When we moved from London to Guelph–swapping the big, very old, yellow brick high-ceilinged house for the mid-20th-century smaller red brick house, I was surprised that I didn’t miss the old house as much as I thought I would.
I mean, I loved that house.
I loved the London house’s high ceilings and three stories full of rooms, but I didn’t miss them. I thought I might miss the enormous backyard, but I didn’t. What I missed most of all was the deep, wrap around front porch with the swing. I loved sitting out on the porch on rainy days, of course. I loved it most of all during thunder and lightening storms. But it was also where I sat before and after bike rides.
Before, I’d get dressed and assemble all the stuff for my ride on the porch. It was on the porch I’d pump up tires. Once ready, I’d sit in the swing with my coffee and wait for friends to arrive. It was also the deconstruction spot, especially after weekday commutes. Rather than running into the house immediately I’d sit on the porch and get ready to face family. (There’s a lot written about mothers sitting in mini-vans in the driveway, but for me, it was the porch.)
After long, hot summer rides, I’m too sweaty to go in the house right away. So I like to sit on the porch with a cold drink. I think of porches as liminal spaces. You’re no longer bike riding but you’re not fully at home yet either.
What’s a liminal space?
Google’s AI says that, “Liminal space refers to a transitional or in-between state or place, often associated with a sense of unease or surrealism. It’s a threshold between two states, neither here nor there, and can evoke feelings of nostalgia, anxiety, or anticipation. The term is used in various contexts, including architecture, anthropology, and internet aesthetics.”
The new house doesn’t have space for a front porch but we have put some chairs, an outdoor sofa with cushions, and a table out there. Next is some cover so we can sit out there when it’s sunny or rainy. We’re getting there. I’m back to flopping outside when I bike home from work. Cheddar joins me and I sit for a few minutes before rejoining family life at home. I like stretching there too.
Do you have a home launching and landing pad for fitness activities? Do you have a front porch and have feelings about it? Share your stories below!
