The feeling of divine satisfaction settles into my bones as I sit here with my computer, writing from my new kitchen island. Cup of coffee in hand, homemade muffins in the oven, and a little music to keep me company. I can’t imagine a better morning. Oh, how I missed this. After a full year of a makeshift kitchen in an upstairs hallway with a single hot plate and microwave, I didn’t realize how much I needed something so simple to feel human again. It’s amazing what new cabinets and a little paint can do!
The new copper countertop on the kitchen island
Over the past year, I was pushed to the outer boundary of my capacity. I have never felt so destabilized and unsettled. It is in reflection on this past year that I realize the social and interactive importance of our personal and communal spaces. For me, a kitchen is not only an important outlet for my creative expression, but it’s a space where friends and family gather to share stories and provide the collective cheer that we all so desperately need.
The dark and dreaded hallway kitchen – it can finally be a hallway again
My nineteen year old cousin came to visit from Florida a couple of weeks ago. She was the first weekend house guest since we bought the farm and began restorations 2.5 years ago. It was a push to get everything done before she arrived, but the joy her visit brought to the house was exactly what we needed at just the right time. We spent time sharing recipes, cooking meals, telling stories about our kin folk, and just getting to know each other.
And isn’t that the beauty of these old homesteads? This has been a family home for at least 230 years. I intend to continue that tradition and provide a space that celebrates the joy of sharing good food, drink, and meaningful time with friends and loved ones. What an amazing gift that we live in a time and country where that’s even possible.
It’s going to take some recovery time after a long year of stressful renovations, but I’m loving this place more and more each day. And I’m starting to feel like my self again. It may not be all butterflies and sunshine around here, but it’s a hell of a lot better than another year cooking on a hot plate!
The driveway is on fire with blooming tiger lilies
Ducklings
In other news, the baby ducks have hatched! Although we lost a couple to a six-foot black snake that crept its way into the brooder pen (that’s another story), we have two cute little ducklings running around. Their favorite thing to do, besides playing in the water bowl, is to perch on mom’s back while she squeaks at the guineas running by.
Although I wish that we’d had a higher hatch rate, I learned so much going through this first cycle and look forward to another round next year. But for now, I’m looking forward to a renovation break and time to enjoy everything that has been hatching over the past year – feathered and otherwise!
So excited for you guys! Can’t wait to see the wonderful new kitchen. Glad you’re enjoying some well-deserved rest! Love the happy little ducklings???
The ducklings are adorable like something out of a Little Golden book. You will have to come visit soon!
Love your writing. Beautiful pictures and wonderful thoughts.
Thank you for the encouragement, Ken and Dianne! What started out as a small family blog has definitely grown, and I love it. Thanks for following along!
Copper top counter!!!!! Wow!
Lynn, we looked at all of the standard stone options but this was so unique, and it was one of my goals to bring in as many “living” finishes as possible. The other countertops are solid walnut.
You guys have such a beautiful, peaceful home! And I’m DYING over the copper countertop! DYYYYYYYYING!!! ???
Kathy, I LOVE the copper too! We made the tough decision to let it patina naturally so it is already looking quite loved and changing to a dark copper.
Travelling the last 5 weeks and entering a state of homelessness on the 28th, I so relate to that “destabilizing & unsettled” feeling…happy for you, Zach. The copper island is gorgeous!!
Margaret, if you need hot food and a place to rest, we can finally offer both! Save travels back home.
Sounds lovely! So happy for you and Chris. You are a wonderful writer. Enjoy your summer and your new kitchen!
Thanks, Devora! I appreciate the props on writing – I don’t know if I’m that great at it, but I really enjoy it. I love telling stories. Let me know when you are down this way!