As of last night, and until the day after Christmas, I am living in Midcentury bliss. I’m housesitting for friends at their lovely, swank pad in Eagle Rock, a place that positively screams style, leisure and comfortable beauty. Let me explain:
Right now I’m sitting at the outdoor hibachi, listening to the burbling of a fountain (in which fish live, when they aren’t eaten by raccoons), the tinkling of wind chimes and the gentle rustle of the wind moving through the leaves of the numerous plants on the patio. Last night, I sat out here in the hot tub, sipping on Francis Coppola champagne (left for me, wrapped in pink cellophane, by the home’s owners), smoking Chesterfield lights and peering through red-lit Japanese maple leaves to the hills, valleys and radio towers in the distance.
Earlier this week, Heather pointed out that Apryl and David have mastered the purpose of mid-century style – chic, comfortable leisure. And she was right. Being here makes me want to be my swankiest self. I donned my 40s style bathing suit for lsat night’s soak. Today I’m drinking my coffee in blue ruffly bloomers, black knee socks, wedge-heeled boots and a polka-dotted head scarf. Sweats and an oversized T-shirt wouldn’t be appropriate here – and what’s more, it makes me think that they’re not appropriate anywhere. For comfort, maybe. When you have the flu, yes. But wearing this while wandering the halls past the piano and fireplace, past the gold swivel stools attached to the kitchen counter, past the robin’s egg blue office where Apryl does her writing, makes me feel beautiful, sexy, full of life and love and passion. I think of my sister, who believes the purpose of fashion – above impressing other people – is to make you feel good. And right now, I feel connected to the living of my life in a way I never do in my twelve-year-old flannel pajamas.
I don’t know if I’d want a mid-century style house of my own. But I do know that I want a place with cohesive décor, a place that creates a mood not just for my guests but for me. A place that inspires me to dress up when I’m alone, to eat fine chocolate and drink gourmet coffee, a place that reminds me I am already living my fantasy life, I am already who I want to be, and I don’t need to wait for anything – a job, a relationship, a paycheck – to enjoy waking up in the morning.
Oh. I also want cats.
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