Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. In the month since we officially moved into our new home, we’ve begun the slow process of getting settled. Our home has a few particular quirks, like worn carpeting, dated fixtures, and old paint, but that’s easily remedied. In fact, most of the previous carpeting has already been transformed into renewed hardwood. It’s the painting that is another story.

I enjoy painting. There is something satisfying about such an obvious accomplishment. I also learned it burns a bunch of calories. I didn’t believe that at first, but after a weekend of painting, I realized it used muscles I forgot I had! Particularly in my hands.

With paint that has seen it’s youthful vigor fade to a wilting flower, everything needs to be touched up: the trim, the ceiling, the window frames. Since it’s an old house, the window frames are of the old wooden variety. Somewhere along the way, the wood was painted so instead of stripping the old wood, we decided to repaint it.

Now that is detail work. I like detail work. Perhaps that’s why I cross-stitch. So I volunteered to focus on painting the trim, narrowing in with a little paintbrush on all the nooks and crannies. Took me nearly as long to paint the three windows that make the large picture window as it did my husband to paint primer on the rest of the walls in the room…!

We started in the dining room because it is the most empty at the moment. It also is the room easiest to figure out a paint color since we already have our plates and place mats. As it is with starting a project, the first weekend is spent getting everything figured out in order to begin. However, after two weekends of work, we have a fully painted room!

This new coat of paint has turned a drab room into one with vintage charm. Perhaps its the colors we chose, but, honestly, I think it’s becomes the walls received a pick-me-up. They are now standing tall, allowing their old-world charm to shine through. It’s like the room has opened its arms, beckoning to embrace all who will join us at the table it will hold.

Sometimes it’s the little things, like a fresh coat of paint, a new outfit, or a thorough car wash that bring out the shine in our lives and prepare us for happy times ahead, like a table full of good food and great friends. It doesn’t get much better than that. So – who’s coming for dinner?