Thursday, June 18, 2009

Theme Thursday = Roof


Several years ago, we were heart broken at the thought of losing
our beloved Willow Manor. The tragic events of September 11th
nearly destroyed WT's international business. After struggling for
a few years, we sadly came to the conclusion that we had no choice
but to give up our creaky old limestone house. And to add insult to
injury, severe storms nearly blew Willow Manor off it's hinges that
year. One morning, there was an unexpected knock at the door.
.
Looks like your roof has suffered quite a bit of storm damage.
.
Yes, you're right, it has. Our insurance deductible is high and we've
been putting it off.
.
Don't worry about that. Let me handle your insurance company.
You'll have a new roof by next week.
.
Several days later, pallets and pallets of glorious, fragrant cedar
shingles were stacked high on our driveway. Tears streamed down
my face at the sight of it.
.
Hey, Honey, what's wrong?
.
I can't bear the thought of having to leave Willow Manor now,
especially with this gorgeous new roof. How could this be
happening?
.
Oh, no! Don't you see? It's a sign! It means we're going to stay.
.
To make a long story short, WT was right. It was a sign. And a very
symbolic one, too. For me, Willow Manor's cedar roof will always be
a beautiful picture of security, protection and unity. Not just a
sturdy armour of wood on an old stone house, but a shield of love
for a family, as well.

88 comments:

  1. I'm curious. How do you pronounce roof?

    Roof (ruhf), with a schwa in the middle, like I do, or (roof), with the middle sound rhyming with too?
    It this a regional accent thing?

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  2. Beautifully written, Willow. And to think, if you'd lost Willow Manor there would not have been a Willow Manor blog.

    I say roof.

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  3. I pronounce it the second, more phonetic way . . . more Southern, too, I guess. Rooooooof.

    I'm so glad that you didn't lose your beloved house. xx

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  4. I can't imagine what life would be like if you had not remained at the manor and gone on to be known as 'Willow" ...... the blog would never have been created. Everything is as it should be

    (roof - like too)

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  5. There is no place like home!

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  6. Willow. Roof, rhyming w/too. Our home is more than just a house. I'm glad you didn't have to move....

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  7. That is an absolutely beautiful post!!! I love the ending! ♥♥♥

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  8. I pronouce it as you do but I have been corrected many times.
    I'm so glad your new ruhf was the beginning, the sign that all would be well and Willow Manor would continue to be in your family!

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  9. Roof as in kangaroo is my word. I've relatives in West Virginia who say, "ruff".

    We had a cedar shake roof until needing to replace the roof after a big tree fell on the house. Replaced the cedar with man-made stuff - it's easier to clean and moss isn't as big a problem. Moss loves wet cedar roofs.

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  10. What a great and feeling post. I felt as if I were there with you waiting for the new roof!
    Linda

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  11. That's amazing, Willow. Who was your generous gifter?

    That reminds me of one my favorite personal stories. When our oldest son was one year old, we were nearing our first Christmas after I quit my job to be a stay at home mom. Our income was cut in half, and we barely had enough to pay the bills.

    There was none left for a Christmas tree or even presents for our son. I lobbed up a desperate prayer and Christmas morning a knock came at the door.

    The neighbor was standing there saying that they had found in their driveway a Christmas tree, decorations and gifts that were perfect for a little boy. They only had older girls, so they figured that someone had gotten our driveways confused and that all of that was meant for us.

    It was an amazing miracle to us. We never did find out who our mystery gifter was, other than the One who heard my prayer.

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  12. This was a wonderful post with a lovely ending.

    As a southerner I can probably turn this four letter word into two syllables. I don't think I do anything unusual to the pronunciation. Now as for the word property - it can sometimes come out as prop-uh-ti.

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  13. How touching... I'm so happy for you...

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  14. Roof, like too. You are the Lady of the Manor! Wouldn't be right somewhere else. Thank goodness you got to keep it.

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  15. I pronounce it to rhyme with 'un COUTH' But you have to imagine the broad Aussie accent.
    That's a terrific story. Willow Manor has a million stories hasn't it Willow? One day you will write the book and I will definitely buy it! You could do either fiction or non-fiction. Sigh. I'd love to live there with you!

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  16. How wonderful to have a home you love so much. I'm glad you got to keep it. In Michigan I say roof, like too.

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  17. Dorci, I love that story! I'm a firm believer in answers to prayer.

    Ours wasn't a generous gifter, just a roofer, eager for business, who worked a deal with our insurance. But a sign to us, nonetheless.

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  18. Ah, home sweet home. There's nothing like it, is there?

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  19. What a beautiful story! We always say "It's a sign!" over here. :)

    And...I talked about the pronunciation on my blog, too! I say roof like you; The Mister says 'ruff'. I always tell him 'ruff' is what a dog says! :)

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  20. Betsy, actually, I say "ruhf" like the dog. That's funny. You would think we of all people would pronounce it the same! ;^)

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  21. What a wonderful story, Willow. I'm so glad you were able to keep your beloved home!

    The second pronunciation.

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  22. Oh, now that IS weird. Why do we pronounce it differently? Hmmmm...I think I have a theory! tee-hee!

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  23. The angels were watching out for you. Cedar is a beautiful wood that not only smells nice and looks beautiful, but is very protective.

    Snuggle in ... Willow Manor is meant to be yours!

    I say ROOF.

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  24. I love happy endings! And I say rooof.

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  25. Wow, if that WASN'T a sign, I don't know what is.

    A great metaphor, a great story.

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  26. It must be such a horrible experience to loose a home through finances, forces of nature or fire. I think especially about the homes in California, lost to fires every year. A home is like a member of the family. The hallways and rooms syncronize family life and movements in a familiar dance. I am so glad you stayed at Willow Manor. Your blog that has evolved is brilliant.

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  27. touching story, willow. i can't imagine you without the manor and the manor without you so you must have been destined to stay together. i like that you've placed that symbolism on the cedar shingles. i look for that kind of symbolism in my life as well.

    i say roof and i do believe that the pronunciation changes from one area to another. my husband is canadian and it is always fun to compare how we pronounce words differently.

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  28. beautiful post and tale of people coming together. glad you were able to keep your home, especially for all it has become for the many readers. happy thursday willow.

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  29. oh willow........
    i can relate too closely to your story. i am so happy things worked out for you and your much loved 'willow manor.'
    xx
    ps i say roof

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  30. What a great story, I'm inspired. Willow Manor is still standing and sheltering loving and wonderful people inside.

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  31. Willow Condo does not have the same ring to it!

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  32. I live in an ancient farmhouse that has been renovated with lots of TLC. So, I do understand the bond with a special house.

    I say rooof.

    Lovely post.

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  33. love the chimney! lol... well, it' something different to say. and i actually do!

    :-)

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  34. Willow, isn't it extrordinary that when times seem hardest help drops down from above to straighten things out and smooth the path again. A lovely and moving story.

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  35. A divine story, literally. So happy you could preserve that which nourishes your soul.
    --------
    Moi: oo as in "you, too"
    The fam: uhf as in "you took"

    Go figure.

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  36. Oh No! I'm so glad it worked out for the best.

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  37. So happy that your beloved house was saved. And cedar shingles - love them.

    I say ooof.
    I think it's a regional accent thing. My husband is originally from Ohio and he says rut for root. Is that how you say root?
    Catherine

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  38. I say roof. And I too am also glad that you didn't loose your house! Happy Thursday!

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  39. What a wonderful story, we all need a little help now and then, it's good to know good things happen to good people :D
    I hope you love your roof for many, many years!

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  40. I pronounce it "ruhf".

    What a nice story about your home. Cedar shingles sound heavenly and fragrant, as you say.

    Really like your new masthead.

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  41. I love a happy ending! - roof like the second one :)

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  42. That's a touching story; it's so great that you love your home in this way. I come (originally at least) from the middle rhyming with too part of the country, but out her in Idaho most folks say ruhf.

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  43. Touching and well written story, Willow.

    Roof rhyming with too.

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  44. Oh, Willow. What a lovely story full of love, hope and perseverence. To some, getting something like a new roof is mundane. To others, life changing.

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  45. Love Willow Manor.....

    I'm a rooooof person, like too.

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  46. I vote for "roof" pronouced as in "too". That is the way that I say it at least but then...I live in California and we say all sorts of things differently here! Just ask any "valley girl" :) Love the story of your roof though. We replaced our wood roof with comp shingles because of fire danger here in Calif. and living in the woods but I totally would have wood over anything else if I had a choice.

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  47. Rooooof.

    Lovely story. I think we all agree that your "Willow Manor" title hinged on it.

    No, wait, "hinge" usually applies to doors, not roofs...

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  48. What a beautiful, simple story. I strongly believe in signs.

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  49. r (too) oof here in UK.
    Happy post, nice start to my day.

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  50. What a lovely inspiring and encouraging post, Willow!

    (Here at Necky Knoll House the orangey tiles over our heads are pronounced 'roof'!)

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  51. hey willow, i just came in from our driveway after having had a look at our roof, which we have known for a couple of years needs new tiles. it's one of those funny home-improvement jobs that you put off because it doesn't have the bang that say, new flooring or new paint has. of course there is another side to that which is if the tiles don't do their job you've got a bigger issue but let's not go there!! so of course i laughed when i saw that theme thursday was roofs!!! a lovely story - especially your continued fortune with the business and its corollary success in your lives!! steven

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  52. Our lives are so different- yet so alike at the same time. I'm happy you're staying, because staying is what you want to do!

    Believe in those signs... ;)

    I say Roof, as in too.

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  53. And may that roof have a long life, too. Many thanks for such an inspiring and beautiful story. Good Thursday theme, too, roofs, protection, shelter.

    Greetings from London.

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  54. Our lives are so different- yet so alike at the same time. I'm happy you're staying, because staying is what you want to do!

    Believe in those signs... ;)

    I say Roof, as in too.

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  55. Rhyming with too.......


    Thanks for sharing your roof story. And I'm so glad you still have Willow Manor!

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  56. Ask. Sometimes that is all it takes to get results and often not quite in the way you might have expected.

    If I use the word, "Prayer," will I be given some kind of fanatic label? It happens. :–)

    So, I pray about things. Prayer works most of the time for me/us/you.

    Glad the new roof was put on and you are still there.

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  57. lovely of your friend to help you. A little cottage I looked at recently had a cedar roof. They are so neat. Also, a realtor just called re: a stone cottage on the market. it will go fast she said and as I am leaving for two weeks, guess I'll miss out on it. Oh well. Glad you were able to keep living where you love.

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  58. Cedar shingles, Willow? I had automatically assumed that your rOOf would be slate, as it would be over here on a property of that age. Never presume! Glad you got to keep the manor.

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  59. Willow, many people DO put their hearts into their homes...a twist on "Home is where the heart is"...and.. I really believe that a home where people have loved one another and poured that love into the very its foundation, spread love over the walls, scrubbed the grime of outside world from its floors, and made it glow with all the meaning of family and tradition will--in return--protect that family--because it has been given a soul.
    I am so glad everything has worked out so well for you and WT! To think...I might never have seen that snowy portrait of Willow Manor last February... I had to read this to my hubby. He is a tough guy, but we both had tears in our eyes!
    At our house, we refer to the (roof) ... rhymes 'wif toof' ...and (ruhf) is what our the dogs say when there is a knocking at the door!...{chuckling}

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  60. thank you willow for the bit of inspiring words. there are several pieces of my life that i might have lost recently or might still lose, but some are falling into place. this reminds me that life will be fine and it will work out...that god has plans for us all.

    and i say roof both ways...depending on the context. rOOf for a house usually and rUff as in rUff rack for a top-of-the-car bike rack.

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  61. Hi Willow,beautiful story!Have a nice day :)

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  62. wonderful story.

    signs from above are so loverly!


    schwa....gotta remember that - good scrabble word! now, how do you say schwa?

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  63. The pronounciation has got to be a regional thing, Willow. As for the story, beautiful. And the cedar shingles...yes. 'Twas truly a good sign :)

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  64. Very cool post, thanks for sharing that memory! Glad you got to stay! :)

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  65. Wow, to have a roof of cedar wood. In South Africa we do not have wood roof coverings. Corrugated iron, cement or clay tiles or in some cases thatch is used mostly here. Hubby says it is because of our climate, the wood would dry out to quickly in the heat (there, I have learned something new). However, I would love to live beneath a roof of cedar wood - it just sounds so cosy and romantic.

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  66. Sooooo glad that roofer came along for you and WT! I pronounce it roof, like you do.

    Signs are wonderful things, aren't they?

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  67. Oh, I know what you are talking about and I am so glad you were able to stay at your beloved house!

    I still cannot bear the idea of going back to the States and walk by "our" house, it is something I have simply blocked out of my mind.

    It had a cedar shingle roof like yours, with ivy on three sides of the colonial style house. Trees six-seven stories high in the back of the house and birds of all color visiting there.

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  68. Who was that knockin' on your cottage door? An angel? What's meant to be, is...I'm happy for your great good luck!
    I say rooof, as in woo woo..

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  69. What a wonderful story, Willow. So full of love!

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  70. Passing on the good vibes: I've nominated your blog for the Kreativ Blogger Award.

    Visit me for details: http://janegs.blogspot.com/

    I really love reading your blog--cool stuff.

    Cheers--Jane

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  71. I definitely pronounce roof with the middle o's sounding like "too."

    What a charming and wonderful story of Willow Manor! It must stay in the family FOREVER!!!

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  72. Willow: The connection to roof was in this paragraph: I read the search engine hits and learn that Alfred E. Neuman is MAD magazine's "What -- Me Worry?" kid. He's a young man with a thatched "roof" of red hair, large ears and a gap-toothed, goofy-grin.

    Albiet, a bit obscure. Happy TT.

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  73. What a wonderful post and beautiful picture!! English is not my mother tongue, I say roof like too, yes : me too
    :)

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  74. I'm so glad you've managed to keep your maner! Great episode, Willow!

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  75. I haven't lived in the south since 1966, but I speak "Suthun". I've always said roof as in poof,goof,proof. If I say ruff,ruff, I mean the sound a dog barks. Any way we say it, a roof is good to have and one you love is even better. What's a duchess without a manor? Can't you hear the docents in 2095 saying "This isn't the original cedar shingles roof of Willow Manor, but this is the original desk where the famous Life at Willow Manor blog was created!"

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  76. "Not just a sturdy armour of wood on an old stone house, but a shield of love for a family,"
    --I SO love that. Ahhh.

    I so glad you and your fam got to stay there adn for all of us to enjoy bit by bit whenever you should care to share some photos, stories, or what have you.

    Enjoy that family of yours, and keep builing up that house of love.

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  77. Well, the Queen's English way of course it's rOOf like tOO or prOOf as someone above noted. :)

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  78. I love this story, I'm glad you could stay at your beloved house.
    I'm a great believer in signs. And in what will be will be. The roof was a definite sign

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  79. So glad you were able to get a new roof on your beautiful old house, and were able to remain there.

    We English pronounce 'roof' as in tooth, but I've heard it said the way you say it here in the South.

    Must tell you what I did this afternoon, at long last, baked the Raspberry Buttermilk cake! Oh wow, it's fabulous and will become one of my all time favorites and an easy go to dessert for company. Thanks for sharing Willow. Had a piece at tea time while still warm and just know I'll snitch a little more this evening!!!!

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  80. Mary, glad you liked the recipe! It's going to become a regular at WM, too. :D

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  81. I love the snippets of your home, it looks very unusual from an Aussie perspective. Wooden shingles? They'd rot in an instant in our heat and humidity but look just right in your context. So glad you got to stay.

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  82. my first time here. A house is a tresure chest of memories, each one to be taken out and savored. So glad you can continue to add to the chest.

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  83. ...."And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof." Barbara Kingsolver

    we always have hope----here's to willow manor and all that it is and can be..best c

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  84. Hi!Willow,
    All I can say is...All well, that end well! and Willow Manor blog is here!
    By the way, I pronounce the word roof, similar to the way that you pronounce the word...Roof (ruhf).

    Oh! yes, I voted in your poll and believe me that first question isn't winning!

    Take care!
    Very nice TT post!
    DeeDee ;-D

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  85. The Willow Manor was meant for you, I am sure. Reading your blog, the stories of the Manor, your way of seeing the world and how you translate that into the immediate breath of your home makes me believe you became ONE a long time ago. That which nature joins is hard to separate. Through trials we find where we truly belong-and you are definitely HOME.

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Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)