Having a view of the ocean is like having an emotional massage.
Although modesty required covering the view at night, I didn't want coverings that would block the view during the day. Now, at the push of a button, shades come down; and at the push of a button, they disappear into the ceiling.
At first this wasn't as easy as it sounds. Because both the window wall in the living room and the one in the master bedroom are in three sections, the shades are in three sections. While I was learning how to co-ordinate the different buttons for the different shades, I was Morse coding distress signals to passing boats.
This house is smaller than our previous house, which doesn't distress me at all. The view is much, much bigger. Less is more, smaller is bigger and I feel liberated.
Before we moved, I gave away anything that wasn't useful, beautiful or heart-tuggingly sentimental. Less time spent dusting, polishing and taking care of things means more time enjoying the view.
Some condos in the building are on one floor. Ours is on two. Not only does that double our view, it also provides an entrance on both levels. Hypothetically, I could go out my office door and no one downstairs would know - not even my mother-in-law when she comes to - see the view.
We redid the floors, remodeled the bathrooms and changed the lighting - but remember the view. We built bookcases, redesigned closets, re-carpeted the stairs and painted walls - but remember the view.
The kitchen was the only room that didn't need to be changed. I love the multi-colored-stone counter because it camouflages anything spilled on it. Okay, this can be a problem. An occasional spill does solidify before I find it.
However, keeping the stainless steel appliances looking shiney isn't a problem. My husband thought he did a better job shining them. So...no problem.
Problem or blessing depends on your point of view. Because the kitchen is small, we'll have to go out for large, family celebrations. Strangely, I was the only one who didn't see that as a problem.
Not having chosen a needed replacement for the front door is the only problem left; but once I've closed that door, the ocean is in front of me and most of the world's problems are behind me. I wave at the ocean and it waves back.
KNIGHT PIERCE HIRST takes humorous looks at life.
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