An Evolving Life. Home Sweet Home.
Home Sweet Home
Usually around this time of year I start to dread winter. When the clocks are set back and darkness sets in at 4:30 p.m., my interior lights start to dim like those in my car when the doors close.
This November, however, I’ve noticed a shift in my outlook. Although I’m still looking for my flannel pajamas and resting my head on my pillow earlier each evening, I’m also riveted by the auburn light reflected off the peninsula that juts into Shinnecock Bay at the end of my street and the fiery sunset displayed northwest of my front window late each afternoon.
I still want to escape the cold here in January and February for a few weeks, but I’m not desperately scouring the airlines for southern destinations and the best rates. I’m simply happy to be home.
Here’s a watercolor, Home Sweet Home, painted last month. An afternoon view of Weesuck Creek from the village boat launch one block from my home.
It was painted last month just before a special referendum was presented to the residents of the hamlet of East Quogue. We were being asked whether or not we wanted to secede from the Town of Southampton and incorporate into our own village.
While it sounded like a lovely idea, the Civic Association—including me and many other “old-timers”—rallied against it. We suspected that those promoting the idea were mostly interested in controlling commercial development (and over-development) of our “un-Hampton.” And while I believe in progress, there are some things I want to stay the same.
As I convinced my neighbors to plant VOTE NO signs in their yards, my arms and legs tingled, my heart swelled; feelings of love circulated from head to toe. There’s no place like home, I repeated like a prayer.
And when twice the normal number of voters showed up at the polls and 60% voted NO, my prayer was answered.
Please click on the image to enlarge.
Home Sweet Home
An Evolving Life Series
2019 Posts
Home Sweet Home (This one)
2018 Posts
Learn more about how it all began! Click here to read An Evolving Life posts from 2018.
