I love people. I love having people over. But since we moved into our wee house 6 years ago - I stopped having a lot of parties. I shut down to having people over. Was it pride? Probably some. Was it embarrassment? Maybe a little bit. I live in a tiny house...but my real house is a 22,000 sq. foot warehouse in Mississauga that I visit occasionally. We have had to sacrifice a lot to start our business and a big house was one of them. I loved our older, larger houses....and I do like this house, it's just...well...small. So last year I decided to get over my "small house shyness" and host a party. I wanted to get to know the ladies that I see at my school lots and have built some cool friendships with. Last years party was a Pajama Party theme. I sent out the invites and hoped for some cancellations as I couldn't nvision everyone fitting in my wee pad. I was thrilled - to a degree, when 99% of the invites were accepted. How was I going to fit everyone??? Turned out it was a good thing being a pj party - we all just lounged around and didn't feel the need to be prim and proper and could sprawl out anywhere. The party was such a success I knew I wanted to do more. This year I decided on a Black and White Theme. I invited even more people this time as I had built some more friendships and then started to stress about the numbers. This was going to be a classy event and there wouldn't be room to sprawl. So when I had a bunch of cancellations - I was royally bummed about friends missing out - but relieved as I would have more room for nice chairs! :) The perk of a small house is you have no choice but to talk to whoever sits next to you. There is no room to avoid people! It's a cozy feeling - everyone jammed in here. And the biggest perk to a wee house is when pulling a theme together - I can do it succinctly as I have all my decor in one room and the kitchen. I do wish I had a large kitchen with all the gadgets and new furniture in my little living room. But when friends come over I am relieved to know they aren't looking at the smallness of my house. That perhaps, they see the big smile I have on my face having them all there - having a blast in their fancy black and white outfits, drinking champagne and getting to know one another even better. Size does matter....but maybe not the way you think it does.
I have a hard time believing I am ok. I struggle with the acceptance that I can do things. This, in return, halts me from branching out and doing some things that would challenge me and possibly make me more of a well-rounded and confident person. I have confidence. I know I am a good mom (most days). I know I am a patient and kind wife (again, most days). But still, I lack in believing in myself. Years ago I decided to do something for myself and enrolled in the night course at Humber College to do Interior Design. I LOVED being back at school. I was scared silly - but was so glad to be sitting in the back of a class room with my pen and paper in hand - ready to tackle hues, colours and shades! I had a great year and did really well. However, I went and got pregnant and had to quit school. Doh! I was good at the design thing....but deep down was probably happy to have to resign as my next course was drafting and th...
I am glad that you can enjoy your friends and your house. I have a good size house and don't have people over that often LOL, at least not a lot of people at the same time anyway. We have lived in our brand new house for 4 years now and still haven't bought any new furniture. 90% of our furniture is used and the two pieces we bought new are now 12 years old. I don't know when we'll start to get new stuff. This is why I move my furniture around so often, it's cheaper than buying new LOL.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a cool lady and a great friend. Anyone who comes into your home would feel the love and warmth from the family that lives there. Chris Evans
Good for you Marlea!! Time with friends is so important and I think it's great that you stepped out & did that. Looks like it was fun!
ReplyDeleteThe house isn't small, it is intimate, which is perfect for a party!
ReplyDeleteYour parties are awesome! Who else would plan a fantastic night where we can dress up, eat great food, be with great women, and all go home with a smile on our face?! Can't wait for the next one!!
Ang
Thanks Girls! :) Your words mean a lot!!! Am looking forward to the next one too!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow Marlea, a good party host and a terrific writer. There is no end to your special God given gifts:)
ReplyDeleteI think having great friends and an awesome family is worth more than anything else...priceless actually.
Thank you for reminding all of us of that!!