Episode 16: Show notes
Today’s episode is short and sweet—just seven minutes. It shares the story behind a very special camera that shot the photos for our latest Fall home decor tour.
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The Story of a Special Camera
I wasn’t planning to publish a podcast today. While writing a quick newsletter to accompany our brand-new Fall decor home tour, a story unexpectedly poured out of me. I read it to my husband to get his thoughts, and as I spoke the words aloud I found myself tearing up—this turned out to be a tender story from my heart.
After listening, my husband’s first response was, “That should be a podcast episode—if you can hold yourself together to do it.” So here I am, sharing the story with you.
About Seasonal Home Tours
For a while I stopped doing seasonal “home tours.” Not because I was embarrassed by our home or decor, but because it felt like I had nothing truly new to show. Over the years I’ve grown comfortable with a pared-down collection of pieces I love. Most seasons I simply rearrange and repurpose those beloved items rather than buy brand-new decor.
I wondered if readers who’ve followed the blog for years would want to see the same vintage pitcher moved from one shelf to another. This season, though, something changed.
An Unexpected Gift
Almost exactly a year ago, a relative in our extended family passed away. His name was Richard, though we always called him Rickey. I only remember meeting him once, but his kindness and brilliance left a strong impression. By profession he worked in research related to nuclear physics—someone joked he was a real-life rocket scientist, though I’m not certain of the exact details of his work.
After his passing I learned he’d been a passionate hobby photographer with a collection of cameras and lenses. Through a family conversation, I was offered one of his cameras. Receiving it felt heavy and beautiful all at once.
I’ve long dreamed of using a professional-quality camera for my work, but I’d been making do with a starter model and had been hesitant to spend on the expensive lenses I admired. Having this camera arrive unexpectedly felt like an answered dream and a gift I did not earn.
Recognizing Miracles
My financial life and my faith have been intertwined for years. There were seasons when my family lived on missionary support, and I learned to pray for daily needs—food, clothing, and provision. Over time I’ve seen God provide in ways that felt miraculous. There was a season in which I questioned whether God was going to care for us; after wrestling with that, He surprised me with something tangible that removed my doubt. That experience changed the way I watch for small, everyday miracles.
Receiving Rickey’s camera felt like another one of those moments—something unexpectedly “abundantly above what I could ask or imagine.” The first time I took it out, I paired it with lenses I’d only admired from afar and photographed our home dressed for Fall. As I worked, I kept thinking of that gentle man and how this camera now carries a part of his legacy.
Our home is modest and the photos aren’t meant to be magazine showstoppers. I’m still learning the camera’s capabilities, so I won’t promise breath-taking images. What I hope is that the Fall home tour will inspire simple, attainable ideas to cozy your home this season. Read the full Fall tour on the blog: Fall decor home tour.
Thinking of You
If you’re going through a hard season and longing for a miracle, may I encourage you to talk to Jesus about it? Prayer can be as simple as speaking to Him as you would a trusted friend. Ask for help, wisdom, and for Him to show His care in tangible ways. Keep your heart and eyes open to the people and opportunities God may send; I can’t promise specific outcomes, but I do know He cares deeply for you.
That’s all for today—a short, heartfelt podcast to start your week. Until next time, take care.
More about our Podcast
The Harbour Breeze Home podcast is hosted by Rita Joy, the author behind the Harbour Breeze Home blog. With lighthearted conversation and storytelling, Rita shares approachable tips and inspiration to help your home look and feel its best. New episodes generally arrive on Mondays.
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