Un Hommage À Ma Maison

“The balance we approve of in architecture, and which we anoint with the word ‘beautiful’, alludes to a state that, on a psychological level, we can describe as mental health or happiness.”

Alain de Botton, ‘The Architecture of Happiness’

We first met you when we were in the first heady days of our beautiful partnership. We were giddy with the excitement of being together, seeking together and setting up a life together. You were just around the corner, waiting for us.

It was like you were always waiting for us, our kidney coloured, sash-windowed, high-ceilinged beauty. You were the blank canvas on which we drew the first wonderful days of our marriage. Your walls gave us the inspiration we needed to turn our love into a beautiful place for all to visit. We fell in love again and again behind your doors. We found true happiness ensconced within your confines. We thought we’d be together for ever.

Unfortunately, others outside our sphere had different plans, concerns unrelated to the emotional content we’d installed within. We don’t want to leave but we must. If we could move with you, we would, but this is not possible.

We won’t cry. We will pack and clean and wash and leave you better than how we found you. It is the least we can do. You were much more than a home, a flat, an address or an apartment. You were part of us, a friend, and a static companion, reliable, beautiful but ultimately, never ours to start with. We hope if your walls could talk, you’d speak of us fondly, as we will of you. We shall miss you dearly.

Goodbye Number 2 of 102.
10,452 views 28 replies
Reply #1 Top
Are they going Condo?
Reply #2 Top
That was a really nice read Maso, I enjoyed it   You will make somewhere else feel exactly the same though, because you made it that way.  You know that though
Reply #3 Top
This is beautiful, quite a tribute to a home that will still be with you even when you've move on from it.

It's almost like a lover's tribute Maso!

I hope your new home will be even better!
Reply #4 Top
Well, you definitely made a house a home.

Best wishes at your new residence.
Reply #5 Top
Doc,

Are they going Condo?


Erm, sorry for being thick, Doc, but I'm not sure what you mean.

Sally,

You will make somewhere else feel exactly the same though, because you made it that way


The problem we're having is that we weren't expecting to move. We really thought we'd be there for at least another few years. But the situation changed so quickly and we found we have to go. We have already found another place, different but with equal if not greater potential.

You know that though


Indeed we do.

Serenity,

This is beautiful, quite a tribute to a home


Thanks. Home is the operative word here too. I've lived in a lot of dwellings in the past but very few I could call home like this one.

It's almost like a lover's tribute


Yes, it is how we feel about our place, although not so much as a lover but more of a beautiful, close friend. We too hope our new place will be better. We're planning it to be. I will post pictures when we've moved and settled in.

Rose,

you definitely made a house a home


I think it was because it was the first place my wife and I shared together. There was a magic about finding it (it was, quite literally, the first place we looked at) and it has been a wonderful home for us and for our friends and family to visit.

Best wishes at your new residence


Thanks very much.
Reply #6 Top
I think it was because it was the first place my wife and I shared together. There was a magic about finding it (it was, quite literally, the first place we looked at) and it has been a wonderful home for us and for our friends and family to visit.


I love that thought. You definitely will find a new home, but you will always remember that one.

This was lovely.
Reply #7 Top
Kelly,

You definitely will find a new home


The good news is we have found a new home already. The views are incredible and, while it is a little smaller in some respects, it also has some features we've been missing in our current home. It is all good.

This was lovely.



Thank you. I actually got a bit teary (yeah, I know, I'm a big wuss) writing this. 2/102 has such wonderful memories for us and we will always remember it fondly.
Reply #8 Top

Dyna,

Condo means instead of renting, the owner has decided to sell the individual apartments as condominiums.  The tenant then owns the apartment, but has to pay a yearly fee for the exterior maintenance.  It is popular here in the states, especially for old folks (Condos that is).

Reply #9 Top
Ah, okay, I got ya. In Australia, this is called Strata Titling and is similar to the condominium idea, I guess. And no, we're not going condo. We're not that old, yet
Reply #10 Top
So sad this attachment thing, Maso. Why can't we just love something while we have it and let it go gracefully without another thought? But I guess that's what makes us human, I suppose.
Reply #11 Top

And no, we're not going condo. We're not that old, yet

Not you you silly Aussie!  The place you were renting!

Reply #12 Top
And no, we're not going condo.


I don't blame ya, Maso! I never liked wearin' the damn things either!
Reply #13 Top
Shovel,

So sad this attachment thing, Maso.


Indeed it is, mate. While we always knew we'd have to move on one day, we thought we had a few more years there yet.

I never liked wearin' the damn things either


Yeah, I could never find any large enough

Doc,

Not you you silly Aussie!


Oi, who you calling silly? I would prefer it if you didn't give away too many of my secrets, okay?
Reply #14 Top

I would prefer it if you didn't give away too many of my secrets, okay?

Chrysanthymum is the word.

Reply #15 Top
Chrysanthymum is the word/

Damn... I thought grease was the word.
Reply #16 Top
Live in a tent, you can always take it with you!
Reply #17 Top
Chrysanthymum is the word/

Damn... I thought grease was the word.


is the word, is the word, is the word...
Reply #18 Top
Live in a tent, you can always take it with you!


I particularly like yurts. Teepees aren't bad either. But there is no way my wife would have it. No way at all...

Shovel,

LOL You couldn't resist, could ya?
Reply #19 Top
#18 by dynamaso
Wed, August 02, 2006 9:27 PM



[dynamaso]
Live in a tent, you can always take it with you!


I particularly like yurts. Teepees aren't bad either. But there is no way my wife would have it. No way at all...


Dude, I was thinking tent, not major construction!
Reply #20 Top
I was thinking tent, not major construction!


Yeah, I know, but I was thinking 'large' in order to keep my wife happy. You know how it is...
Reply #21 Top
#20 by dynamaso
Wed, August 02, 2006 10:19 PM



[dynamaso]
I was thinking tent, not major construction!


Yeah, I know, but I was thinking 'large' in order to keep my wife happy. You know how it is...


Sorry mate, don't have that problem.
Reply #22 Top
Sorry mate, don't have that problem.


Erm, ah, there are so many response I could make but can't. My wife blogs here too, remember
Reply #23 Top
Gotta love that tribute, you do have a way with words Maso!

Erm, ah, there are so many response I could make but can't. My wife blogs here too, remember

I think i'm guessing the potential answers, NAUGHTY!! Bad Maso!
Reply #24 Top
Heya Em!

So good to 'see' you back, mate. Hope you've been well and all.

you do have a way with words Maso


Thanks very much. Believe it or not, I had a tear in my eyes while writing it. I'm going to miss our place.

i'm guessing the potential answers


Who, me? Nah, not possible... I'm a good boy, yes I am
Reply #25 Top
Good article, Maso.

I wonder if you liked your home because it was a beautiful house or because of the wonderful memories you shared with your wife there. I'm guessing the latter. So as long as your wife is going with you I bet the new house will be just as good if not better.

Ummm ... your wife is going with you, right?