When it comes to the weather, layering seems to be the operative word, especially when the mercury drops most of us begin to layer on the clothing to deal with the plummeting temperatures. The forecast for the upcoming week certainly looks as though we will be glad to have on the extra clothing. Interestingly, however, when it comes to wall paper, layering means one of 2 things, do you take off the old before putting on the new, or do you just cover it up? Sometimes, the added trouble of removing those old layers may just reveal a hidden story worth all the effort, and let me explain.
My parents had the good fortune of living long and fruitful lives, and like so many people of their generation, they lived most their lives at the same address. They moved into their home some 50+ years ago, and over the years, they papered and painted the walls along with the woodwork many times. Usually, these activities were associated with some special event prompting my mom to "freshen" up the look, such as a graduation party or wedding.
However, as the years rolled by, the paint chipped and the wall paper looked dated, but they were able to live in their own home, nonetheless. They made their home a home, with all the love, life and vigor they possessed, until their tired, aged bodies just ran out of gas.
Recently, I began to peel back some of the loose wall paper and underneath I found the memories of an age gone by. The harvest gold and striped paper that was on my parent's bedroom wall hailed of a previous time, and in several places, there was evidence of yet an earlier time. It's remarkable how such a simple discovery can trigger so many memories. I am reminded of the phrase, "if only these walls could talk, what a story they would tell". As in this case, you just have to peel away the layers, and it'll have you "glued" to the story!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Gosh, does that sound familiar! My mom used to talk my dad into redoing various parts of the house when one of us graduated. My parents too lived in the same house for many years, in fact they still use same phone number as well !
ReplyDeleteI remember when I shared a bedroom with my two older sisters, we always had to decide on a color to paint our room. We were just young girls then but I still remember my oldest sister picking a bright pink.
Of course we all have our own places now and from time to time, my other sister reminds her of that dreadful color.
Its funny because my oldest sister hates pink now!
You are right, somehow walking in our old room remembering renovations reminds us of that time in our lives.
My mom had gold in her kitchen at one point.
My grandma and grandpa used to wall paper their house. I have done it myself but totally "Stink" at it.
You shared a wonderful story, you are a great writer!
Sounds like you are getting ready for something special!
ReplyDelete