My family moved to Pinehurst, NC when I was in kindergarten. Providence and grace kept us there only 8 months but I have a very vivid memory of our house before the move. There was nothing special about this house. Ranch-style, two bedrooms on one side and the master bedroom on the other. Living room, dining room, kitchen and a yard full of ant hills. But when we first walked in, it was empty. No furniture, just walls and windows. As we entered the biggest room in the house, I remember thinking, "This is it; this is the best house ever," and running around in circles. I was absolutely delighted by this empty room. And then the realtor or my mom, I can't remember which, said, "You won't be able to do that when there's furniture in the room." And I'm sure it was just an off the cuff remark probably intended to get me to stand still, but I was crushed. Why couldn't it stay empty? I thought it was much better the way it was. And ever since then one of my heart's deepest desires is to have an empty room.
An empty room with plenty of windows, afternoon light streaming in, filling the room in the way furniture and stuff can't. I'm sure some of you are thinking, "yeah, an empty room where she'd be wearing a straitjacket..." Maybe. But this empty room would always be full of possibilities. Our eyes are constantly accosted by stuff: advertisements, cars shinier than ours, clothes more expensive than ours, people prettier than us. Isn't that why many people seek out peaceful places? At the beach you can close your eyes and hear two things: the ocean and seagulls. What a relief for the senses after everything we hear on a normal day! In my mind, I can see my empty room and I relax. I would be so grateful for that space to breathe and think without being influenced by any outside sources. Maybe do a little yoga. A little meditation. A little prayer.
If I ever buy a house (cross my fingers), there will be an empty room.
Abby, I know exactly what you mean. When I was a young kid my parents purchased their house, and they couldn't afford to furnish one room, so it stayed empty for many years. We put gymnastics mats on the floor and just played. Our culture is so obsessed with stuff, but there is something to be said for restraint!
ReplyDelete-Emily
When you build this empty room, can I come and sit in it?? I could use one of those... often. :)
ReplyDelete- Katie
I have no restraint when it comes to stuff. I'm pretty sure once I have my own place I will be a hoarder if someone doesn't keep me in check.
ReplyDeleteKatie: Of course! Although Joe claims he will steal it for yoga, I will steal it back for you. :)
ReplyDeleteEmily: I'm so jealous someone has had a real "empty room" experience!
Chelsea: I am not surprised. You probably need a room just for crafts!
I know this post is old but I'm just now reading it. My husband and I just bought a house and we have 5 bedrooms. I never thought I would live in a 5 bedroom house let alone own one. We have 2 empty bedrooms and we love it! There's no sense in decorating when we know one day kids will live in those rooms. Until that time, we enjoy the empty rooms. An empty sun room off a kitchen or living room would be awesome!
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