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A Joyful Noise

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Bench restoration project and a book review

May 17, 2019 by Melodye Shore

I’d love to spend an afternoon with you, swirling ice cubes in frosty glasses of fresh-squeezed lemonade. We’d talk and swing, feet tucked under our bottoms, in the cushioned glider on my wrap-around porch. 

Meet me at the corner of idyllic and realistic. When you come through my garden gate, you’ll no doubt be greeted by hummingbirds and fragrant flowers. I’ll offer you iced tea or hot chocolate, your preference. But truth be told, my front porch has a pretty small footprint. There’s room here for a sprawling fern, double doors with beveled glass, and a shaded bench that provides visitors a quiet spot in which to daydream.

I bought the porch bench for a song, about two years ago. It was sun-bleached and scarred, as you can see, but far sturdier than it looked. It’s got good bones, I told myself. With a little bit of elbow grease, I’ll bet I can restore it to its former glory.

Thing is: I love the patina of timeworn furniture. I prefer a subtle glow to a high-gloss sheen. If I were asked to define my decorating style, the closest I’d come is coastal-garden-casual. Chic, but not pretentious. Storied, but not shabby. I’m a sucker for vintage pieces with character. If that also describes your design sensibilities, here’s a quick-and-easy way to refresh your front porch bench:

  1. Gather some soft cotton rags and protective gloves.
  2. Clean your bench, using a soft cloth and Murphy’s Oil Soap.
  3. Go about your business.  Give your bench some drying time.
  4. Apply Restore-A-Finish, per the directions on the label.
  5. Rub Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish and Conditioner into the wood, wipe away any excess, and then polish to a soft sheen.  
  6. Accessorize your newly restored bench with comfy pillows and cozy throws.
  7. Sit a spell, listening to the songbirds as you drink your morning coffee. 

I love how my bench turned out! It really brightens up that corner, don’t you think? 

On a related note, I came across a new book on Facebook: RESTORATION HOUSE, by Kennesha Buycks. I offered to review it, based on our shared interest in creating a warm, welcoming home–a sanctuary, if you will, for family members and guests. But since I wasn’t yet familiar with her blog, the religious overtones took me by surprise. Envisioning a beautiful house, Kennesha says, isn’t limited to furniture placement and choosing the right color palette. It’s a spiritual journey, as well, whose goal is a Christ-centered home that “gives life and connection to all who enter.”

In her introductory chapters, Kennesha describes the unmoored feelings that came of being the wife of a military professional. They moved from pillar to post, many times over, within the span of a few years. As the daughter of an interant preacher, I remember how painful it is, to be repeatedly uprooted. I remember the perpetual impermanence, and the emotional tug of that elusive place called home. Over time, Kennesha resolved those yearnings– first by anchoring herself to faith, and then creating a design aesthetic that mirrors her personality and religious leanings. 

RESTORATION HOUSE is a highly personal book, tailored to a very specific (i.e., Christian) audience. Written in a casual, blogger’s style, it provides readers with fresh ideas for home renovations and remodeling. The photographs are beautiful, stylized representations of her preference for all things “simple and minimal, yet not too minimal, cozy and warm yet uncomplicated.” Pull up a chair, the images seem to say, Let’s break bread together, you and I, and bring to the table our dreams and aspirations. 

Given the heavy emphasis on her spiritual journey (including verses from the New Testament, Bible stories, and prayers), I’d describe it as a devotional, more so than a how-to book about home interiors. That’s an observation, not a criticism. When asked, “If you could design a mug, what would it say?” Kennesha responded, “Do you, boo.” In writing RESTORATION HOUSE, she does just that.

Posted in: writing Tagged: bench, book review, front porch, front portch, home, interior design, Kennesha Buycks, refinishing furniture, RESTORATION HOUSE, restore, Zondervan Publishing

On the wings of morning: expressions of grief, solidarity, and sanctity

March 22, 2016 by Melodye Shore

20160321-P1270825

The Robin is the One
That speechless from her Nest
Submit that Home — and Certainty
And Sanctity, are best. —Emily Dickinson

Three explosions ripped through Brussels earlier this morning, killing at least 34 innocent people and injuring 134. In the aftermath of this terrorist attack, people are linking arms with Belgium via social media.

To their voices, I add my whispered prayers:  Peace among nations, peace in our homes, peace in our hearts.

And I hear the quiet echo of my grandmother’s voice, a comfort to me on this shrouded morning. “In the darkest nights of winter,” my Nana always said, “watch the skies and listen for the robins.”

Violence cast a pall over this second day of Spring. The robin’s song is muted by grief. And still–because of, and despite the horrors of this moment–I carry within my heart an anthem: Cheer cheer, cheerily, cheer up, cheer up…change is gonna come.

Posted in: Am I my brother's keeper?, Belgium, birds, Brussels, Emily Dickinson, Home, peace, robin, Terrorism Tagged: belgium, brussels, emily dickinson, home, nest, peace, robins

Protected: Going out on a limb, and finding common ground

April 12, 2011 by Melodye Shore

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Posted in: Uncategorized Tagged: birds, branching, home, hummingbird, neighbors

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