Several strings of Christmas lights circle the ceiling of our library. At night, these are the only lights I use in the entire house. They provide a soft, beautiful glow that feels almost like candlelight. Very hygge.
Depending on the quality of the batch — and whether Mercury is in retrograde — the lights last for six months to a year. Inevitably, the bulbs will burn out after being used night after night. First, the bulbs will burn brighter, like a star ready to explode, and then they’ll simply wink out. The lights don’t all darken at once, either. Usually a dozen or two will give up the ghost and over time the others will follow.
When the room is half-dark, M will swap out the strings. It’s a painful process, involving ladders and profanity, but he does it because he enjoys their warm luminosity. Also because he loves me.
We had our first sign of string extinction in January. Last night, the shadows spread even further down the line. The practical side of me knows this just means it’s time to switch out the lights. The more fanciful side of me wonders if it’s a portent.
2 Comments
Courtney Mroch
A portent of what? (Or would “to” be the word to use instead of “of”?) Any idea? Your library sounds more amazing with each description. In my mind you’ve evoked a house that sounds wonderful, full of amazing smells from all your baking, beautifully lit, and full of cats!!!!
Jade Walker
No idea, but there is dread in the air.
The library is a lovely room. It could stand to be much bigger — and have a secret passage — but maybe someday!