OUT ON THE PORCH

The sound of those words alone can shift your mood

by Thom Inman - Master Craftsman Carving Custom Wood Signs for 60 years

The sound of those words alone can shift my mood, shape my posture, awaken my memory, and conjure images of rocking chairs and porch swings. I can almost feel the cool breezes on warm afternoons. Can you? Simply thinking about the porch of the house I grew up in lowers my blood pressure and reduces my stress. It was my place for reading, rocking, storytelling, and sharing with family, neighbors, and friends. It was a fort, a rocket ship, a safe harbor, and a sanctuary.

The porches of our lives hold fond and vivid memories for families. All of our greetings and partings of family and friends take place there. For most, the porch became the outdoor living room - a place to spend hours sitting and talking with family and friends. Folks didn't used to think much about their porches - most people had them and used them. It was just there, open and social, an unincorporated part of the house that belonged to everyone and no one. It was the heart and soul of home where family and friends pass the time.

I would venture to say that more of life's issues were resolved on the front porches of my childhood than in any other place. Today, televisions, computers, cell phones, air conditioners, and privacy fences have usurped the porch for stairs and stoops. I mark the disappearance of the porch with the declining popularity of Halloween, the appearance of the ATM, and our fascination with drive-up windows.

With so many things pulling us away, it may take some special effort to get back "out on the porch." We've become accustomed to watching the kids whack the waffle ball, chase the dog, and celebrate birthdays - out on the deck. Don't get me wrong, it can be nice out there, but in all these years, I've not come to know my neighbors like I did when I lived in the house with the big front porch. The best we can muster is a wave when we enter our cars.

This is all quite contrary to the human spirit, and in my experience, folks find ways to balance the ledger. Which brings me to my point...Does your porch say Welcome? Do you have a cheerful porch? The front door gives a glimpse of the personality of a home and its owner. The entrance to the place you call home speaks volumes about who lives beyond the door. No matter how big or small your porch is, it can bring guests a warm welcome with some creativity. Dress it up on holidays and get one of our ubiquitous custom wood signs for an outdoor welcome carved into Real Western Red Cedar, which offers a friendly hello! Remember, it is your front porch where you welcome others into your life.

May the Forest be with You!