Results of Different

I came across this chalk drawing in a cul-de-sac. Artist unknown. It felt simply welcoming, the open arms, the smile and the star on the apron. So, welcome.

I have to admit that I am used to doing things different. I am not one for routine. I mean, I do have my routines: I brush and floss, write in my journal and run daily. But, whenever there is an opportunity to experience something new, I am right there. I often feel like the dog that hears the engine rev and jumps into the back of the pickup truck, not knowing where it's going. The excitement of 'going' and 'adventure' overrides any fear of uncertainty. (I try not to pant and lap my tongue or drool with anticipation.)
Still, it was difficult for me to break a routine. I did put a new head on my sonicare toothbrush. My teeth feel cleaner. Therefore, I feel cleaner. Therefore, I feel clearer. Therefore, more room for inspiration. All from a new bristly brushing. A boy can hope anyway. One routine broken. Kind of...

On the weekends, Cameron and I will try to go for a long walk in the neighborhood. We live on the "Queen Anne Boulevard" parkway. The boulevard is a 5 mile loop along the crest of Queen Anne hill. It is a spectacular walk as it has vistas in all directions. We can see the Olympic Peninsula and it's mountains, downtown Seattle with it's shiny buildings and Mount Rainier backdrop, the Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountain range, and several other Seattle neighborhood hills. This is the walk we usually take. It is the walk we know. It is the walk we like. We were all set to walk the loop when I heard the little voice inside say "Break out of your routine."
"Alright, shut up, quit nagging." was my reply, which really wasn't fair because the voice was actually very polite and not nagging at all. I apologized and we turned and went another direction. I am so glad we did.

We happened across this house. We stood there going over every detail. We were mesmerized by the colors, the mouldings, the tiles, the gargoyles, the carvings. Every little bit has something to say for itself. In graceful calligraphy the turret proclaims "Quo Amplius Eo Amplius Est". This house is amazing. The photo doesn't show that the garden is as lovingly created and colorful as the house itself. This is living in a work of art. This is a living work of art. Life is Art. The homeowners must feel special every time they come home. Can you imagine?

It left such an impression that when my friend Beth came over later in the week I had to show her. We walked over, stood in front and once again went over every detail. While we were there a pickup pulled up, the driver got out, sat on the back of his truck and watched the house. We figured he was, as we were, gawkers. We started to talk with him to find out that he was the contractor who did all of the work on the house. From him we learned: originally built in 1906, this restoration has been a 15 year project, it's still not finished, it's a true Victorian (all details taken from historic Victorian homes), the owner is an author of Victorian history, the inside looks like the outside, and it's fairly well known. The contractor sent us to his website to see detail photos.
http://www.jimdochertydesigns.com/Restorations/Brians/Brians%20index.htm
I love that we were able to talk with him and see the passion and dedication and art behind it. It truly is a labor of love. Thanks to the little nagging (just kidding) voice I not only got to see the house but then meet the artisan behind it. If you are ever in the area I hope you have a chance to see it in person.

What have you found in your broken routine?

Be good,
Scott

Oh, and "Quo Amplius Eo Amplius Est"? "More is more"