House Lessons: Renovating a Life

 

House Lessons: Renovating a Life by Erica Bauermeister

Nonfiction - Memoir

2020 Sasquatch Books

Finished on November 12, 2022

Rating: 4.5/5 (Very Good)

Publisher's Blurb:

“I think anyone who saves an old house has to be a caretaker at heart, a believer in underdogs, someone whose imagination is inspired by limitations, not endless options.” 

In this mesmerizing memoir-in-essays, Erica Bauermeister renovates a trash-filled house in eccentric Port Townsend, Washington, and in the process takes readers on a journey to discover the ways our spaces subliminally affect us. A personal, accessible, and literary exploration of the psychology of architecture, as well as a loving tribute to the connections we forge with the homes we care for and live in, this book is designed for anyone who’s ever fallen head over heels for a house. It is also a story of a marriage, of family, and of the kind of roots that settle deep into your heart. Discover what happens when a house has its own lessons to teach in this moving and insightful memoir that ultimately shows us how to make our own homes (and lives) better.

I loved this book! I came across it while perusing the shelves at Sunriver Books & Music a few of months ago. I have read all of Erica Bauermeister's novels and was thrilled to see that she has a new book out. My love of memoirs, and of Port Townsend, (not to mention the attractive cover art) made for an instant buy, and I was not disappointed. Having recently finished Ann Patchett's marvelous collection of essays (These Precious Days), I was delighted to read another exceptional nonfiction book by a favorite author.

In 2001, Bauermeister and her husband bought and renovated a decrepit home in Port Townsend, Washington. Not only was the house (built in 1909) lifted above the original foundation to stabilize the structure, but the author and her son dismantled the stone chimney, which suffered structural damage due a missing downspout. To cut expenses, the family of four (who traveled from Seattle to Port Townsend, via car and ferry) tackled the demolition of the plaster walls, as well as the removal of the asbestos shingles. This was no simple weekend project!

Photo Credit: Seattle Times

In addition to the logistics, predictable delays, and countless decisions relating to the design and craftsmanship of her new home, readers are given a glimpse into the inspiration and early musings of Erica's first novel, The School of Essential Ingredients. I love the way in which Bauermeister intertwines architectural facts and history with that of her own life, as a wife, mother, and author.

In an odd way, marriages deal with many of the same maintenance issues. Our relationships need our attention as much, if not more, than our houses. And sometimes here, too, the romance of maintenance is that it has none. Caretaking in a relationship is not flowers or date night--necessary as these are, they are the equivalent of a new color painted on your walls. Delightful, but not structural. Structural is unloading the dishwasher when it's your partner's turn, or making sure whoever gets home last from work is greeted with dinner. It's learning about mushroom hunting or musical theater or rugby because your spouse loves it. It is talking about the best of your partner in public, not the worst. It's listening to stories we have heard a hundred times before as if they are new. Often, it is just listening, period. 

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you are well aware that I love the Pacific Northwest. Port Townsend is one of my favorite places to visit, and my husband and I have enjoyed camping in our RV at Point Hudson Marina and RV Park, often walking along the same streets that Bauermeister describes in her memoir.

I think it's time for a return visit to this charming town. And I will most definitely return to House Lessons. It's a keeper!

Olympic Peninsula Trip - Day Ten

Tuesday, September 26, 2017 (Part Three)
Port Townsend, Washington 
Point Hudson Marina & RV Park

After exploring the marina and Chetzemoka Park, we drove uptown and looked at some of the old Victorian homes in Port Townsend.

I shot this picture for the pretty fall colors and later searched Google to see what ECHHO stands for. I learned that it's The Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization.

To work in partnership with volunteers and community organizations of Jefferson County to provide transportation, chores, social support and medical equipment so that people may continue to live independently and with dignity, regardless of faith, age, ability or income. Our vision is to foster a strong, independent, healthy and loving community.

It sounds like a great program, which serves Jefferson County, Washington. You can read more here. 

I've always loved the architecture of churches. This is St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Jefferson Street.

Great view from the base of the Bell Tower.

After walking around town, it was time for a cold beer and some lunch. We were lucky to have a picnic table near our trailer.

If you look carefully, you can see Mt. Baker in the distance.

Jefferson County Courthouse. Love the architecture.

Port Townsend's Hastings Building. Beautiful Victorian architecture.

The Haller Fountain was brought to Port Townsend by Resident Theodore N. Haller to honor his deceased father and brother. After the dedication speech [in 1906], Mr. Haller read a poem about the Greek sea nymph, Galatea, and the statue has been known by that name ever since. Once planted as a flower bed and even used for performing-trout shows, the fountain was eventually damaged beyond repair. After a community fundraising campaign, the fountain was re-cast in 1992. Galatea was unveiled in a public ceremony where the reclaimed her status as one of Port Townsend's favorite landmarks.

The stairs behind the Haller Fountain lead to the historic uptown business district and other sites of interest. At the top of the stairs, visit the Rothschild House State Museum and the Bell Tower.

Had to stop in and check out their chocolates and coffee. Delicious!



Found a used copy of Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon for my hubby. He's already read it, but we didn't have a copy and I want to read it, too.

Mount Rainier is in the distance, but you really have to know where to look to spot it.

Another shot of Mt. Baker (and a driftwood fort?).

The Smart car belongs to my dad and stepmom. I should have had them park it facing the other direction! 

Delicious clam chowder at Doc's Marina Grill.

Click on photos for a larger view.

Wordless Wednesday

Chetzemoka Park

Port Townsend, WA

September 2017

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.

Olympic Peninsula Trip - Day Ten

Tuesday, September 26, 2017 (Part Two)
Port Townsend, Washington 
Point Hudson Marina & RV Park


Point Hudson Marina is located behind the RV park and we found ourselves, on more than one occasion, wandering over to admire all the beautiful boats

We spent some time exploring this lovely park, which is nestled behind a residential area, and overlooks the water. Other than a couple of moms with their toddlers, we were the only ones there. The fall colors were pretty, but I'm sure it's stunning in the spring. You can read more about the park here. 

Click on photos for a larger view.

Olympic Peninsula Trip - Day Ten

Tuesday, September 26, 2017 (Part One)
Port Townsend, Washington 
Point Hudson Marina & RV Park

The sunrise over the Cascades is breathtaking, but I'm afraid my photos don't do it justice. You'll just have to believe me. It was so peaceful sitting on a large log, listening to the birds calling out to one another, the water lapping gently on the rocky shore and the clang of the buoy in the distance. I could easily spend a month at this RV park!

Here it comes!

Morning glow on the trailer.

Port Townsend

The view from our bed.

Click on photos for a larger view.