2 minute read

From the Publisher

By Dee Dixon

Talkin’ Bout Living Rooms!

Our feature on living rooms in this issue is quite interesting to me. So much so, I want to chime in and talk about mine. Listen, I grew up in a house where you DID NOT EAT OR DRINK in the living room — EVER. In my younger days, we had a very small house with a small space for the living room. We did not waddle around in that living, for sure. There was no den either, so where did we watch TV? — In the dining room. The TV was placed in a corner of the dining room so that we wouldn’t “mess up” the living room. Later on, we had a den plus a living room, which was complete with French provincial furniture. And guess what? My Mom didn’t layer this fancy furniture with that hot, heavy turbo plastic either. She knew we were too terrified to even THINK about messing up that living room.

Today I have a tri-level home built in the 1970’s. In it, I have three spaces to sit in: a living room near the front entrance, a den and an allpurpose room, both on the second level. Let me explain. Unlike my mother’s living room, mine is quite informal. It’s where I have some treasured pieces from my international travels and Na Na Dixon’s (my grandmother’s) old-timey radio. I love this room because it’s cozy, quiet and a great place to relax and reflect. None-the-less, just like my mom, one cannot eat or drink in my living room — EVER. Now, one can eat in the den with care of course, because I have special treasures in there as well. Coasters are required and cleanup immediate. My all-purpose room is a different story altogether. There’s a lot of junk in there, making it ideal for small children and grown men-boys who cannot eat popcorn without half of it falling to the floor before entering the mouth. I’m okay with “mess” in my all-purpose room. Dogs are allowed in there too, so long as they are trained.

Check out my spaces below and if you ever come to visit, I’ll decide which living area best suits you.

Live well!

Dee’s informal living room — no eating or drinking, ever! Dee’s all-purpose room — anything goes.

Dee’s den — limited eating or drinking allowed.