big love for big red

as silly as it might sound, i love my couch.

i’ve had it for 11 years.

"big red."

colourful, oafy pillows and fat arms and wide lap and sturdy back.

it was the first major piece of furniture i ever bought, the first important purchase i made when i set out to begin my life as an independent adult, and i chose wisely.

it was with me through seven years at hell house, spent several months patiently wrapped up in storage, and then made the move with me to my current apartment where it now sits.

it’s supported me through difficult times, comforted me when i’ve been sick and provided the perfect refuge when the world outside my door knocked me down.

i’ve nestled into it to watch TV, listen to music, read books, write screenplays, finish crosswords, pen christmas cards, wrap birthday presents, eat meals, talk on the phone, daydream and star gaze.

it’s been there as i’ve laughed and as i’ve cried. when i’ve felt wonderful and when i’ve felt horrible. through some of the best moments of my life and some of the worst.

and sometimes, when the sun shines in the windows late in the day and low in the sky so that the entire room becomes bathed in a beautiful, golden glow, i just look at big red and feel extremely grateful it’s there.