The Writer's Room

I like many writers carved myself out some space in which to write.  A room void of noise and interruption. A simple place.  A space where I could write that was without distraction.  It was everything I had dreamed of.

Except ..... I never wrote in there.  A few weeks ago I sat in there, determined to figure out why.  I could not.  It seemed the perfect writing room.  What is the problem? 

It is not that I don't write.  It is that I don't write in there.  I write in my office being interrupted by the phone, the doorbell, and email.  I write on the front porch with pen and paper watching the world go by.  That is when it hit me, I need stimulation in order to write! 

I don't know where I got the idea that I needed a room, locked away from the world to write.  Maybe I read it somewhere.  Or may it was just an excuse at one point, "I can't write because I need a place without distraction." However the thought had become stuffed into my brain; it had manifested itself into a writing room I could not write in.

I am someone who believes in change.  So a change was going to be made!  I was no longer going to try to force myself to write in that room.  First, I moved my desk so I could look out the window at the world.  Then I added a bird feeder just outside to watch the birds fly by.  Much better, but not enough.  So ...........
In came a lamp, in came the cat, in came shelves filled with knick-knacks.
In came a new rug, in came the books, in came the houseplants filling every nook.
In came the quilts, in came the throws, in came the carnival ducks sitting in a row.
Lots and lots of little changes that made this space my own.

Most importantly, in came me!  Now I had truly created the writing room for me.  A space locked away, but not too far.  A place filled with things that stimulate my creativity and calm my nerves.
A room I find I can't wait to sit in with my computer, my cat, and my thoughts.  I am in there, writing. A new happy place where just maybe I can find my true writer's voice.

Isn't is amazing how there seems to be a life lesson to be learned in every little aspect life.  Even writing rooms.  This became not only a room redo, but an opportunity to learn more about myself and what I need to be happy.

What NOT to Do on Your Staycation.

Thinking about taking a staycation, but don't know what to do with your self for 7 great days at home.  Well, that is a question that only you can answer.  Only you know what truly relaxes you.  Only you know what activities will send you back to the world of work refreshed.  However, I would be happy to suggest 7 things NOT to do:

1)  Don't go to work.  None of that, "well they were having trouble with such and such and it wasn't like I was going any where."  Yes, you were going some where .... HOME.  Your on vacation from work, it doesn't matter where your vacationing at.

2)  Don't go to work.  Not with the use of electronics either.  No work related emails, phone calls, or texts.  Even a quick, little text that took 3 seconds can put your mind back into work mode for hours.  Let them figure it out on their own, it's good for them.

3)  Don't make plans with people from work.  Or phone, email, and text.  They will talk about work!  Using this time to really let go of work and rest is the very best use of your time off.  In fact, why not unplug completely.  Turn it all off for the week or at lest limit your time and exposure to phones, internet, and television.

4)  Don't make appointments. Going to the doctor, dentist, or accountant is not relaxing.  OK, you can make an appointment or two.  Think massage, pedicure, new haircut.

5)  Don't clean out kitchen storage or the garage or the basement or do the spring cleaning.  Who ever heard of going on sabbatical to be a maid for week?  I do suggest doing the dishes everyday, you don't want that mess at weeks end.  Let the rest go.  Alright, you can put clean sheets on the bed and make it.  Only because it makes you feel like your in a hotel and only if you planning to take a nap in it.  I will admit to cleaning the fish tank on my last staycation, but only because I wanted to sit and watch the fish and couldn't see them through the algae.  The same principal might apply to hot tubs, swimming pools, and decks.

6)  No huge home improvement projects.  That is big time working.  Sometimes it is your only chance, so try to have lots of help and make sure it isn't going to take the week.

7)  Don't jump up and do every little thing you see that needs done just because you have the time.  Say to yourself, "I need to weed the veggie garden when I return from my vacation."  Then go back to lounging, napping, crafting, reading, and resting.

Truly kick back and rest.  Plan for some days when the kids will be in school or away.  Plan for alone time and a little couple time.  Time to rest, relax, and enjoy is time will spent.  In America, we are not too keen on that concept.  It is time we started changing that for ourselves one staycation or Sunday at a time. 

Be careful on the drive home and have a great staycation!