Pretending I live on Harrison Boulevard

Walking through Harrison Boulevard neighborhood, I was overtaken by the glory and serenity of the spring day. I was awed by the rows of old, well-kept homes divided up with gardens, white fences, and ancient, spectacular trees. A sweet aroma of flowers and grass pulled me down the sidewalks and across the rippling, old cement. I felt a sense of history and of progression all at once. Old homes updated, their grace respected. Lightness was there too - squirrels darting up and down front porches, bicyclists whizzing by, gardeners planting greenery, toddlers toting chalk, and leashed dogs sniffing the air. This neighborhood felt so alive.

Friendly squirrels welcomed us

Pandora music pulsed us along, loyal border collie at my side. I gazed happily down into the stroller I pushed watching the snoring 3-month-old smile with the music and her dreams. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, and the old dog's ears perked. The sky emerged brilliant blue from beneath the leaves. Such a perfect spring day. I let myself slip into fantasy - I imagined this was my daughter, my dog, my neighborhood. I amused myself admiring each house we passed, deciding which one could be my pretend home. Which porch swing adorned, straight out of a dream house would reside in... Ummm, almost any! So many beautiful homes each with their own personality. 

A few tattered, unkept houses here and there broke my vision. Let's pretend those are the unruly hippie neighbors..... Oh wait... maybe that would be me! I can hear it now, "theres chelsea doing yoga in her messy garden waiting for the paint to dry on the newest mural covering her front door...does she know that her couch belongs inside, not in her backyard!!?" A giggle crinkled across my face. No, maybe I will paint elephants on my front door and put furniture on the back lawn, but i certainly won't let my house dilapidate.

Not a Boise house - but just imagine - total hippie home! :D

I gazed lovingly at perfectly manicured lawns and fresh painted trim, a patio chair pinioned down with a sleeping cat. I'm a perfectionist, an organizer and a decorator as well as a tree-hugger. Also, I'm the daughter of do-it-yourselfers who taught me to not shy from house projects and hard work. In-fact, we spent this last long weekend reroofing the house. I continued to scan the houses, and then choose a house I can take pride in and that will reflect my persona. Envisioning my life just beyond the front door, I nearly waltzed up to the front steps. I stopped, patted the dog's head and laughed, soaking in the season's gifts and envisioning a beautiful future to store away and plant. Nanny days are sweet indeed!

Brooklyn and I enjoying the spring day!