I have always been a lover of words. They are the reason I
studied communications and then became an English teacher. I think words are why
I’m so fascinated by advertising. Wordsmiths are able to use whimsical words in
order to persuade us to buy products. I do believe the word slingers at Kate
Spade are some of the best. I love the fact that they use phrases like “she is a
voracious reader” and “sings off-key but with great spirit” to get me to buy a
bag.
And so it should be no surprise that my home is full of
phrases and words that bring a smile to my face…but as my dad put it, “Your
house is bossy.” I took some to time to reflect on conversations I’ve had with
my dad about my house in the past year. All stemming from a conversation we had last week.
Dad: You know, Dayna, you should get a sign over this entertainment center that says "sit." I mean your kitchen tells us to "eat," why not give directions in all of your rooms?
Me: Hilarious. But I think you're forgetting that I pretty much have those in all my rooms already. And FYI, that space is going to say "RELAX." I just haven't found letters that I like yet.
Dad: Sigh
Dad: This is direct.
Me: Of course it is! I don't want filthy shoes in my house AND I really don't want shoes going missing. There are people who steal shoes...not like I have those people in my house or anything. And anyway, it says please.
Dad: Why is the bathroom labeled? I know that I'm in a bathroom. There is a toilet.
Me: Because it's cute and it matched the owl picture. Why I even have to explain this baffles me...
Me: 9 3/4 needs to go in the center of all the pictures. It's the library/office, so you should feel like you are entering a magical land when you pick up a book. Right?
Dad: I literally have no idea what you're talking about. I just brought the drill and nails. You tell me where to put things. I don't even want to try to understand your thought process.
Me: That's because you don't read for fun and I feel sad for you.
Dad: I'm glad you put that on the wall. I mean so many people don't know how to shower.
Me: Rude. It's funny! It was not funny, however, to ask the artist to paint that.
Dad: I'm sure. He probably thought you were nuts.
Dad: You know what's great about this sign? It's practical. "Oh, I'm in a room with one door, where should I exit? Oh look..."
Me: You should like it! My window is a bit stuck and this truly is the only exit.
Dad: What is that?
Me: ISN'T IT THE GREATEST PILLOW IN ALL OF EXISTENCE?
Dad: I can't even...ROBYN...have you seen what's going on in here?
Mom: Oh my gosh! It came. I LOVE IT!
Dad: Sigh.
My decorating is still a work in progress...I'm sure he'll have more complaints the next time I call for his hanging assistance.