Creating Space

​A few weeks ago, Writer’s Digest put out an intriguing invitation to readers: Submit a photo (or two, or three) of your workspace, along with comments on how you use it, why it’s set up the way it is, or anything else you'd like to say about it. The editors will pick a few to publish in the magazine.
 
I had every intention of submitting mine, but before I managed to assemble the pictures and send off the entry, the deadline had passed. Still, the challenge got me thinking about my own work space, not only how I use it, but also what I call it.

The office in our previous home was functional and definitely office-like

​When I worked from home for my regular job or on freelance assignments, I called my workspace—in our previous home as well as our current one—my “office.” But something about that term grates on me now. It conjures images of deadlines, dingy cubicles, and that sense of being chained to a desk, unable to escape and have fun.

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Very conducive to getting stuff done!

Now, I want a place to play--making collages, for instance--as well as work

​Nowadays, although I still spend a lot of time in the room where my desk resides, I’m not always working in the strict sense of the word. Sometimes I’m practicing yoga. Sometimes I’m brainstorming ideas for writing projects, or organizing and editing photos, or sorting and cutting out pieces for collages, or creating music playlists, or communicating with friends, or yes, writing. It’s as much a playroom as a workspace.

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​​So what to call it?
 
“Workshop” sounds crafty—a good place to build things. But still a little “worky.”
 
“Study” is what spaces like mine used to be called before the home-office kick. Filled with books, as my room is, studies were places for contemplation and rumination. I certainly do contemplate and ruminate. Yet “study” sounds so studious. Not playful.

Some of the books I've contemplated in my study--or whatever it's called

I’m partial to “studio.” With its artsy connotations, it leaves open possibilities for all sorts of creative activities. Why, I could even dance in a studio (and sometimes I do!). So for now I’m sticking with studio. And just for fun, I’ll take you on a tour.

​Then, I invite you to send me photos of your own creative space and tell me what you call it and how you use it.

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Here's how the workspace in our current home looked when the house was new. Clean desk, clean slate.

Now, it's more of a happy jumble--a reflection of my usual state of mind. (Photo: Ray Pokerwinski)

Finished projects, work in progress, and lots of notebooks for ideas and free-writing fill my desktop.

My yoga mat and blocks are stashed in a nearby closet, but I keep a yoga strap handy for impromptu shoulder openers.

I usually write in silence, but once in a while music helps with inspiration. This CD was a recent gift from one of the major characters in my memoir Mango Rash.

Books, books, books, photos, and cards from friends top the file cabinets.

Field guides, childhood treasures, travel photos, and special gifts from friends make me smile.

I'm not a book hoarder, honest, but I just can't let go of these reminders of my grad school days. The mantis picture by Claire Fisher seems a perfect complement.

More science stuff, with a buggy treasure from my friend John T.

A comfy spot for reading--or daydreaming (Photo: Ray Pokerwinski)

An extra chair for visitors--or chair yoga. Note the HeartWood heart on the wall.

A souvenir from a local author event

This funky typewriter bookend was a flea market find.

Another buggy treasure from John T holds little doo-dads.

A Frankoma tray in the shape of my home state is the perfect place for special stones and a sandalwood rose.

This assortment of books reflects where I've been with my writing . . .

. . . and where I'm going.

Where will your workspace--or playspace--take you?