Gold Dust Cottage · October notes

Leave a chair for the evening.

A little late to the celebration. Still proud of where I come from.

In my usual fashion, I’m celebrating Nigeria’s Independence Day a little late. October 1 has passed, but there is still room for music, a good cup and a little green, white and green.

A room can hold more than one part of your story. Crisp white and old wood. Forest green and a little plum. Nigerian roots and Pacific Northwest rain.

The room does not need to explain all of it to a visitor. It only needs to feel like somewhere you can settle.

One corner is enough

Clear a small table. Move the lamp nearer the chair you actually sit in. Fold the throw you already own. Give one meaningful photograph or object a little space around it.

Now put on a song. Let the rest of the house remain a house: lived in, unfinished, loved.

May this house hold our stories,
and still leave room to dance.

That is the whole evening brief. Warmth, a place to sit, and no new furniture requirement.

More words for a well-loved home

Nigeria’s Independence Day: October 1 · A belated celebration.