They really need to coin this term and add it in the next DSM Manual of Mental Disorders.  I will even write the diagnostic criteria for them.  *ahem*

Showcase Syndrome is a newly confirmed diagnosis whereas the patient experiences mild to grave symptoms of depression following an annual trip to a Home Builders’ Showcase.  The symptoms are defined, but not limited to:

* lethargy

* emotional outbursts (these may range from mere weepiness to the more puzzling violent anger, especially when patient is confronted with an organizational dilemma which can’t be solved because patient does not possess a closet the size of her living room.)

*  periods of intense staring and daydreaming  (following a long-term study, it has been concluded that during these staring episodes, the patient is imagining herself in the middle of her fantasy kitchen, complete with glass tiles, Viking stove, and roaring open fireplace.)

* periods of frenetic internet activity (it has been concluded that patient is searching for thrifty room decorating ideas which will aid her in visualizing her fantasy.)

*  green tinge to skin in especially grave cases

There is no known cure for this syndrome at this time.  Large quantities of wine have been proven to be temporarily effective at relieving symptoms.  However, the best therapy at this time is proven to be time spent reading the Bible and chanting “Thou Shalt Not Covet, Thou Shalt Not Covet” while viewing videos of Third World nations.

Every year, my Mom, my sister, and I spend a day together travelling to our local Showcase of Homes.  Local builders, decorators, and furnishers showcase their latest projects and the results are always incredibly stunning.  I vacillate from year to year between disgust and envy, discouragement and creativity.  I have come home from the tour repulsed by the “large-ess” and excess, content with my modest 110 year old house.  Other years I have come home achingly jealous, wishing that my home could be half as grand as those that I toured.  And still others, I have come home inspired by decorating ideas, motivated to make my old, cozy, warm and blessed home sparkle.  This year, I already know what I will take home with me…I am content, therefore I will be content even after the tour.  And I don’t begrudge others their “large-ess.”  Well, not *too* much anyway.  😉

I will be looking for ideas…my living room will be the next room tackled this fall, once the weather gets too cool for porch work.  I already bought new window shades…they were on fabulous sale!  How could I resist?

I think these (photo from the JCPenney’s catalogue) will look quite nice hanging in my windows…you’ll be able to see the crown molding.  In fact, hang on while I snap a photo of my much-in-need-of-attention windows….

Okay, so here is one of them…there are five of them in the living room.  Need some love, don’t they?  We have lived here for ten years, and this is the only room that hasn’t been redecorated. 

And how about this ceiling?

I know what I want to do with it, but since tin is a bit above the budget at the moment, some fresh paint will have to suffice.  Someday….

Wow, I digress.

I intended to show you a couple of examples of the houses I will be seeing this weekend!  Take a look:

And another:

I’d better get cleaning…it’s easier to come home to an old, clean house after the Showcase than an old, messy one!