Oil Lamps and Candlelight

Last night, it was already dark when I got home from work. The waxing gibbous moon lit the path to my tent pretty well, but I opened my cell phone anyway to help light the way. The day had been an exceptional one for late October in Virginia, around 80 degrees, sunny and warm. And the early evening was still warm. There would be no need to light the heater. Maybe just put on a sweatshirt.

I entered my home and, as usual, sat my cell phone on the kitchen buffet next to the kerosene lamp, leaving it open so that I could find the matches. I have three lamp. The one in the kitchen, another one on the end table near my bed, and a third hanging overhead at the back of the tent. I always light the kitchen lamp first since it's right by the door. With that first lamp burning, I can see well enough to go around the tent and light the others.

Kitchen lamp

Bedroom lamps

This night, I would be practising music and reading, so I pulled out all the stops and lit up everything I have. Although oil lamps put out a lot of light and are very economical, I find the light to be a little harsh compared to candlelight. I've really gotten used to soft lighting at my place. I have five big candles sitting here and there around the tent. One on the end table near the door, three in the bathroom, and another that I keep on a stool that doubles as a table. I lit them all. And I turned the oil lamps as bright as they would go. I don't usually do that, but this night I needed to read.

Bedroom workspace lit up for reading

Have you ever lost power and had to revert to candles and oil lamps for awhile? When I lived in a house, those were some of my most memorable moments. There's a sense of peace that enters the room when you turn off those bright electric bulbs and light candles. People often ask me about electricity. Do I miss it? Will I get it someday? No, I don't think so.