As a child, I slept in a closet for almost two years.
Before you think that I'm weird (or weirder than you already thought), I created my clothes storage castle after my house was robbed for the third time. During the first two robberies, we came home to the burglary in progress. The third and final time, I awoke to find a strange man standing on my bed, looking down at me, before leaping out of the window.
That was it! I was moving! Or at least to a different part of the house.
I outfitted my new tiny room with a sleeping bag, a fan, a light, and a mini boom-box. It was epic. The best part was that Duke, our very large and scary Weimaraner, shared my affinity for small dark spaces and would join me there every night to slumber. My fort was cool, comfortable, and, most importantly… SAFE! I was sure that no robber would find me there, and if they did, they would have to deal with a large and surly dog that did not take kindly to visitors.
Was I actually more safe in my 10x4 foot fort? Probably not, but it sure felt like I was.
Fast forward some forty years.
Last week, for family movie night, we decided to watch the original Mission Impossible. It was bad. And I mean bad. Bad plot, bad script, and bad acting. Nothing against Tom Cruise, but this was not his finest work. About midway through the movie, my youngest son declared himself bored and started to build a fort using our couch cushions and coffee table as a base. Before long, he had himself a modest little abode. He was quite pleased with himself.
As the days wore on and his new home expanded, it became impractical for it to remain in our main living space. Rather than tear it down, we decided to relocate it to the less used living room. The new and larger location provided us with an opportunity to rethink the space, layout, and design, and build anew. And build we did.
The new fort is a masterpiece! It has two bedrooms, a mini basketball hoop, a patio, a dog bed, lights, fans, and a living room with vaulted ceilings (hint: a patio umbrella is perfect for this). From the outside, it looks like a homeless encampment, but on the inside, well, it's a masterpiece.
Recently, I have started to work in "the fort." After all, it is a secluded space with everything I need: power, air, and fast internet. I could tell you that it's about spending time with my son, but sometimes it's just me in there. I could tell you it's about needing a private workspace, but I have a dedicated in-home office. I could tell lots of things, and I am sure there would be a modicum of truth in all of them. But, it wouldn't be the whole truth.
I think part of the reason I am spending time in our fort is that it provides me with the same feeling my fort of 40 years ago did, safety.
Our fort is a place where COVID and its aftermath can't find me. A place where music education isn't in peril and livelihoods aren't in jeopardy. I think I am searching for a space where there are no disappointments, my family is safe, and our future is certain.
I know that the fort provides none of these protections. And yet, there I sit.
Like many of you, this new reality and distance learning has led to MORE work, and LESS joy. The uncertainty is wearing on you, and the worry is taking its toll. You just want things to go back to the way they were. But in the meantime, my recommendation... Build (or find) yourself a fort.
Like mine, your fort may have multiple rooms and modern amenities like a roof and lights. Or it might be a comfortable chair and a good book. Perhaps it's a session of yoga or a daily run. Your fort may involve baking, playing an instrument, or woodworking on a lathe. It doesn't matter what or where your fort is, just that you have one.
Let your fort bring you peace. Let it bring you solace. Let it serve to distract and entertain you. Most of all, let it bring you comFORT, because that is the greatest FORT of all.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to finish my man cave addition. Anyone know how to hang an 80" flat screen on a bedsheet?
(Typically, this would be my last e-zine until mid-July. But these are not typical times, so if it's alright with you, I think I will keep writing. It might not always be on Wednesday, but I want to keep in touch and provide you with information as we work through what's next. )
Help a friend join our fort...
If you know someone who needs this content, don't assume they are already getting it; please bring them comFORT by adding them to our list. Once you share their contact info, we will reach out to and ask for permission before sending them anything.