This is a very interesting article about the reason for this online magazine/blog. Our space shapes us. I stumbled upon it and thought that you might want to think about what is said:
http://www.frontporchrepublic.com/2009/03/front-porch-republic/
Yes, yes, yes! I find this compelling and true. Although we chose to live in an older home with a front porch in a diverse but friendly neighborhood, we had no idea at the time how it would turn out to be our very favorite “room”. We miss having you here to enjoy it with us. The conversations you and Shawn have shared with our children on that porch have been deeply important and formative!