Once upon a time, my roommate Becca and I were looking for a new place to live. The house we'd been renting with two other ladies was great - but the owner was ready to move back in. So, apartment searching we went.
While out one day, she suggested we stop by these cute apartments. This was a cozy looking complex of apartments and they were a cute yellow color. I was so discouraged from our hunt and was sure these would be out of our price range, so suggested we skip even checking and being discouraged again.
But, she persevered and we stopped. I'm sure you can already see where this is going?! Yes, they were very affordable and the one that was open had been freshly painted, new counters, carpet and new refrigerator! We went home and thought about it and soon after moved into this quaint yellow apartment. When giving directions, I would say, "Do you know where the yellow apartments are?" Often, they did!
The buildings were all the same, one garden level and then an upstairs level. We were upstairs and at first, I had a hard time feeling "at home" there - but keep reading to see how that changed. I don't know why - but I sort of felt like I was at camp in that apartment and a couple of other friends said, "This feels like camp!"
These apartments had been built somewhere in the 1930-1940's - my favorite era! And, an aging yet chatty neighbor told me that they had been built for the Nestle's Company but then something happened and they never used them. I have no idea if that story is true or not, but it is a charming idea!
The most interesting thing that ever happened while there was that a lady out in the back parking lot thought her car was in Reverse and it was in Drive and drove right into the bedroom window just underneath our windows. I don't know how this even happened considering that there was a curb and a thick hedge of shrubs taller than me before she could've gotten to the building!
Eventually, Becca moved back to Washington and I had a couple other roommates off and on, but for the most part I lived in the little yellow apartment alone.
I loved that out the dining room window was a big open grassy area with big trees and a picnic table - it was like a little park!
I loved the wide windowsills - perfect for my love of candlelight. I loved the windows - they were tall and narrow with panes, oh I miss them!
I loved the galley kitchen that was covered in yellow tiles accented in black - and the metal cabinets painted ivory.
I loved the surrounding neighborhood - bungalows and a bit farther down, old Victorian homes. I went for lots of walks and spent much time dreaming about the lives lived in those homes or what kind of life I would have there. I admired the homes, the gardens, imagined the memories that could be made inside. They became familiar to me and sort of like friends.
The bathroom floor was lots of mini peach tiles and the walls were tiled half-way up with peach tiles trimmed in black. I loved it that there was a little toothbrush/cup holder mounted on the wall - which was perfect for a candle holder!
There was a little opening in the living room that also opened in the hall way - perhaps for milk delivery? So charming.
I am nostalgic just remembering this lovely home. I have never been more organized than I was in that apartment. I had my things pared down to just what I used/enjoyed and everything had a place - it was easy to maintain since I was the only one who lived there.
The yellow apartment is where I experienced having a home that is a haven. (Note: I did feel this way growing up, but since I'd moved out - I'd been in numerous other apartments, homes, etc... before the yellow apartment.)
This home was such a haven to me - it was so cozy, it was inviting, it was comfortable and it was a refuge. I spent considerable amounts of time in Bible reading, study and Scripture memory. I began developing my love of crafting, homemaking and hospitality.
I think I blossomed in the little yellow apartment. I discovered who I was and became comfortable being that person.
Many nights when I got home from work, I'd put on my pj's and light candles and use no electricity as I ate dinner and thought, read, prayed. It was a charming and peaceful life. And, I am so very grateful that God gave me this time - to know Him, to know myself, to learn about reaching out.
Thank You, Lord, for providing the yellow apartment experience for me! This season was filled with memories I will treasure and lessons I want to remember. I am inspired again just remembering it today. Thank You for generously providing such a wonderful place for me to live and grow. Amen.
Did you have a special place like this? I'd love to hear about your "little yellow apartment" experience!
And, planned a menu based on each stop on our route:
Next, we followed the map to the little hunting/fishing cabin (really more about frogs) and we had goldfish crackers tied to a fishing pole! This was a big hit - as was the little doorbell that sounded like a frog saying, "Ribbit."
The puppet theatre was our next stop - Samuel enjoyed the puppets! Here, we munched on popcorn and played with puppets!
Next, was the pirate ship which was where our treasure was hidden (thanks to Daddy!) - I packaged some gold coin candy in this pirate ship box (clearance at Michael's for about 25 cents). I had intended for us to make S'mores at the mini Air Stream trailer next, but it was fairly busy with other people around - so we skipped that part.
Instead, we headed to the playground - for a very fun ending to our progressive dinner and treasure hunt! Aren't those the cutest little playhouses?! Which little house was your favorite?! We had a great time!
PS: Next week is going to be all about organizing! Get ready to see all the neat things my Mom helped me accomplish on her recent visit!
