• An Unlikely Hostess

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    by

    Alina
    in

    Growing up, no one would have ever pegged me as someone who would stay home long enough to entertain others. I wasn’t the type to enjoy prepping guestroom snack baskets, fluffing pillows and keeping anything anywhere CLOSE to clean and hospitable.   Throughout my teen days, while my mother was lamenting over my unmade bed and my general disdain for order…I had either my…

  • Belonging Brings Rest

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    by

    Alina
    in

    I can’t tell you how many times I’ve crossed the threshold of my home and sighed a sigh of relief. I’ve thrown my stuff on the couch or the table and breath deep. I’m home.  I’ve reached my place of real rest. I can find my favorite things in the fridge. I have my comfy house shoes ready for my aching feet. I sit on my lumpy couch that’s seen many guests…