The Quiet Room

Marlee and Charlie and the Grandmas had a meeting to discuss doing some remodeling to Marleewood. They loved that children and grownups liked to come there to have a snack, buy a little something, or just sit and visit. Of course, the children loved to have Grandma Lu tell them stories in the Sitting Room. Sometimes the Beauty Shop was really busy and so was the Photo Studio. Right now, though, in the summer time, folks were busy with outdoor activities; swimming, fishing, and even some vacations and family reunions.  If they were going to do some remodeling this would be the perfect time for it.

They were talking about something that Grandma Lu thought was needed at Marleewood. She wanted a Quiet Room. She was telling them that a quiet room was just that. No talking, no video games or television and no story telling. Marlee frowned and said, "Why do we need a quiet room?" Grandma B and Grandma Lu smiled at each other and said, "Because sometimes life gets too busy and you just need a place to sit and think things through or to read. Even at my house, my husband likes to have the television going all the time even if he isn't in the house."

Charlie said, "But we have a library just across the street." Grandma Lu said, "We sure do and it's a good one. Story Time is my favorite. They have lots of folks that use their computers as well as reading books.  Marlee started to giggle. "I know why Story Time is your favorite. You get to dress up like a pirate!" Grandma Lu laughed. "That was really fun wasn't it?"

"Well, a library is supposed to be quiet so folks can read or study, but it isn't all the time is it? People are coming and going. I was thinking of making that small room behind the Sitting Room a Quiet Room. It isn't very big. It would be just right for no more than four people. They could come in and have a cool drink and just "chill out" as you kids say."

Marlee said, "Well, isn't that going to cost a lot of money to do that? We don't have much saved up." Grandma B and Grandma Lu had already talked about this. They were going to chip in some money and some labor from their family and friends. They didn't think it would cost much at all. They could buy some used furniture and bring in some things from home. Both Grandmas wanted really comfortable furniture. There were days where a person just wanted to sink in somewhere soft and lay your head back and rest. Maybe just for an hour or so not for a long time. "Oh, we need pillows, Marlee said, nice soft ones. I think this is going to be like our Day Care, only for big people." Grandma Lu chuckled, and said, "You are exactly right, Marlee."

They talked about what the room would look like. Would it have wifi in that room? Maybe some folks would like to bring their tablets or computers with them sometimes. Some people would like to read. They would ask folks to donate some books and magazines for the Quiet Room. They also decided that some folks might like to listen to music. They decided that they would provide earphones in the Quiet Room too. Marlee said, "Well, don't make it too quiet or we will fall asleep." Oh the twinkles in the grandmas' eyes.

They would have a day for children too. Sometimes older children need some quiet as well as grownups. Marlee said, "My baby sister, Whittlee Jo is noisy and I guess I can be noisy too. Charlie giggled and said, "Me too!" And Grandma B hugged Marlee and laughed, "Me too!"

Charlie was the organizer of the group and said, "Okay, we need to go shopping, but first we each need to make a list. Maybe we don't have to buy much."
And this was just the beginning...