8/16/11

And when I look in the mirror, all I see are possibilities. (And a splash of love.)



I’ve learned to do things while living on my own that I never, ever thought I would do.


I’ve located the water “shut-off” valve in the basement, and can turn off the water to the entire house if by some crazy stroke of luck my OTHER toilet needs replaced.


I can start my push mower on the sixth pull of the cord, and my right arm is now bulging like Popeye’s. (sans the tattoo.) I can empty the clippings, rake the apples every weekend, and gather ALL the garbage and recyclables every Tuesday night.


And last week, I made a trip to my accountant. Yes. I have an accountant. Okay, she’s a great friend and might be helping me in her spare time, but she’s LEGIT. She’s helped me find my own way out of a tax pickle that I was forced into last April, and has guided me in many ways things that have to do with money.


She recommended (among many other things) that I designate a space in my home for my “writing”; an office, so to speak. Surprisingly, she didn’t believe that my working on the couch, the dining room table, my bed or on the front porch would be acceptable to the taxman. Go figure.


There’s a lovely, small sitting room on the second floor that includes a set of stairs that leads to a loft. The loft has been transformed by Bitchy and Sassy into a warm and cozy room for two- with matching twin beds, dressers and other cool accessories compliments of Big Lots.


The sitting room is going to be mine.



I have been wondering what I could possibly use as a desk. I know I’ve been complaining about money (WHINING EXCESSIVELY) and I promise to stop soon. (I’m ALMOST ready to right the ship…) However, until I reach the spot where I can pay ALL my bills each month and still eat, I might whine a little.


But, back to the dilemma of a desk; where would I find one? I certainly couldn’t buy one, and I was not about to ask anyone else for any more favors. (Even my pride has its limits, it appears.)


Then I got an email.


It was from one of my beloved aunts. She had some furniture that belonged to Baba, and had one piece that she thought I needed to have.


It was a vanity.


It had been used by each of the seven daughters, and was the one piece from the bedroom set that was in decent condition. But there was something else. When she and my cousin were sorting out her furniture, they noticed something special. On the outside of one the drawers, someone had written her name.



And that someone was my mother.



As I sit upon the stool with a few tears in my eyes and run my hands across this perfect excuse for a desk I realize something: that a mother’s arms can sometimes reach the whole way across the universe.




Especially if she has a little help from her sister.




32 comments:

Just Two Chicks said...

It's beautiful.. and perfect!!

I'm sorry you're struggling financially right now, but you're so lucky to be able to live in a house you love, and to have such wonderful memories.

I remember how proud I was of myself for learning how to do things on my own, and I can tell you the one thing I happily turned over the responsibility for was bill paying. The stress was so great, that now, I don't want to know. Just tell me how much I can spend at the grocery and leave me out of it. Pretty wimpy, huh?

Enjoy writing at your new desk!

Brian Miller said...

that makes a beautiful desk...and having a writing space will make all the difference...

so, writing conference/get together/party...when?

Laura said...

I love this! What a beautiful desk, and an amazing gift from your mother. Hang in there--you inspire me!!

Mellodee said...

It's a lovely piece and it appears to be a distinct message from your mom encouraging you to write! (In case you needed a boost or even if you didn't!!)

I think, despite all you are dealing with now, you're blessed on a lot of different levels!

Lynn MacDonald said...

See! You always need your mom. And they come through when you need them. Glad u got the desk.

Hmmmm...thought I was your guardian angel.

ChiTown Girl said...

Wow, you're mom is good!! She's still swooping in just when you need her most. :)

That vanity is beautiful. I know it will provide unlimited inspiration for your writing.

And, yes, isn't it amazing how much we can do for ourselves when we don't have any other choice? After living in this house, on my own, for 17 years, I even surprise myself sometimes with the things I'm able to take care of around here.

Alexis said...

Very Virginia Woolf.....despite the whole "tax-man-cometh" thing I totally subscribe to the "Room [desk] of One's Own" theory of life. And what a treasure - very nice - very nice indeed!! Way to go Mom!!! Well, actually....way to go Auntie!!!!! LOVE IT!

Anonymous said...

So so so perfect. Your house seems lovely. xoxo

Nan said...

Perfection. What a lovely reassurance to receive.

I just spent a very long weekend with my siblings, clearing out my folks' house and packing up their belongings.

It was physically and emotionally exhausting, but I ended up driving home with a rolltop desk that I used to hide under as a child when the world was too much. After moving it into my office/sewing room yesterday, I crawled underneath it and let the tears flow. Bittersweet perfection.

Shannon Bradley-Colleary said...

You are guaranteed to write like Anne Lamott, Helen Fielding and David Sedaris with this desk. It is your conduit to creative satisfaction and financial remuneration. I just know it!

Far Side of Fifty said...

It will make a lovely desk, and a great place for you to write.
You will get it all together sooner or later...cool about the desk and your Mothers love from afar:)

King of New York Hacks said...

That desk has character..an inspiring gesture from above...I like this desk, I see many great things to be written there..Sending supportive honks from the Big Apple, as I look forward to the words that will be written in your new tax haven. lol Thanks for sharing ;-)

So. Cal. Gal said...

It's SO gorgeous! Talk about perfect timing!

I bought a desk and mom asked, "What do you need with a desk?" I said, "I never used one before because I never HAD one before." I use it daily.

Bubbles said...

I love your writing, and tear up (or laugh) when small things like this relate so directly to my life (my mom died last year). Also, when needing things like this, check and see if there's a freecycle group in your area. The point of it is to share things around, WITHOUT COST, so fewer things end up in the junkyard. I've seen and given away everything from Tupperware to a nice wingchair to computer monitors. Keep this in mind; it may come in handy!

Liss said...

Love this post. That was destined for your sitting room... bless!

Leslie said...

She is wrapping you in her arms, indeed!

Elaine said...

You have the coolest things happen to you! Nobody deserves it more!

Jenean said...

Now that's a writing desk, as my granny would have said, a piece of wood with character.

DawnA said...

Good for you Ms. Independence! I am envious of that adorable vanity you're going to use for a desk. And how sweet that your Mom wrote her name on it.

Formerly known as Frau said...

it's perfect and perfect timing....when you really need something or someone it will happen. ((hugs)) I hope this year is a stronger year and the pot of gold is at the end of your rainbow.

♥ Braja said...

Oh it goes PERFECTLY with all the things in your house....I can't WAIT to get back there and carve my initials in it!!!!

Sue said...

I always believe that EVERYTHING in life happens for a reason. We may not always realize that, especially when we are struggling or things are going so well. Then there or days that something "magical" happens to us at just the right time! Your story is very touching and just shows that good people, such as yourself, will always be taken care of!

Take care, Sue

SkylersDad said...

What a beautiful piece of furniture, I hope you enjoy it!

Mel said...

*Tears of joy* Absolutely beautiful and perfect!

That gentleman's lady said...

How lovely for you! :) I smile.

Captain Dumbass said...

You always have the best stories. And what inspiration for all your future ones.

Sharon Rose said...

How lovely, and a piece of your Mom right there with you.

I'm glad you are seeing splashes of love in the mirror when you look there!

Live with Flair said...

I love this! I've been thinking about you!

Ellie Mae said...

Just all-around lovely!

Bernie said...

What a marvelous story and such a lovely desk! You were born under a lucky star or a wonderful mother. Your writing deserves a desk like that.

I loved too the comment about the gal who got the roll top desk and remembers hiding under it when she was little==brought it home and sat under it and cried. Touching. Love is a wonderful thing, isn't it?

Debb said...

What a beautiful desk... now let your words flow...

Linda M. said...

It's the time of the year when all of us teachers go a little nutty...

This one made me teary-eyed. The desk looks perfect.
I love reading your blog! I'm looking forward to reading posts written from your new desk...