I have for many years accomplished my purpose. I sheltered and warmed those who loved me and those they let in I charmed. A compact and uncomplicated abode, I wabi-sabied those who knew me and those who dreamed of knowing me I also wabi-sabied now and zen. The hearth in the middle of me has always been the heart of me and all my dear hearts knew it. I have been painted five different colors and tails of rainbows have colored me with hues finer than any paint. Pink petals from two trees now gone scattered on the ground before me where stained leaves would later dry in the dying sun. Sunrises turned my windows into prisms that dazzled my walls inside. My walls showed many images of many years of the sweetest of faces. Traces of photo frames remain, along with secrets and scents and sentiments.
In the real estate listing I was described as an "Inner-city jewel box in need of some TLC." Whatever my needs may seem to be, giving TLC is my specialty. My next dear hearts will come to know it is my purpose.
MLydiaM ~ February 2011
This is a work of fiction. Visit Magpie Tales (celebrating its first blogoversary with Mag 52!) to read how over a hundred other writers reacted to the photo prompt above.
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I am currently enjoying this book about Wabi-Sabi.
I liked this real estate article about "Jewel-box" houses
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This is mysterious and lovely, and so much better than the real estate blurb. You encourage me to find out about Wabi Sabi.
ReplyDeleteAre you thinking of changing house ??? Looks like a charming old place indeed, I love the shade of dark green. Looks like nobody has cleared the snow off the steps, so clearly in need of a caring heart to come cheer her up a bit...
ReplyDelete*sigh*
ReplyDeleteI have often felt that houses have spirits. How beautifully you've expressed it, Lydia.
What beautiful images you've weaved.
ReplyDeleteDelightful writing. I'll never look at my home the same again and will continue to give it all the TLC it needs. (Hugs)Indigo
ReplyDeleteThis house has quite a voice thanks to your talent!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little place. Home is where the heart is, that is clear.
ReplyDeleteinner city jewel is not bad.
ReplyDeletelovely magpie.
Beautiful words :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely take on the photo. Nice to read the 'feelings' of the subject.
ReplyDeleteDoctor FTSE~ Thank you for your kind comment. Much appreciated. :)
ReplyDeleteOwen~ Hah! After reading your comment I added "This is a work of fiction" at the end. No, the house is somewhere in the neighborhood of Tess, the creator of Magpie Tales. btw, the dark green is the same color the inside walls of most of the rooms in our house when we bought it. We didn't change it right away, and it was a gloomy atmosphere indeed.
Fireblossom~ Some seem to have spirits. And we often have a nearly spiritual connection with our homes. I don't think that is just an American trait, do you?
ReplyDeleteFrosty Duncan~ It is worth writing a magpie just to have a visit from you. :)
Indigo~ Thank you. I renewed a promise to our old house to increase the TLC that it needs. :)
Helen~ Give 'em a voice and watch 'em grandstand!
mythopolis~ Isn't it a wonderful little house? I wonder what the brick buildings are behind it.
jingle~ Thank you. It is not a bad compliment to the place at all. :)
Looking to the Stars~ Thank you, my friend. :)
Bee's Blog~ I appreciate your comment. Some house seem to speak to us!
lydia, i didn't know this was fiction until i finished reading. but i ended up holding on to my first thoughts: man lydia is a good writer and jeez i'm so glad she has a comfy loving space and place.
ReplyDeleteloved it. ♥
Great flash fiction. I'll be back for a longer visit tomorrow. It's time for bed! Looks like Black Rock on your header, right?
ReplyDeletekj~ It would seem funny to me that you thought it was real, except I can see myself writing a piece personifying our house here in Oregon. It is the comfy loving space that you hoped I have! xo
ReplyDeleteliv2write2day~ Thank you, and thanks for stopping by! I enjoyed finding your blog yesterday so much.
Not the Black Rock, but the Alvord Desert in Oregon some 35+- miles from Denio, Nevada. They share similar qualities, most definitely, and I love both deserts.
i think that wabi sabi is one of the most fascinating concepts in the history of aesthetics - and i so love the way you used the word here, making it into a verb - i think i will borrow this in the future :-)
ReplyDeleteRoxana~ Although a late-comer to wabi sabi, I couldn't agree with you more. It is giving me a lot of peace these days.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the "verbalization" of the term! I hoped I wouldn't offend anyone with it...
It does look like it would give TLC to whoever lived inside, doesn't it? :) Such a friendly-seeming place.
ReplyDeleteEmily Young~ Yes, I thought so. Wouldn't want to live in a place that didn't, and have lucked out in my life in that regard. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteAwwww, this is so very beautiful! I love it! So colorful! I think that is my favorite part. :o)
ReplyDeleteGirl in My Own World~ Thank you ever so much for your kind comment. :)
ReplyDelete