Good morning, welcome back fam!
Up early again, trying to ingrain more productive habits into my largely haphazard existence. Sitting in bed, admiring the short and portly stature of my new Thomas Hammer mug, a “Christmas present” gifted to me yesterday by mother. This estate sale gem reads, matter-of-factly and in all caps, “I LIKE IT HOT,” on the side that faces outward while you’re drinking (if you’re right-handed, that is, and/or you don’t drink coffee like a contortionist). The sentiment is accurate.
To obtain the piping dark substance that currently occupies the mug, I had to do a fair bit of creeping around on the main floor of the goat house. I had a couple check into the shared listing last night, which consists of private use of the loft space in the home, and shared use of the common areas (main floor — kitchen, living area, office, and bath).
When I don’t have guests, I typically occupy the loft space myself. Every floor of this small abode has its own compelling charm, in my personal estimation. But the loft — with its skylights above the bed, the occasional pinging of rain on the metal roof, the “kitty observation deck” overlooking the tall lilac tree — is my preferred sleep space.
When I have guests, however, I enjoy sharing the best space in the house with them. And with that, I move myself into the basement bedroom, which provides its own specific intoxicating elements.
The basement bedroom has a full-scale, south-facing window, with a large ledge perfect for placing beverages poised for consumption. I’ve set the queen bed next to this window, and the effect is somewhat nautical. It feels like a porthole to nature, as flat earth sits outside, just below the windowsill.
Several months ago, I obtained a large fabric frame with a dramatic sleigh headboard and footboard to bookend the downstairs mattress. I can stack a sea of pillows behind me, beside me, and at my feet — and none fall to the floor!! This indulgently palatial resting place, gives one the sensation of being cradled in a plush cocoon.
The most delightful aspect of the basement space, however, is the sense of containment and privacy from the rest of the house. The emotional experience of being down here harkens back to the days of youthful pillow forts, and adolescent hideouts. Having guests upstairs, attending to their own business, heightens the sense of indulgent secrecy and almost forbidden autonomy.
I light a joint, peruse a handful of black and white 30’s films on the internet, snuggle the cat, and even invite visiting friends and associates down to “the foxhole” — my name for the woman cave/tv room that adjoins the basement bedroom.
Soon, we will be embarking on a full-scale 2nd bath implementation in the third and final room contained within the basement, which currently serves as a dedicated laundry space. Plumbing for a toilet and sink are already roughed in, but I’ll need to add a drain, plumb for a tub/shower, and am planning to do some slight demo and reconfiguration of the walls…
Once the 2nd bathroom is added, a door will go up between the main floor and the basement staircase. The back door will become a separate entrance, and an entirely new and contained unit within the goat house will be born! I’m excited and terrified, as the work of drafting architectural plans, procuring contractors, and sourcing tasteful yet reasonably priced finishes for a tiny efficiency unit seems rather grueling. However, all’s fair in love and the avoidance of desk/office/corporate jobs.
‘til next time!
Tanya
