keeping my albatross

A few months ago I posted about my need for my own space. The tiny kitchen desk area is overrun with family stuff--Boy Scout schedules, homework, permission slips, art projects and so forth. My writing was getting crowded out and I was literally feeling the pinch. I had to clear off the desk to make room for my notes and laptop, put everything back before my tribe returned at the end of the school day.

My library is the obvious choice for a writing desk. Yet I have a hutch from my grandma that can't go anywhere else, so there's that to contend with--one entire wall is all bookshelves, floor to ceiling, and the other wall is mostly taken up by the French doors. The remaining wall was given over to my albatross. Years ago I bought a piano and cannot bring myself to get rid of it. Warning: Never get a piano. It is an albatross, a heavy and unwieldy one, chained around my neck and I'll never be rid of it. I only pray that my sons will unleash themselves from this beast of an instrument when I die someday. I'm sure they will.

But I digress.

I had to find a desk to fit in a snug corner of my library, a desk that wouldn't overpower the room, but still provide ample room for my projects. This would be my go-to space for writing and separate me from the clutter and chaos brewing in the kitchen. Only my writing would go into and onto this desk. Nothing else.

Crate & Barrel answered my prayer by designing the perfect desk and darling Mr. D presented me with a gift card for Christmas. The results are spectacular--Behold!

The piano and hutch are still there--but betwixt them I have room to write. Notice, Jan is propped on a canning jar ring, keeping me company.

My new desk chair is the perfect height and so comfy.

When not in use, the desk rolls back together in a modest little box.

I made some rules to "earn" this desk--including NO online games (mahjong's a serious time suck, people) and some firm writing goals and deadlines. Last Friday (before I went to the Twin Cities to meet Minnesota Matron) I wrapped up my manuscript and fired it off to my Screw Iowa writing group. I owe my diligence to the desk. There are NO distractions in my library like in the kitchen. The view out the windows inspire more than my previous view of the refrigerator and stove.

And now that my writing isn't battling the family stuff for space, the kitchen area is more organized and efficient. My sons can do their homework where I once piled everyone's papers and forms.

Truly win-win.

Spill it, reader. What's your albatross? Have you figured out how to accommodate it, or do you have the stomach to rid yourself of it?

Posted in: a little bliss, Books and Writing