Special Christmas Tour!!!

I adore old houses. Their walls have seen lives unfold before them, but they keep them secret. I ponder at all that might have conspired in the 116-year-old house I live in. I wonder if there were babies born here, if people died here, what kinds of love and pain were made here... We are adding to the layers of words, memories and thoughts swirling inside this peaceful abode. Many people want to have new houses, to make them their "own," to not have to live in other peoples' dirt and mayhem. It is indeed a pleasant experience to move into a fresh, shining place that is full of possibilities. But then, there is something wise about an old place. It tells me that we are not here forever, that we are just passing through. Stop and savor it, ponder eternity. Slow down. Sit a spell on the broad, gentle porch. Curl up toes in the old moss in the yard. Look up at the old pecan trees in the backyard, spitting their nuts everywhere. Ken and I have loved houses and real estate all of our 34 married years. We have ridden around and stared at architecture, posing scenarios for the different places we see. Our annual anniversary trip in February has usually included tours of homes. We've been all over the southeast, wandering around ancient places and marveling at everything from mansions to wee cottages. Our daughter, Liz, and I love nothing more than to get in on any kind of home tour. It's fascinating to see history and craftsmanship, be it rich or humble.

This year, Villa Rica is having its own show-down. Suffice it to say, I am promoting our Tour of Homes this week. We have several delightful, historic homes: cottage bungalows and Victorians...and a beautiful old church. It will be on Saturday, December 10. We are having two different tour times: 11-1:00, which includes lunch(!) and then a second tour from 6-8:00, which includes heavy h'ordeuvres (that's snacks, ya'll) and drinks. The price is $25 and includes the lunch (the early one) or heavy snacks/drink (the late one). Here is where you can go to order tickets: http://www.downtownvillarica.com/events/tour-of-homes/ -- or you can purchase them at the Main Street office in Villa Rica (106 Temple St, Villa Rica -- 678-840-1160). Each tour will begin at Uncorked on Main, located at 129 Main Street in downtown Villa Rica. There will be lovely music, musicians, hosts, Christmas lights, and of course, FOOD! Main Street will have shuttles running to each property, bringing you right to the doors. What a lovely addition to the Christmas season. Bring your friends and loved ones (hey -- it can be their gift!) for a fun day and then do some shopping in downtown Villa Rica!