First World Problem I

The wall map in our library is damaged, and I am attempting to be philosophical about it.

Last night, to my utter horror resignation, I noticed the damage to the sheet-rock wall.  OK first a few things – yes we have a room in our house we call “the library.”  Is it pretentious?  You bet.  As pretentious as the Bronze Star hanging over my desk which my relatives ignore.  Given the success of Lois’ business, the “library” is now office space.  Mostly hers.   

Recently, our “empty nest” has filled back up.  Those acquainted with us know why.  My daughter has moved back in with us, bringing her two dogs, Dabber and Mimsy.  

And the cat.  Can’t forget the cat.  My late son-law rescued Dusty was from a construction site and nursed her back to health.  She remains skittish and usually runs away whenever I walk within a few feet of her.  It’s getting better, gradually.  Sometimes if she is taking an afternoon siesta and I pass by, her head will dart up, and she will regard me with that familiar distain cats often reserve for their benefactors.  

I’ll extend my finger and gradually move it closer letting, her get a sniff.  Now we’re reestablished trust.  I’ve been sheltering this animal for three months, mind you.  Then veeeery sloooowly, I move my hand over her head and give her a few gentle strokes on the head.  Clearly this is a privilege for me as far as Dusty is concerned.

Thirty Five Years In The Making

Let me break down the picture.  The books, the work stations, and most of the floor are out of the frame.  I’ve circled the damage.  Even without it, one can discern the two-foot line where the sheet-rock is bruised.  

Bottom left is the “winter tree” which has remained on display after the Holidays.  Because all successful food bloggers must have a winter tree.  We purchased this at Mountain House Country Store in Saylorsburg (free plug).  The bottom of the picture is a little shadowy.  The tree sits on a small pine crate I crafted years ago as a wire screen for our partner desk.  A couple of years ago we re-configured the work stations and I crafted a new one.  

Just left of center is a small table.  An antique sewing machine provided the stand and the top is ¾” maple with a rosewood stain from the local kiln.  Some of the dogs’ bowls and “outfits” sit on the floor in the foreground.  We ordered the end table to the right from Amazon (of course). Further to the right is a small blanket covered accent chair of which the dogs have taken ownership.  

Therein lies the quintessential devil in these matters.  For years that chair has barely moved.    Even after we switched out the cheap carpet for hardwood floors, it never moved.  Because no one ever used it.  Over the last three months, that chair has barely sat still.  Between the dogs using it as a landing and launching pad, and us three humans plopping down in it, that chair just took on a whole new role.

Try Not To Weep

It never occurred to me to anchor it in place.  Never occurred to me to place a chair rail over the map.  Our beautiful map.

Let me tell you about our wall map.  It came in three pieces.  Lois picked out the style.  I picked out the color scheme (yes, there was more than one was available).  This wasn’t your typical wall paper job.  All three panels had to marry up meticulously.  This took hours, working with brushes, a smoothing knife, putty knives of various sizes, and seam rollers.  Each panel getting moved in ever smaller increments with increasing precision.  In the end, the top edge of each panel sits exactly, exactly 5 ¾” from the ceiling.  The sides lay 17 ¾” from the doorway, and 17 ¾” from the corner. Did I mention… exactly?  

It is, in a word, perfection.  

Or it was.  [Sigh]

So, what now?  The map cannot be repaired, I’m pretty certain.  It’s going to have to come down, eventually, and I am not optimistic about saving the sheet rock.  Do we wait until we’re ready to sell the house?  Or should we get the work done over the Summer?  What do we want to replace it with, if anything?  Shelves, or another mural-like decoration?  If the later, what kind of safeguard to we need to put in place to prevent the new work from similar damage?

First World Problem, indeed.

Selah. 

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