It’s hard to believe that a few weeks ago, I was happily living in a caravan & tent set-up in the middle of a paddock. Or that a couple of weeks ago, I was homeless, and struggling to remember who I really was. Time flies past, and a new normal asserts itself, and the past is suddenly a distant memory.
Okay, not that distant.
Have you ever stopped to consider what a miracle of modern life plumbing is? I mean, really, it’s freaking amazing. Water comes into your home, and just sits there, quietly, waiting for you to turn on the tap. And then? BAM! Water! And turn on the other tap, and BAM! Hot water.
Hot. Freaking. Water. At the turn of a tap. How amazing is that?
And, showers? Showers are like heaven. Seriously, when was the last time you stood in the shower and truly appreciated the range of human accomplishments that have taken place to make that experience a reality?
And let’s not even get into the wonderousness of having an indoor toilet. And electric lights. And, oh my goodness, MY OWN BEDROOM.
Seriously, I haven’t felt this way about having my own room since I was 15, and I finally stopped sharing a room with my little sister. I feel an overwhelming urge to make a “Keep Out” sign for my door. Possibly with a skull and crossbones. But I refrain, because, as it turns out, a Mum Look is equally effective.
More effective, actually. I don’t remember my little sister being at all cowed by signs.
But, moving on. Since my last post, a lot of people have asked me to share some pictures of my little cottage. And so, without further ado, I give you…
Jo’s Amazingly Awesome New House
Now in Pictures!
That’s my little cottage, looking all farmy and flat.
There’s nothing quite like having cows a few steps outside your door.
“Good morning.”
The kitchen (Ignore the dishes stacked on the sink!)
The dining area
The lounge room (or living room, for those with an American bent)
The library
Okay, fine, it’s just the other side of the lounge room. Whatever.
The boys’ bedroom
The playroom
(I cleaned all the Lego off the floor for this shot)
My bedroom (It’s MINE, see, ALL MINE!)
I also have a desk. Trust me, it’s exciting.
So, that’s the house. What do you think?
Oh, wait. I forgot one thing.
How about that view?
Jo Eberhardt is a writer of speculative fiction, mother to two adorable boys, and lover of words and stories. She lives in rural Queensland, Australia, and spends her non-writing time worrying that the neighbour's cows will one day succeed in sneaking into her yard and eating everything in her vegie garden.
I love it and I am so happy for you. What a great view and now you have pet cows!
Thanks, Beca. xxx The best kind of pet cows — the ones who don’t actually belong to me, but just wander around outside the fence, eating the grass and generally being cowlike. 🙂
All the amenities, and comfortable! Not to mentioned a Room of One’s Own. Glad to see you settled. I’ll bet the boys are loving it.
They really are, Kay. They think it’s an exciting treat to be able to have a bath every night, and set the table for dinner, and have more than one room to play, read, or draw in. (Master Eight also thinks it’s exciting that he can go into another room to escape his brother on occasion!)
Jo, this makes me happier than a double chocolate cake! So glad things are on the upswing for you! I’ve got the biggest grin on my face!
Thanks, Joe! Wow, even better than double chocolate cake? That’s some big happy!
I like what Kay said about a room of one’s own. That’s spot on. I’m so happy for you and it’s lovely. Sending much love and hugs to FutureLand. xo
Thanks, Tonia. Yes, a room of one’s own. Bring on the authoring!
What a cozy spot and a sweet little cottage with running water and a Room of Your Own. That view is utterly peaceful (if I were a certain friend of ours, I might not have refrained from saying “udderly peaceful). Also, given how my children act in the living room, the lounge room is a much more accurate name. ❤ 11
Hahahaha. Udderly peaceful…. 🙂 A certain friend of ours clearly doesn’t need to make that terrible pun, now that you’ve “refrained” from saying it. Peaceful is the watchword of this place. The view, the quiet, the simple luxuries. Just amazing.
Very happy for you. A bucolic little spot, and I love the cows. How much more you appreciate all this with everything you’ve endured!
That’s exactly it, Deborah. I’m so glad to have had all the experiences I have, because I appreciate the little things so much more than I would have without them. 🙂
I love it, Jo! And as an upstate New Yorker, I have a special affinity for cows. So happy for you that you’re in your own place — a safe place, an adorable place. xo
Thanks, T. 🙂 I used to be terrified of cows back in the olden days — like, two years ago, when I moved out to the country — but I love them now.
Great view, Jo 🙂 It’s wonderful to have a place of your own where you can write and the kids can be safe…what more could you wish for? Well, except for being on the NYT Best Seller list 😉