beautiful, Layla, in every single way : )
oxox
Jennifer
Pammy
Love the wood top on that counter! Didn’t you get that at Ikea?
amanda
Such lovely pictures today! Thank you for sharing them. Where did you get the wood counter? Did it come in that stain or did you do that yourself? Love the look!
Justyna
I love your kitchen 🙂
Shirley@Housepitalitydesigns
I am definitely “snagging’ the title of your post and framing that quote! As always, you are not only so informational, you are so inspirational. I save every little piece of paper that my beautiful little granddaughter gives to me. Just the other day, she wrote a note on a post it that read, “Dear Grandma, I love the things you do for me. Love, Graylyn”. When she handed it to me, I cried..She asked why I was crying?..I said, because you make my heart happy!
And as always, you make my heart happy too!
Jennifer
Layla, you somehow manage to write the words my heart wants to say but my head can’t string together. Your words and photos envoke memories that I’ve long forgotten and quite truthfully brings a tear of joy now and then as I piece together the precious moments of my childhood and the people that i shared them with. Thank you for your wonderful blog and your sunny outlook. They touch lives in ways you can’t even imagine.
Jessica
You have been such an inspiration for me. I love all your ideas! I have just posted my very first blog post and hope you will follow.
http://thisheroesnest.blogspot.com
Nicole @ Scrap Me Baby
I ADORE the blackboard wall in your kitchen, I kept scrolling back to look at it again and again:) Do you guys actually write notes on it?
Also, thanks for coming by and leaving a comment for me today, you totally made my day!
nicole
Layla
Hi Nicole!
Yes, we do have fun drawing and writing on our new chalkboard wall. It’s like a gigantic blank page…just callin’ my name every day! 😀