We have a nice apartment.
It's not a big space, but it's nice.
Technically, it's a one bedroom. But it has some great features. We have an "extra room" that doesn't quite qualify as a bedroom since there's no door. Others might use it as an office, though we use it as the piano studio. We have our own entrance in the back of the house, which makes it feel less like an apartment and more like we're just entering our own house. We also have full use of the driveway, which is quite a rarity in the city. High ceilings. Hardwood...
We have it so nice yet, even so, I've been anxious to move.
I keep saying it every year when we renew our lease "Okay, we'll renew this year, but next year we are DEFINITELY moving!"
I've been anxious for more space. More closet space. A separate recording studio for Christopher. An actual guest room. A second story...... a house.........
But we can't afford to upgrade right now.
So instead of moving, we've resolved to make our current place not only cozier but more functional.
Step one, was replacing an armchair that had seen better days. That's done and I just love the replacement we found--it's the plum settee.
Step two, is to better utilize the wall space in our bathroom & bedroom. More shelving & organizers. And no more stacks or piles of mail on the desk.
Step three is the hardest. To make peace with this small space again. To learn to love it. It would certainly be nice to have more space, but for now I'm going to concentrate on how being in a smaller space can bring our little family closer together. I just want to make the best of what we have. To make what-we-have work for us.
Having a bigger place will be nice someday, God willing. But my hopes don't have to rest in it.
I think I'm finally learning not to say "we're DEFINITELY moving next year!"
For now, we should consider ourselves fortunate. We have a place that feels even more like a home than it did nearly 4 years ago when we first married our lives together. Here's to another year.
And however many more.
5 comments:
Good thoughts. You've made such a beautiful home.
Love.
Such a great way to view things. I love your space...it's so cozy and welcoming. Just how a home should feel. I've struggled with wanting more space or being able to buy a house, but it's just not going to happen any time soon. Learning to be content is the hardest lesson. I love how you are seeking to be happy right where you are, otherwise life would just be miserable all the time. Thanks for sharing!
I just saw that you studied oboe, Stacey! I played it pretty seriously in high school (along with piano) but haven't played since. I studied piano performance in college and grad school, and am still figuring out exactly how to be a musician in this day and age...it's hard!
Love your blog :)
Oh yes I know all too well the feeling of trying to be contect with a small space. One that we keep hoping to upgrade and never do... its a fickle thing, home ownership or even moreso, home making. I'm with you i will be looking at things as we are fortunate to have a place to call home... and the kids are happy so really thats all that matters to me!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, ladies. :)
Kate - so funny that you played oboe too. We're in similar boats! :)
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