The Niche Under the Stairs

A friends mention of her closet and the seemingly endless supply of space contained within, transported me back to a place I had long forgotten. As a young child I spent countless hours in a small closet that fit neatly under the stairs in my childhood home. The door was made out of ribbed wood, and had a latch that turned. Inside was a light bulb with a small pull chain, lighting this small, cozy space making it perfect for a hideaway to transport a small child into her dream world and escape from the everyday life at my house. Most of the time this closet was used to store things, but some of the time I spent in it was wonderful and the ideal place for the youngest of five in a busy house. Seems many things stored under there were no longer used within the house, used variably or seldom used. I recall the Electrolux vacuum being one of the items, an old china lamp of a French Lord and Lady wearing powder wigs and not having a lamp shade any longer. A picnic basket was stowed under there as well, this was utilized on some of the family excursions via the station wagon to visit relatives or take a trip.I would ferret myself away in this little niche under the stairs, crayolas and a coloring book in hand to spend some happy time away from the hustle bustle of my older brothers and sister. As time went by, I might take a book in there to read. It was a wonderful escape for me, giving me respite from the outside world within my home, and a safe haven to imagine things and occupy my time. I even recall falling asleep in there a few times. Funny, I do not recall when I stopped spending time in there. Then I recall my parents blocked off the closet under the stairs, it was part of the kitchen remodeling project. Then ended my niche under the stairs, and oddly I have not thought of it again until today, and fondly I recall that little cozy space and it made me smile and feel a part of my past that was a "warm fuzzie" and will remain in a happy spot in my memory bank. Thank you Marti, for your part in transporting me back!