fresh corners

 
As we leave a season in which so much of our time is spent out - with our selves and our things scattered and in the open - we enter a new one in which we are quite literally closer together, our space tighter and our things nearer. We've been feeling the pull inside for a bit, and last week, there was a bit of rearranging to reflect that. The kind of living - play and work - that we do changes so very much from year to year and season to season at this point in our family life, and so, therefore, does our space.   

I carved out a little space for the playthings that are just now coming off the summer porch, where it's far too chilly now to play. The baskets will be pulled aside off the hearth once the wood stove really gets going for the season. Soon, I imagine.

So much watching and daydreaming happens right in front of those windows. Waiting for the birds, watching the leaves fall, and being surprised by visitors. With two little guys on the edge of reading by themselves (and one little girl who THINKS she can read All.By.Herself.) there's a lot more cozy, on the floor, snuggled up, solo reading happening here than we've ever had before.

And with the new nook came a new blanket. My sewing-for-pleasure time is limited at the moment, so this simple tied quilt was perfect. One little evening project for what will hopefully be a winter of cozy reading.

Comments

[Martha]

Thank you so very much for your inspiring blog. I read it every day, but just had to drop a note and let you know how much I enjoy it!

[Martha]

Thank you so very much for your inspiring blog. I read it every day, but just had to drop a note and let you know how much I enjoy it!

[Helen]

How lovely! I am reminded of an occasion many years ago (my children are in their twenties now) when some new aquaintances came to our house - and observed in a rather puzzled, possibly even critical way "It's very child-centered isn't it?" The sad thing is, they were all school teachers! (I think the thing that provoked them most was the fact that we had a rather jolly alphabet frieze up in the loo. It just seemed like the ideal place to practise such things to me!)

[Melissa]

That looks so comfy! My daughter would love to have that living room. LOL I am working on it!

[shannon]

How cozy! I love the picture of the two bros all cuddled up and reading. What could be better!

[SOULEMAMA]

Lane_like_the_Street - it goes out to an external chimney - added after the house was built.

beth - the high chair is from Magic Cabin Dolls, and I think it doubles as a doll's desk if you put it together differently. It's a very nice size.

[Lane_like_the_street]

Thanks. :o)

[Bluebirdbaby]

Looks great! We're getting ready to switch around the furniture too. Fun, fun :)

[Sarah]

I love this! It's funny, it reminds me of when I would rearrange my room as a child and then cry for an hour afterward. I don't know why moving things around gives me such a sense of loss, while at the same time being so exciting.

[Natalie]

Lovely. Have I used that adjective here before? Very likely yes. It bears repeating. You share peeks of a life and home that are genuine, warm and inspiring. Thank you.

[lina]

Love them snuggling up in the blankie. I love the whole idea of "nesting" this time of year. My daughter is also just starting to read by herself which I'm so excited about too.

[kendra]

What a beautiful, warm and cozy house you have. That doll house you have is incredible! Not to mention the kitchen and the baskets, so many of them! And the books and soft pillows and the new blanket! It looks like a great place to spend the winter.

[Amber]

Wonderful blanket... I have that same print---I love it. Your blanket is a great handmade holiday gift idea! I'm collecting those right now.

The time when my children could read on their own was so amazing---I felt like a door to a magical world opened for them.

That dollhouse is absolutely wonderful!I love its design.

[Fay Lynn]

I love your posts. They so remind me of when mine where that age and we had a space very much like yours set up. Fall was my favorite with the root gnomes and knitting gnomes and such to call upon. They are away at college now, those days were the sweetest ever.

[Anon]

Ahhh! I can't even stand how cute Adelaide is playing in her little kitchen!

[Caren]

Amanda,
I am delighted to find your blog! Your post-Red Sox-win picture reminded me of my own tired but happy family! I love the cozy nook. I've been rearranging my space in anticipation for the move indoors as well. Fall is my favorite time of year. Instead of feeling sad (which I think would be a natural way to feel when all the lushness of summer is waning) I always feel so much hope for the wiping of the slate that is winter. There is something winnowing about this time of year that makes me feel so alive. Thanks so much for this bit of inspiration!

[Sarah]

Amanda,

Thanks for the response to my book question! It doesn't sound obsessive at all - very thoughtful and creative. I love the idea of different baskets with loose themes, I think I am going to work on that one a bit. And like you said, it is a great way to see the "holes" in the library.

Happy Wednesday!

Ciao!

[lucykatecrafts]

what a lovely, atmospheric room, thank you for sharing. it has given me inspiration to sort out our playroom this afternoon. i love those stoves, we used to have one in our old house and i do miss it. have fond memories of my husband spending ages getting it lit one winter night, lots of swearing involved!, only for it to be put straight out as my waters broke and we had to go off to hospital!

[suse]

It's so exciting when they start independent reading. Son #3 round here has just taken off lately and is ploughing through chapter books like there's no tomorrow, snatching every spare second.

Love it. A whole new world for him.

[Carrie]

I love your cozy little corner of your home! And reading in it makes it extra special...Your blog is just so sweet and inspiring! Thank You!
~Carrie

[Meredith]

Lovely blog, and lovely space for your family! Very cozy for Autumn, blessings!

[Amber]

Cozy! Is that a Holztiger dollhouse/farmhouse? Have you been happy with it? (We're looking at getting a dollhouse for our daughter (turned two yesterday, so a bit younger than Adelaide), but it's a big purchase!)

[Ágata]

Wow! Your house seems just beautiful, besides cosy which is pretty obvious! And the playing stove is amazing! I just love it

[Amanda]

Your blog is a wonderful find! I long to have cozy nooks with kids reading books snuggled in quilts. This is wonderful inspiration! What is the darling fabric for your quilt? The colors are so great for fall! We were in Maine just two weeks ago and I thought it must be the most perfect place to live! Good luck with your book...I can't wait to purchase it.

[Lila des Bois]

Hi Amanda!

So wonderful to see those pictures as we are in the VERY chaotic time of moving in our new home, in France.
Very unsettling time for ALL of us. It feels so good to see CALM moments and happy home and kids. We need to get ready for winter and time together VERY soon.
A question for you :: where did you get that wonderful doll house for Adelaide?
A bientot!

[Angel Jem]

When can I move in?

[shelbi]

this space is so inspiring! i just love it. thank you for sharing...we are working on a 'play room' right now - such a sweet room...the children look so happy and relaxed, and i LOVE the wood floorboard...

[Katie]

Hello! Came across your blog a while ago and have been peeeking in ever since. Where is that fabric on the blanket from? It's darling. Your home is inspiring, thanks for sharing!