Welcome once again to Transformation Thursday! It's the one day of the week we all celebrate getting things done. Everyone is welcome to join in, just hook up by putting your permalink into MckLinky below. This week is a little different for me, because instead of a tutorial I'm going to talk about transforming our frame of mind.
I have a secret. A big secret. Well, ok, it's not really a secret at all.... my "cottage" is a mobile home. Yep, a mobile home. A cottage is simply a small home, and anything (including a tent) can be a home if that's where you reside. Home is more than just a structure that holds your belongings, it is a place you rest, dwell, and live. It is where laughs take place, love is contained and memories are conducted.See, it's all about perception. And it's about making the most of what you have. My good friend Maggie gave me some great advice when we bought our first home, "You can buy the best house in the worst neighborhood or the worst house in the best neighborhood." We've done it both ways. It's much, much easier to make a bad house into a great home versus trying to change a neighborhood. Trust me, I've tried.
Our first home was a 900 sq. ft. brick home, a small, square "cottage." But the neighborhood was full of rental homes, and honestly one of the worst neighborhoods in our area. When my parents decided to move from my childhood home, they offered it to us for the pay off -- $20,000. However due to my father's failing health, it needed a lot of work. Since we had already completely remodeled our first home, I knew we could do this one, too. It was about making the most of what we had.
I've never complained about living in a mobile home. I HAVE complained about bathrooms, kitchens, carpets, flooring.... the list goes on and on. However, those things are easily changed, with a little sweat and supplies. What I do appreciate is our beautiful place, including a 10 ft. waterfall only steps away from my door, quiet country side, and wonderful neighbors.
So, by thinking creatively and changing my mindset, my mobile home has become our "cottage." It's all about how you look at it.Posted at DIY Day
If you'd like to join in for Transformation Thursday, put your PERMALINK into MckLinky.
29 sweet little love notes:
I too have lived in a mobile home ~ in the a 70's. We did it up to look like a slick high rise apartment! And it was sure less expensive!
Gina, I would love to see a photo of your waterfall!! How fun is that???
I bet your place is more of a home than most McMansions.
You're right, it's all about mindset and attitude.
Rhonda
I totally agree with you! It's all about perception. A home is what one makes it into, how it makes a person feel when living in it. For myself, I'd much prefer a small home. I've been in other people's mobile homes that had such a cozy feel to them versus huge homes that had no warmth to them at all.
Awww, Gina... I love your attitude! I know that home is home, no matter what! I was away from my home for 7 months, I was so glad to get back. Nothing would get me out again!
gail
You got the attitude just right!
I must admit, I used to be a mobile home snob. Growing up in Southern CA, the only people that lived in them were, uh how do I say, on the news, being blown away by tornadoes.
Then I moved into one in Washington and even though it was older, I loved it! There were so many aspects of it that actually made remodeling easier than a brick and mortar home and I was proud of it.
It doesn't matter where you live as long as there is love and you put your heart into it. A home gives you back everything you give to it. Whether a tiny beat up studio above a garage or a mansion, if it is loved and filled with love, it shows:)
You know what they say, "Home is where the heart is!" Sounds like you live in an amazing area! I, too, would love to see your waterfall! Not many people can say they live near one. I think that's awesome that you do! patti
Home is absolutely about being surrounded by those we hold dear and a place where, when we open that door, we feel relaxed and happy. That's all that matters, no matter the type or size home. :)
~Michelle
Your home is lovely. And as long as it is filled with love, you have everything you need. It is a state of mind. Not brick and mortar.
Sorry, to linky spam you - lots of projects this week, my daughter started preschool :)
Take care,
Alyshia
My first childhood home was a small trailer in the 1950's. I just blogged about yesterday. Take a look if you like.
Home is where the heart is. I have been in some, very pricey homes that I would not live in for many reasons. I live within a short walking distance of some gorgeous, over the top houses and I suspect some of them have very little warmth inside (in many ways). It is what you make it - a state of mind. Would love to see pictures of your water fall. Hope you are having a great week.
Glenda
Absolutely the way to go! I pray, "Change ME, Lord!"
There are mobile homes in our area that start @ 350K...for that price, it's a "real" house!! ;)
Thank you for sharing something so personal with all of your followers. I personally don't care where a person lives, it's their heart that matters to me.
If it wasn't for you becoming my #2 follower, I don't think I would of been as motivated to finish or create any of my projects like I am now. Since you came along my followers have gone from 2 to 41 in about a month. You have inspired me to be creative and move foward with my home. So that speaks volumes from your heart to mine. Psst, did you notice I am #22 on list. I tell you that number 2 is always following me, for the good. Sorry I got off the subject of your post, but you see what I mean? It doesn't matter where you live, it's the heart that counts!!
okay...now I feel like we are "kindred spirits" and I don't feel quite so crazy...smile...
~Sarah(Baby Steps with Bessie)
Thank you for all of your wonderful posts. You are so inspiring and have a beautiful home and heart. Thank you for hosting a fun party and for the opportunity to view some amazing projects.
I used to live in a mobile home when I was a single mom.
I decorated it and made it very cozy.
My family was impressed with the redo and it had many great memories.
A house protects you from the elements, but a home protects the things closest to your heart.
I love my "mobile cottage" too! :)
Love your attitude! I have a feeling regardless of where you lived, it would be decorated so awesome!
Nancy
thanks so much for your comment on The Perfect Palette!
GOOD FOR YOU. I am so impressed and inspired by your good perspective. Thank you for sharing it with us!!
Hi Gina! What a great post! The world would be a happier place if we all made the most of what we had! Thanks so much for sharing! We always enjoy your posts and this one was extra special! ~ Ashley and Whitney
What a wonderful post, Gina! You are so right - home is what you make it, whether it is brick and mortar, a tent or a mobile home. I've lived in one room apartments that I decorated and filled with my things - and they become 'home.' In fact, I've rented for most of my life until 4 years ago.
But each place, no matter where, I made into a home.
From what I have seen of your lovely home, I don't think it is lacking. It looks 10 x nicer and probably has lots more love than those big piles of bricks.
SMiles!
Michelle
I would so trade places with you right now. If we could sell our home, we would move into one now.
I'm still visiting around for PS. See you for PS Saturday again.
You have learned the secret of life...attitude is everything! Great post!
Girl! I couldn't agree more. Home is where you make it. Bungalow, cottage, trailer, tent or treehouse. It doesn't matter as long as it's home.
So sweet, and so true - what a terrific post! And house!
my husband and i just moved into a mobile home so this post is incredibly encouraging! thanks for sharing your big secret!
Hi,
I know this is an old post , but I wanted to comment because I live in a mobile home also.
I feel the same way you do, I think of my home as a cottage too.;~)
~Myrna Lee
http://daylily777-myenchantedhome.blogspot.com/
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