I decided to combine the camera angle (uh-oh – Beth with a camera…) with things I see in my every day life. I carefully observed both the objects in my home and their placement and questioned myself as to why they’re there, how long they’ve been there and why the hell I still have some of them around. Would these objects and their location appear odd to other people? And would I care if they did?
Using the camera to capture the images served to emphasize either the incongruity or beauty of some of these objects. (Keep in mind - beauty is in the eye of the beholder!)
This exercise taught me certain things – how I see the world (specifically, my home) and what is precious to me. It also taught me that apparently I’m quite capable of becoming oblivious to certain objects over time and/or I don’t like change. The latter observation is not a news flash but a reminder as to how an aversion to change affects my living space. One cannot prevent change from occurring in life but one can attempt to control it in certain environments.
I’m just showing a few samples. Trust me, there were plenty more. Turns out my home is a crazy place! Perhaps I’ll post some others another time – as on ongoing reminder to view the world (and my life) from a new perspective. Doing so really does open your mind – and your heart. It also encourages you to do some housecleaning.
On a shelf by the kitchen window – a teapot, an emergency candle, an egg poacher and a little wooden turtle that fell off a key chain one of my sons gave me. And, yes, what appears to be a tiny particle of brown dirt or a dead bug. Each item (except for the dirt) was placed here with no conscious thought and no decorating sense. And they remain as is – although I did get rid of that bit of dirt.
My childhood copy of Winnie-the-Pooh resting on a table in the dining room. I placed the book there after writing a post about it ages ago. And left it there because it gives me pleasure to see it every day. And that’s a good enough reason for me for keeping such an oddity in the dining room.
This image of (wooden) tulips on the fireplace mantle may not strike you as odd but I was once told they should be removed throughout the winter months – displayed only “in season.” Why? I am able to see real tulips in season. It’s during the winter months I crave a reminder of spring and some colour. Nor can I afford to constantly buy fresh tulips in the off-season. And why would I? These ones make me happy.
And there you have it – a few decorating idiosyncrasies from my home which I have discovered reflect some of my own idiosyncrasies. So be it!
