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A real copper bathtub is just part of the charm oozing from the bathroom in the home of Laurie Mustard’s Facebook friend, Linda.
Today’s theme is "Why I Love My Home," but before we get into that, let’s all take a moment to pause on this Remembrance Day and give thanks to those who have given so much, and those who continue giving today, to protect our democracy and preserve Canada, our home, and the rest of the free world.
Without their sacrifice, we would have no country to have a home in. No words are adequate to thank them enough for their courage and service.
OK, since I posed the question, I guess it’s only fair to tell you what I love about my own home. Everything! Especially the years of family memories I see every which way I look. And if I had to choose a specific "thing" in my home, most relevant for today’s purposes, would be the old roll top desk I write Mustard On Everything at each week.
It’s the desk my dad had in his store in Lyleton, Man., from 1934 to 1940, the same desk mom would pop in and visit him at while they were courting, prior to tying the knot on July 8, 1936. Yep, it’s a keeper.
Now, the reason I came up with this topic for today is that some time ago, like maybe a year ago, I got talking with a Facebook friend, we got around to talking about homes for some reason, and she sent me a couple of pictures of her castle, and wow, I just loved what I saw.
I haven’t had the opportunity to visit yet, but a few days ago I got her on the phone and suggested we do a quick interview about what she loves about her place, along with sending me a few more pics.
Done. Just LOVE her decor. For today’s column, there’s probably only enough space to focus on one room, so I pick the kitchen... although... the bathroom is her favourite room in the house, and even has a gorgeous copper bathtub. I mean, spectacular.
So Linda, if you will, please give us some details on your cool kitchen.
"Hmmmm," she says, "where to start. Pretty much everything you see has a story. The wood facing on the cupboards is built from siding from my grandfather’s old barn; the shelf over the kitchen window above the stove is a fireplace mantle; the old stove, a garage sale score, works great. I guess it’s no wonder my friends say ‘You live in a museum.’
"The tea towels hanging from the ceiling were made by my grandmother (using sugar and flour bags) when she was a teenager. She gave them as a wedding gift to a cousin... and the hand water pump on the counter... that was in a neighbour’s house when I was a little girl, and when the lady moved to town, she gave the pump to me. It’s all hooked up, works perfectly."
Wow. If we were to saunter around Linda’s "museum," we’d also find a beautiful old player piano for which she has over 200 rolls; a pump organ; the butcher block from the Roland Butcher Shop, and back in the kitchen, decorative glass she acquired following a church upgrade in Morden.
We’ve barely scratched the surface. Curious, I ask what’s on her wish list. "I’m keeping an eye out for one of the old tabletop gramophones with the big horn (working of course), and someday want to get the windmill in my yard repaired and back up." (’Tis a 30-footer with metal blades that blew down during a recent tornado).
Love those windmills. Would love to have one in my yard.
A booming voice from beyond says, "Laurie, you don’t need a windmill in your yard." True. OK, no windmill.
Linda, thanks for inviting us into your home for a peek, I really must get out there for a visit, a coffee and a tour someday.
In prep for today’s column, I also posted an invitation on Facebook for anyone who’d like to... to share what they love about their home. Got some great responses. Here’s one from Elaine Stevenson that probably pretty much sums it up for most of us:
"My home is my sanctuary, my anchor, my comfort and my place where solitude, enjoyment and love of family is always present. I open the door to enter, and our dog Bailee comes bounding down the hallway filled with the simple unconditional love at just knowing I am home.
"Here I feel safe, secure and so comforted by the knowledge that I am loved and belong. I love my home."
Today, and every day, is also an excellent time to remember the homeless in our city and province, and support them through wonderful organizations such as Siloam Mission and The Salvation Army, whenever we can. We may not be able to provide everyone a home, but we can sure show them they are in our thoughts, and loved. Yes, love is good, but always leave room for cool stuff to procrastinate about doing something with. It’s important!
Comments or feedback, love to hear from you!
lmustard1948@gmail.com
