Moving and Moving On

In Other Words with Dave

Warning: This column contains some reflecting. 

I’m on deadline. Yet, oddly enough, I’m feeling relaxed. I’m sitting at my dining room table with a great view of my backyard. This is my “waking up, sipping coffee and getting online” place. It’s my favorite spot and my favorite view. It calms me. Always has for the past 12 years.

The dining room opens up into my living room. Kicking back in my favorite chair, I look around and I feel a sense of pride. It’s been an adventure putting this room together. A hunter/gatherer adventure. I’m kind of obsessed with mid-century, retro and modern furnishing – even more so when I can work a great deal procuring them. Being surrounded by Eames, Nelson and McCobb classic designs makes me happy.

On the other end of the spectrum, my bedroom is sparse. Not a lot of distractions. A place for me to recharge. A recently remodeled master bath has a walk-in shower, soaking tub and skylight that work together to give the space a spa-like feeling.

To me the upstairs of my house exudes loneliness. With the kids all gone, there’s not much reason to go up there, other than to check on my cat, who’s officially taken residence on the second floor. I savor the quiet, but sometimes, I miss the activity.

The kitchen evokes a little regret for me. It needs updating. It doesn’t bother me all that much, unless I focus on the avacado green floor tiles. There’s a second dining area in the kitchen with a fireplace. I used have a small dining table in there, but I swapped it out for a set of recliners. That fireplace provided me much warth, peace and solace through my late wife’s sickness.

I’m emotionally invested to this structure of bricks, stone, wood and drywall. I will miss all these connections because I’m moving. Downsizing to be specific. I’m packing up my dog and cat (if I can get her in a pet carrier) and the rest of my worldly possessions and moving 2 miles north. It’s been a long search, but I believe have found the right house for me to go forward. It’s mid-century style ranch with tasteful updates, a good sized garage. It’s located at the end of a quiet street. Lots of trees.

I’m looking forward to moving in and moving forward.

Dave Miller

Back40 Design

President