Last weekend I went out taking pictures with my friend, Ally. We were in the middle of shooting a white picket fence with the sun shining on it when an elderly man across the street called out and beckoned us over. He had seen us taking pictures and wanted to know if we wanted to see the inside of his house. Their house had a huge white wrap around porch and was a beautiful light purple. His curled up mustache and heavy accent intrigued us as his wife stood on the porch smiling. She seemed a bit embarrassed but confessed, "He does this all the time!" I was a little hesitant about entering at first but was convinced quickly by their welcome and by Ally's insistence.

We stepped into the entry and were met by a gorgeous staircase. He began excitedly telling us about different details on the walls and the stories of the work that went into the house. The amount of love that went with each aspect of the house from the decorations to the wallpaper to the woodwork painstakingly laid piece by piece was indicated in the sparkle of his eye and the enormity of his smile. As he led us through the house room by room, he had story after story of family heirlooms and art pieces.

From the outside of the house, I never would have guessed at the treasure that would lay within. This sweet couple welcomed us into their home and shared some time from their day to teach us and to tell us stories. The experience taught me to ask questions and to recognize the inner beauty that can be found when we take a little time to listen to others. Their house is the perfect illustration of a place that may not be viewed as the most beautiful on the outside(although I absolutely love it) but it holds the kindest people I have met who demonstrate the epitome of Southern hospitality. On your next adventure, be careful not to pass up your 'purple house' opportunity. Follow up with people. Listen to them. Hear them. You will learn something about yourself and the life you're privileged to be living!