My mom and I traveled to Southern California for the 25th Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour. Walking through all eight of them, I was reminded of just how much (or little) you can learn about a person from their home. And my favorites were among those where Sports and Spirituality is evident.
This event has become a special holiday tradition and way for me to spend time with my mom. Given that we both live in the Bay Area, we arrived into the iconic harborside community in Newport Beach as tourists. We aren't there to visit friends or family, to go sailing or hit the beach. We are there because we delight in the quaint shops and restaurants, the views of the water from the canal or the paved concrete boardwalk that circles the island. And, the homes and cottages—many which are designated as historic landmarks are just fascinating. They are small and tight, cozy and colorful—offering a different and vibrant way to live by the beach. Balboa is one of my favorite places in the US.
All eight homes were beautiful and unique. One stop was the home of an artist. Filled with color, the highlight of visiting that home was the opportunity to see the artist's studio—on the top floor of her home. I imagine the vistas of the Pacific Ocean add some inspiration! Another home was the most minimalistic abode I have ever seen. Neutral tones of taupe, cream, black and white were used in every room on every floor. The only color in the place was from the holiday pillows, bath mats (in every bathroom) and a small blue and gold placard on the windowsill in the work out space: Play Like a Champion Today.
Still, my favorite was one of five remaining "storybook homes" on the island. As written in the LA Times, the
2,426-square-foot 1936 cottage that was one of 20 homes built by the well-known 1930s Balboa Island builder and architect Leon Yale. He and his family had lived in this home, where his children’s handprints remain on the concrete floor of the garage.
The cottage is located on Apolena Avenue, which has been referred to as “storybook row” because of the distinctive Yale style.
Yale was known for his signature detailing, using tongue and groove joints, sloped vaulted ceilings, wood floors and alcoves. According to the property’s current homeowner, some of the beams used in the living and dining rooms were taken from the original Park Avenue bridge during a remodel and the bar in the dining room came from a ship."
From the moment I walked inside, I could tell this was the home of a religious family. The current owner has seven children and countless grandchildren. Though the family was not raised in that small home, it's obvious that it brings them together in a special way today.
There was a beautiful Della Robbia of Jesus hanging in their living room. Near a table of family photos was another Della Robbia of the Holy Family. While these two Italian ceramic art pieces don't necessarily mean are Catholic, the plate of Pope John Paul II did. As did the Papal blessing from Pope John XXIII to the owners upon their wedding day.
They had other sacramentals here and there, a book about the lives of the saints and a painting of the Divine Mercy chaplet. I paid attention to all the spirituality I could find. But what made the biggest impression on me, was a Loyola High letterman jacket, framed and hanging inside clear, glass square box.
An honorary patch—for winning the 1962 regional? football championship was affixed to the left breast. What a memento. I asked my mom if they should have given it to someone in their family. My mom said "no, that was special to him [the father/owner]. He earned it and by framing it in that way, they've kept it for posterity." My mom's right. And like me, I'm sure others want to know the story about that jacket. Therefore, when someone asks, the owner gets to recall the memories that go with it. Go Cubs!
Today as a good reminder to take a moment to examine what our homes reveal about who we are and what we value. I am confident that if someone were to walk through my apartment, they would see Sports and Spirituality characterize my life—and I'm proud of that.
Special thanks to the many volunteers from the Balboa Island Improvement Association who made today run as smoothly as possible! Merry Christmas!
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