When I moved to the Pioneer Valley a little over a year ago, I sacrificed a couple of things *other than* my being within a short driving distance from my immediate family, longtime friends and my jobs. I also sacrificed space- having significantly reduced my square footage from my previous residence in the name of more privacy, living within a unique and growing community- and high ceilings, huge windows, and exposed brick and beams (I’m a sucker for exposed brick and beams.)
I love my apartment, I truly do. It’s bright and beautiful and easy to keep tidy- although the pandemic has often made me feel like the walls are closing in around me given mandatory quarantines- but I think everyone has been feeling that way from time to time over the past six months (and counting.) Home is where the heart is, of course- but when that heart cannot possibly order anymore takeout food or watch anymore Netflix to pass the time- it’s easy to feel a little claustrophobic.
Over the past few days I’ve gotten to decorating my space with my recently retrieved Fall decorations- and I gotta’ say that the change in colors and subtle shifts in scenery has me feeling a bit more optimistic about spending hours a day at home. My otherwise plain walls and empty windowsills have been transformed with pumpkins, leaves- and splashes of oranges, reds, yellows and golds.
Even my kitchen has gotten a bit of attention- with new leaf-printed towels and gourd-shaped salt and pepper shakers. I stocked up on Fall-inspired candles to keep lit (I’ve got an apple cinnamon one burning right now) to keep my place smelling delicious and feeling warm, seasonal and cozy.
I was ready for the Fall back at the very end of August, but now that my personal space matches that mood? I’m more excited than ever to go look at the foliage and get ready for Halloween in the coming weeks.
Someone remind me not to wait another six months to decorate again, by the way.
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 