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Now it’s time for… “Big Thoughts with Dr. Seuss.”

November 21, 2006 By Marta Darby 7 Comments

Pb207923We have words on the walls.
Not every wall. But in lots of places in our home. 

It started off as a sort of rebellious thing when we bought our house: "I own this house and I will write on the walls if I want to!"

But it has become a way to express our uniqueness as a family.  I think everyone should have words on their walls. Some are stenciled. Some are just rub ons.

I just finished this one yesterday for the family room in Helen’s home (my niece).
I had to give Ben (17 months) my phone to get him to just stand there for perspective – because the size of the Scooby-Doo and Clifford just didn’t work.

I just love this quote she chose. It took me about 5 hours total to stencil it. (with a bit of help from Amy, too.)

The stenciling itself kind of puts me in a zen-like state.  I found myself meditating on the quote while brushing the paint into the stencil.

I came to the conclusion (oh! The thinks you can think!) that I actually believe this for my own life.   Obviously Helen believes it, too.  And I agree.  She lives her life genuinely.

Come to think of it…. I think it just might be a very Cuban trait. Or maybe it’s our own family thing.  We assume you’re going to like us right off the bat. (What’s NOT to like?")

It has never even occurred to me to NOT be who I am or say what I think. 

Yes, Cubanita. THIS is the definition of freedom.

[NOTE: If I have enabled anyone in any way with this post and you end up with writing on your walls…. you must send proof! =D]

You might also like:

Confronting Weakness Teenagers in the 70’s. Your thoughts? “The more that you read the more things you will know.” – Dr. Seuss Marking time

Filed Under: My Big, Fat, Cuban Family

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maria says

    November 21, 2006 at 12:51 am

    Great idea putting this quote on a wall. It serves as a constant reminder to everyone in the home to live life genuinely. I do agree it’s a Cuban trait, and sadly not one that comes easily to others. I thought everyone was like us for a loooong time … but we are especially unique in this regard. And even though I was raised as an American from age 4 and embrace that fully, I find I’m now grateful for this attribute most of all. Thank you for reminding me that saying what you think and being honest and genuine are all good things! I found inspiration here and am planning my mural quote as I write this.

    Reply
  2. Cuban by Proxy says

    November 21, 2006 at 8:34 am

    I love this picture. Ben is such a cute and fiesty little guy.

    Reply
  3. Pam Pensiero says

    November 21, 2006 at 8:37 am

    I have two things on my walls because of you! There is something so personal about it. When people come in if they see it, they look a little puzzled, but I just laugh! Thanks for all the great ideas!

    Reply
  4. Kristen says

    November 21, 2006 at 5:14 pm

    As a non-Cuban I have to dissent somewhat…I have LOVED wall words for a long time and even thought about doing it before I met you (although you DID ignite the fire once again in me)
    For me finally owning my own house again got me just wanting COLOR on my walls (I was SO SICK of the white walls, white carpet, white tile of the renting world!)
    That is why my house now has walls that boast red, browns, blues, greens, yellows and purples…(I don’t think you have been over since Dani’s walls became periwinkle and the upstairs bath was painted lavendar :o) I still aspire to do something with the master bedroom…one day I will AND I will paint something along the lines of happily ever after in there…I have a vision :o) …

    Reply
  5. Amy says

    November 22, 2006 at 8:42 am

    Kristen I totally can see where you’re coming from, but I think you missed the point . . . (she said with a smile and a big hug) no one said wall words were just a Cuban thing. What we Cubans assume is a unique trait of ours is that it never occurs to us that you wouldn’t like us for the loud, happy people we are. Wall words were just an example of a kooky thing that comes out of that same happy place. In my book, you have those same qualities as us Cubans 😉 So keep “being who you are” and “saying what you feel” you honorary Cuban you! :-p

    Reply
  6. Pam Pensiero says

    November 22, 2006 at 9:45 am

    Here are some words for you this Thanksgiving!”Mangiare per vivere e non vivere per mangiare”
    which means…..”Eat to live and not live to eat”
    Have a blessed Thanksgiving Marta! Manga!
    Love you,
    Pam
    P.S. I had a hit from Miami on my site…..maybe directed from yours?

    Reply
  7. keb says

    January 19, 2007 at 7:20 pm

    Oh my word! that ADORABLOE pic of the baby ben beneath the wall words shd be a Life magazine cover!

    Reply

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