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Be sure to find that special comfortable place in your home
A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about creating a special place for yourself in your home. I invited readers to write to me describing their own special place. At this time of year, it is appropriate to share messages of gratitude and appreciation for the things and people we have around us. With that in mind, I invite you to look around your home and acknowledge everything you are thankful for.
Sometimes it is the little things that we appreciate, like having a great cup of coffee in the morning or a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. Maybe you appreciate the lamp that casts just enough light as you read in bed. Or the cozy quilt made by your aunt wrapped around you as you watch television.
There are bigger things around the house to appreciate too — like the solar tubes that let light in where there wasn’t any before. Or the draperies that are not only beautiful but also help keep the house warm. Or the functional design of the new kitchen, where there is now ample storage and counter space.
Our homes are where we connect with friends and family, certainly during holiday time, but also on a daily basis. At the dinner table, acknowledge and appreciate the conversation and laughter. Delight in your treasured family photos and the handprint made by your pre-schooler. For many of us, our Christmas tree displays many family memories. Every December I buy my kids one ornament that reflects their interests that year. We have fun together sharing stories about the significance of each ornament as we place them on the tree.
Nature provides for us a multitude of things to appreciate. I wake up early in the morning, so I am often treated to gorgeous sunsets as I eat breakfast. And I love how the evening sun casts a golden glow on the hills near my house.
One reader, Nancy, clearly inspired by nature, shared with me her own special place.
She wrote: “My special place is not only mine, it is literally “for the birds!” The apartment where I live looks out onto a woodsy, tree-filled area. I made it mine by hanging a rose colored macramé chair from the ceiling. I’ve added lights above me and all along the balcony fence. I have a whimsical mosaic table to the right of my chair, which holds the occasional glass of wine. The squirrels have a big bowl of sunflower seeds to snack on, and my bird buddies always enjoy the full feeder, while they drink or bathe in two water troughs, purchased just for them. Hummingbirds delight in the two feeders filled with sugary fuel. I sit out there, observing nature in its glory. A collection of wind chimes sing their songs to me. I have even hung art work on the fence…. It is my little piece of heaven — -I call it Paradise!”
Nancy, it sounds wonderful.
This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper
Group papers on Dec. 22, 2007.
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back to the list of decorating columns.
All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna
Jacoby.
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