Can you ever go home again?

I went to my high school reunion over the weekend.

Yeah, I'm that brave.

Today I finished up a small project:  re-doing the cushions, pillows, and a footstool from my screen porch.  While attaching the stuffing to the footstool (which, btw, is really cute) I thought that what I do with upholstering vintage furniture is somewhat akin to the reunion I attended.

Yup, stuffing furniture is boring enough that it can lead to deep thought.

All of those present were older, many had held up to the test of time, and some had the creeks and scars that an old piece of furniture will show.  While still mostly upright, a few were in need of a bit of wax and polish.  Some came with a couple of loose screws as well as one or two whose springs had completely popped through the upholstery. 

 And then there's the padding---flattened in some areas, sagging in others---comfortable looking and cherished...

 or maybe just held in the attic for sentimental reasons.

And like a re-worked piece of furniture, when you step back and look at it all with a fresh eye, you can remember the small details that made you choose each other

--or not--

so you sigh and just

feel relieved that you managed to finish without stapling your hand to your head.

But always remember this:

"A good friend will bail you out of jail. 

A BEST friend will be in the cell next to you saying, 'Damn, that was fun!'"

My childhood home, which actually looks better than what I remember.