I’ve been thinking a lot about life lately. None of us asked for it, but after nine months, give or take, we’re thrust naked into this world, helpless. Absolutely and utterly helpless. We would not survive without someone to tend to our every need. What is that, a parasite? No, a parasite feeds on its host. I looked it up. It’s a word I’d never heard. Human babies or any infants that cannot care for themselves right out of the gate are called altricial young. Those that pop out already self-sufficient are precocial young. (Is that where precocious comes from?)
Those were the second and third new words I learned today. The first was Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. That’s a mouthful.
Not that any of that matters, but I do love words, especially when they’re strung together poetically. Those brilliant writers who construct sentences in unique ways to make me feel like I’m right there are heroes to me. It’s the difference between writing, He was angry, as a statement, or, His face turned a shade redder, his fists clenched, and every word that spewed out was laced with venom. The first rendition is boring. In the second, I can see this mad soul and feel his fury.
See how easily I squirrel down a rabbit hole? I was talking about life, right?
For two years, mine has been synonymous with hard, physical work. I hadn’t realized until now how desperately I needed that distraction. Back-breaking labor brought healing magic as the trauma-angst of Covid slowly seeped out of my nervous system.
Building a house required skills I didn’t have. Designing it was easy. Second nature. But making the vision become reality with lumber and screws? Way beyond my pay grade! But I had help, patient teachers, and a few not-so-patient ones. I learned a lot. The end product is far from perfect, but it’s mine. And the sense of accomplishment? Off the charts.
As of this week, the inside is finished and fully furnished. It’s a home that so completely reflects me that a mini-explosion of joy hits me every time I walk through the door. I made every choice. The main living area is neutral with bursts of color in the rugs and accessories. Windows face east, south, and west with sweeping views of meadows and marshlands. Light and bright, it vibrates happy energy.
This past year, I added a garage, deck, entryway, and a 14’ x 22’ loft room with a moody vibe. Browns and grays provide a backdrop for warm bronze, terra cotta, and gold. It’s a private place where reading, writing, and solid, eight-hour sleeping, flourish.
I need both spaces, the upbeat and the shadows. In my loft I feel grounded, nurtured, safe. In the livingroom/kitchen I’m bouyant, lighter-than-air.
And now, I suddenly have free time. There are no undone tasks looming like goblins in my psyche. I’m free to live.
It’s no wonder, then, that I’ve been thinking about life – where it’s taken me, what I’ve learned, and how I want to spend the years I have left. I say years, but there are no guarantees. That knowledge drives my thoughts as well. It’s almost as though building the house was a brief detour from my trajectory. I put writing on hold. Travel on hold. Even thinking was suspended.
And now, I’m feeling my way back. The only thing I’m sure of is my delight in this place. My sense of well-being here. The scent of fresh-cut hay. The sounds of my cousin’s tractor pulling the baler leaving giant tootsie-roll mounds in the field. Raucous honking of Canadian geese flying south.
I’m in no rush to do anything. Maybe it’s time to rest, to revel in this peace, to enjoy my surroundings with no pressing urge to explore beyond my front yard. How unlike me. Could I have achieved contentment? Maybe this is Nirvana – neither suffering nor desire, just peace, tranquility, joy, enlightenment…hmmm…enlightenment… Okay, not quite there yet, but I can see it from here!
writing for self-discovery 
Sep 03, 2024 @ 20:53:17
Such a beautiful result of your diligence. I particularly like your living room, which seems restful and soft. I know what you mean about needing a moody spot as well.
Your daybed is a winner. I had one of those in my Seattle apartment before I moved out of the country, but they are unheard of here in Ecuador where I live now. I suppose I could have one made for my office, now that I have seen yours. The wheels are turning…
Enjoy every moment in your lovely home.
I don’t see your name but I’m sure you have one!
Warm regards,
Elaine Ness
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Sep 03, 2024 @ 21:45:03
Thank you for your complimentary words. I do, in fact, have a name! Sherry Bronson.
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Sep 03, 2024 @ 21:22:35
You have a beautiful new home. Size is great and decorated so nicely. AND YOU MADE IT. I’m 70 and got to the point where I am content in my home most of the time now though I go someplace every day. Even travel have no real call to me although I still have some drive for that. I’m more tired than I used to be too, so there’s that. But we must keep going, keep moving.
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Sep 03, 2024 @ 21:47:07
Ah, yes…keep moving. Great advice, although I’m finally enjoying the luxury of sitting still.
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Sep 03, 2024 @ 21:53:47
Congratulations. You have created your own little peaceful resting place. Now it is time to relax and play and maybe create some great writing.
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Sep 03, 2024 @ 21:55:44
Wouldn’t that be a happy accident! HAHAHAHA!
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Sep 03, 2024 @ 22:04:38
I love your home, and the fact that you did it all yourself (with a little help from your friends)! If you start to travel again, it will be more wonderful knowing that you have this lovely place to come home to.
Kate (Western Australia)
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 08:50:16
With A LOT of help from my friends! And you’re so right…having a ‘home base,’ even if it’s just a trip across country to visit family, makes a huge difference.
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Sep 03, 2024 @ 22:12:55
Relax a bit and enjoy 😊. You will probably be looking for another project somewhere down the road ;).
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 08:52:20
Do I know you? You obviously know me! There will always be projects, landscaping for one, and, like construction, I have no prior experience.
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Sep 03, 2024 @ 22:34:34
I love all your writings, this one also accompanied by incredible photo. Great work!!!
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 08:54:23
Thank you so much! Glad you like the photos. So gratifying.
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Sep 03, 2024 @ 22:45:11
it is absolutely beautiful and reflective of you. So well done. Congratulations! You certainly deserve some rest and I hope you take it.
SL
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 08:56:20
Work is my superpower! I have to learn how to rest. But I’m WORKING on it!!!
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 01:04:40
Sounds like you’ve truly made HOME…..so always a safe place to return to should you feel like a venture!
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 08:55:21
Absolutely. Right now, though, I’m so happy just to stay put and enjoy!
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 01:42:31
You became a master builder. Very nice. We will go back to Vermont to visit friends, probably the last time. Very pretty there in September and October.
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 09:51:11
The only thing I mastered was will power! Enjoy your trip to Vermont. The leaves are beginning to turn here. A lovely time of year.
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 04:32:49
You may have dived into your building project without a lot of prior knowledge but you were determined to create a beautiful, nurturing home and that’s just what you’ve done. It is serene, stylish, and a reflection of you.
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 09:53:54
And I’m really glad I’m not just starting now. I think by the time we reach our 70s, there are easier ways to stay healthy and strong!
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Sep 04, 2024 @ 11:53:58
I can’t believe how big it looks… So spacious. You really did an amazing job in designing and creating this gorgeous space. Congratulations, Sherry. ♥️
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Sep 05, 2024 @ 16:13:48
It not only looks big, it feels big! Actually, it feels just right. I couldn’t be happier with every inch!
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Sep 05, 2024 @ 09:03:26
I can feel it in your words. My heart longs for that. What a blessing and how incredibly beautiful and peaceful. You are an amazing lady. 🥰
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Sep 05, 2024 @ 10:25:21
I hope your heart finds what it longs for.
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Sep 05, 2024 @ 13:08:05
Enjoy every minute of your peace…your home is just lovely! What an accomplishment!!! 💕
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Sep 05, 2024 @ 15:35:16
Thank you. It is a joy to have this place to ‘just be.’
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Sep 05, 2024 @ 15:51:38
Wonderful to see the completed place. What a great accomplishment, yes we donât know how much time we have left, I myself am still working, but have had major health issues in the past two years. But the world still needs me, perhaps in a slightly different capacity. Talking to the Lord about that.
Stay well, safe and happy.
Jim Danburg
An Information Asset Protection and Resiliency Portfolio Strategist
With expertise in Information Security, Classification, Risk, Governance, Compliance, and Resiliency (BCDR)
M:612.210.9771 james.danburg@gmail.com
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Sep 05, 2024 @ 16:11:48
So sorry to hear about health issues. That seems to be a theme as people reach a certain age. But it sounds like you still have a lot to offer which is great motivation to remain viable!
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Sep 13, 2024 @ 21:02:54
Beautiful; but then, I have loved all of your houses. Interior design is just a part of you. I f you get bored, you can always travel to one of the kids’ locations or somewhere new for awhile. You have a long lifeline so lots of time though , as you know, abilities gradually (or suddenly) do fail with age. And you can write. Autobiography? Detective novel? Poetry? Who knows!
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Sep 14, 2024 @ 09:49:53
Interior design IS a part of me. It was also my major at the University of Minnesota, one of the few schools in the country that offer a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. So I can’t claim to come by it entirely naturally. The things I learned there vastly expanded my knowledge and understanding of the practice. And writing! I’ve written an autobiography, two mystery novels, a self-help book, 509 blog posts, and poetry, so much poetry. But none of the novels have been published. They sit in the drawer, like forgotten friends, haunting me. It’s a good thing that my joy comes from writing, not from seeing my name in lights!!!
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Sep 30, 2024 @ 17:57:49
Wow, Sherry! Your house is exactly what I would want if I was even vaguely capable of building my own home. Absolutely perfect. Mind you, I’m yet to believe that your travelling days are finished. Maybe just shorter trips and then back to you haven!👍❤️
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Sep 30, 2024 @ 20:44:40
I’m sure traveling isn’t entirely finished. But it sure feels wonderful to have a cozy home base.
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