This post inspired by V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #30: Windows
It is interesting to note what it is you miss after it’s gone.
Not appreciating its significance while you had it.
As cliché as that may sound, it can still ring true.
Which brings me to the subject of windows.
Two years ago we moved from a house into a condo. I don’t miss much about the house…but one thing I do miss is the kitchen window. Over the sink…facing the backyard. Watching the sun as it hit the trees, the grass, the deck.
My hands deep in soapy water…cleaning dishes, washing pots. Rinsing vegetables for cooking. I was a loyal spectator to the changing seasons…which appeared with comforting regularity. From my window in the kitchen.
A robin would perch on the clothesline, pausing between flights. Squirrels and chipmunks raced across the deck railing…their own private balance beam. Over the years the errant cat from next door would creep close, sit right below and stare at me, as if to say…what are you going to do about it lady? So what if I use your backyard as my litter box? I’d glare back, the window between us. This game continuing for years.
Winter brought icicles hanging down – eventually blocking and distorting the sight of blinding piles of snow beneath. Storms poured gallons of rain over the eaves past the sill. Hurricanes hurled wet leaves and twigs onto the glass and screen. Mother Nature everywhere. Putting on a show.
Warmer months showcased children throwing balls, making sand pies, swinging on the swings, climbing on the jungle gym. Eventually cutting grass and raking leaves. Opening the window swept in sounds of neighborhood life. The whine of distant lawnmowers. Splashing in a pool. Voices…young high pitched and older booming ones. Dogs barking. Car radio volume cranked, music a dull roar as it passed by. The faint hum of traffic down the hill. Smells of steaks on a grill. Next door neighbor burning brush. Every day a little different. Every hour just a bit changed from the one before.
That’s the thing about windows.
They give you a peek at your world. If you take a moment to notice. Not just quickly glance as you hurry by. But really look. Noticing the world outside. As young children do, with faces pressed against the glass taking note of…everything.
Sometimes the sight will stop you. And you put down the sponge. The pot. Turn off the water. Slip outside…maybe even sit on the back step and look around.
Listen.
Be grateful for this patch of earth.
One of the final things I did on that last October day – almost as an afterthought – was take a photo of my view out the kitchen window.
Through the screen, crooked shade and all.
It may be the only photo I ever took from that spot at the sink…following an intuitive hunch that it would be important to me.
Like I said, I took it for granted.
Although we have plenty of windows in our over-55 condo, there is no window over the sink.
I miss it.
And sometimes the world I left behind there as well.
What a beautiful post. So much life we live through windows, some more endearing than others.
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Thank you so much! Yes, good point – not all are as positive….
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My pleasure! But it is the positive ones that make our hearts soar, as you described!
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True!
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I miss it for you. Your description transported me there beside you, witnessing the glories (and trials) of nature. It very much reminded me of our childhood home. So glad you took that photograph to remind you.
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Oh, thank you so much V.J.! I am also glad I took the photo. I have learned over the years to trust my intuition/hunches. And that was one of them.
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That was a good one.
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love it! great picture 🙂 i bet we have some pics out that window from major snowstorms, maybe? a window above the sink is definitely something i want in our one-day forever home.
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Thank you! Glad you like it. I hope you get that window in your future home too 🙂
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Nothing like a window over the kitchen sink. So much to see each day!
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Yes there is 🙂! Thank you.
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You’re such a wonderful writer reflecting on the windows of the past. Loved reading this! ❤
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Thank you so much for your kind words. I am happy you enjoyed it!
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