Post #410733 by savage sissy on Mon, Sep 29, 2008 8:31 PM

It is all about the ability to forget where you are. Create an environment that establishes a sense of peace, familiarity, individualism, comfort and warmth. For me, I love our Moai Lanai, which still is under construction, or depending on if a storm is coming, deconstruction and our backyard. It's lush, tropical, inviting. Makes me feel happy and sane. But it's also a part of my every day life, something I see and experience each day, swaying palms, crystal blue water (when the salt system is working right in the pool). The tropical places I've been lucky enough to visit, well, they look like my backyard. So for me, my escapism happens in my living room. I grew up here in the area, and I know the Florida "style" white furniture, soft pastels etc. I went against the grain and created an early 20th century Library theme in my living room. Complete with over stuffed leather furniture, dark heavy wood desk, an electric fireplace, cozy lighting, mismatched thick rugs and lots and lots of books, small knick knacks, small paintings etc. You might see a similar room in an old Florida home, but not in my neighborhood these days. So I escape there. It can be 99 degrees with 100 percent humidity, I shut the blinds, turn on a couple small lights, hit the button of the instant fireplace and snuggle down with a book wearing sweats (air conditioner on high of course) and I'm gone, I'm there, I'm not here. Point is, doesn't matter what it's like outside, only what I feel when I'm in that room or how that room makes me feel really matters. That's not to say even though I love the library that Tiki and all it's glory aren't escapism for me either, it's just that for some reason even with a Witco Outrigger over my couch in my family room, I truly escape to another place when I'm in the library. Thanks for the great post Uncle Trav, it's a fun topic and I enjoyed reading everyones thoughts.