LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
A
s the contributors and I worked on this issue of House of Fifty, the word that kept coming up in conversations was “bountiful.” What is it each of us is striving for if not to realize a bountiful life? There was a time when I believed a bountiful and full life would arrive the day I found Mr. Right, had saved up enough money to move into a home I would own and was happily thriving in a dream career. Well as it happened, my husband took many more years to show up than I could have ever imagined, while the dream home and perfect career remained stubbornly elusive. Fortunately, before the threat of wasting years waiting for some ideal life to show up could take hold, I woke up and began to realize that I already had all the makings for a pretty great life around me! I started to see that a family had been created among dear friends, that I could make the most of my
rental with a little effort and life as a young woman pursuing an education and work in a large city could be an exciting time to enjoy. Instead of waiting for the someday, a full life was mine for the taking if I stayed focused on the moment and appreciated what I already had. At each stage there is potential for a full and bountiful life, if we can only remember to value what we have and see the opportunity of where we find ourselves at that given moment. Behind the word bountiful is a wonderful concept, and it’s the spirit behind the stories in this issue of House of Fifty. We begin with a series of articles focusing on the room which has truly become the heart of the home, the kitchen. Later Kim Myles discusses the idea that an abundant life need not be dependent on having more. And, as the issue closes, we showcase the work of several bloggers who have turned their rentals into welcoming homes and feature an artist who captures the essence of strong women on her canvases. It was a joy to work on this issue and thank you to everyone who contributed to it! We hope that you’ll be inspired to “find inspiration in the everyday” and pass House of Fifty on to friends and family. Sincerely,
Janell Beals, Founding Editor 3