I’m down to the final four boxes of stuff to unpack. The pottery survived the shipping and every piece was in tact. Same with the oil lamps and lantern. I was quite pleased.
My traveling companion told me once I started putting art on the walls and my own things on the shelves this house would begin to feel like home. And she’s right.
In the end I shipped 12 boxes of books and 8 boxes of “stuff” that wouldn’t fit in my car. I wasn’t sure what I had shipped, I was in such a state on moving day. But everything arrived and I’m slowly finding a home for every thing. There were some things I wanted to bring but didn’t have time or space, so I left them behind. So far when I’ve looked for something that I thought I brought but didn’t, I’m wistful for a moment and then the moment passes.
I have collected some interesting pieces of art over the years. A couple of them were gifts, a few I’ve bought myself and others I’ve collected along the way. Today I spent time hanging things on the walls of the house and making it feel more like home. I arrived with no furniture of my own, and a fully furnished house. Even the bedding was provided for me, which was amazing. A friend and colleague made me a quilt which adorns my bed. I have a rainbow blanket that was given me by a friend and it also graces my bed.
A snuggly blanket I bought in late November hangs on the back of the chesterfield and I wrap it around myself on chilly evenings.
Today was a rainy, overcast day. I spent most of the morning at ICBC getting my car registered, arranging for new license plates, and vehicle insurance. I mailed my Ontario plates back to Service Ontario and am anticipating a cheque which will help offset the cost of registering in British Columbia. After attaching the BC plates to my car I decided to run a few errands in the village where I now live, then filled the car with gas (the cheapest it’s been since I arrived here) and headed for the next closest community – an hour away.
It is a larger community and thus has a shopping mall filled with stores that we do not have locally. I had a list and did quite well, and when I got home I started putting my purchases away and clearing off the dining room table. It is now adorned with a dark brown round tablecloth and grass green round placemats. My plan is to keep the table clear of “work” and wrangle that in the office.
Feeling motivated I hung my favourite piece of artwork on my bedroom wall, above the dresser, where I can see it every night and every morning. A stuffed dog I was given as a baby also adorns the dresser as well as a framed print of female saints, given by a friend.
Tonight I framed two Tom Tomson prints I bought this Fall in Owen Sound at the Tom Tomson gallery. They are in my dining room. An evocative print given as a gift by a bride and groom graces a wall in the living room. Everywhere I look now I see pieces that are meaningful to me. Every piece has a story and I know them all.
As I gaze around this incredible space I am feeling less like a guest and more like I am home. The walls are looking for familiar and friendly. And soon all the boxes will be unpacked and this house will truly be my home.
In the Spring there will be a smudging and house blessing where I will invite the congregation to be part of warming and welcoming the space; they will share in the blessing of this house made a home.
Thanks be to God.
I am very glad you are getting organized and you sound like you are in a peaceful state. Glad to hear from you. Bonnie.
This is a wonderful place. I’m so blessed to be here.