I sold the antique oak washbasin. Truth be told, I don’t know that I ever loved it. It’s hard to get attached to an object that was designed to be a bathroom before bathrooms existed. In the last year, every time I opened the cubby compartment, I kind of cringed. 5 years with my children, and I am pooped out. I mean that so literally. As someone who has moved 13 times in the past 20 years, I find its best to be a rolling stone, sans the moss. When furniture doesn’t fit, I offload it.
My Great Aunt Mildred, the world’s greatest lover of antiques, willed this beautiful piece to Dad, who gave it Jenny, who after many wonderful years of loanership, gave it to me. Far more quilt storage friendly than the washbasin. I placed it where the washbasin once stood, and I’m much happier with the feeling I get when I look at it. Greg fixed my lamp, which, much to his dismay, I keep on almost around the clock. Isn’t that the most welcoming light? More of my attempts to create nooks and crannies in the big square brown house. I’ve finally come to the realization that this house will be remembered for superior efficiency, not for nooks and crannies. My house is unparalleled in ergonomics, but as a trade-off, it lacks randomness. And randomness is cozy. I don’t mean to complain…I live in a great house. But my dreaming brain has started churning: not for granite counter tops; keep the stainless steel appliances. I won’t be needing fancy. I’m thinking of window seats, dormer ceilings, and space for fruit trees. My dreams require years of percolating, so don’t go looking for the “For Sale” sign soon, but this much I can promise you: I’m taking all of those ballerinas with me. And the lamp.
What about you? Do you feel the need for a spiritual connection to your home? Do you prefer nooks and crannies over large closets and finished basements? There are no wrong answers on Lori Math Exams, by the way.
4 responses to “A Nook Here, A Cranny There”
I love the nook/cranny you have made. I am at a stage in my life where I just like having things around me that I like. I don’t have matchy things in my home, but I have things that “match” me. I live by myself and I only have to please myself so I figured I would please myself with things I like whether they go together or not. My home is comfortable which is A -OK in my book.
Sue, I have found that when a home is full of things I like, it does match. Not in a conventional sense, but in a reflection of my soul sense. It matches to me, and that is all that matters. I want comfortable and cozy. My favorite home was less than 1000 sq. feet, and falling apart at the seams, literally. It was perfect.
I completely agree. I now live in a one-room studio, which does not leave much room for accumulated possessions, so I have to love every single thing I have. When you only have things around you that you love, it’s amazing how little you find you need.
Lori, fear not. You house says, “Welcome. Come on in. In this house, you can’t eat off the floors, because they are covered in cat puke and small, neon foam pieces. But, you will get warm, delicious comfort food, a glass of wine, a soft cozy bed, and lots of love and laughter.” I’m pretty sure that was the message you were aiming for, so your house is doing a good job!
Well written – I enjoy reading your take on what makes your home yours.
I do however, fantasize about having a pretty house. One that is clean and shiny with polished floors and sparkling clean window sills. I wish for furniture that isn’t shredded by old cranky cats, where the walls and ceilings don’t have fingerprints where years ago young boys tried to see how high they could jump. I want to sit on a couch with black pants and know that my pants will still be black when I stand up. I want to cook in a kitchen without dings in the formica, gouges in the flooring, and a fear of what’s lurking under the fridge.
That said, the fantasy is pretty sterile and lifeless. So, I’ll keep what I have, scrub the floors once more (avoiding the nasties under the fridge) and meet friends at a restaurant if they have a problem with shredded furniture. Or furry slacks.
Thanks for the fun read.
All the best – Chris