People who know me well -- and what you will learn about me around a campfire is this: I love modern society, but I crave a slower, balanced and traditional life. Recently, when around a campfire and playing a game, each person was asked a question, including this: What are two of your all-time favorite television shows -- shows that if you could only watch those two, you would forever watch them (this was the question, in not so many words). Well, again, my immediate family knows that the shows I choose are shows I can watch repeatedly -- Leave it to Beaver and The Brady Bunch (and coming in at a close third, Twilight Zone). What does this say about me? Volumes, I suppose!
Let's start with the society it portrays is so ideal to me -- it is nonexistent. I wanted my children to see a show where the adults were not portrayed as either stupid, or mean and disrespected and discounted. Even Eddie Haskel calls the Cleavers Mr. and Mrs. and says, "geez" instead of many phrases used nowadays. June is near perfect, Ward is essentially everything a dad and husband should be (without real depth, but you know what I mean, right?). The discipline used on the boys is caring, considerate, logical and loving. The boys usually respond with intelligent thought and regret after reviewing their actions. What a perfect world!
Then there's the good old Brady Bunch! No one is perfect, each person has one flaw, it is a blended family - yet each problem encountered is resolved quickly. Again, very logical responses to each child's issues are played out. Again, each parent has a style all at once wise and firm, yet loving and thoughtful -- oh, the perfect parents! And, yes, another series I have season boxed sets for....
So, my two top shows have some common threads: Family, respect, logical relational boundaries, somewhat predictable and stable societies, and a big one: Their HOMES are the MAIN SET for these shows. The Brady house lives into infinity in its popularity -- the Beaver House is on a perfect "lane" in Universal Studios - so perfect its set has been used for countless shows since, including the street facade of Wisteria Lane on a current popular show. Both shows center around the character's lives - their homes are the hub.
Because it has been said that the truest statement of a society is reflected in its art (I do not know who said that, but it is a common perception in art and sociology), these homes' in the shows provide a snapshot of our society and the role a home plays. A simple truth emerges, our homes are forever reflected in the story of our lives.
Now, with current housing prices falling, homes either not purchased yet (out of fear or concern), homes purchased and regret brewing, homes lost and sadness prevailing, I implore you to reflect on this basic truth: Home is where your story begins, continues and is written. Regardless of what your net worth is today or in 5 years (And I would bet it is much more in 5 years) REGARDLESS of any of this -- let's keep in mind that our homes are the stage for our lives. Whether we own or rent, the rooms around us will forever play a part in our memories, our children's' memories and perhaps our grandchildren....so, don't let the economy take your comfort and security away from you. Remember that your home will never be lost in your story -- and you have a responsibility to your family and society in general to place your home in high regard -- after all, it is where your story begins.
Best - Stacy
