It has become increasingly obvious to me lately that my passions and my lifestyle do not exactly — how should I put it? —mesh.
In fact, they seem to be diametrically opposed. On all sorts of mildly ridiculous levels.
Take, as one of the more obvious examples, my obsession with rare, hard-to-find vintage stuff.
My tastes on the decor end tend to lean toward an eclectic mid-century modern-meets-boho-meets maxilimalist aeshetic — which I promise looks better than it sounds.
As a result, nearly every stick of furniture and every decoration in my home has been painstakingly sought, hunted for, obsessed over or lucked upon. Which, to me, is fun.
What it isn’t, however, is easy, or possible to simply recreate if something gets ruined, broken or damaged.
Like my gorgeous, mint-condition green-apple-velvet 1950s Ethan Allen couch, or the amazing floral Koehler side chairs that complement it so perfectly.
All of which are completely covered up with blankets — to protect them from my other loves: A couple of fur-shedding, drool-dripping, pee-producing, muddy-pawed dogs.
Neither of whom has any respect for quality upholstery and design.
In fact, the only time these pieces are actually visible is when they are briefly unveiled because I’m having people over — an occurrence nearly as rare as my getting dressed up to go out.
Making the stockpile of unique, one-of-a-kind designer and handmade clothing I’ve amassed about as pointless.
I mean, Netflix certainly doesn’t care what I’m wearing when I’m binge-watching “Wild Wild Country” (again).
And my dogs have the same disdain for fashion as they do for furniture, so …
I’ve actually considered creating my own small-scale Rent-the-Runway operation, wherein local people who share my size and style can come and borrow outfits.
It would give my clothes a chance to finally see the light of day, and me an excuse to take the many comforters off the couch.
Boom! Both beloved hobbies unleashed into the world.
But then I remember who I am, and admit that nothing about that idea is appealing.
I know how cool my collections are. There’s no need to get crazy and start showing people.
After all, there’s a reason I don’t have company or a social life, choosing instead to spend all my time with my furniture-destroying but adorable and delightful dogs.
I’m pretty passionate about being a hermit, too.
Albeit a stylish one. (Though you’ll just have to take my word for it.)
Katie McDowell is the enterprise editor, lifestyles columnist and resident crazy dog lady at The Dominion Post. Email her at kmcdowell@dominionpost.com.
