Although the Oak House homepage reads, “Guesthouse” accommodation, Oak House has become more of a share house to me.  What is the difference, do you ask?

Well, I suppose there is not much difference except that I think the words hide a bit of a nuance within them.

To me the word ‘guest’ would imply that I am here as a customer and I am staying and expecting a least a little bit of service.  Although this is true to a certain extent, it does not extend to the point of wanting clean towels everyday, my bed made or some new shampoos/conditioners in the bathroom.  The word, guest, makes it feel as though it is similar to a hotel.

While the word ‘share’ implies that everyone is working together towards a common goal and we all share part of that responsibility.  Having lived here way past what anyone would consider the “guest” time frame, I now see this house as my own… despite all the other people in the kitchen.  Therefore, part of that sense of community comes one’s responsibility to contribute.  Whether this means, buying little things like flowers for the entrance, soap for the bathroom, cooking for others and/or donating books to the lounge, is up to each individual.  I’m sure there are many residents that don’t want that sense of community and or do not want to contribute however, for me, I like to do anything that I can that might make the house a bit more “homey.”

What will you do to make your house a home?