Building space

You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?

I guess I kind of built mine. It’s in the attic over the garage where no one ever goes. I can hide up there for hours and work or read. It has a good view of the ocean. It’s cozy. Even with a tiny heater and sometimes maybe an extra thick coat, I’m comfortable. I have those fingerless gloves…

I refinished a table we found at a historical society flea market. I sanded it to buttery smoothness and wax/oiled the natural color wood. I found a white chair also.

It’s a simple space with very little besides my computer, iPad and a few art supplies. I arranged boxes so you don’t see the few things stored up there. Oh and one card table covered to the floor by a cotton drop cloth extends my table and gives me a painting zone. I have an electric kettle for tea and some healthy snacks. The sun streams in through two good size windows. I also have a good light for when it starts getting dark. Lately, that’s around 3 pm.

I LOVE this little space. When I was first putting it together, I was inspired by the scene from Little Women where Jo sits up late at night writing at her own attic window desk. I even decorated for Christmas feeling that civil war era vibe. I found actual holly with bright red berries growing and tons of ever green branches while out walking near a forest one day. A little store in town had beautiful vintage inspired ornaments at amazing prices. I got a handful for my birthday. Also my hundred year old bowl! Filled with organges of course.

This is where Peaceful Hearts became an ebook. Where Beatrix was formatted and edited. Where blog posts are written and edited. Though I write on the couch in the evenings with everyone watching TV or on long car rides. sometimes in little coffee shops, back in the summer on beaches. I write everywhere. With my new IPad drawing ap, I can draw and paint anywhere as well.

I do love my solitude though. I can’t say enough about uninterrupted all by myself time. My little writing and reading nook is a dream space. it keeps the magic and romance of being a real writer alive every day.