The Open House

So Mrs. G is having an Open House! She asked all her bloggy friends to share where the heart of the home is, the beloved room -- the center and grounding space. That would be the Matronly office. That's her desk and a slice of her books, above. See that bean bag chair in the corner? Satan's Familiar thinks the Matron adores him, so that would be his unfortunate spot.

Near the Matron's desk are the prayer cards that one of her favorite Mama friends gave her. This lovely woman is expecting baby number 4 within the month and the planet will be better for that person!



This makes the Matron happy. Next is a plate is a gift from her brother and his wife. Next to it is a crystal ball that one of her friends gave her. He's a working psychic, the same friend who had dinner (with her lo and behold these six years plus) and said: "Oh My God. You don't know it yet but you are pregnant and it's a boy."

He was right.




The Matron's first boyfriend (they were 16) gave her this gorgeous screen print. Hmmmm. She named her only daughter Scarlett. Detect a pattern? History?



At the end of first grade, Stryker's teacher gave all of us his students these wood cuts with their names and real bear fur. This is nestled at the end of the Matron's desk.




Did she mention that the office is tucked off the bedroom? Nowhere NEAR the center of the house? The office is actually a cozy three season porch that chugs along for one more season with a space heater.


This room is up high. She has a panoramic city view in the winter and gets to witness nature and trees the rest of the time.


The Matron's birthday is November 26. On November 26h, 1996, her father called to wish her a happy birthday and Thanksgiving (which would be the 28th). They talked for nearly an hour. Her father told her how he waited all day, eagerly to call, and how amazing it was to be with his only grandchild in August! Stryker had been just a few weeks old. The Matron's father told her he wasn't feeling all that great -- indigestion -- but talking to her made everything worthwhile.

Her father died, instantly, on November 27, of a heart attack 16 hours later. Here's the only picture she has of any of her children and her father. He missed Scarlett and Merrick entirely. She misses him.



The Matron is still wiping her eyes.

Anyway.

This room is fully - her! Dreams, art, people, love, life. Books, art, yoga mat, meditation pillow. This is where she retreats and refuels. So, this is the room four other people also rely on.








We all know Virginia Woolf's theory on a room of one's own. For this busy woman, who can't go to the hardware store without explanation, scrutiny and childcare? This room is a lifesaver.

Friday Addendum! The Matron will be away from her computer until at least Sunday night because she is about to turn into a toddler on meth. She will certainly be needing this room upon her return, friends.