Ever since we were vaccinated on Tuesday, I’ve had a few thoughts running through my head. After we got the shot, I found myself wanting to get back home where it feels safe. I’ve had that thought throughout the pandemic. As you know, I’m a homebody, a nester, and my home – whether it was a one-room apartment, my childhood bedroom, or our house – has always grounded me and given me peace.
Don and I talked about this during our second cup of coffee. Just what do we want to hang on to after restrictions are lifted? After 5 years of stress with the previous administration? What have we realized we absolutely must have going forward?
I feel very protective about our ‘world’ here at the cottage. About what we have held close to our hearts over the past year. Though the cottage has always been our haven, it has become more so – a safe place where we can find peace, where we make the choice about how we want to live, how we react to the world, how much of the world we want to shut out, and about the atmosphere we want to maintain and nurture. I’m 68 years old. Don will be 70 in June. How do we want to live our lives going forward?
I read these four words this morning: “an oasis of calm.”
That’s it. That’s exactly what I want. That’s what we want. I no longer want the extreme ups and downs that I regularly lived with when I was younger. I can control what I let into my head and heart. I can keep the news at arms length. I can decide how to react. I need and want peace.
This cottage often overflows with creativity. Songs, music, recording, dollhouses, books, puzzles…and often, QUIET. I need all of that. And I’m going to fiercely protect that. As is Don. The world will enter in, of course. But how much of the world enters in is entirely up to us.
__________________________
I did do some work on the dollhouse yesterday.
I hung the light over the island.
I started laying the floor in the bathroom, finally covering up the remnants of the dreadful carpet that was in this room when I found the house at the dump.
I finished the floor and stuck this gorgeous chair in the room for a pretty picture.
I don’t like doing bathrooms in a small house. It’s a waste of space – at least, to my eyes – especially in a house with four rooms, or three, now that I’ve made the first floor an open space. Boring: a toilet, a bathtub, and a sink. Inserting the chair in this scene made me wonder: do I really have to have a bathroom? Wouldn’t I much rather have this room be a den or retreat with an easel set up near the window? I’m just riffing at the moment, but what do you think? I already defied norms by eliminating the stairs. Maybe we could just agree that the bathroom is just off the kitchen? Out of sight, but there?
Thoughts?
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday.
By all means leave the bathroom to the imagination, and make this space into whatever calls you!
Thanks so much, Connie.
Stay safe!
Put a false door in a back or side wall, if possible, to suggest there is another part to the house…
No room for that. But Don said, why not have a small sign that says “Loo” and an arrow pointing beyond the kitchen?
Stay safe, Petra.
Just pretend it has outdoor plumbing. I grew up in a house with no indoor bathroom. I think the house would be better served having another room instead of a bathroom.
No outdoor plumbing, it’s a house being lived in today, but I’m going to go with the bathroom being just beyond the opening to the kitchen.
Thanks, Olivia.
Stay safe!
glad you already have that oasis of calm, lots of creative outlets and only let in what you want in your cozy, charming home.
that’s a good subject to ponder no matter one’s age (though i soon turn 63) … what do i want and need from this point going forward? thanks for the reminder.
as for the dollhouse (not) having a bathroom? to my thinking, dollhouses are physically small things, often making stairs and bathrooms a given. you know they are there, you just can’t see them right now or you pretend they are “over there” somewhere. dollhouses are made for imagination and whatever brings you delight. my vote is do what you want, what makes you happy. and if that was my dollhouse? i’d skip the bathroom and leave that beautiful chair there, add lots of books and turn the space into a reading room (though as someone who loves to paint, i like the idea of adding an easel, paintings and art supplies).
love the big open first floor, by the way, and that light looks great. same with your work on the white floors.
lots going on here so am taking it easy this morning.
hope you have a good day.
kathy in iowa
It won’t be a reading room per se, as there are a lot of books downstairs in the living room. But I can see a table next to the chair with a stack of books. It will be a small studio space, with a chair to read in and an easel and artist supplies.
Thanks, Kathy.
Stay safe!
I often find the world outside just “too much” lately. I don’t want to become a hermit or afraid to leave my house, but my comfort zone has certainly gotten smaller this last year. Peace is what I crave more than ever. And time in nature, walks in the woods, a sunset at the beach. Between the pandemic and the political climate, the world seems to be upside down-inside out much of the time.
Much better to spend time in dollhouse world, book world, music world!
In dollhouse world bathrooms can be unseen.
I think the light looks perfect, and what an improvement the floor is!
That chair looks like the perfect place to curl up with a good book. A den with lots of books would be much more fun than a bathroom.
Stay safe
Thanks so much, Marilyn. Don also thinks we don’t need to see the bathroom. The room will have some books (though there are a lot downstairs, so I’m assuming the owner would grab one from that shelf) a reading lamp, an easel and a shelf for artist supplies.
Stay safe!
I wouldn’t have a bathroom, the doll house looks very Edwardian to me and cottages would have a tin bath brought indoors to be filled with boiling water from the kitchen kettle. Toilets would be in a separate building outdoors.
I agree make the room into an artist’s studio or a study.
Happy Sunday
Well, it’s definitely a modern version of a period house – it’s not intended to be a period recreation, so it would have a bathroom. What I’m going with is that it was added on beyond the kitchen area and no one needs to see it!
Stay safe, Dee Dee!
As usual, you’ve given me, a couple things to ponder. First, our home HAS become a refuge from the world. I just turned 70, yesterday…and Jim will be 70 in a few months. And while we have plenty to keep us occupied, and stimulated right here at home….we long to travel, as Covid is managed. The question is, how much traveling we’ll be able to return to comfortably? How much freedom will we regain? Or will our home become even more of a refuge? Guess, we’ll have to wait and see,
Secondly….I think it would be great to skip the bathroom in your dollhouse. Especially, since you only have 4 rooms. Why not pretend there’s an outhouse? It’ll be fun to see what you decide to do.
Hope you have a good day…stay safe! ;)
Happy Birthday, Donna! Much love being sent your way!
No outhouse, but a room just out of sight from the kitchen, I think. The owners are present-day owners of a very old house.
Yes, we want to travel, too. We’d love to get in one more trip to Paris, for example. But it will be a long while until I feel comfortable with that.
Stay safe, Donna!
Thank you! ;)
Happy belated 70th Birthday, Donnamae!
Thank you. ;)
Leave bathroom to imagination and make a library…my daughter had a small dollhouse…we did that…later, she had a huge one with enough rooms…but the library can be “there”…love what you have done…your cottage sounds so sweet, comforting, and calm…I have lived in huge houses and tiny apartments…this condo will be small and sweet and will love it…you mentioned you coached Shakespeare at times…of course, my favorite. I started teaching in 1994…projects in South Carolina…loved it…then home to WV to be closer to daughter, husband, and grands in Indiana…anyway, in 1996, I was one of 30 teachers in the nation in D.C. for a month for Shakespeare Institute for teachers–at the Folger’s…loved loved…we had such great leaders. A few years later, I was at Shakespeare and Company in Mass. with 20-30 teachers for the same type of program…living there also. We had fantastic speakers and writers from England…liked that month…two times 2006 and 2008, I was in England-London and Stratfor upon Avon-similar-wow…my favorite units to teach-Shakespeare…students looked forward to that each year…we did so many activities…am thrilled to know you coached…my favorite…you just impress me more and more…you are so talented and so dear to all of us…prayers for you and Don.
I’m not going to do a library – already have a lot of books in the living room. More likely an art studio of some sort.
I’ve coached mostly Shakespeare for years. I never tire of it.
Best wishes on your journey to Florida, Brenda! We’re all thinking of you! Stay safe.
Dear BrendaB – it is thanks to a teacher much like yourself that set me on my early path of love of Shakespeare. Thank you for sharing the joy of those memories.
-mg
Awww how sweet of you…
I became a teacher at the age of 46…a dream that took 40 years
Masters at age 59
Didn’t get to finish doctorate
Wow! Fantastic accomplishment! Almost got a PhD! Whew!
I had to divert at age 37 to a new career from theatre since a car accident and an economy downturn reduced opportunities for me in theatre. It was good ride while it lasted – wished I had gone for the Masters.
The English teacher I had as a senior in high school, Mr. Digby, took his class to see Romeo & Juliet at the Old Globe in San Diego. Romeo was performed by Jon Voight and Juliet, by his then-wife, Lauri Peters. It was a student-matinee and Jon was flying high. He was swinging around on the set, hanging from the balcony rail, declaring his love, and other antics. It was so highly charged -thrilling. I already loved the Globe, but seeing that production pushed me even higher. Later in life, while working there, I happened to mention about seeing Jon Voight as Romeo – ‘OH!’ they said, ‘he was horrible on the set and costumes.’ Made me laugh, though I know there are actors like that from time to time and they don’t endear themselves to the technical staff.
Thanks for opening a subject area [and thanks to Claudia for providing the forum], which brings out a happier time for me.
Happy Birthday, Donnamae!
Thank you! ;)
happy belated birthday, donnamae! hope it was a good, easy day for you.
kathy in iowa
Thank you! ;)
Hi Claudia – not sure if know about this miniatures website: http://www.weaverthorpe-miniatures.co.uk/.
Thank you, Cheryl!
Stay safe.
Your post today helped put my thoughts into words. I am definitely a stay-in-my-home person. I love my cozy, safe haven. And, my gardens…. Before the pandemic, I already was staying home more than not. Due to some serious health issues, my “outside the home” life had already been down-sized. I’m doing pretty good health wise now but I must be diligent about taking any health risks. I think the hardest thing during this pandemic has been that my CHOICE has been taken away. For health & safety reasons, I must stay home. I’ve lost my chances of going out to do my puttering, etc. I miss that. I’ve had my 1st shot & the 2nd is scheduled for March 30. (insert sigh of relief!). I live in Central Massachusetts and I walk outside everyday, weather permitting. That helps. No need for a mask either because of the design of my neighborhood. I am SO not ready to “get back out there”. My husband is more so and we’ve had some, shall I say, spirited discussions of our near and distance way of living. As long as I can be outside in my yard, take my walks and get out to do some of my puttering places, I think that’s the new way for me in the coming months…year. I have my creative projects, my books, tv (Brit Box & Discovery+ !!!). I don’t need restaurants, flying to somewhere, etc.
And, one more thing, I say make a nice, comfy den and let the bathroom be in the viewers imagination. Nothing like a comfy room with a comfy chair & ottoman to sit back I relax. And, maybe a desk/table for creative projects. TAKE CARE EVERYONE & PLEASE STAY WELL!
Luanne
Yes, I want to be able to go to a bookstore or shopping for antiques/vintage, for sure. I want the choice. But I have a feeling my choice will be to stay home more often than not!
Stay safe, Luanne!
There’s nothing like the peace and contentment of home. I find that whenever I go anywhere these days, I start to get uneasy and have to hurry home. I understand that not all people are happy at home and for all kinds of reasons. I am going to pray for peace in our lives, especially those that can not find peace.
If you put a bathroom in you and others that are checking out the doll house will always think, “Oh, and the bathroom” if you don’t include it, you nor any one else will even think of it.
Take care,
Kelly
Good advice!
Thank you, Kelly!
Your Oasis of Calm – I think that is why I am drawn to your blog/newsletter. My world has been less than calm; I don’t like the fact that this has become usual, but, for now, I cope and accept and survive.
Yes, Claudia, by all means, leave that bathroom out! It obviously does not get your creative juices flowing and the space is too large to be a simple bathroom. Enjoy!
It definitely does not get my creative juices flowing!
Thanks, Martha.
Stay safe.
In all honesty, I have little desire to return to the pace of pre-Covid times. There are things I’ll gently pick up now and then, but like you I have found peace and sanctuary during this time — not always easy, considering what we’ve been through collectively. I have lived a life of creativity and largely contentment in this past year on a personal level, and I see little reason why it should change. I’m sure certain things will pick up a bit in time but I am in no rush.
Oh, yes. No bathroom required. A reading room or study is a much better idea. A studio. That peaceful spot. I quite agree!
Agree with you…slow is better…
I am no rush, either! In one way, this year has been a blessing, for I’ve discovered what I really want and need in my daily life.
Stay safe, Jeanie!
I haven’t minded spending more time at home during COVID. I have been able to read more and craft more and since I am retired, I am learning to do what I want when I want. It is a new experience after raising 5 children and years of working!
Your dollhouse = your decision!
Stay safe!
Wonderful that you’ve finally had the time for you, Ellen!
Stay safe.
I like the “LOO” sign idea.
And yes, its hard to imagine some of the close-quarters things we used to do; flying, museum shows, busy restaurants. I noticed the other night that I was feeling anxious about how close people were standing to each other on a very pre-covid TV show. And Have anxiety dreams about people coming too close to me in various situations. A whole new set of neurosis to look forward to!
ceci
I get that way, also. I watch things and wonder why they don’t have masks on!
Stay safe, Ceci.
I would like to put my application in to be your first tenant when the house is done, ☺☺☺❤
Ah!
Thanks, Sue!
Stay safe.
Oh darn I see from one of your comments there are already owners. Oh well, if they decide to rent let me know ☺☺☺❤
You will be at the top of the list!
xoxo
Oh, like your idea of not having a bathroom. Draw a door that is partly opened on a wall. Or put a door on a wall. Bathroom!
No room on the walls. It will be just beyond the open back of the house.
Thanks, Tana.
Stay safe!
I would like to see how you would do a bathroom. I am sure it would be unique. Bathrooms can be a fun space.
Look at my first house, Hummingbird Cottage. There’s a bathroom there.
Stay safe, Kay.
I’m torn about leaving home for any distance at this point. We’re both vaccinated & feel so relieved, but still loving our home & the safety & piece of mind it brings to us. Being in our 70’s, the kids & grandkids live within 45 min of us, may be all we need at this point in our lives. We’ve got the beaches right here, No Cal is always a treat, so that may just be enough for us!
It’s so interesting how this past year has actually put so much into perspective. What we really need & what we really DON’T!!
Exactly! I predict a lot of companies will stay with people working from home. Much less expensive, less prohibitive rent for office space. It will be interesting to see what stays in place, even after the pandemic is over.
Stay safe, Priscilla!