Heart of the Home
Earlier this week the lovely Mrs. G, over at Derfwad Manor asked, “Reader, where is the heart of your home? What room in your house makes you breathe easier-makes you feel genuinely content?”
The room that makes me feel genuinely content isn’t exactly IN my house. Well, here, take a look:
This is the patio that Sebastian, our scaredy cat golden retriever inspired. You see, Sebastian is afraid of EVERYTHING. Trash cans, mail boxes, telephone poles, all manner of noises. Why, he was startled by a lightening bug just the other night. When we would let him outside to do his business, he was afraid to venture too far into the yard for fear of falling leaves or killer titmice or something, so he would pee as close to the house as he possibly could. Which wasn’t a good thing, particularly in the summer when it got really, really hot because, well, you see those windows there? That’s my home office. The aroma became, um, shall we say, unpleasant? Pungent? No. Putrid. Ayup, that’s the word.
Since I prefer the aroma of lilacs (to right of house in photo) Son Two and a friend of his built this patio for us. I put lots of rocks and plants and a bench between Sebastian and his peeplace. It worked. Of course, he still jumps up on the door to let us know he wants IN. RIGHT NOW DAMMIT. That’s why there are dark spots on the wall on either side of the door. Those marks? Not dirt. FEAR.
Since the patio went in, we have had parties, fires in our fire pit (wine and s’mores, anyone?) quiet evenings talking with friends, morning coffee, and many lovely times together out there. Some nights when I can’t sleep I’ll just sit out on our patio and look at the stars. Pure heaven.
Of course, on nights when I don’t have trouble sleeping and during the winter when it’s too cold or wet to enjoy the patio, my favorite place is right here, curled up with a good book or Yes,Dear. Or both.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Lovely spaces, both.
But seriously, as you get older isn’t the knowledge that you have a comfortable, inviting bed a lot more important than it used to be?
Jenn @ Juggling Lifes last blog post..Realtor Caravan: Mrs. G’s Open House
June 27th, 2008 at 7:20 am
What a fantastic patio….and bedroom, so soothing.
Mary Alices last blog post..Open House Friday
June 27th, 2008 at 7:25 am
I’m impressed. I haven’t made my bed in 20 years. It always seemed like the one pointless chore since I was just going to get back in again at night.
Alices last blog post..I’m Pretty Gangster Myself
June 27th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I love it that the heart of your home is outside. I often have a very hard time dragging myself inside in the summer and autumn. I like to just site and look.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I don’t know which I like better, the outdoor space or the indoor one!
blackbirds last blog post..Reader, where is the heart of your home?
June 27th, 2008 at 11:32 am
The patio is divine and the bedroom looks like a dream. Enjoyed the visit.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Your dog should meet my cat. She’s afraid to go downstairs by herself if no one is down there. What does she know? She freaks me out. I love the idea of going out to the patio at night if I couldn;t sleep. The raccoons use it as their playground most nights but they don’t scare me. Much. Thanks for the invite.I loved your place. I might just get to be a regular.
June 27th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Lovely patio. Can I come over for a ’smore?
oliver rains last blog post..Proud mama alert!
June 27th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I would love to hang out on that patio. And your lovely bed is just calling out for a good book and a nap! Thanks for playing along.
June 27th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I love, love, love your patio! And your bedroom. Cozy, comfy, homey.
Cheri @ Blog This Mom!s last blog post..Open House
June 27th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
What a great patio!
Jen on the Edges last blog post..Open house
June 27th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Your bedroom looks so restful that I’m ready for a nap. I need to go sit out in the sun!
Kimberlys last blog post..The heart of our home
June 27th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
sebastian is clearly a Riley Clone.
that’s a great patio. it looks very minnesota! (i have no idea where you live. but it looks familiar, in spirit.) i love lilacs, too.
lauries last blog post..Seven Steps: Yet another Boscoe adventure
June 28th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Great patio! How do you like the fire place? We have been wanting to get one for a while but don’t know anyone who has one.
tammis last blog post..Life Mosaic
June 28th, 2008 at 12:15 am
what a lovely, serene bedroom!
And poor dog!!! I have an old dog, who’s very tentative, but he’s not afraid. Maybe yours will grow out of it.
June 28th, 2008 at 3:04 am
Your patio and your bedroom both look so inviting and lovely!
Don’t you love having a fire pit?
Jennifer Hs last blog post..The prevailing winds
June 28th, 2008 at 6:40 am
hey–riley’s story: we got him from the pound. he’d been returned. very sad.
i wrote about it here.
there’s also a serial on my sidebar about how we worked with him to train him to be more gentle and less skittish. you can find it by scrolling down and clicking on the riley dog-u-drama.
lauries last blog post..Seven Steps: Yet another Boscoe adventure
June 29th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Gorgeous squidgy bed!
Ace idea of Mrs G’s wasn’t it?
Hen
Hens last blog post..Four Rooms And A View.
June 29th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
I just breathed easier looking at those pics so I can imagine how you feel living in those spaces. Nice.
Xs last blog post..Jake Steals Presents From Little Girls