| The window above the kitchen sink. |
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| Written by OHmommy | |
| Wednesday, 21 April 2010 00:00 | |
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It wasn't the full sized basement with standard windows that brightened up the walls, that sold me. It wasn't the two person jacuzzi in the master bathroom that was positioned under a picture window, that sold me. It wasn't the grand fireplace that stood so confidently in the family room making the wall of windows beside it beg for coverage, that sold me. Not even the floor to ceiling dinning room windows framed in exquisite Amish molding, sold me.
It was the standard kitchen window that sold me.
The sunny basement filled with boy toys like ping-pong tables and dart boards was my husband's dream. I closed my eyes and dreamed of soaking in a tub with sunlight pouring in. We both hoped that the sweeping fireplace would withstand our most treasured family photos. As a family we stood on the outside admiring the dinning room windows and pictured ourselves feasting on Sunday brunch inside.
But it was the standard kitchen window, above the sink, that sold me.
I stood before that window, five years ago almost to date, while holding my eldest on my hip. I can't do that anymore. He weighs half as much as I do now. I looked out of that window for so long that the frazzled realtor asked what was wrong with it. Was there a crack? Or a leak in the sink? Why was I studying it so hard? Was there something wrong?
No. It's perfect. I smiled. "It's the most perfect window in the world."
I don't know why I was drawn to that window. It wasn't fancy or luxurious or anything special at all. It was very much ordinary. Just a window above a sink.
"I'll take it." I told the realtor. I imagined a future of standing at the ordinary kitchen window above the sink, and feeling peace. |
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| Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 April 2010 08:18 |
Comments
Take this blog post, for example. What would have been a wonderful story was overshadowed by your need to boast about the "full size basement", the "two person jacuzzi", the "grand fireplace", the "floor to ceiling dinning room windows" and the "exquisite Amish molding."
Over and over again, while reading between the lines of your writing, I've noticed the voice of insecurity, the desperate need to be accepted and admired, and the tendency to hide behind the facade of expensive clothing and accessories.
For the sake of your children, and your sense of self worth, I truly hope that you are less superficial in real life than you portray on this blog.
There is nothing wrong with being proud of what she has and if you see it as bragging,perhaps you should walk away from your computer and leave her alone.
For the sake of your own good, I would highly advise that if you don't like it here at classy chaos, then perhaps instead of being a reprimanding witch, that maybe you go find your happy place. Because in all honesty, why would you even bother to make a comment??? Do you run to every blog you can find just to inject some of your negativity? I would rather read about the large basement, exquisite molding and grand fireplace then to hear the diarrhea coming from your mouth. Self worth comes in many forms, and if you wish to bring it up, then I suppose I can say that for the sake of anyone who has to spend a minute of their lives with you, that you reconsider being a name calling, demeaning winch and maybe try kindness. I would rather be superficial (in which Pauline, I think Miss Gabriella is totally jealous) then to be a downer or a life sucking leech.
And I would also like to remind you that Pauline has done many wonderful things with her blog, including donations and useful information. Now Go AWAY and take your pessimism with you please!
Also, for what it's worth, she gets her expensive accessories on sale and wears the shit out of them! Where some people have tons of shoes, she spends wisely on a few excellent pairs.
By making a big point of accusing OhMommy of being a braggart you are in fact bragging about yourself by making a big deal about how you think you are oh so much better than her!
Your arrogant condescension is sooooo transparent. Of course mine is too.
I like my kitchen window. It's what I love most about my house. Sometimes it's the small things in life that bring me most joy. End post.
I loved this post - absolutely. I actually have a small house - no grand anything, but I do have a kitchen window and I love it... I can see the boys playing together in the back or sitting around the fire with thier dad.
I love your stories and your writing.
Meanwhile, I MISS my kitchen window. Miss is desperately.
I've been sitting here trying to think of a nice way to ask you why you thought it was OK to put so much effort into what was basically little more than tearing another person down, based on your limited observations into her life?
But then it hit me...you don't really know Pauline nor could you have honestly spent much time reading her blog, in order to have surmised that she's insecure and materialistic. And if that's the ONLY thing you come away with after reading this, you really missed the entire point.
She draws a vivid picture that pulls the reader in and then tugs at their heart...all with her heartfelt and genuine words.
Say le vie? Live and learn I suppose.
i find this blog to be a well-written commentary of modern motherhood.
frankly, i would argue that someone who makes comments such as those is the one struggling with insecurity issues. to come away with that impression after such a beautiful post is sad indeed.
it's sad that some people seem to see life like they are a hammer and everything's a nail...
To me, her comment shows more about her own insecurity than yours, Pauline. She wants what you've got, but doesn't want to admit it, and it burns her up. I could be wrong, but that's the impression I got from her comment.
Anyway, Gabriella - I know OHMommy. In real life and online. She's nothing like you assume. I'm more superficial than she is, and I'm not the one with the disposable income for it.
It's that you don't know what the hell you're talking about. If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you'll know that Pauline, while certainly grateful for the things that she has, is all about her family (extended) and her husband and children. That she truly appreciates her life, respects her heritage and values her readers.
While Pauline does have an expensive stiletto addiction, if you've seen her Style columns, they are bargain basement. If she brags about anything, it's the ability to find a bargain.
She certainly does not "brag" about expensive things. Perhaps you missed the posts about how her husband does a lot of the house maintenance because they could not afford to pay for it?
Or how her son saves up his money for special toys?
I admire Pauline because she's a fantastic mother, a wonderful friend and a talented writer.
I can see how that would not sit well with some.
Jealousy! HA!
As for the comment about the other details of your house, I've been in a lot of homes that aren't Mansions of the Filthy Rich, and they have details like that, too. It's about storytelling, not bragging.
Never once have I felt like you and I couldn't be friends because of the differences in our houses or what's not in my closet. I have often thought, however, that we ARE friends because of the similarities in what we see in the world around us. In how we see motherhood. That is conveyed in what you write.
Lovely post and visual.
Lucia
Gabriella is a beautiful name. Too bad she displays herself so judgmental.
You just keep on keepin' on. Just like you are. Heroes are hard to find - I've found you, I don't want you to change a bit.
It is the simple things.
For the hater: I have met Pauline in real life and she is a sweet, classy, down-to-earth, and beautiful person.
Just remember: Opinions are like assholes - Everyone has them, and everyone thinks everyone elses stinks.
Hang in there!
Pauline, don't let this comment bother you. You know who you are. And I love you for being real, a great mother and a beautiful writer. xoxo
PS We don't have a window over our sink, or a basement, or a jacuzzi, but I'm also fairly certain if we ever met that we, too, could be friends...even if I was wearing my Kohl's heels:)
Don't let her ruin your day!
It's simple things like this that make you so down-to-earth. Rock on.
"You know, Gabriella, there is something about your comment that doesn't sit well with me and it took me exactly one second to figure out what it is.
It's that you don't know what the hell you're talking about."
Pauline is a loving, dedicated, hardworking mother that has sacrificed herself to provide for her children. Having the privilege of knowing Pauline personally, I can say with certainty that she's the furthest thing from insecure and I'm proud to call her a friend. Please Gabrielle, keep your hate to yourself.
you love the window, I love all the old doors in my house. They have got to the original, so they are old and have scratches but a lot of character.
I also love the foyer door too. That sold me.
Love the window! I love my back wall of my house for that very reason: the view of my kids. It's the best view in the world!
Before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes... then you'll be a mile away, and you'll have their shoes that you seem to be bitching so much about...
As for that incredibly rude comment?
IGNORE.
You don't need us to tell you what your self worth is, and you certainly don't need to listen to crap like that.
You just keep on being your usual, sweet and kind self.
Karma will get them.
(Is Gabrielle a troll? Has she commented here before or did she just come along to stir up trouble? Either way, she's a meanie.)
Holy cow! I just popped back on after seeing your update on FB. It's so nice to see so many of my favorite bloggers sticking up for one of our own!
I loved what Jessica had to say. Part of my love for your blog comes from my own love of fashion (and especially shoes), and the other fine details of style that not everyone appreciates or other people pretend to hate, just because they can't have them. I'm so tired of the idea that buying nice things means you're selfish and evil. It's possible to love beautiful things and be a giving, loving, beautiful person, as well.
Hang in there, girl. Just keep doing what you're doing.
My how times flies. LOVE YOU!
Plus I love good irony. Clearly you are a hater. So, obviously, you want to have sex with yourself. No Mental issues there! Nope, none at all!
When we were looking for a place to live in Louisiana last year I was sad to leave my old home. But when we walked into the house we are currently living in we entered through the garage and into the kitchen and I saw the big, long window that faced out on to the driveway where I KNEW my children would be playing and I said in my head "this is it." And of course, here we are. And of course, that is where they play. It's just little things like this that really make a house a HOME.
So beautiful...
If it was not a clear violation of at least 12 man rules I would tell you that even misted up a bit reading that post.
But it is a clear violation so I wont tell you that.
(I debated about whether to add my 2¢ on the other thread, but I wanted you to know that I have NEVER for a moment thought you were even remotely self-centered or a bragger. G.A. totally missed your point and that tells me she doesn't 'know' anything about you.)
I don't find Pauline insecure at all. Quite the opposite actually. I admire her confidence and how she stood her ground through the whole Nestle controversy. Did you read any of that? The "expensive accessories" she hides behind are usually from Old Navy.
Lovely post.
BTW..it was a lovely post. Capturing those little moments between our children are the memories that we will treasure in our old age and you did so beautifully!
Maybe what you missed was the theme of no matter how fancy a home is (and amazingly enough, some people do work hard to earn such luxuries), the idea of home for Pauline was something within everyone's grasp: a simple window that bridged the gap from the outside world to home.
P-the photo was so moving. What a little get-away for us all.
Your ability to tell us and show us about your life, your family help draw us in and let us feel like we 'know' you. It isn't bragging... it's giving us the entire picture.
There are plenty of blogs out there - if one reader doesn't enjoy a well rounded post, she should go elsewhere!
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