When I was younger I sat on this window seat and watched the seasons pass.
Summer would roll by with its fluffy white clouds and blue skies and lazy afternoons.
Fall tiptoed in with its crisp afternoons and tumbling leaves and pumpkin spice smells.
Winter blew past the windows in a brilliant blast of cold air and gray skies.
Spring arrived with tiny flowers and chirping birds and green grass that smelled like a picnic was just around the corner.
I saw it all.
All from my view out the window.
These were the exact cushions I sat on.
They didn’t always look like this.
They were fuller and plumper and cushionier.
But over the years, somewhere along the way they shrunk.
Maybe it was all the sitting.
And dreaming.
And hoping.
And season watching that made them flat like this.
It wasn’t their fault. Really. They couldn’t help it. There was a lot of cushion throwing and sitting and drinking a drink that spilled or accidentally rips with a notebook.
And then there was the whole flipping them over thing in the hope your mother would never notice.
When we first bought the house and I walked up the stairs it was incredible. I walked up the first flight and paused and looked out this window. I couldn’t believe it.
It was as if time had never passed.
Like I was about to run downstairs for breakfast.
Like I forgot my backpack in my room.
Like my friends were about to show up in the driveway and honk.
I wanted to honor it all.
All the seasons.
All the sitting.
All the dreaming and life-living and hoping and planning and cushion throwing.
So I had new cushions made for the window seat.
Here’s the cushion before.
These cushions that have lived a life other cushions only dream of, but it was time for a change.
And now?
Here’s the cushion after.
Same place.
Same window seat.
Same landing.
But now?
The cushions are new again. I had them remade from drop cloths.
They have zippered backs.
And stuffed new thick, cushiony, fluffy foam.
The landing smiled as I lugged those cushions up the stairs and put them in place.
The staircase laughed as I tucked the edges into the sides of the window seat.
I hummed to myself as I fluffed the fronts and lined up the cording.
And now once again….
….the window seat is ready.
Ready for books and sweet tea and giggles and whispers and cushion fights and eye rolls and dancing sunlight and lazy afternoons.
Ready for a new generation.
Ready for a new chapter.
Ready for another season to begin. 🙂
PS They are starting the painting tomorrow. Can’t wait for you to see which color I picked. I’ll give you a hint—it’s gray. 🙂
If it was a tempting place to read before, it's an absolute magnet now. I slipcovered some armchairs that I couldn't afford to get reupholstered. I appreciate the utility of slipcovers now, especially because they are white (the original chairs were green taffeta) and I can just toss the covers in the wash. I didn't do piping, but I did a zipper like yours and it wasn't that difficult to sew. There are lots of online guides. Bless the Internet.
The funny thing about the past is that it's right beside us as we travel through life. Like we could reach out and put our arm around it. It makes us who we are. The legacy continues. Those cushions have a big job ahead! xoxoxoxo
I'm new here. I feel as though I found a precious gift. Thank you. Sandy
Sandy, you really have...the most precious of kinds! Welcome from a long time, fellow reader. So glad you posted. Yours is a sentiment many of us share...Karianne & her storytelling.
You surely did find a precious gift from God. Karianne is a sweet lady with wonderful stories, great wit and a knack for making us feel close to her.
As my mom watched on off my kids on their deck just swinging and swaying in the 2 seaar slider she told me, "Every kid should have a place and time to dream." May your children have wonderful times of dreaming in your new home. Linda
And they say you can never go home...what do they know?
What do "they" know? Who are "they" anyway?
When we were younger, my cousins said they finally figured out who "they" was. My cousins said that "they" meant my mom. "They say" always meant MY MOM said it. (I was so glad when we figured out who "they" was. (Just saying! LOL)
Can I asked where you moved to?
Vicki, Yes! We moved to the DFW area in Texas! Happy day friend! karianne
Wait . . . you had SNOW in DFW???
It all my years growing up---we've had snow about 5 or 6 times! Can you even believe it?
It looks like Highland Park or University Park. If so, you lucky girl! I lived on Lovers Lane many years ago. Love me some Dallas.
Oh Golly!!! I am in love. In love with the memories and stories to come!!! (as your family home becomes YOUR family home) And if you ever are in need of someone to come sit with you and look out the windows, why, Pittsburgh isn't that far away! If you can't wait that long, we can face time and pretend we're together. Giggling about auto-correct or talk to text mistakes and looking out the windows. :)
It feels like "coming home"! What a wonderful view for the next generation from "the window". I am looking forward to your memories while making the house your own. Judyc
Eyes are the windows to our souls and it is wonderful to look through your eyes. Hugs.
Oh my goodness. Hoping to run into you in a shop or on the street!
What a dream come true! I think of the house I grew up in and wonder what it would be like to live there. The neighborhood is still as beautiful as it ever was. :)
I have been reading your blog daily for several years, so I feel like we are friends (even though I’m much older and live in Missouri). So my friend, how are your kids adjusting to the move? As a retired high school guidance counselor I’m always interested in how the kids are doing!!
They are doing amazing! They've made friends and they love the downtown square with all the shops and coffee shops!
Love this! And was also instantly inspired by the paint color on the walls. It looks a little bit like dreamy vanilla pudding. Dare I ask for the paint info? Also, I must add that I loved reading your book! You help me feel so "not alone". :-)
,,,and now you and your lovely family get to make new memories in this wonderful home!
Karianne, What will you name your new home or does it already have a name ?
I don't have a new name for it. Maybe I should host a contest to name it. :)
What a wonderful seat. I think I'd sleep there. Love the wooden banisters. Only slightly jealous! ;)
Oh, what a lovely story, sweet KariAnne! I was running the stairs with you and gazing out the window, sitting right there next to you. Seeing it all through your eyes. I have a similar story but not with a happy ending. One of the homes I grew up in was on a farm, which was later developed into a neighborhood subdivision (and more). And the home? It is the building for a country club. Sad yet glad it's preserved in this way. So my heart is with you, rejoicing that you are able to return to that window of opportunity and love all the future it holds. Enjoy, dear one! ❤
Oh Karianne... you have a way with words.I can visualize what it would be like to sit on those cushions and just dream and gaze as the seasons pass. You picked a very stury material for the next generation..😍
I would have loved to have had a place like this in my old house where I grew up. Instead, I climbed the tree or read in my room. You told your story so eloquently. Maybe someday I'll find my own voice.
I love the way you paint a picture with words! As a retired English teacher, I still think like one. :) The cushions and lovely windows are perfect, and what a great idea to use drop cloths! Have a wonderful time refreshing your fabulous home!
*SIGH* Oh, KA- you sure have a way with words, my dear. As usual, I'm sitting here with tears streaming slowly down my face, of joy, knowing you are "home" again. You must be besides yourself. And that home - oh golly what a joy it will be to see you put your incredible touch to it. Hugs.
A Beautiful, beautiful home, inside and out. And the memories to go with it all. Priceless!!!!
I fell in love with your present new home as soon as I saw the window seat. I'm envious. Can't wait to see your Rock Star genius go to work and sharing your home with us.
What wonderful memories Kerryanne :) the new cushions turned out beautiful. love drop cloths!!
You left the country! Our son and his family now live in Wylie! I love your book! So glad I got to meet you before you moved away! Meta
Karianne, it's lovely! I must ask - what is the stain color/finish on the hardwood floor? Gorgeous!
Every time we go back "home" for a day or two we always drive by the home in the country that my parents built over 50 years ago on 30 acres. It was a young girl's dream come true. My Dad and I built a barn for our horses, and it has 2 ponds, woods, and riding trails. It chokes me up just thinking of it. My parents are both gone now but it brings me such comfort thinking of it. If only I could go back to those days, or purchase that house. It's not meant to be - but we are making new memories with our daughter, son-in-law and two precious toddler granddaughters that we see almost every day. Enjoy this journey, can't wait to see what you do with this home.
KariAnne! How great is that to have new cushions made for your windowseat in your gorgeous new home! They are just waiting for the new precious memories to be made by your children! You and your dear hubby and children are just going to be enjoying your precious new home really soon! I'm so happy for you all! God will bless you and make you a special blessing to those around you! Enjoy your new journey! Blessings! You are going to be making such wonderful memories in your new home!
I'm so happy for you. Working and getting your house ready. Enjoy your new life and new and old memories. God bless you. Love you.
Home again, home again, jiggity jig. Sweet.
My husband and I are now living in my childhood home. There are so many wonderful memories in this house of when I was a child living with my mom and dad, and now My husband and I are making memories of our own.
Awe...sigh ,this post made me sad I will never be able to see our homestead again. .Developers have torn down everything!🏡
Thank you, Karianne! While I will never have the opportunity to live in my childhood home, your post reminded me that the memories are always tucked away in my mind and heart. I simply need to move through the rooms of my home, touch treasured items, and go back in time for a few minutes. In fact, I am now headed to look through some storage boxes for a small twirling porcelain ballerina....I will spend this afternoon in my childhood.
Coming to your blog always puts a smile on my face. I love how you honored the old space with a refresh. Looking forward to following along with your house updates! Shelley
Beautiful home but just wondering do you miss the farm in Kentucky
How about Woodmark for the new house?
Welcome home...back to Texas. I HOPE YOU REMEMBER HOW HOT IT IS! I can't imagine what it must be like to live in your childhood home! I think it would be wonderful!
WOW. What a luxury to have such a beautiful seat on the world. Your family is so fortunate.
What a sweet window seat (and post). There's nothing homier than a window seat!
Be happy !
Oh! You are such a tease -- gray!! I can't wait to see what it looks like. We have a harvest gold window seat -- I am so ashamed I haven't done anything with it. That is the color and the cushion at the window when we bought the house. Are you going to name your house? How about Thistlewood House or Home? Sending big hugs!!
Karianne---Those cushions are just perfect! But WHERE did you find the creamy-colored drop cloths? ....or did you bleach them yourself? Your house is going to be WONderful!
Karieanne I can see all your past and wonderful dreams through your eyes. I wish I had the opportunity to go back to my grow up home, but the memories will sustain me. Even though I am now 81years old I remember it like it was yesterday. You and your. Family have a lot of memories to make with much love. Betty from Ontario,Canada.
Wishing you and your wonderful family the very best in your new old house. I am so excited for you.
K-A, I also moved to TX. at the end of past June,after living 43 yrs. in Europe. It really is true that one "can't go back home." Home changes (as it should) & we change (as we should) but I believe that God is always doing something new & if we greet the new with a sense of hope & joy then it will be all that is meant to be. I have said before that you really are a gifted writer & I always love reading your posts. I hope one day that our paths cross & I can give you a warm hug! You inspire me to be present where I am. All the best to you & your precious family.
Oh my gosh, that is so sweet! I can't believe the old cushions were still there! The new ones? Fantastic! Can't wait to see the color of grey you picked for the house. It's going to be beautiful. How absolutely special you get to refresh your childhood home and make it all fresh again. It's a beautiful house. Looking forward to seeing all you do! hugs, Cecilia
Love the new window cushions! And I'm totally shocked that you are going gray! ;) All that window seat needs is a few throw pillows ( I'm old and need a little more comfort! ), a throw and a good book! I'm so excited for you!
Kari Anne this is like a dream. Buying the house you gre up in. I love it ❤️ Pike Road ladies miss you!! Come see us soon! 😘
This post makes me smile. I have no idea what you liked like as a young girl but I felt like I could picture you running up and down the stairs a beautiful little blond hairs girl. I could picture you sitting at the window watching for your friends and the snow and the leaves falling. Thank you for sharing your life and your stories, you brighten the days of many! Did you sell the farm?
Did you sell Thistlewood Farm and your husband's pharmacy?
Oh such precious flashbacks and exciting memories to make! Your kids will have a glimpse of what life was like for you at their age. I can only imagine how that makes a Mama's heart feel. I watched my daughter walk down the aisle wearing the same wedding crown I wore as a bride. ...arm and arm with her Daddy. I was a bundle of tears! Excited to see which grey for your home!
I was going to say I can recommend a really good upholster but I think you've already found her!! 😜! Your such a tease... so it's going to be gray !! Wow I would never have guessed !! Miss u sweet lady! Hummm I might have commented in the wrong place
This is a wonderful post! Do I need to give you a new email or will you continue to send your great blog to my current email? I have not changed my email address ,just curious.
Love your blogs and posts. You are an inspiration!Thank you! GABA
Carolyn, LOL! Wava made those cushions. :) I drove them all the way here from KY. She is THE BEST! Happy day friend! karianne
Thank you for sharing memories of those well loved cushions and home. For taking us along for the journey. Absolutely love it all. ❤️❤️❤️
I love to read your stories. How blessed you were to grow up in such a magnificent home and to return to it in a different, new phase of life. I know you will put your talents to work and we will wait patiently to see the results. I can't wait to see which shade of gray you've chosen. I love gray. My son told me that I am obsessed with gray. And beige. And white. I believe he's right. Enjoy your journey.
Please keep the Thistlewood name. It is so you. I really would be sad to see it just disappear. You have the most wonderful and inspiring blog. I have moved several times in my life and left a piece of my heart in each place because I get so attached and sentimental. Can't wait to see all the wonderful things you'll be doing in this special house .... you are awesome.
Your prose is pure poetry!
Good for you. The new cushions will make for much softer butt padding. I am so excited for you.
You replied to comments on the blog?! What's gotten into you, girl? ;-) So fun to see your face as I scroll down the comments! The cushions look wonderful, and I bet that's not the last 'primping' you will do to that spot! ;-) Hope you are doing well. Praying for you and all that is happening.
What a wonderful experience you wrote of! Something only this on the move, way back when, Army man's daughter could only dream about! Love stories like yours! Looking forward to reading more!
Nice story! You have a gift for writing.
What an amazing way to describe the for seasons in four beautiful lines. As I read them, it felt like I was re living my own past. And I wouldn't blame the cushions either. :-). It does sound like it's done it's time and great replacement. It looks absolutely amazing. Looking forward to seeing new changes at your place and your beautiful style of writing. Thank you again. If you ever wanted a handmade felt ball ottoman to rest your feet as you sit on our cushion and enjoy the season go by, please let me know. We can design one for you. :-) from https://feltballrugusa.com. I am working hard to promote amazing work from our Nepalese artisans and hope you will appreciate their work too. :-) Deep