The littles love their tiny loft, and maybe the reading nook too.
When Sarah, my daughter-in-law, created these signs last summer I never imagined it would be over a year before two of our six grandchildren had a place to hold them up. Though the nook and loft are not completely finished, the end is finally in sight and as happy as I am, Brian is even happier.
The Reading Nook
Initially, I planned for the reading nook to be the size of a full mattress and closed off, in hopes of giving it a quiet, cozy feel. It didn’t take long, however, to realize that the eight-foot-long window/desk would barely squeeze into the remaining space so we switched the size to a twin. I was disappointed, but the tiny house was created mainly for writing, so I begrudgingly agreed with reality and here we are.
As I played with the idea of closing off this tiny twin nook, I came across a picture in Cottage Living that reminded me of the second-story sleeping porch in Thomas Wolfe’s home, located in Asheville, NC. Its surrounding walls, consisting mainly of windows, make for an airy, bright, and downright dreamy space.
So we decided to make an interior “window” that matched the other three inside the nook. Now, natural light shines through, lending an open feel to the entire tiny house. It may not feel quite as cozy but I figure the stack of vintage chenille spreads, fluffy back pillows, and a copy of Look Homeward, Angel in the corner will help readers feel right at home.
The Littles’ Loft
As an eight-year-old, I dreamed of creating a tiny space in my grandparent’s attic. It was a hidden world above their single-storied home, accessed only by a string that dangled from the door on the ceiling.
The rectangular-shaped attic was bookended by windows. On one side, an iron rod holding vintage dresses coffined in garment bags stretched for what seemed like miles. Brightly colored polyester pieces peeked out from their plastic as if to beg for attention.
On the other side, boxes housed Christmas for eleven months of the year. Grandmother and Granddaddy focused on family instead of fanfare, reflected in the content of the containers that held their decorations, and my memories.
Like the attic in their home, our littles’ loft in the tiny house will be accessible by narrow slats of wood that climb twice as high as their heads. Strategically placed bars across the front, a couple of bean bags, and a comfy throw rug will offer a nice spot to read, play games, or hide Hatchables.
While their tiny “hidden world above” won’t hold vintage dresses or Christmas storage, it will hold the potential to create memories they’ll not soon forget.
Yes, the loft and reading nook are tiny, but if my grandparents’ pocket-sized home taught me anything, it’s that the size of a home doesn’t determine the amount of love it can hold.
So, I’d love to know… what book would you bring to read in the tiny reading nook?
Because gratitude begins when we take notice.
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In addition to being part of my local Word Weavers group, I’m extremely blessed to be one of the “4 Corners” in a small writer’s accountability/critique group.
Carolyn, one of the three amazing “corners”, challenged us to create our own storyboards (or purpose boards) as a visible tool for inspiration.
My storyboard actually begins at the bottom, to illustrate foundational truths for my writing. First, an image of the woman at Jesus’ feet, to always remind me where my journey began. It’s also foundational for me to keep my “spiritual tank” full. How can I share it from an empty one?
The picture of the waiting room reminds me that there is a purpose in the waiting. And, I must be patient and willing to wait for God’s timing.
Mid-way up the poster, I have pictures of pure inspiration that include places we’ve visited (Lake Lure, Carl Sandburg’s home, Thomas Wolfe’s home, etc), pictures of flowers from our garden, my grandmother’s house, and a picture of a sower sowing seed smack dab in the center of the poster to remind me that everything is written to be done so with the mindset of sowing God’s seed and bringing Him alone glory.
At the top, you’ll find pictures of what I pray the result of my writing to be, beginning with an act of worship. Also, that my writing will have a divine ripple effect much like a pebble being tossed into the water. One quote completes the board: “Write so that heaven is different.” – Lee Roddy. Thankfully, the results are all in God’s hands and out of mine.
I feel incredibly blessed to share my little corner of the world with such amazing women like Carolyn, Cynthia, and Beth. Thank you, friends!
So, how could you use a storyboard to get those creative juices flowing?
Much like our getaway weekend, I’ll keep this short and sweet.
As many of you know, Brian and I celebrated our 20th year wedding anniversary last week. We could have escaped to many places for this momentous occasion, but we chose instead to celebrate it in our favorite mountain cabin, tucked away in the Saluda NC mountains.
Highlights included:
A yummy (and beautiful) birthday cake from McFarlan’s Bakery in Hendersonville NC. White cake, buttercream icing, with piped fall leaves all a flutter.
An amazing drive through the Watershed. Though the leaves were not brilliant, God’s handiwork certainly was.
Bargain Shiny-Brites. $1.00 a box, all in the original packaging. Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!
Lots of reading/writing time with Rupert (our spoiled Lhasa) curled up in my lap.
An adorable find in a downtown Hendersonville antique shop — a child’s metal bench (see below). We plan to screen in our back porch soon and this will fit just perfectly.
A new twist to bargain basement finds! Up until Saturday, our search for a bench to go with our farm table had been to no avail. And then we met Roy Eargle, a 79 year old man with a quick smile and owner of an antique store, Estate Antiques, located in downtown Saluda. After pointing us to the basement of his store, the search was over. There, we came across two old, but smoothly worn beautiful 7′ benches covered with original patina for an amazing price. Sold!
And last, but certainly not least, we visited the Old Kentucky Home, Thomas Wolfe’s childhood home and basis for his classic novel, “Look Homeward, Angel”. Touring the very house I’m currently reading about, with all its past stories still lingering through original furnishings and finds, was simply phenomenal and downright inspiring. I plan to post a few pictures of our tour tomorrow.
Okay, so much for this post being short — but it was sweet!
Visiting Carl Sandburg’s home last October was the highlight of our trip, so it came as no surprise to Brian when we began making plans for this month’s getaway to the mountains, I went in search of another author’s home to tour.
Enter Thomas Wolfe. I’d read bits and pieces about him over the past few years, but nothing more. However, I was hooked by one visit to his site this week.
I’ve set out to read his largely autobiographical novel, “Look Homeward, Angel,” to become better acquainted with his work and the history surrounding his home place in Asheville.
After reading the following paragraph found on page 84, there wasn’t a smidgen of doubt that completing the remaining 424 pages would not only be possible before our upcoming tour but a pure delight:
“And they would go across the Square to the cool depth of the drugstore, stand before the onyx splendor of the fountain, under the revolving wooden fans, and drink chill gaseous beverages, limeade so cold it made the head ache, or foaming ice-cream soda, which returned in sharp delicious belches down his tender nostrils.”
Cathy Baker
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