A Creating Space

Several writer's programs and workshops suggest setting aside a special, even sacred, space for the time one spends creating. Computers and office desks are a great place to do the hard work of writing, but sometimes, the creative stage flows more smoothly from a separate space. Since I set my little bedroom desk aside as a place to retreat, I have come up with new ideas and directions, poems and reflections that are bringing new life to my writing as work. I have explained the history of the cross in Joe's Easter thread. The red and white roses signify the characters, Snow White and Rose Red, from the fairy tale. they remind me of the good part of my childhood, my father, and the two sides of me. The little Greek lady dressed in red is Calliope, the muse who inspired Homer. The round frame contains a small reproduction of a mandala I created a few years ago. The red and gold one, my children when they were still very young.



If you haven't set aside a special place, consider creating one. It's fun, and so far, for me, it's working.

Ann

4/2/2010


Ann..

That's beautifully done. On my desk is the
computer, cordless phone, Manuscript, legal pads,
an angel cherb cup from the met museum with pens
in it. And a small 3 X 5 frame with a cat's photo
with a saying: " Dogs come when they are called.
Cats take a message and get back to you later."


Cheers....Joe

4/2/2010


Ann..

Here's my desk, the photos on the wall
are copies of my book jacket covers . I remember
reading once that you should always face the wall
when writing, never face a window, your thoughts
would fly out the window, I believe it was a
Chinese saying. Oh yes the Japanese Carp bowl
next to the desk has a Japanese Fatsia Plant in it.

Cheers...Joe

4/3/2010

Ann..

In the brown basket I keep my keys, wallet,
camera, cellphone, this way I don't loose them..

Cheers..Joe

My "creating space" is my home office. I agree that everyone needs one to be productive. Clearing off a kitchen table doesn't cut it.

Being surrounded by nice art does help the creativity process. Joe, how fun to look at your framed book covers. YK, that's something I never did. I don't display them in any way. It just never occurred to me.

My home office looks different depending on the project I've got going on.

Love the colored pens and pencils.

Ann

You guys have desks, chairs and pictures for the walls? In Germany we sit on a stump, use a log for a desk and make designs on the walls from candle smoke.

Yeah, right

Ann

Very nice creative spaces!! I have a desk in our loft, but since I can no longer get up there, I've moved to the couch. Well, it is better than the kitchen table, comfortable and includes a few creative parts. Once again we did some sorting and figured out a file drawer I can reach easily.

And I hope to get back upstairs at some time, but today I sorted out my writing, that I print off from downstairs and my husband brings down from upstairs, and I amazed myself at how much I had actually written. Now I also have books on a shelf nearby and access to chocolate etc. Before me is the fire place with a mantel of family pictures. It really is quite a nice space, just not quite the usual.

Carol