2-11-2025 12:45pm

There's No Place Like Home

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

There are few lines from films that remain in our subconscious mind forever. "There's no place like home" and "E.T. phone home" are two that come to mind because there really isn't any place like home. Home is where the heart is.

Pictured here is Dorothy in her bedroom after awakens from a long sleep surrounded by her family and the workers on her family farm in Kansas.

Pictured here is E.T.'s communicator is a makeshift device created by E.T. to 'phone home' after he is accidently left behind on Earth by his botanist colleagues. The communicator was inspired by a "Buck Rogers" comic strip E.T. had read while under the care of Elliot and his siblings, Michael and Gertie.

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What does “home” mean to you? For most, it’s a place of comfort, refuge, and personal expression. A home is a sanctuary where we feel safe and comfortable. Emotional attachment to this space cultivates a sense of security, both physically and emotionally. When we feel emotionally connected to our surroundings, we can relax and be ourselves without fear of judgment or threat.

A home can have a strong spiritual connection. A home embodies a magical, intangible feeling of coziness and familiarity that goes far beyond the four walls we live in.

The recent fires in the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the surrounding neighborhoods of LA had a profound effect on me. I've been to that region and can still smell the air. It had a unique scent. The weather was perfect. And Malibu was the ultimate surfer dude town. I remember having lunch at a cafe on the ocean there many years ago. I didn't want to leave. A well-known surfer passed away in the fires holding his cat. He was overcome by smoke trying to escape. He risked everything to save his home and his cat. The ocean was just steps away. The ultimate escape. But he just couldn't make it. That hit me hard.

Many other men and women lost their lives. A lot of them were older. A lot of them were of average means. Most of them lived in the hillside community of Altadena at the eastern edge of the city. They felt left behind. May they rest in Peace.

The concept of "home" hasn't always been what it is today. From primitive shelters to modern smart homes, the evolution of "home" reflects profound changes in society, technology, and culture.

1. Timeline of Home Evolution

Early Days: Shelters and Survival

The first "homes" were not about comfort; they were about survival. Early humans sought shelter in caves, trees, or makeshift huts to protect themselves from the elements and predators. For nomadic tribes, the concept of home was temporary and portable. This changed with the advent of agriculture, which encouraged people to build more permanent structures. These early homes were basic yet marked the beginning of stability and rootedness.

Fun Fact: Some of the earliest human shelters were made from mammoth bones and animal hides! Early humans used the materials around them for survival, building with bones, branches, and hides in areas without natural caves.

Ancient Civilizations: Homes as Status Symbols

As societies advanced, so did the concept of home. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, homes became reflections of wealth and social status. Affluent families lived in houses adorned with art, furniture, and gardens, with open courtyards and decorated interiors representing early forms of personal expression. This era marked the home as a place for both family life and social status.

Fun Fact: Ancient Romans loved having courtyards, known as atriums, which served as gathering spaces and gardens, often filled with elaborate fountains and mosaics.

The Medieval Period: Defense and Community

In medieval times, homes mirrored the turbulent era. Fortified castles and manors prioritized protection, with high walls and narrow windows reflecting a defensive mindset. Inside, the hearth was central, where families gathered for warmth, cooking, and storytelling. Homes were often clustered in villages, reflecting a strong community spirit. During this time, the home was as much a communal place as it was a personal one.

Fun Fact: During medieval times, the ‘great hall’ was a home’s main room, where everyone from the lord’s family to servants ate, slept, and socialized together. Homes prioritized communal space, with privacy a luxury for the wealthy.

The Renaissance and Enlightenment: Comfort and Aesthetics

With the Renaissance came a shift toward comfort and beauty in the home. Art, design, and the aesthetics of symmetry became priorities, as people looked to their living spaces for both pleasure and function. During the Enlightenment, homes also hosted intellectual gatherings. This period redefined homes as spaces of private enjoyment and public engagement, moving beyond mere survival.

Fun Fact: Renaissance homes were the first to commonly use glass windows! Before this period, windows were often covered with cloth or wooden shutters, making glass a true luxury.

The Industrial Revolution: The Birth of Modern Homes

The Industrial Revolution transformed society and the home. Urbanization led to compact, efficient homes, while innovations like plumbing, electricity, and heating redefined daily living. Privacy became a central feature, with distinct rooms for different activities. As the idea of the nuclear family grew, homes began to reflect structured, specialized living spaces, emphasizing both functionality and family unity.

Fun Fact: The invention of indoor plumbing in the 19th century was revolutionary, transforming both hygiene and home layouts. Bathrooms became a standard feature, and kitchens began moving indoors, improving health and convenience.

The 20th Century: The Rise of the Suburbs

The post-war housing boom brought suburban neighborhoods into the cultural spotlight. The American Dream became symbolized by a suburban home with a white picket fence, embodying stability, success, and identity. Living rooms became focal points for family bonding, and homes were tailored for comfort and leisure. This shift redefined home as both a private sanctuary and a marker of societal values.

Fun Fact: After World War II, the GI Bill helped millions of American families buy suburban homes, creating an unprecedented housing boom. My parents bought their first home on the GI Bill. My Dad was a Marine. Semper Fi.

The Modern Era: Smart Homes and Remote Work

In the 21st century, technology continues to shape the home. Smart devices now allow for automated lighting, security, temperature control, and entertainment, making homes more convenient and efficient. The rise of remote work has further transformed home dynamics, as living spaces have adapted to be multifunctional, accommodating work, exercise, and relaxation in new ways. Personalization and eco-friendly designs have also become priorities, with a focus on comfort, wellness, and sustainable living.

2. The Home as a Reflection of the Self and Societal Context

Throughout history, homes have reflected not only individual personalities but also societal values and cultural shifts. Today, homes are deeply personal spaces where people express their tastes, beliefs, and lifestyles. Social media has accelerated this trend, showcasing decor on Instagram and other social media platforms as expressions of personal brand. I follow two women on YouTube: one in England and one in Italy who share their passion for interior decorating and showcase some very special and rare items that are near and dear to them. Modern home decor trends reveal a lot about our societal values, like the popularity of minimalism as a response to consumerism, or the focus on sustainable design as an answer to environmental concerns. I prefer Maximalism. I love things.

In many ways, our homes mirror our inner worlds and collective priorities. For some, a home is a serene retreat, embodying mindfulness and simplicity. For others, it’s a dynamic, multifunctional space that fosters creativity and productivity. Just as the Victorian era’s ornate homes reflected its values of opulence and social status, today’s homes, whether minimalist or tech-integrated, reveal how we view ourselves and our place in the world. I agree 100 percent.

3. Cultural Views on Home

Homes vary widely across cultures, each shaped by geography, values, and traditions. In Japan, minimalist design reflects cultural principles of simplicity and mindfulness. Middle Eastern homes often emphasize communal spaces to accommodate extended family gatherings, reflecting the value placed on kinship. Scandinavian homes, with their focus on light, coziness, and natural elements, embody a connection to nature and a sense of “hygge,” or comfort. I love bringing natural elements into the home. I have birch branches in several corners of my home.

By examining different cultural interpretations of home, we see that while the physical structure may vary, the desire for a place that feels personal, safe, and meaningful is universal. These differences highlight how the concept of home adapts to societal needs while retaining a core essence.

4. The Future of Home: Predictions and Trends

Looking ahead, the concept of home is likely to continue evolving in exciting ways:

Flexible, Multifunctional Spaces: As remote work and hybrid living become more common, homes will prioritize flexibility, with adaptable furniture and multipurpose rooms that can serve as offices, gyms, and relaxation areas.
Sustainable Design: As environmental concerns grow, eco-friendly homes are on the rise. Expect more solar panels, energy-efficient systems, and recycled materials in home design. Trends like green roofs, indoor gardens, and biophilic elements will likely become more mainstream, reflecting a desire to connect with nature.
Smart Technology and Automation: The future may bring even greater integration of AI and smart technology into homes, from health-monitoring systems to fully automated household management. Smart homes may become even smarter, with predictive features that adjust lighting, temperature, and other elements based on user behavior and preferences.
Shared Living Spaces and Co-living: As urban areas become more crowded and housing prices rise, co-living spaces could become popular, especially among young adults. These arrangements offer shared amenities and community interaction, reflecting a shift toward social living and affordability.
Personalization and Customization: The future of home design will likely lean further into personalization, allowing for customizable layouts, wall colors, and even materials to reflect individual preferences and values. With advances in modular construction, homeowners may soon have the flexibility to add or rearrange rooms as life changes.

From primitive shelters to high-tech smart homes, the journey of "home" reflects humanity's adaptability, resilience, and creativity. The meaning of home has evolved from mere survival to a space of comfort, self-expression, and community. While each era and culture adds its unique imprint, the concept of home as a place of refuge, belonging, and personal identity remains constant.

As we continue adapting to new lifestyles, technologies, and societal shifts, the meaning of “home” will undoubtedly keep evolving. Whether through flexible spaces, eco-conscious designs, or high-tech solutions, the home of the future will reflect both the needs of its inhabitants and the values of its time. And through all these changes, “home” will always be the place we return to for peace, connection, and a sense of self. "There's no place like home."

Happy Valentine's Day.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we tend to spend more time at home. It's one of the best places to spend time. Please take a moment to view this month's vlog. Just click the link below.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

Winter Pops presents
"Back to the 80s": A rock orchestra trip back to the 1980s
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 3 PM
Beach Street Middle School, West Islip

The West Islip Symphony Orchestra is comprised of some of the area’s finest musicians and is proud to have Paul Little as its Permanent Conductor. Their goal is to "Educate" and "Perpetuate" the interest in "Classical Music". They achieve this through various wonderful music programs. Join them in their quest to keep the arts alive, and help keep the "Historic Significance" of the "Classical Music World" alive for future generations.

Visit www.westislipsympony.org for more information

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week for me was recovering from a stomach virus last week. I am grateful for the body's ability to heal and rejuvenate. It's a miracle. Being home for three days was just what I needed. I am so grateful to my family for checking in on me and to my partner for taking care of me. Thank you.

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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Please keep us safe as we leave our home and enter again. Amen.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What does home mean to you?

Please put your answer in the comment section below in this post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - PLEASE CALL HOME by THE ALLMAN BROTHERS

LYRICS

Take one last look, before you leave,
'Cause oh, somehow it means so much to me.
And if you'll ever need me, you know where I'll be.
So, please, call home if ya change your mind.
Oh, I don't mind.I guess I saw it comin' day by day.
But, oh, I could not stand the failure.
Before you leave, there's just one thing I must say,
Please, call home if ya change your mind.
Oh, I don't mind.And I know, you're used to runnin'.
Oh, you're lost baby, and I ain't funnin'.
But, oh, when you call to me, well, I'll come runnin',
Straight to your side, again I'll confide in you.So, go on, I won't say no more.
My heart ain't in it, but I'll hold the door.
But, just remember what I said before.
Please, call home if ya change your mind.
Please, call home if ya change your mind.
Oh yeah, call home if ya change your mind.
Call home if ya change your mind, oh.
Please, call home if ya change your mind.
Oh yeah, call home baby.
Mmm-hmm

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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE -60 AND BEYOND WITH SKYLARK

My brand was born out of my turning 60 and noticeing a profound shift - mind, body, and soul. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with other women to help them navigate this age as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I will also consider in-person one-hour chats called The Skylark Sessions in your home or at a local library or senior center. Email me at christineskylark@aol.com
or call me at 917-903-5713 if you are interested. This can be one-on-one or with a small group of women.

Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, happiness, dreams, inspiration, motivation, music, and ideas I want to explore. The topics are endless. I represent Bay Shore and the greater Town of Islip community. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up, but you can also subscribe for free. And you can advertise your business or event in my newsletter as well. Just click this link below to subscribe:

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Monthly Vlog - My vlog goes live on my YouTube channel on the first Monday of each month. It's a recap of the previous month’s newsletter articles and then a conversation on a new topic. It is then uploaded to my Patreon account as well as my social media platforms. Just click the link below to subscribe and click the bell to get notified when a new video is uploaded: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

WHERE TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT ME

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!