What’s in a name?
Welcome to Partridge Haven Living! If you haven't had a chance to explore yet, I have a rather in-depth introduction of myself and PHL on the My Story page. So, feel free to stop by there and catch up. In addition, let me use this first blog post to welcome you and say hello. Hello! And thank you for visiting - it means so much! Part of my motivation for starting PHL was to connect with others and help where I can. So, your support is truly appreciated, and I hope you will continue to check in and engage!
And just a heads up: the first couple of posts may be a little introductory as we get to know one another and establish a foundation, but I promise I have a lineup of great content with helpful information that will be coming your way soon! And as you get to know me and what I'm all about, feel free to reach out and let me know if there are any specific topics you'd love to see here!
With that said, let me get to the title of this post: an explanation for the name Partridge Haven Living - the one thing you won’t find on the My Story page. I thought I'd go beyond hi and name introductions for the first post, and give you the story behind the name.
The Partridge Haven Living name came to be for a few reasons: The first two words occurred to me because they are each part of a street name from our first homes. Why is this significant? Well, my love for interior design was born in our first home. It’s where I experimented and explored this new field and discovered a love for it. Whereas our second home is where my design aesthetic evolved and my skills were tested and developed. Thus, I thought it would be fitting for the name to represent where this journey began and where it continues to live: home.
Beyond the street names, I love the sound of haven as a synonym for home. My home is certainly a sanctuary for me. I am incredibly grateful to have a warm safe place to call my own. Not only does it serve as shelter and provide a sense of peace and security, but it also gives me space to be my full authentic self and a place to express myself creatively.
I also did a little more digging into what a partridge symbolizes in various cultures, and many of the meanings coincided with values and themes in my life, as well as my goals for PHL. Of course, some meanings were not a great fit, but allow me to highlight those that were… For some, a partridge symbolizes new beginnings and adaptability, which are major themes for this southerner living up north and changing careers. In other cultures, it symbolizes wisdom, mindfulness, communication, courage, and art - all things I seek and love, and hopefully will provide here at Partridge Haven Living.
As for the word Living, it was added on at the end because I want this to be more than just pretty designs. I want it to explore other aspects/features/occasions that exist within the home (daily life and special occasions alike) as well as those outside the home (in the hometown and beyond). The latter is important to note because I believe you become even more appreciative of home when you spend some time away. Not to mention, your style may evolve as you are exposed to new aesthetics. And finally, the word living is a nod to one of my most valued design philosophies: designs should work for the living - they need to function, not just be eye candy.
Also, it’s not lost on me that the name abbreviation is PHL, the same as Philadelphia, and my PHL is partially about moving to the greater PHL area. Gotta love happy accidents!
All in all, of the many names I drafted, this one felt the most personally meaningful, which I am a sucker for. So, here we are. Welcome! Make yourself at home and stay a while.
P.S. If you’re following me on social media, then you know I have two Facebook pages and two Instagram accounts. One of each is under the name Partridge Haven Living (PHL), and the other on each platform is under the name Partridge Haven Designs (PHD). PHL covers my life in PA and trips to surrounding areas, whereas PHD covers my design world. Hey, look at that, I finally got my PhD!
