autumn Equinox coming up the end of this week, and once again my thoughts turn to my home.. making it into a cocoon, protecting us from the winter time, nurturing us.. a place to snuggle, a place to keep warm, a place to go inward as winter approaches
my grandmother always said that if your bed is made, then the rest of the house will follow.. I loved her big brass bed.. piled high with pillows, quilts. Vintage pillow shams, real cotton sheets. Her window was always open to allow the fresh air to flow through and I can remember a divine double hung timber window, covered with a gorgeous vintage cotton lace curtain that billowed in the wind. I wish I had a photo of that memory.I have always loved making my bed, making our bedroom into a sacred space, where we can escape from the world and feel protected, whether it be from all my vintage icons or from the angels or doorkeepers that I post at my bed corners each night.. adding candles, flowers or whatever it takes to make me feel nurtured. I am sure Dutch husband appreciates the touches as well.
just lately I have taken to 'half making my bed'.. still pulling it up, but leaving the pillows uncovered so that the fresh air can get to them.. a small hand-made sachet of lavender, a drop of calm flower essence in readiness for the night...
for many years, I have struggled with being a home-maker.. feeling it was unimportant.. but loving it all the same. the last few years, I have discovered many like minded women, through blogging.. have been encouraged by others.. being told that I am a 'temple keeper'.. others talking of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth... knowing that Mother Mary was a home-maker too.
last week, I stumbled across a brilliant blog.. written by an australian women. It was one of those blogging moments, that make me gasp, make my heart skip a beat.. I could not read quick enough.. a simple blog, nothing fancy. Talking of day to day living, organic gardens, cooking, budgeting... every single thing that we need to know in this time of economic crisis.. getting back to basics. This woman shares her vast knowledge in a way that makes you feel like you are sitting sharing a cup of tea and a piece of home-made cake.... called simply: down-to-earth...*DOWN-TO-EARTH*
15 comments:
You know Robyn it's a strong theory of mine that if women (and men, don't get me wrong) did homemaking really well, our prisons would not be as full, our young people not as lost. There are an awful lot of young men particularly who would love home-made meals made with love, and who's formative years have not been blessed with the guidance of gentle yet firm homemakers, who instill positive qualities and example.It is the most important job in the world when done with love and gratitude.Some people think the role is undervalued, but it has never been by me, or those I know. Much love xxx
Thank you for the link to Down to Earth.
When I was young we were excepted to make our bed before I went out.
Your grandmother had a very wise saying
Bed is made the rest will follow.
Coffee is on.
Such a wonderful, inspiring post!
I love Rhonda Jean's blog, too. I have been reading it for quite some time now.
gorgeous pillows Robyn... yes her blog is good I've had a link to it for ages now and read it often! some good tips there!
Getting back to basics is not only economical, it's getting back to our organic roots.
I always make sure to make my bed, because when I don't, I know I am in a sad state. A made bed = a solid state of mind for me :)
Reading Pam's comment had me nodding in agreement.
I think my son's , apart from some of Alex's teenage antics, have turned into the young men they have because home has always been vital to us all. To put home cooked food on the table, to sit together. To have things around us that go all the way back to my great grandmother. To be part of a family history that means something. It all makes for life that has a richness that kids living with nothing more than electronic stuff just can't have.
And as for my bed, it's brass, with snowy white sheets and big squishy cushions piled on it, definately a place od sanctuary.
xx
Your use of the word "lately" got me to thinking. I have, just lately come to realize that there have been at least three part to my adult life - young adult interested in arts, cooking, creating a home; then children, rearing them, stress, aloneness, and launching them; and recently now returning to the more simple interests of my young adult years.
Part of me wishes I could have kept up the energy of that first phase but I'm grateful that I might be able to get back to it. Pam's insight is very true. Women and men, both focused on home, would have left our prisons much less full.
Intersting how your post, so simple and heart-felt, has lead to such serious thoughts.
I try to make my bed every morning. The days I don't are either days where something is wrong, or I'm not planning on getting out of my PJs. The odd thing is that I can't sleep in my bed if I don't make it first, so even if I don't do it in the morning I do before bedtime. xD
Thanks for the link. I'll check it out. Getting back to the basics is important.
I loved this post, Robyn! I LOVE making my bed too and my pillows always sit on top the quilt. I love your idea of the lavender sachet...might do that myself. For me, if I didn't make my bed, I would feel out of sorts all day. A made bed helps me to feel refreshed and organised. I LOVE finding sanctuary in my bedroom.
Thanks for the link ~
love, light and peace,
serena
You are a temple-maker - and an inspiration. Though I'm terribly behind in blogging and in homemaking(!) too - I'm looking forward to checking out the new link -- thank you! xo
If only I could afford to, I would love to be a permanent homemaker, Robyn. Don't ever think it is "unimportant". Wishing you a cozy autumn while we turn toward spring up here.
If women's work as homemakers was truly valued ... more women would strive to be good homemakers. I was a great homemaker until I felt I had to 'achieve' in the wider world in order to be respected. Fortunately I have now come to realise my true worth and am returning to my homemaking roots. And getting guidance too... so many little coincidences recently including your newest post about making the bed. Today I shall be making my bedroom the special place it used to be. Thank you for the inspiration.
ps in summer I half make the bed too to make sure it airs out well.
Robyn,You like the "Down to Earth" blog for the same reason I love your blog. You share all those sacred in ordinary moments from your garden and your life. I love homespun pillows and bedding and vintage lace and lavender.
Have a beautiful day.
xx
Wow! Who would have thought that a post on bed-making would turn out to be so inspiring? And thought-provoking?
I totally agree with Pam and I am glad she posted her comment. I would have just commented on your grandmother's wisdom and left it at that.
Our work is important. Our homes are important. A place of refuge. A quiet place of nurturing.
I will check out your link.
I've always liked being a home-maker.
Blessings
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