A Glimpse of Our Humble Abode
June 8, 2008 by lambertjjl
My friends in the Philippines have, for a long time, been asking me to post some photographs of our home here in Norfolk. I did not think that the place was worth being photographed and worst, being sent and shown to my friends in the Philippines, America, Canada and other places. This place was almost empty when I arrived, there was almost nothing. I cannot tell you why at the moment but maybe one day I will. But this home, although, it doesn’t have the most expensive furniture or appliances, has become so much a part of me now. And very soon James and I will be moving and in a few months, I will be saying goodbye to this place which has been my home for two years now. So, what the heck.
This is not to solicit any praise or invite criticism from acquaintances and anonymous readers. Rather, this is to show my dear friends of the home James and I have, the home that has become our nest and has become my sanctuary. A place that once haunted me and scared me. A place where James spent the last years with his late wife, Joan, which made this even more memorable for my better half. You might be thinking ‘Oh, Geez, why did you agree to live in the same house?’ I remember a very good friend of mine asked me that a question before I left the Philippines to which I just answered, ‘It’s not going to take long before we move.’ When I arrived I thought it was going to be only a few months before we move to a new place, to a home that I can call my ‘own’, my very own dwelling, my own ‘palace’, a place that I can honestly describe to be ‘the place where James and I started our life together,’ something that’s mine and mine alone. It didn’t occur to me that the months would become a year and then now, two years. Little did I realise that the home that I didn’t like would be the home that I would grow to love. Little did I know that the home, this home, where a lovely woman named Joan (I have so much respect for her), whose soul and memories I had always thought I was competing with, lived, would be the home that is, actually, mine in my time. My sanctuary. My own place. In my time. Little did I know that the fear was only in my mind, that this home is really the place where James and I started our life together, that the memories of James’ happy marriage with Joan are to be cherished and respected and should not be feared or be a reason for dread or apprehension.
So, dear friends, let me share with you something very special in my heart, our home of love.
This is the front living room where James and I sit down at night, have tea, and watch a film. The living room suite is something that I will have to dispose of as I really don’t like it and James and I really don’t know where they come from. It’s a long story. One day, I will tell you about it.
This is the back living room area and the dining room area. Quite a small room to be both a living room and a dining room but there you go. At winter time, James and I will cuddle up in this couch and sometimes lift our feet up to warm them up near the fire.
The couch where James and I snuggle up and keep warm and right in front of the couch is an old gas fire where we warm up our feet!
On this wall I hang all the photographs of our family.
This is the kitchen where all the messy things happen.
Another photograph of the front living room which shows all the cables right there on the wall and if you look at that framed photograph on the side table right next to the single-seater sofa, that’s a photograph of autumn tress that we treasure from good friends of ours, MJ and Rog.
Well, there’s really not much to show at the moment. I have yet to photograph the two bedrooms and the bath.
Now…there seems to be something else missing…a tea party!!!
6 Responses to “A Glimpse of Our Humble Abode”
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home sweet home len..:)
Hi Len! Thanks for showing these pics to the rest of us. When we talk on the phone and you say “front living room,” to me, now I get the idea. A home is a home no matter what size it is. Glad that it makes you proud because that’s what is all about. Take care.
oh, len, i’m so touched that you’re still displaying that autumn photo we sent you last year:) that means a lot to me, friend. thank you:) it was great to see your’s and james’ lovely home!! i agree with what wen said … a home is not about the square-footage or the type/brand of furniture or other things like that. like an old saying goes, “home is where the heart is.” as long as you are truly happy with each other, no matter if you live in a mansion, or under a bridge or in a tree, or even in a cave, THAT is home. LOVE is what transforms a HOUSE into a HOME, is what i believe. so thanks again for sharing with us snapshots of your cozy, lovely home. i pray that no matter where you and james move, you two may always stay happy and in love with each other. i think that is the most important thing.
Hi Len, thanks a lot for sharing to use your special place, I like the set-up Len, it looks indeed home sweet home, with a very relax atmosphere. Looking at the pictures makes me wish sharing a tea with you. So, we’ll have a tea party, Len, just have to close my eyes and imagine I am there :).
Oh, Len, sorry again, another typo, I’m really bad tonight, pardon me friend, I have cold :(. Anyway, what I meant was thanks a lot for sharing to us your special place, not sharing to use your special place, sorry. And yeah, I agree with MJ and Weng, I’m happy for you Len, for being proud of your home, for home is where our heart is. Again, my well wishes on your summer ball.
len, don’t ever get rid of the wicker set….they very much remind me of home. your place is a typical house i’ve seen in europe especially the laced table cloth. the couch where you and jim snuggle is your favorite piece of furniture, i guess. nice cozy home, friend!