The Spirit of a Home, Lost in My Aunt’s Aesthetic
One way to spark my creativity is to spend time in someone else’s space.
The inside of someone’s home, their workspace, their vehicle, or even their grocery bag or backpack can tell plenty about a person. Most people have a method of operating — of organizing this space. They're drawn to certain color palettes, they prefer specific books, movies, and artwork, even the way someone walks or writes is unique.
Some may call it a person’s aesthetic, but to me, it’s more than that, it’s a snapshot of their spirit.
My Aunt Donna’s aesthetic has a bit of spook to it. You’ll know this the moment you enter her space. She’s unique, someone you want to know. Sometimes, I find her tastes a bit dark, but we’ll get to that.
When I arrive at my aunt’s house, startled shorthair cats sunbathing on a wrap-around deck scatter as the screen door smacks shut. My aunt greets me with a bear hug that only she can give.
In retirement, my aunt and uncle relocated to their country farm. They board horses for the Amish and raise guinea hens and chickens. They’ve housed many animals throughout the years — peacocks…
