My friend Anthony kindly placates me in calling it “your room” – well, at least he does when I am present – for he knows it is my favorite in the house.
A quick left at the top of the first floor landing and the space opens up like a dove being set free from a cage…out towards the elongated windows whose shadows ripple with the bumps of the original glass… through the French doors and on to a wrought iron balcony overlooking the garden, one where I can picture myself balancing a tea cup on the railing while my other hand clasps a long silk kimono, chin aloft.
If this room were indeed mine, I would line the walls with bookcases filled with every kind of book imaginable and pile up faded Persian rugs on the floors. I wouldn’t need much more in the way of furniture than what is already there, save for a matelas for the Empire day bed, a hidden stereo and maybe a tinkling Louis XV chandelier just because the light would be – so – very – pretty.
Without falling into the tattered traps of Miss Havisham, I could be quite content in such a space and might never need to leave.
But for Anthony, this will not be his “only” room for they found that it connects directly to a smaller bedroom through a door that had been sealed off for quite some time. Wisely, the former occupants left the key for the lock on a peg for future use. Isn’t that something? Of course, these days we would have tossed it into a drawer somewhere only for it to be lost for forever. I suppose, when you live in such a house, you tend to think on the long-term.
This little corner of the house also has its certain charms. It wasn’t until I leaned in close to the remains of the geometric wallpaper that I realized that it was Cubist inspired and had been of a very fine make. Now, little is left and the wild stripes of the ancient glue have zebraed the walls in somewhat of a mix between Kelly Wearstler and Keith Haring. For now. Something tells me that this patina might not stay and the sad sink centralized between the windows might come down – even while I can imagine someone long ago quietly washing their hands in it while gazing out at the sky.
Today is an imagination day. Or a day to “fill the well” as Julia Cameron instructed in “The Artist’s Way.” So Remi got out one of his many photography books and I read an article on the life of Ellsworth Kelly; interestingly there was enough overlap in the subject matter so that we were able to have a nice exchange. But I have also been listening to the various birdsong that vibrates through this tiny village and delighted in a lone violet that had been forgotten on the walking path.
Are you taking time for yourself this week? The year is winding down.
Thank you for all of your interest in Anthony and his partners amazing renovation project.
If you missed the initial post, you can find it: here.
With my Best from Provence,
Heather
You are always, always learning something (and often many things) new, Edgar. I admire it so much…
Safety and Healthy to you and Mrs. Abstract too…Plus of course more discovery!
Isn't it amazing Sandy? I am glad you think so too, Madame L'Artiste!
Anything that brings you a bit of a breather or some happiness makes me feel great Sister. I love you!
Merci chére Greet et Bonne Année!
I could too, Susan – yet another thing that we have in common. I don't know if you will see this (especially as I am so late in responding) but I would love to hear what you are reading right now?
This absolutely made me giggle, Ali, thank you for that! But I think that you and I might be the only ones in seeing so many. I am really, really trying to edit them down to the essentials…we shall see how I do. 😉
Sending my Best Wishes to you for this new year…
Absolutely! Those would be non-negotiable. 🙂
Oh wow, I haven't heard that acapella version in years! Thank you so much for both of these links…dear me how I love Chet…that probably isn't a big surprise to you is it? 😉 But I would never have thought to have put this together with my post. Maybe (with due credit) for the part two?
Gros Bisous,
H
Ah, there is more story to come Wyn! And thank you for your wonderful compliment. I thought 2015 was a quieter year here on the blog but that is ok too. 🙂
And sending those wishes of booming creativity right back to you!!!!
These are your colors Joan.