Hello again. Thanks to all our painting and crafting friends who have responded to the offer of a free copy of Painting Charming Cottages and Villages by Kerry Trout. I’m really enjoying reading about your “dream houses” and I just wish I were fabulously wealthy so I could make everyone’s dream come true!

I’m struck by how many of us long for that “log cabin in the woods” and for being near the ocean, a lake, a stream, etc., and for having a big porch and a studio, and some peace and quiet.

I’m also struck by how different our dream houses can be from what we actually live in. When was the last time any of us saw big wrap-around porches in a subdivision? Or charming architectural details on a suburban ranch house?  My little fixer-upper has a few Craftsman-style touches inside, but white vinyl siding outside. Yet I long for a charming Victorian cottage with a bit of gingerbread trim, a big porch where the dog can snooze, lace curtains blowing in the breeze, and flowers everywhere. I found it in Kerry’s book, but that’s as close as I’ll ever come to it.

By the way, I noticed none of us wished for a gigantic McMansion with a six-car garage and a manicured lawn.

I hope we all find our dream house soon. Meanwhile, stay tuned—the winner of the free book will be announced shortly in this blog-space, and thanks again for sharing your dreams with us.

Good luck!

—MC Kathy