The house I grew up in was in Bangalore, India. One of those old homes that were built during the British Raj with countless quirks and interesting bits. As a child, I didn’t really stop to think about any of the curious details of that old house. I took all the antiquities and weird nooks and crannies for granted and loved it all.
The hand-painted tiles in our living room, the trellis on the front porch, the mismatched floors, the little courtyard out back, the secret alcove, the garden brimming with fruit trees – mangoes, guavas, coconut, custard apple – deliciousness! Jasmine and roses, so many roses. Home.
When I was a teenager, my parents decided to modernize and make a more practical use of the space. I was thrilled as any teenager would be! So, they razed it to the ground and rebuilt that house. No trellis, no quirks, no secret alcove. Sleek and shiny.
Then we moved. I loved our new, new house too. But, that childhood home with it’s cool, dark hiding places and secret doors will always have a extra special place in my heart.
With my own little family, we’ve moved through a few cities and continents over the years. So we’ve had to do a bit a whole lot of packing and unpacking! One thing is always steadfast, home is made by those you share it with. Home and family are just plain synonymous.
Home will always be where the heart is.
This “home” block is going to the Peace Comforters of Evergreen, Colorado. An organization that helps bring comfort to victims of crime and trauma. #forkeepspledge
Amanda
What lovely thoughts, and the nooks and crannies house sounds like such a treasure. I know just what you mean about a particular house having such fond childhood memories, and as someone who moved with some frequency as a kid I always think of that house as “my” house. But, yes…home is where your loved ones are. And what a great cause you are making the block for…that in and of itself is really special.
Preethi
Hi Preeti, Bangalore is (more a was) such a lovely place. Trees all around. And you having such a wonderful house to live in is such a treasure. In fact you start to admire and love all those little details after you have moved out isn’t it? Yeah agree, more than anything its the people that make the house a home.
Nima Titus
I love your home block and also your lovely narration.
Alice
Great post Preeti !
Karen @ Pieces of Contentment
Lovely stories of house and home, very neat blocks too, all for a very good cause.
Nicky
There was a house in my neighborhood just like your old home. My aunt’s friend lived there. It’ used to be an old plantation house and every time she took me and my cousins to visit the lady, we explored that house like it was ours.
I love, love, love your description of your old home. Although I’ve never been there, I can see it in my mind’s eye. But you’re absolutely right though, despite our nostalgia and reminiscing, home is truly where we are with the ones we love.
Beautiful blocks lady!