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| My studio in the attic used to be a maid’s room but is now furnished by Thomasville of Oakbrook, featuring their safari-style Hemingway Collection of furniture and décor. I have to say I’m more in love with the Victorian-style sofa to the right. |
I felt like Goldilocks yesterday moving into my studio at the Hemingway Birthplace Home. I knew nobody would be there when I arrived early in the morning as the house does not open for tours until 1 p.m. I have my own key, and so I let myself in. I had been shown the house and my space before, so I knew where everything was, and yet it was mighty odd to have the house, which is really a museum, albeit a livable one, to myself.
I could sit on the sofa in the turret of Father Hemingway’s bedroom (I did!), listen to the soft neighborhood noises outside (someone mowing a lawn, traffic trundling by), and marvel at the fact that nobody outside knew I was inside.
I could hang out in the nursery right next to Mrs. Hemingway’s room where Hemingway was born.
I had time to discover sweet details like the imprint on this closet door lock in the one bathroom that I also get to use. Speaking of, in the afternoon, when I emerged from the bathroom, I found one of the museum volunteers waiting for me in the hallway. “I’d heard steps and I just wanted to make sure it’s you,” he greeted me quite friendly but with arms crossed. I was Goldilocks after all!
Back up into the attic! This is the narrow attic staircase, and I just love that art deco wallpaper!
PS: I am planning, by the way, to launch a newsletter as part of my residency. I was thinking to call it “Notes from the Attic” or “Notes from Hemingway’s Attic,” but then I found that the very first writer to work up there, novelist William Hazelgrove, has been using “Hemingway’s Attic” already for his blog and a just released book on how to survive as a writer. How about “The Woman in the Attic?” Any other ideas? Let me know in the comments, please.
You're very lucky!
The Woman In The Attic works.
I am fortunate, yes. I'm still wondering whether "The Woman in the Attic" sounds too spooky.
In the Shadow of Hemingway's Crib ?
Thank you, Annette, for sharing your photos of Hemingway's birthplace where you will be spending your writer's residency. The Hemingway Foundation has made a wise choice in selecting you for this honor.
Barbara, thanks for the suggestion! I'm still contemplating…
Loved seeing the pix, Annette. How are you getting to the house? Public transportation or driving?
Nancy, most of the time I will drive because I have to drop my boys off at school first.
Thanks for sharing the pics – it's like being transported back in time. I always thought if I had a time machine I would be more interested in visiting places from the past than in talking to people. As for the title – perhaps you could stick with your Goldilocks theme?
Steph, the only issue with the Goldilocks theme is that I'm not anywhere close to blonde. Although there are always wigs…
Annette, how about Murmurs From the Attic?
vfleblanc – Hmm, that scares even me who'd be doing the murmuring…
Very nice. Enjoy your time there! 🙂
Denise, I will, thank you!
Susie sent me over. What a wonderful opportunity for a writer–though perhaps a bit intimidating? And distracting :-)? I go for the darker side, so neither "The Woman in the Attic" nor "Murmurs from the Attic" bother me. But I can see that they might seem creepy. Good luck with your writing and blogging.
Thanks for visiting, Audrey! I scare myself sometimes up there in the attic, so yes, it's a bit odd, but it's also a fun opportunity.
How about, "The Woman in His Attic."
Is it creepy? Do you "feel" anything while hanging out there alone?
When you start your new blog, you might want to try WordPress.com. It's got a built in community. You could post your links to it here!
Thanks for coming to the party and for the glimpse into Hemmingway's house! Super cool!!!!
Thanks for stopping by, Susie. I do like "The Woman in His Attic…"
I adore Hemingway. I have hit upon a treasure trove here, thanks to Susie.
Welcome, umashankar! Stay tuned from more from the attic!