The house that sanity built
I have just awoken from my first sleepover in my new house. After more than two years living with my parents by the riverside, I have flown the nest for the second time to a beautiful historic house on the north side of town.
Just two months ago, a move towards independence was unthinkable to me. Years of struggling with mental illness and accompanying long periods of self medication, rendering independent living untenable, had destroyed my self-confidence. Sadly, I had come to rely on my parents to keep me healthy and alive. So it is with amazement that I now find myself in my very own space, alone and happily so. How quickly things can change.
The turning point for me was my sojourn at the private psychiatric clinic I fondly refer to as Club Loco. Although I initially found myself there in a time of crisis, facing the challenge of taking ownership of my treatment and spending a measure of time somewhere away from home independently, albeit somewhere safe and nurturing, provided me with great unexpected confidence.
I have also been blessed with the generosity of an extraordinary friend, owner of Grafton’s newest dining establishment No. 1 Duke Street, who has taken on the project of converting a nineteenth-century inn into a boutique guest house. I am to be the caretaker in this undertaking. But, referring to me as her ‘writer in residence’, Liza has seen an opportunity for mutual benefit. I will undertake the simply satisfying work of greeting guests, laundering sheets and cleaning bathrooms, and in exchange, be given the space and opportunity to grow and write in my own space and time.
Over the past week, I have made this space my own. Being the first time I have lived alone, as well as the first time in many years I have had the motivation and strength to create a peaceful sense of space, I have filled these light, spacious rooms only with objects that I love; created a reflection of myself in each strategically-placed ceramic pineapple, thrift-store painting and well-thumbed book.
It is a joy to once again live in an old building, each room echoing the presence of residents past. It is a thrill to be a part of its story; may the story I write here be a happy one.
Argyle House, 1879
The joy of unpacking
My kitchen: is Don; is good.
Hooters
Liz
Lounge and library
Desk of my dreams
Music nook
Iron lace
Window box
Oh, how very lovely. Owy was looking over my shoulder and says we’ll come up and look after it when you need a holiday
Hehe thanks Zoe! xx
X What a difference having your own space will make. Happy nesting. X
Thanks! Can’t wait to have you and D over for tea one day. x
Welcome home, traveller.
Thanks Emma
xxxxx
To my first ever ‘real job’ mentor
haha. Look where we are now! You have no idea how much you inspire me! You are one of those truly unique and beautiful people in this world! You are amazing! Love you lots! Ox
Look where we are now indeed! You are truly an inspiration to me too, Katie. It has taken me a long time to realise that ‘success’ doesn’t have anything to do with material possessions, wealth, a high-flying job or how many degrees one has. Success means happiness, and happiness is where you find it, even when it takes a lot of searching! xoxox
LOVE what you’ve done with the place!
Thanks T! Next time you’re in town you’ll have to come over for lunch. x
You have come such a long way and I’m so proud of you!! Can’t wait to visit
I can’t wait for you to visit either! x
Like the way the mirror looks….
Oh, oh! That house! I have personal history with that house haha. It’s lovely, I hope you love living there! (the high ceilings and architraves!)
Ooh I wanna hear your stories. Yes, the high ceilings are the best! Except for the rooms they put false ceilings in, grrr.
Lovely news, thanks lovely xx
Thanks Cath xxxxx
You’re creating a unique and distinctive life for yourself. It reflects great strength of character. Well done. I look forward to the next chapter. I often ask why the most interesting people are afflicted by mental illness.
I hope you really enjoy your time at Argyle House, you have made it look very homely. Love the owl. Hopefully you will gain lots of inspiration for writing. I look forward to a visit. Love from Sharron
How wonderful to be a writer in residence! I hope you have lots of time to write, dream & be happy.
You are always a source of inspiration.and now a writer in residence in a heritage house, too. Perfect match?Hug.
Hi, have I caught you relaxing in your music nook?
Hi, you’ve caught me murdering a homeless woman.