I’ve read a few blogs lately where the theme is nostalgia – for past homes, towns, lives…
The above photo (taken by my amateur/almost professional quality photographer husband) certainly fits with this theme. It was taken just prior to the demolition of our old cottage.
Somewhat desolate, yes? The lone chair contributes to that sad, desolate feeling. It’s as if the chair is peering out the window at that huge piece of machinery in the distant background and daring it to do its worst. And it did.
I miss the old place. And strangely enough, I’m glad we have this rather sad picture of it. We have plenty of others which capture 17 years of wonderful memories. This one captures “the end” and a hint of a new beginning (that monster machine).
There are various reasons we tore down the old cottage. A large factor was money. We could not justify spending any more money on “improvements.” New roof? New foundation? But what about the fact insects were chewing inside the walls? And the mice! (Yes, I’m back on this topic.) These little furry creatures had squatters rights to this place. One summer my husband told me that early one morning he saw a mouse lying on my pillow. And, yes, my head was on the pillow, too. I thought he was just teasing – giving me “the business.” Uh-uh. Years later he confirmed it was true. Even now I shudder at the visual.
The old place had done its best – had given us years of pleasure. It was time to move on.
I moved fairly frequently as a child and for that (and other reasons) I loathe change. This particular change turned out to be one I was able to handle well - partly out of sheer necessity but also because even as I get older, I’m still learning. Not all change is bad.
And the memories are yours to keep forever.
The above photo (taken by my amateur/almost professional quality photographer husband) certainly fits with this theme. It was taken just prior to the demolition of our old cottage.
Somewhat desolate, yes? The lone chair contributes to that sad, desolate feeling. It’s as if the chair is peering out the window at that huge piece of machinery in the distant background and daring it to do its worst. And it did.
I miss the old place. And strangely enough, I’m glad we have this rather sad picture of it. We have plenty of others which capture 17 years of wonderful memories. This one captures “the end” and a hint of a new beginning (that monster machine).
There are various reasons we tore down the old cottage. A large factor was money. We could not justify spending any more money on “improvements.” New roof? New foundation? But what about the fact insects were chewing inside the walls? And the mice! (Yes, I’m back on this topic.) These little furry creatures had squatters rights to this place. One summer my husband told me that early one morning he saw a mouse lying on my pillow. And, yes, my head was on the pillow, too. I thought he was just teasing – giving me “the business.” Uh-uh. Years later he confirmed it was true. Even now I shudder at the visual.
The old place had done its best – had given us years of pleasure. It was time to move on.
I moved fairly frequently as a child and for that (and other reasons) I loathe change. This particular change turned out to be one I was able to handle well - partly out of sheer necessity but also because even as I get older, I’m still learning. Not all change is bad.
And the memories are yours to keep forever.
6 comments:
How sad. I hate these kinds of transitions too...
I moved around a lot as a child too and our family cottage was the one place that always stayed the same. We just had our last summer there this past year and it was one of the best...we took many pictures and reminisced over every last thing. It is now for sale since my father is no longer able to go there and none of us can afford to put all the work it needs into it. Its time has come...
**sigh**
that is a great picture, and ya, it looks really sad.
I am feeling so weepy these days....but life goes on!
A mouse on your pillow?!!!!! WTH?!!! No way. NO. WAY.
trish: I feel badly for you and your family, since we both know how wonderful cottage life can be. And I know how lucky my family is to have been able to rebuild.
Small comfort, but those memories are yours for keeps.
beth: Yes, way. Mouse and I sharing a pillow.
(Maybe you won't feel so weepy once you're feeling healthier? Hope so.)
I like change, and I think I am pretty good at change, but it is always bittersweet. Always. Something we keep on working through over here.
Then again, that's my favorite chocolate too...
You can always look to your right and see the same ole "Viceroy". That might help. I too have great memories as do all of us. We ARE very lucky.
As for YOUR many moves...let's not go there!!! That's why the Viceroy is so important to me-it's been the only constant in my life for 19 years!
oreneta: Considering your life, I think you're amazing when it comes to change. And so adaptable.
(Chocolate - Hershey's Special Dark. Delicious.)
ms: Note that I said I moved frequently as a kid. No way I could compete with the number of moves my sisters have made as adults.
And, yeah, it's nice to see "the Viceroy" to our right. Great memories there too - including bats!
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