No matter how big the house, there’s one room where it seems everyone ends up. The kitchen. Big or small, it’s where people naturally gather. Maybe it’s because it’s the source of the food. Maybe it’s because we have so much in common there. Regardless, a full kitchen is a happy place. And even when I’m on my own, I find it’s where I want to be.
My kitchen is my home
The best light to read with
A table to eat and write on
Food near me
The telephone a step or two away.
I hardly cook
Even in my kitchen.
Easy access to the tidbits, snacks
and wholly fattening things.
The kitchen is my home
Calm, peaceful, solid.
Reading the morning newspapers
Writing a story
Answering the telephone.
In the kitchen
I live my life
With almost everything I need.
The New York Times, The Globe
And the book I may be reading
Alone, my life, my heart,
Live on and on
In this small space.
The kitchen.
Rhoada Wald 
Hello Rhoada,
I hope you are well. It has been too long since we have shared a hug or a hello. I just saw your new piece (below) and had to reach out and say thank you – thank you for writing and sharing and pulling on the common thread of the beauty of the kitchen.
Tonight, Ben’s girlfriend was here. They wandered in as a casual dinner of chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches was ready. Then Will wandered down from his third floor workshop. Then Mike appeared. As we ate, a friend of Ben’s stopped by. Suddenly the kitchen was full of more than one conversation. It felt easy and happy and…rare.
Growing up, my parents’ kitchen was such a gathering space. Someone was always in it, it seemed. And the best smells and sounds and people were always coming from it. Casseroles, popcorn, baked goods, laughs, stories, siblings, friends, community.
My kitchen is not like that…I try, but most days I think it sits rather lonely, waiting for smells and laughs and chatter. You remind me that on the many times I’m alone in that space, not cooking, no chatter, it’s still my kitchen ❤️. And I love it. Thank you for sharing.
Sending you a hug, dear Rhoada! -Cheri
Love this! Its so interesting that with all the rooms of your apartment, the kitchen is your favorite.