Friday, November 21, 2008

housework

I have a lot of "housework" today, many homes to illustrate and the one thing that I really try to capture is to make one want to feel the soul of the house.  I often wonder what kind of life must be going on inside, what is cooking on the stove, what needs to be folded or washed, and all the love that it takes to make a house work for it's inhabitants.  If there was one thing that you would say that your home needs to work, what would that be?  

20 comments:

vicki archer said...

Me! LOL

I think a house works when there is life and laughter - my house is never happier than when my children are home from university and we are sitting around the table together. Those are the best days of all and those days make the 'housework' all the more worthwhile. xv

Joyce said...

I was going to say me too or a live-in housekeeper!!
I enjoy the times when I see my husband walk through the door and our times together at home.
I double appreciate the safe walls of our home after my volunteer visits with abuse and neglected children knowing not everyone lives in a "home".
Happy cleaning Patricia!

heidi said...

Patience, love and teamwork :-)
If you took a peek inside my house this morning, you'd see me playing Uno at the breakfast table with my varmints.
Enjoy getting into your "housework" today, my friend!
xoh

ArchitectDesign™ said...

I swear I'm not an alocholic, but a well stocked bar for when friends come over and plenty of munchies as well! Cheese, crackers, candy -i always have peanut m&m's in a large glass canister on my coffee table! It keeps friends coming back and back!

Mrs. Blandings said...

Laughter. Laughter and Legos. Thanks for capturing my home perfectly. I see that image and love it everyday.

pve design said...

vicki-
my boys are a few fast years away from college I will cherish the memories of today and hope for a bright future for them.
pve

joyce-
you are always thinking of others, which is such a nice quality. we must all be thankful and help others in order to share this life, our home and our work.
pve

heidi-
uno - count me in, next time!
pve

stefan-
yes, a well stocked pantry is key with beverages, spirits and elixers! I would love to see your bar - it must be elegant!
pve

mrs. b-
I really need to do another one for you and scan it better, I have learned so much in one year since I did that illustration of your home. I see how far I have come, technically - and it has changed my world!
pve

tyler said...

what a thoughtful question. i love that you consider this when sketching a home, the 'soul' of the house. hmmm, agreed, sadly my home would collapse if left to my husband. but most importantly i'd say laughter is a huge part of the foundation. laughter and patience!

pve design said...

tyler-
laughter, patience and simply being at home, and at peace.
pve

Unknown said...

This looks like the home I grew up in! Minus the fact that it's wood. This is Georgian I think!?

Karena said...

When I "do" my outside condominium entry for winter (whichof course should already have happened) I will send you an image! I love, love your art! My family with me; for fun and food... it is the best!

Easy and Elegant Life said...

No matter where we end up together, Mrs. E. and I like a gas stovetop, shelving for books, lots of windows and at least one fireplace (even non-working.) When we lived in a hovel, we took all of our framed art and hung it on one wall. It made all the difference in the world.

Narrow it down to one thing? Our family makes a house our home. Any Army brat'll tell you the same.

Julia said...

My closets :) They need work desperately! What a charming little illustration of this house~

So cozy!

Happy weekend~

Kwana said...

Cooperation. Which is is short supply. Secondly Me to make up for the lack of cooperation. I love this illustration. Great post.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Edward, of course!

Elizabeth said...

Love and understanding! :D

Michelle said...

ooooohhhh.....wonderful question....smiles, children, friends popping in, pets and a few stray socks lying around....ahhh sounds like home. xx

Diane said...

A better cook inside..... I need more work on that... LOL

Tara said...

Hi Patricia

I'd say cooperation. My new idea is leaving a list of chores on the kitchen table on Saturday mornings...the girls, my son, and hubby sign up for what they want to do when they get up and eat breakfast..I am so done doing it all myself after working all week...it has been working! My little one makes sure everyone does their duty (nothing like the nagging of a 7 yr old!!)

GrannySmithGreen said...

People, in particular my family and friends--with plenty of patience, understanding, and a sense of humor.

summer said...

I think my house works when I am cheerful and don't take myself too seriously. If I laugh at myself, everything seems to fall together just right!