This weekend marks the 8th anniversary of moving into our brand spanking new house. With its brand new sleuter and black and white checkerboard ceramic tiles. Dark wood cupboards and maple floors. Trimmed with black lacquer woodwork and sparkling chrome hardware, it was a glorious sight to behold. A flick of the switch fireplace, an attached garage, a real pantry, and an ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom complete the picture. These were all luxuries we had not previously enjoyed living in older, used homes. Receiving the keys to our very own new home (ok, the bank still owns a good portion of it) was a euphoric moment in time.
I can’t believe, in the blink of an eye, eight years have passed since that unforgettable move. I still consider this to be a new home even though we have already had to begin fixing or replacing things. I was so grateful for the opportunity to choose the colours and design of our new house instead of having a fixer upper on our hands. Not that that wouldn’t have had its charms as Chip and Joanna Gaines can testify to. But so refreshing to have everything the way I wanted it the day we moved in. Sure, I can think of a lot of things I would have changed or that would have worked better but one doesn’t know these things until they lived in a place for a bit and have experienced life there. This house is mostly a blessing and a joy.
At the time, I thought I was moving into a palace and was very excited and grateful. I have to say, that even now, when I wake up in our cavernous master bedroom with attached ensuite bathroom, I get the feeling I’m staying at the Four Seasons and am thinking of calling for room service (I’ll be waiting a long time). And then there is my walkin closet, which my mother refers to as the ‘inner sanctum’. Sometimes it is exactly that for me and not just anybody gets invited into its glory. Yes I have to share it with Mike but I’ve allowed him only a tiny portion of this prime real estate. Important decisions are made within its walls. Who am I going to imitate today? Anna Wintour? Nina Garcia? Olivia Palermo? Iris Apfel? (Google them).
I’ve organized and purged the pantry many times in the past 8 years, turning it into a Whole 30 or Daniel plan friendly food storage space using Martha Stewart organizing tips. Sometimes I just stand in there, with the light on, marvelling at this grand use of space complete with transom window door. Such a clever way to hide unsightly, but necessary boxes, bags, cans and other delectable treasures.
And what a pleasure it is to settle myself in the drivers seat of my car on a blustery rainy day with out going outside and ruining my hair, which turns into a frizzy mess if it makes contact with any moisture. And… this fireplace. I can’t even imagine living without it now. AlI have to do is click the switch and I have real fire illuminating the main floor living space while flickers of light dance in the shadows on the walls as I sit in my comfy favorite chair and write this blog. This fireplace truly warms up the whole house eventually. Such a sweet welcome after struggling with the elements to get groceries or shovel the sidewalk. Very often we turn it on in the summer as well just for its calming effect.
At this point you may be thinking I’m describing some magnificent mansion or… you may be thinking ‘so what?’, sounds like every other house in town. I have to admit, going by my emotional attachment to this wood and mortar structure, you’d wonder if I was describing the Palace of Versailles. But no. Just a humble dwelling place that has become our home over the past 8 years. Home to heated and thought provoking discussions. A place where nourishment and nurturing are provided. A comforting place to come to after a long work day. A familiar coziness after a vacation. A shelter from the storms of life and sometimes the setting for them. A haven of safety and love. A refuge and a respite. Four walls filled with laughter and sometimes tears. The setting for glorious celebrations and extended hospitality. The blessing of a home is to be shared and currently I share mine with with the three adults closest to my heart. Does it get any better than this?
The Red Plaid Apron 