“I hope I’m a little more open to receiving from a place
than simply imposing my will on it.” – Christie Purifoy
Linking up with http://www.Fiveminutefriday.com. The rules are: set a timer and free write for five minutes on word prompt, then share.
Place:
Finding my place. Creating my place. Giving and receiving from a place. Recently, I finished reading Christie Purifoy’s Book, Placemaker: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace. It is a beautiful book of places, places that Christie created and places that helped create her.
It got me thinking of people I know who create physical space so naturally. I have a few people that I thought of immediately as I read through this book. Those who move in and see the place as their own and get right to adding their touches. It is so welcoming and feels as if you know who they are by walking into their place.
I have other friends I thought of who create beautiful outdoor space, not in a frivolous way, but they not only take back the land to have a garden to have food and flowers, but they make it beautiful. It is so inviting. I just want to wander the space they have created.
As much as I love my homes, and I love nature, as I was reading I had an ache that made me wish I was a person that could create places of comfort, beauty, and peace like my friends. The physical environment feels awkward at times to me, but then the more I read, the more I thought of each place that I have had the privilege of living in, and the people I have had the privilege to get to know, and I was reminded that my placemaking looks different.
I am slowly learning how to add beauty to my exterior environment, and have accepted that gardening is not my forte, but that does not make me any less of a placemaker. Placemaking is about relationships. For me it is creating a place of beauty, comfort and peace as I connect. It is helping people relax enough to feel comfortable to connect on a deeper level. It is laughter and tea. It is tissues and tears. It is diving deep into someone’s heart, and I am learning, it is also allowing others to diver deeper into mine.
Inkblot Life 
One, placemaker is my new favorite word and your definition is perfect. I too am feeling like a lost placemaker and need to find my people again.
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I love it too. Christie Purifoy’s book is such a beautiful encouragement to join God in create space for people. Blessings as you find your people. I have moved a lot so I know it takes time and effort but is worth it. Also I have found it is important to remember my people I already have and although we may not share physical space, we share heart space.
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This sounds like a great book, and I appreciated your thoughts on placemaking. I don’t think external placemaking comes easily to me either, but I do love to create an environment where people feel accepted and safe to be themselves.
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I enjoyed reading this. I was involved with the launch team for Placemaker, and as many Americans–we moved a lot. Christie’s book helped me to realize that I made home a place wherever we went. Diane from FMF
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Peggy, you did a great job. I’m sure you DO create lovely spaces as you share your heart. I love that you are getting the revelation of that. Thanks so much for stopping by to comment on my Five Minute Friday post. Take care!
Karen
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Youy handled this beautifully, Peggy, and your writing is so evocative!
I suppose I’m a placemaker, but you may not want to drop by…
I live in a modern gun-fort,
with weapons, dogs and tools,
and I’m really not the sort
who ever suffers fools.
My cool hauteur is legend,
my arrogance burns bright
and I will never bend
from being ready for the fight.
I learned early, a vicious school,
to never drop my guard,
and my rifle is my rule,
and my heart’s grown hard.
Now cancer’s taken me to task
and I need a hug…but how can I ask?
#1 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2019/03/your-dying-spouse-593-dont-cry-for-me.html
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Thank you for stopping by. We all are peacemakers of some sort whether we realize it or not. Thank you for sharing your heart and inviting me into the places you create.
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