Sunday, November 22, 2009

Home Is Where the Happy Is

Some days happy is just bursting all around us, waiting to be scooped up and carried around. Some places exude that kind of happiness. Pat and Will’s house is a happy house. They live by the philosophy of “Peace to all who enter here.” Now, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have some spirited conversations, seeing as I lean toward the libertarian in my politics and they lean far far away from the left. I also adhere to no specific religious practices, where they are very devout Roman Catholics. We’re such good friends that we’re actually interested in each other’s views.

Every room in Pat’s home is ringed with large windows letting in views of God’s creation. In front there are flower beds lovingly tended by Will. On one side is a rose garden, on the other fences full of flowering vines like in the secret courtyards of the French Quarter. Both the living room and the dining room open onto a patio through French doors that can be thrown open to the natural environment of a contemplation garden on the banks of a lagoon where egrets frequently are sighted catching their dinner and the rays of the sun.

Inside is a sanctuary. As we entered after a day of travel, we were greeted by the beautiful melodies, played by Pat, emanating from the grand piano. When Pat is not at the keyboard, she and Will quite often have classical music wafting through the speaker system. There are inspirational reading materials all through the house, and both Pat and Will are happy to interrupt anything they are doing to sit and chat for a bit.

I’ve never known how Pat achieves this, but her house is always in order. For me, order is necessary to my sense of serenity. It never mattered whether I showed up unannounced or with several weeks notice, the feeling of open arms welcome was always the same. I have always loved coming to Pat’s house, and I secretly grieve every time Pat and Will talk about moving. Moving has been especially tempting to them since Hurricane Katrina, as they’ve had to see so many of their family and friends relocate.

I feel like I’ve been in the world’s best bed and breakfast sipping wine, looking at the natural beauty, and discussing our philosophical views. I could stay here forever, but we have many places to go, people to see and things to do before going to Mississippi. I do love life in New Orleans.