When I was five years old, I didn’t ask for dolls or toys for my birthday. I asked for encyclopedias. And when I got them? I skipped the cake, went inside, and started reading. (Yes, I was that kid.)
Over the years, I read my way from A to Z, fascinated by facts about places I’d never been, people I’d never met, and ideas I never knew existed. While other kids were outside playing, I was inside learning about ancient civilizations, rare gemstones, and why flamingos stand on one leg.
But encyclopedias weren’t my only obsession.
The Stray Saver
At six years old, I brought home a stray dog—which, as it turns out, was just the beginning. I wasn’t just interested in facts; I was drawn to anything or anyone that didn’t quite belong. Stray pets, kids in the neighborhood who were left out (one had a leg brace, another was blind), even adults.
Yup, I brought home complete strangers, too.
All were fed, nurtured, and found a place to belong—many with just me and my mom. Our home became a revolving door of rescues, both furry and human. It wasn’t long before the neighbors caught on. They started referring people to us or simply dropping pets off at our door, knowing the response would always be the same: Hello and welcome.
One day, as yet another person arrived, my mother smiled, welcomed them in, and said, “Welcome to MargeauLand. My daughter’s in charge.”
And just like that, MargeauLand was born.
Curiosity, Community, and Connection
Looking back, I realize that childhood obsession never really went away. My love of learning, my need to “save” things, and my desire to create a place where people feel seen, heard, and valued—that all led to the real-life MargeauLand I’ve built today.
The world is full of strays—pets, people, even ideas that just need the right home. And sometimes, all it takes is a little curiosity, a little kindness, and a place where they’re welcomed in.
The Full-Circle Moment: Welcoming People Home
That desire to “save” never left me. Today, it’s not just about stray pets or outcast kids—it’s about people who need a fresh start.
Over the years, I’ve worked with homeless clients who fought their way off the streets, secured a place to call their own, and stepped into a new chapter of their lives. And when they do? I throw them a party. Because finding home—really finding home—is something worth celebrating.
And just like my mother did all those years ago, I say: “Welcome to MargeauLand.”
What Childhood Taught Me About the Future
We all have something from childhood that shaped us, even if we didn’t realize it at the time. For me, it was encyclopedias and stray dogs. For you, maybe it was an old camera, a love for puzzles, or a talent you never thought much of.
So tell me—what’s a childhood obsession that still influences you today? Drop it in the comments, because you never know who else might say, “Hey, me too!”