Monday, May 9, 2011

Welcome Home!!!

Welcome to my new kitchen!

It's small, but it's very functional: there is a tremendous amount of storage space, a microwave (which I've not had in 6 months, though I only use it for melting butter or reheating leftovers anyway), a work table with a fabulous view of greenery and daffodils, and even a gas stove (which I've also been without for the past 6 months, and infinitely prefer to electric).

And there's lots of light, which is essential for a kitchen; the kitchen I had around Christmas time was a virtual dungeon that had only two small windows, with a fence blocking the view from one and an enclosed porch blocking the light and view from the other ... it was so dismal and depressing!

But this one is cheerful and bright; and it looks out upon the front porch ... yes, I have a front porch!!!

It has two rocking chairs (that's my kitchen window behind them), and I've staked my claim to the space by wrapping my Mardi Gras beads around the banister and hanging a small, delicate (rather than clangy) wind chime. Jeremy and I ate sandwiches out there on "move in" day, enjoying the warmth and sunshine ... :)

Now, as we end our tour, let me show you the view from the porch, with a budding tree, a gorgeous pink tulip tree, and a white picket fence. Even my blue Suburban is visible way off in the distance:


My word for the year (thank you for the inspiration, Leanne!) was NURTURE. I can definitely nurture myself here -- it's peaceful, it's welcoming, it's cozy, it's sunny, and I can release a lot of stressors in this kind of environment.

I can have more control over my own life, set my own schedule, stay up as late as I want to, and eat what I want whenever I want without accommodating anyone else.

I can even choose my own color schemes and decor, kitschy and whimsical as they might be in "thrift store chic" with Remy and Cookie Monster and some rubber duckies watching over my cooking adventures, and floral garlands from the dollar store breaking up some of the pervasive whiteness of the apartment.

I feel freedom coming back to me. I've lived with others, in varying scenarios, since I got married in 1987 ... it's been a long time since I've been alone and didn't have to factor others' needs and desires into my choices. (Especially significant since some of the people I've lived with have inflicted very distinct and rigid constraints, due to circumstances beyond anyone's control.)

And that freedom I feel returning??? *I* need this right now.

But enough about that. Now that you've seen my new home, we'll be back to eating tomorrow!


Photobucket


12 comments:

Candace said...

What a beautiful space, Mary! I love how light and bright it is! I agree on preferring a gas stove. You have such a lovely view in your new space and the porch is fabulous. It's going to be nice to enjoy the warm weather and dine al fresco this summer. I can hardly wait to see what comes out of your kitchen now that you can let your creativity flow. It's time to nurture Mary. You deserve it, sweet friend. I hope you have a beautiful week. *hugs*

Unknown said...

I love the new digs Mary!! I think it's fantastic that you have your own place...and a cute place at that! Make it home...relax...enjoy it...create amazing things there!! I'm so happy for you :)

Cranberry Morning said...

Beautiful, Mary! I am so happy for you. The kitchen looks bright and cheery, and who wouldn't love a front porch. What a lovely view. The blossoms and the white picket fence look like they're right out of a Jane Austen novel!

YulyaShenka said...

Following you in every possible way :-) From To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop. If I lost some way to follow you, please, tell me.
Hope to see you at http://www.luckyangelandgiveaways.blogspot.com/
Thank you and have a great week :-)

A Helicopter Mom said...

Good for you! It sounds like you're finally in a wonderful place to call home. I LOVE that view from the front porch...it's just beautiful.

I'm a new follower from the Mingle Monday Blog Hop. I'd love it if you'd swing by A Helicopter Mom and follow me back! :)

Have a great week,
Mickey
A Helicopter Mom

TheKidIsRich said...

Hey there - great blog!! :)

Stopping by from the Magnificent Monday Blog hop - I'm your newest follower via GFC. :) Would *so* appreciate a follow back!

Alex
http://www.thekidisrich.blogspot.com/
Educating kids and teens on entrepreneurship

FromTheHeartsOf said...

I love your cute little kitchen, so jealous over here! My kitchen is a dungeon as well.

Karen Harris said...

I'm so happy for you Mary. This is like a happy ending to a challenging story. I know that lovely spirit of yours will just soar in your new home.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

oh wow!!!! I must have been out of the loop for quite some time! I am so sorry! I am HAPPY for you (don't get me wrong)...but i thought you were still with Tom (was that his name???) I remember when you moved months ago.
I love the idea of hanging beads on your railing....sooo artsy and cool!
Best of luck to you!

KATHLEEN said...

I am so happy for you Mary! A bright sunny kitchen for a bright sunny person. ENJOY your new home! So happy for you!

Unknown said...

following as a guest host of becca's monday blog hop. please follow back AT http://www.3decades3kids.blogspot.com/ VERY appreciated..El xoxo 3decades3kids

Beth Zimmerman said...

What a wonderful new home! May it be filled to the brim with blessings and be a place where many happy memories are made!


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