A Seaside Hearth That Makes My Heart Sing
At the start of Autumn I invited readers to create their own seasonal hearth, using whatever treasures they had to hand – and promised I’d do the same.
Well, here it is! Not a roaring fire or an autumnal extravaganza of colour this time, but a celebration of the sea, which is never far from my thoughts (or my front door!).
We have two hearths actually.
The first sits over our flickering electric fire, which heats the lounge. It’s composed mainly of pieces we’ve found on the beach recently and some of Sam’s framed seaweed art we offer for sale at craft fayres along the coast.
I demonstrate how it looks both by day and transforms itself in the evening with tea lights. It’s not complicated but it means a lot to us.
The second hearth in our home s a collection of shells gathered over the years, a few favourite seaside characters, a picture of two seals cavorting in the sea and, taking pride of place, a rather 1920s bathing beauty who looks as though she hasn’t a care in the world (a good visual reminder for me to slow down at times and take early retirement from life’s responsibilities).
This area of the home corresponds to the ‘career/path in life’ area of the Bagua map which likes to be enhanced by using its corresponding element, Water.
The mirror that serves as a backdrop to this display also corresponds to Water. It’s being used here to draw the energy along the long corridor, which connects the other rooms. It’s sea-lined with images of sail boats in acknowledgement of my husband ‘Sailor Sam’s’ heritage of transatlantic sailing.
Two areas of the home that lift my spirits and make me smile every time I pass them.
And isn’t that part of what creating a hearth is all about? Bringing together some of the things we love, giving them a place to belong and, in doing so, ascribing them additional meaning – and reminding ourselves of our identity and what makes us feel at home.
And finally a comment and a contribution from Amanda’s own hearth ….
The joy of Hearth. Profound, meaningful and fully achievable. All elements came from around the house, cupboards, shed and garden. Immensely gratifying and heartening. Thanks for composing a book for all times, Mary.
Amanda Baines
