painting my debt ceiling

Never spend your money before you have earned it.

Thomas Jefferson, American President

Watching the decision-making process (or lack thereof) in Washington these past weeks has caused a lot of contemplation on the issue of spending. Earning an income to provide for our essentials and well deserved treats is a huge driving factor in our society. Whether it be eBay, Pottery Barn, the mall or Sally's home show, we love the excitement and freedom we derive from getting something new. Our power to choose and wheeling-dealing become a sport. Any homeowner could tell you that most of the fun of having a home is making it our own with cool items and one-of-a-kind finds.

But what happens when our purchases begin to infringe on our freedom...from debt, from worry, from not being able to get what we need? How high will we go to reach our own debt ceiling?

I have had my own challenges with this issue...a really good sale done one too many times leaves me with anxiety when the credit card statement arrives or realizing that all those "great deals" added up to a trip I have always wanted to take. Furthermore, challenges in spending causes stress in our relationships and ultimately can really make us feel powerless. The worse part of my job as a realtor is hearing that someone can't afford to move but can't afford to stay in their home by choice or by chance...our individual decisions end up costing us a lot. 

We can take this national debate and use it as a gift for our personal development. It can be a time of reflection on goals and our spending habits. Perhaps it is helpful to make a budget of wants and needs as well as room for savings. Sometimes it means honest to goodness window shopping where your hands stay in your pockets and away from your pocketbook. I tease my kids that it is like going to the art museum, "Admire, but don't touch!" We can take time to uncover the real needs of our souls...which is often nurturing or expression that doesn't cost a dime...so we can stop filling our lives with more stuff. Maybe we can find lasting freedom by not having a debtor on our back and knowing we have the power to live our lives as we choose.

Photo: Source

10 Favorite Things about a Country Home

I roamed the countryside searching for answers to things I did not understand.

-Leonardo da Vinci

A week ago, we packed up our house in the suburbs and moved to the country...something that I had been dreaming of doing for the longest time. We found this beautiful 300 year old home in a small town of Pennsylvania and decided to call it home. It has been part of the landscape for such a long time...we are just keepers of this home, and this is our watch. Our charge is to make it better while we are here.

There are some amazing surprises of living in a country manor such as this...here are my top 10:

1. Waking to the endless sky...whether it be a spectacular sunrise or an overcast day, there's no hiding from Mother Nature. She's got your number. Clear evenings reveal stars that were just waiting to be discovered.
2. Well water...I never realized how much chlorine was in the public water I was drinking. We got lucky because our water is crystal clear and fresh!
3. Windows...not exactly sure of how I will wash these tall beauties, but for now, I am enjoying the light that streams through the wavy panes.
4. The mystery of who lived here before and wondering what they thinking when they made changes to the house...a positive and a challenge!
5. The little breakfast spots that make the best French toast and coffee.
6. Figuring out how to arrange furniture in colonial sized rooms.
7. Making choices about what to keep. I have made a new rule...shop for only the best, but get less...there's not a lot of extra storage space in my house and over time, it occurred to me that it is okay to purge. Smaller collections of only the finest have more power.
8. Exploring the hilly road and spaces.
9. Not shopping at chains...there is something special when you know the people who make the food you eat and the things you need.
10. The quiet.

What are the 10 favorite things about your home?

Photo credit: Suze Moore