My Apartment is in a former Cotton Mill. Image Illustrated by Sye Watts.
A house is a building usually with four walls, a roof, windows and doors that people live in. Whereas a home can be any sort of dwelling and is infinitely more. A home is:
- A destination that you always look forward to arriving at.
- A sense of belonging.
- A place where kin come together to socialise, share meals, drink and be merry.
- A place filled with laughter.
- A place where birthdays, Christmas and other events are celebrated.
- A place of mental and emotional comfort.
- A place of physical comfort.
- A place of good memories.
- A place of love, affection and sex.
- A place that can be quiet or noisy.
- A place that may have children, pets and plants that need caring for.
- A place of growth.
- A place of life and death.
- A place filled with sentimental items: photos, ornaments and artwork.
- A place of safety.
- A place where you can be yourself without fear of judgement.
- A place where you can feel exactly as you do without having to explain.
- A place you feel yourself immediately relax on entering.
- A place of mediation and reflection.
- A place where you can dance unobserved.
- Somewhere that there’s always a cup of tea on offer.
- A place where good meals are made and devoured.
- A place filled with sentimental items: photos, ornaments and artwork.
- A place where personal hygiene takes place.
- A place where pyjamas are worn.
- A place where books are read and your imagination is ignited & stimulated.
- A place where TV and films are watched.
- A place where music is listened to and enjoyed.
- A place of privacy.
- A place where some practice their faith, religion or magic.
- A place where more than one language may be spoken, sometimes in the same conversation.
- A place that is part of a vibrant and diverse community.
I am so fortunate. Seven years ago I bought my own apartment (see The Move) and it quickly became my own home. But what makes me feel really fortunate, is that I have several other places that feel like home. Places where friends and self-proclaimed-adoptive-families live.
Take care,
Antony
