Homely is the Goal

It is 10:00 p.m and the light of the full moon is shining directly through my bedroom window. Sleeping in the moonlight is very magical. It is like being enveloped in a warm silvery velvet blanket of mystical light. I am ending my day in the way it began, in mystery.

I was off to a slow start this morning. I didn't wake up until 10:00 a.m.( I know, very decadent) and it was to of all sounds but that of a rooster crowing in the distance. The first time I woke up was dawn to what I imagine to have been sounds of the swans or herons,or maybe the magpies that live in the high grasses along the river. I can't be sure of what I was hearing and I was too tired to get up and investigate and so I fell back to sleep until 10:00 am to what finally dawned on me was crowing. This seemed a little incongruous, though I am sure there are farms beyond the tree line across the river. What was of course especially strange is that the crowing didn't begin until mid morning. I can only think that is is a displaced rooster, imported from Key West and still on Eastern Standard time.

I spent most of what was left of the morning settling in, unpacking, and organizing my possessions, trying to decide what would make this place feel "homely". The first time I ever heard this word used as an adjective to describe the warmth and comfort of a space, was when one of my bed and breakfast guests, from England, described my inn. It was definitely a compliment, but it took me a little while to figure that out.

Making this place homely is very important to me. Some of my personal possessions, pictures, candlesticks, and more will arrive from home in a few weeks,but in the meantime I was feeling a great need to add some personal touches. So about 2:30 p.m. I caught the bus to Limerick City and to shop for a few items that would help fill the bill. I came home with a sweet little teapot and a bunch of very nice blue wash cloths that I will use as little hand towels, just like they do at the August Moon Spa in Ithaca! A few British table mats for the kitchen table and for my room and I am off to a good start.

I am quickly settling in and imagine that by Sunday I will have an apartment mate and I will look forward to telling you about this person. I do know this will be another international student in his or her 40s and that it could be someone from Nigeria or from Australia. At least that is what I have been told. I look forward to welcoming whom ever this person is and so tomorrow I will head to the market to purchase a chicken and other items to prepare Sunday's dinner.

Have a great evening. With love from Glocca Morra.