This is one of my favorite homes in St. Elmo. I don't know who lives here, and judging by the Keep Out signs tacked to the gate, they would not appreciate me venturing within to ask. I imagine that they might be a little like my grandparents who also had a joyously eccentric way of decorating their place (and who also liked to mind their own business).
The yard and porch is a wonderland for any visiting grandkid, with potted flowers, both artificial and real hanging from the porch and whitewashed trees along with a birdhouse or two (or three or four). Old tires are painted white and filled with plants that bloom brightly all summer long. The merry faces of figurines peer out like discovered Easter eggs in unexpected places. Anything bright and of a graceful shape, whether a saucer with a pink rose painted its chipped surface or a tin can with a pleasing design is appreciated and given a home. All of it is clean, carefully tended, and artfully placed.
The crisp, proud American flag adds a sense of flamboyant celebration of the joy of one's home, and the freedom of expression. |
