Wednesday, October 7, 2009


The Light in the Window

There is a lamp in my window that is kept on most of the time. A wonderful antique that I found one dreary afternoon in one of those eccentric old shops that decorators just seem to always know about; tucked away on a crooked street and crammed cheek to jowl with treasure. Drawn in a straight line to this lamp like the proverbial moth to flame, I fell immediately, completely, in love. Unfortunately, not only was it wearing the dreaded “Hold” tag around its exquisite marble base, but the name upon that tag belonged to of one of the most famous decorators in the city. But no matter. It could have been Aladdin’s own, for I was undaunted - and did I mention I was in love? - so I squared my shoulders and approached the proprietor flashing was I sincerely hoped was a smile of convincing charm. Shifting his weight from one wingtip-clad foot to the other, rubbing his forehead with the palm of his hand, the poor man was the picture of discomfort.
But, as I said at the beginning....there is a lamp in my window.

Whenever I return home, from long journey or mere errand, pulling up my drive, I see it standing sentry, its lovely golden glow washing out over the little fir trees in the windowbox - a silent greeting of the warmest kind.
It plays an important role in the stage I endeavour to set each time I leave my house. In preparation for a comforting welcome home, the beds are always made, the dishes put away, rugs are vacuumed, soft music left playing. When the Songwriter returns from a trip out of town, there is usually something delicious sitting atop the kitchen counter, candles are burning and that marvelous lamp is always aglow.

Home provides us with such comfort, be it cottage or castle. It is our sanctuary - our cozy nest in winter, our cool oasis from the heat of the summer. Like a beloved member of the family, it keeps our secrets close, knows our sorrows, is witness to our joys. We care for it and it, in turn, cares for us. Like that light in the window, it welcomes us back each time we leave.
But of course, the most extravagant welcome always comes from Edward!

43 comments:

  1. What a wonderful welcome awaits you, clean house, a cozy light, and your dear Edward.

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  2. I love a light in the window. I see lights glowing from the windows in the homes across the bay and it always looks cozy. A light in the window calls one home.

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  3. You paint the most beautiful, warm picture. I keep tiny candle lights lit in all of my windows year-round- those and a soft spot-light on my chimney-welcome us and guests. That way my sweet pups never really feel alone-when we must leave without them.

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  4. Ahhh, your life of idyll. How poetic and dreamy!

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  5. I love the picture you paint of coming home to your magical light, your cozy home, and, of course, Edward! My cat Dill is always waiting just inside the door for me when I come home, and he always makes me feel like I'm right where I belong. Sigh. xo Gigi

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  6. As always Pamela, a most evocative post. To be welcomed home by all the things you love must surely be one of life's great blessings.

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  7. such a storybook welcome home! - hmmmm, mine is different - my order is different, yet just as welcome for me - there is always something not finished, like the open book, morning coffee cup, studio things that didn't make it to the studio, the sweater tossed on a chair, the hand lotion on my desk, but my fav is coming home on a very dark cold night and the fire is burning in the stove - that's heaven!

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  8. Yep, dogs are extravagant okay, both for their good and their bad. You could IMITATE Edward though when people come round!

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  9. Is there anything more wonderful in the world than the greeting you get when you walk in the door from a darling pooch who has assumed he'll never see you again! My idea of heaven. Leigh

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  10. I can well imagine the exuberant welcome you receive from Edward! I love this time of year when lights are turned on in people's homes, yet curtains remain undrawn - the warm glow from each home you pass on your journey home brings you closer to the welcome of your own home:)

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  11. I would drawn to such a light in the window too...so lovely

    I just love the way you tell stories!

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  12. It's important isn't it, and I forget. I've been thinking lately about the golden glow of windows from the outside this time of year. So thank you.

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  13. How do you find the time to write so eloquently when Edward is around? That handsome coat looks as though you're attending to it half the day. The boyz coat is beginning to grow again now the cold weather is here and it's back to the grooming table.Having said that there's nothing but nothing as soft as a PON's coat when it hurtles towards you in greeting.

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  14. I love it when in the dark evenings you see the lights in peoples homes as you walk by....a glimpse of someone elses world...a beautiful post..thanks for the glimpse into your world.xx

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  15. I love this post Pamela. You put into words exactly what home means for me too. I have a lamp that I leave on in the kitchen (not as lovely as yours) & I love the glow and the cozy feeling it evokes. You must have keen powers of persuasion to have ended up with that treasure. Great job! For I am sure you love it far more than the recipient would of. It would of been just an item a decorator (although famous) had chosen. For you, were in love. Nothing compares to the welcome my doggie give me too :) ~ Xx deb

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  16. Hello P&E,

    A light in a window is always a welcome sign, especially now that the nights are drawing in. I wonder if the other designer ever comes to admire his/her "almost" purchase?!

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  17. Oh please! May we see a photo of this lovely lamp?

    Please...

    Please...

    Please...

    Please...

    Please...

    Please...

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  18. Have you seen the movie, Shell Seekers? When she returns home, she opens the drapes, turns on the music and fills the tea pot. I always love to think of that scene and how I want my home to be a haven. I love your story today. It makes me feel good.

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  19. Oh, how I love that picture! I love your posts! We have a little lamp that gives a lovely glow, and as the darks get darker earlier, I like to see it welcome us when we come up the garden path! Suzie. x

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  20. East, West, Home's Best is a saying which my mother had on a sampler on her wall. Very true.
    I can imagine Edward's welcome - like Tess's but twenty times more "knock-you-over-and cover you with kisses!"
    I would love to see a photograph of your lamp in the window.

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  21. Hi Pam,
    Reading your posts, I always have the feeling that I know you! I feel so much the same as the things that you try to bring over to us!
    I love your posts so much!
    I think that the most glowing light on your window is your lovely dog!!

    Greet

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  22. Indeed! No welcome outdoes the Excessive Greeting Disorder complete chaos of the whippet waggle. But if I'm coming home after dark, I look at the bedroom window to see if my husband is reading in bed.

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  23. It sounds so warm and welcoming. Home sweet home.

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  24. I get lost in your beautiful prose Pamela. I loved the story of the lamp. Would liked to have known how you managed to get it though. Some things are just meant to be with us and your lamp was obviously meant to be with you. I always find comfort in the old saying, "if something is meant to be, it will happen, and if it doesn't, then it was never meant to be".

    Enjoyed Edward's October too.

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  25. Oh, you write so well, I want to come home to your house !!! It sounds so welcoming and homely...no wonder Edward loves it so much. A wonderful description of your home and the love that you have for it. XXXX

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  26. beautiful blog here, pamela!
    would you ck mine?..i have an award there for you!
    http://gypsyluludelights.blogspot.com/ if you have questions, my
    email addy is in my profile..
    thanks, gypsy

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  27. This post reminds me of that beautiful opening scene to Howard's End, when Vanessa Redgrave is walking outside the house at dusk and gazing into the lighted windows. I love to do that same thing.

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  28. Pamela-

    I'm hoping that through osmosis, I too can learn how one becomes a goddess of domestic divinity ... I'm afraid my upbringing was sorely lacking in that regard.

    Your blog isthe light to "home" for me.

    Thank you, dear!

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  29. I know that feeling having got back from being away from the family for the 1st time in ages. The greeting from the hounds was lovely. The pile of clean clothes needing folding just showed me how missed I was. :-)

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  30. What an extraordinary welcome-home light!

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  31. 'I'm home'. Those two words truly mean more than all the riches that could ever be bestowed upon one, don't you think? And to have the golden glow of a lovely light to welcome you rounds it all off most perfectly. Aaah - the very picture induces sighs of utter contentment.

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  32. A beautiful post. Your description of a welcoming home are an inspiration. It is the sort of thing I aspire to once I get my house finished.

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  33. What a wonderful picture you paint, Pamela. I find myself picturing a magical, much longed-for lamp, a charming yet steely smile and an anguished antique dealer making a very difficult call to that famous decorator. Your home sounds exquisite and so welcoming.

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  34. As I always believe home should be our castle. Lovely post Pamela, xv

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  35. Beautiful post and I can imagine what a home coming it must be when Edward runs to the door.

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  36. This month at Rosemary Cottage -- two white pumpkins with spooky lighted grins keep watch at the front window -- much to the delight of walkers past the house! LOL! After all -- this is Cemetery Hill! And yes -- please show us your wonderful lamp!

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  37. How sweet! And so lovely to know there will always be an exuberant welcome home!

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  38. All those things add to the allure of home- and the hold tag is always a challenge I take on. beautiful psot GT

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  39. As an artist, light is so important, the reflected light and all it ensues. My home is facing south and the bright warm light radiates such a heavenly glow all year round that even on the gloomiest of days, there is a radiant light.
    pve

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  40. Beautiful! I love lamplight so much. And yey for doggy greetings at the door.
    Love that illustration too! Gorgeous!

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  41. Touching post! yep...the "light" of home is where the heart is!

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  42. You have summed up the best things about entering a real home, warm welcomes from loved ones and the relaxing cosy glow of a true home. Linda

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  43. How lovely to come home and read your beautiful beautiful posts...I am sitting here with a smile on my face..thank you..:)

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!