Scenes from a Special Party on 07/07/07

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THE GREEN-JUNGLE SUNROOM
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THE TALE OF THE SUNROOM
October 13, 2005

In the Beginning (1970), there was a simple but beautiful little room on top of Gemini Manor. It was called the Sunroom because it had lovely old windows all around and was filled with light. It had French doors that opened out onto a wrought iron balcony which was surrounded by lush, green trees. There was a small bathroom inside with a Shower that had a Tower (because every Shower needs a Tower!). It was a very special, magical Tree House that was the favorite of all who saw it.

1981. An all-night party. 5:00 AM. People in the downstairs spa, laughing; talking. Suddenly, the sound of gunfire. No, wait – not gunfire; glass cracking and bursting with explosive, whip-like sounds.

The Sunroom was on fire.

I grab a hose and try fighting the flames - to no avail. The fire ferociously feasts on the body of the room. Firemen arrive and put out the flames. The house below is saved.

The Sunroom is destroyed.

For over 20 years now, the only sign of the Sunroom was the metal balcony above, waiting forlornly for visitors. The magic of the room was gone; there was simply space now. Only the friendly trees (which had grown back from the inferno) were there, guarding the space.

And then, much to my amazement, suddenly, somehow, someway in this fall of 2005, the Magic started returning. Day-by-day, night-by-night, each time I ventured up on the roof, parts of a structure began to take shape in front of me. First a large platform developed. The possums, squirrels and cats that walked across it during the night quickly approved it. And then the walls: every day; a new wall would rise; afterwards, charming old windows and doors materialized. A sturdy roof eventually grew over the walls, binding them in a strong, cozy embrace. The pace began to pick up. The large old balcony drifted over to another section of The Manor (hopefully to be used again one day!). In place of it, two, small and lovely, golden “Romeo & Juliet” balconies appeared. They attached themselves firmly to their new, outside home beckoning lovers to gaze out from their lofty perches.

The Sunroom was being Re-Born. But this new incarnation was Wilder; Stronger; Bigger. Like a Phoenix rising from its ashes, it growled its defiance from the Crouching Tiger that now guarded the room. The furniture, the decor, the very essence of this organic habitat was: GREEN JUNGLE. Partially tamed and Domesticated, yet Unafraid and . . . . Mischievously Inviting.

It was Beautiful. It was Larger than before. It was Home.

The New, GREEN-JUNGLE SUNROOM. Come visit.