Feeling home

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Last week we finished the furniture and window treatments for our upstairs landing. It’s a quiet spot with enough room for a chair, ottoman and lamp. My favorite armoire is there too. We hung a shade replacing a 20-year-old window covering that defied describing. It was that worn. The new shade lets the light in softly. There is a double window but it is the north side, so there isn’t direct sun. Just a lot of light.

Originally, I was going to put a valance or cornice on top of that. Easy peasy. I bought fabric and made one. Nope. Not happy with that. The fabric, although pretty, was too dark. I wanted the nook to be bright and happy.

I debated on hanging panels. They are coming back into style. I love fabric at a window to soften the look. I bought two sets of panels. One was sheer and the other was a lightweight linen that was semi-sheer.

After I hung them, I got all emotional. What’s that all about?

As I sat down and wondered, I realized that I had created a room from my childhood home, just the way my mother would have done it. There were always curtains at the windows, mostly sheer. She liked peaceful settings, and this was very peaceful.

It takes me back to my childhood days – carefree and connected — and safe. I can almost see my mom sitting there reading a book. This is better than any anti-depressant big pharma makes. Such a happy memory yet here I am weeping. Makes no sense at all.

68 thoughts on “Feeling home”

  2. What a tender, beautiful memory, Kate. I think it’s wonderful that you were able to identify what had triggered the tears. That lovely landing is going to bring you much pleasure, both in the way you use it today, and maybe to offer a spot to have some of those times of remembering. Very special!

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  3. What a peaceful & beautiful spot! I completely relate to your tears at this ephiphany; I recently bought a chenille bedspread and, after assembling it + all my pillows, I gasped realizing I’d re-created my Mother’s bed — light, feminine, airy. She didn’t have all the throw pillows I do, but that moment took me back about 50 years in a flash. They are always with us, in small, beautiful, wonderful ways. 😉 MJ

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  7. What’s that about..weeping over old fashioned window treatments?

    Nostalgia for a when life wasn’t flashing by like a freight train. When we were younger panels were the thing. I remember. That said…

    You have the nicest taste Kate. That little nook is perfect. Wish I could cuddle up and read in that cozy chair.

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  17. Makes sense to me. I am a lover of light. Soft light for picture taking. Comfort light like comfort food. You have made that happen in your lovely nook. I would spend time there enveloped in the comfort of memories in my life too. I would not be able to wait until I could put a candle in the windows. I am having a day of peace and comfort that only cool weather and food from my childhood can make happen. Your home has some beautiful light, Kate. This is a beautiful post. I am happy you were able to experience this happy memory♥

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  20. Your nook is perfect and the fact that it stirs such warm emotions in you suggests it was meant to be. Funny what’ll take you back to your childhood and how you’ll feel when you get there.

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  21. I love your nook. I can see myself reading for hours in such a nook. What a lovely place and a lovely memory. It makes perfect sense to me. I have cried more for “what would Mom think” and “I need to call Mom” moments than for all the birthdays and other holidays combined. That’s the mom that I miss.

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  25. Oh yes it makes all kinds of sense…..Growing up with something a certain way is not easy to escape from (in a good way!). I often think “Mom wouldn’t like this” when I buy almost ANYTHING. She was beyond particular. That may be why I never felt “perfect enough” but even though she’s been gone since 1991 I’m still influenced by her. Besides – she probably is there on your landing – in that chair – enjoying the fact that her daughter appreciated her taste in furnishings! It’s a win-win.

    Love, Pam

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    • I like the homey feel fabric at the windows give better than blinds, shades or almost anything else and that goes back to my childhood. My mom had blinds or shades under the curtains but there were always curtains (or drapes).

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  26. That is a lovely nook. I’m with your mom. My house has a lot of opaque panels, especially in the front living room. They let in light while maintaining privacy. At night we pull heavier curtains across the windows. Of course, cats also enjoy curtains tremendously.

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