Why is this home-remaking an important part of the grief process for me? I am a homebody who was married to a homebody. I am not one who wants to stagnate in and repeat good times: those precious times can never be repeated. I want to savor the wonderful gifts of time and memory and know that extraordinary gifts graced my life for a short time. To be a whole person for my children and others, I have to be a part of the re-creating of a new journey...so
As I wrote in the previous post where I listed some
good resource references, I took action on re-creating homemaking after about two years.
1. I had completed the categorizing, rearranging, and purging (yes, the acronym is on purpose). Well, maybe completed for the time being - categorizing, rearranging, and purging need continually to be addressed.
2. Our shared home had been cozy, welcoming, electic, and nature-inspired. I just wanted to add more feminine touches that reflect more of my personality. For the most part, I wanted to keep the artwork, furniture, and vintage/antique collections. Again, I needed to add a more feminine touch without being glamorous, sumptious, and pastel. I appreciated comfortable, peaceful, natural, sturdy, all with a touch of serendipity: those words could describe me, too.
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My mother's pillow was always in her chair at her home.
My daughter's cat is now always in my chair with that pillow. |
3. From all my design clippings, notebooks, Feng Shui books, and Pinterest boards, I knew that what I wanted was already there in the house. Paint, DIY sewing, rearranging new vignettes, and rotating furniture and artwork locations were all I needed for me to be happy, busy, and creative. This plan would mean that house integrity was more important. The priority repair list became the following: water heater; exterior pressure-washing and painting; under-the-house moisture control; replacement of the rotted front door frame; repair of storm-damaged roof, gutters, and porch; removal of storm-damaged and fallen trees. Financial recovery and treasured plans of continued travel with my daughters would mean nothing but DIY for the interior for a long time. That was my practical choice, and I resolved to be happy with the decision.
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The tea set was from Horchow in the 1970s. Fabric boxes hold my sewing supplies.
The glass table allows for sew "overflow" and, when padded, as a cutting board.
The watercolor is by Sa Smith, the wife of my children's doctor when they were young. |
4. As you know, showcase photos can cause much confusion (and even more frustration if you are on a tight budget). I thought about what room would be my dream room. That room would be my office, created from a small bedroom by my husband as a surprise while I was out-of-town for a weeklong training conference. He did a great job on the room and remembering all the items I had selected or daydreamed of having!
What makes it my favorite room and a perfect reflection of me?
- Provides sanctuary for reading, writing, and study
- Houses my smaller treasures from travel
- Includes antiques and vintage treasures from family
- Overlooks the beautiful back garden.
Optional Advantages:
- Located in "Fame and Reputation" of the Bagua Map (rear middle of house)
- Represents "fire"..me, a fire sign. (also receives the most sun of all the house).
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| Provides sanctuary for reading, writing, and study |
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| Includes antiques and vintage treasures from family |
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| Houses my smaller treasures from travels |
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| Overlooks the back garden and has the most sun of any room |
In the next post, I will share how I took my dream room to help guide my vision for the rest of my home.
