I Need My Writing Space!

They say to be true and honest on one’s blog, so today I’m venting Gang.

This was my home office in Florida:

This is now my office in Texas:

Ever since publishing LUCCI in January, my so-called ‘writing space’ has consisted of a measly corner in the den with a beat up recliner, a laptop perched on a bar stool, a rickety old TV tray (sometimes 2 when pages are all over the place), and my always-present doxi dog Luca. Oh, and a printer. ..a dang printer in the main room of my house!

I sit on the edge of the seat because Luca’s always sprawled out. Look harder, he’s there alright along with his toys. Zeetz, the cat, looks harmless enough but that knucklehead enjoys clawing at my head when he’s bored. Oh, then it gets worse when both Luca and Star hog the spot and they leave me maybe two inches of tush space…if I’m lucky. No wonder my back hurts and I hobble around  bitching and moaning half the day.

I really have been upset about not having a proper space in which to write. It has affected my attitude and as a result, I know that I don’t accomplish as much as I should. As a new author, I already feel overwhelmed with Twitter, Facebook and blogging that this not-having-a-place-of-my-own situation certainly is the main culprit.

It’s been nagging at me for a while and a few weeks ago I finally realized that I could sacrifice our rarely used guest room to make my office. Here lies the rub. I reluctantly talked to Handsome Cowboy about it and it’s not that he really cares one way or another about decorating but getting him to move anything (like the garbage, heavy dog food bags, a goat, more garbage), nevertheless a piece of furniture, is a monumental pain in the arse to have done!

I finally mobilized him one recent weekend morning and we got rid of the king bed. Suddenly the room frees up. What goes in its place? A  cute albeit SMALL vintage table that once held the printer in HC’s office that’s now in the main room of my house! It measures a measly 2 x 3 feet.  I can’t even leave a cup of coffee and a pen once the laptop claims its space.

And the chair? Though it’s pretty on the surface, I equate the comfort of that chair to one a ‘Dead Man Walking’ inmate sits on minutes before! Believe it or not, Luca just has to sit behind Mamma so, once again, I’m at the edge of my seat.

(For Pete’s sake, it’s time for window treatments too.)

I’ve been searching Craig’s List for a desk and a big leather executive chair because, naturally, it’s got to fit at least two or three. In the meantime, this is what my ‘assistants’ have:

I have only come across cold Formica computer desks or rickety beat up junkers or new beauties that cost an arm and a leg that really aren’t my style anyway.

My thoughts harken back to when I worked in hotel and office asset liquidation sales back in Florida, and I had gotten my mitts on a fabulous, buttery, mid-century modern turquoise leather executive chair. I only wish I had it now, as it would have easy fit my assistants and me.

Yep, my style is mid-century modern which hardly works out here in Texas Hill Country; however,  it brings me the comfort I felt as a happy child and it’s what I want in my office still. In getting back in touch with those feelings , it suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks, my desk is right here in my house! Son-of-a-gun.

Here is where I find my baby now…in H.C.’s office…covered with junk and he’s also usurped my Steelcase chair!

Why on Earth should I have to try to look for office furniture when my own is right here?

Wish me luck Gang; I’m off to find replacements for my hubby’s office ’cause I’m creating a new writing space with the things that are already near and dear to me. Oh boy, the sh-t’s gonna hit the fan!

Oh, I did not want to neglect mentioning that discovered a wonderful book review blog called Have You Heard My Book Review and a sweet soul Melanie Carrico (@kissablysweet1), who gave LUCCI another 5-star review. Melanie’s reviews are clear, to the point and extremely entertaining to read. Please follow her blog, and tell her I sent you.

Here’s to taking quiet moments this weekend to remember our family members, friends and total strangers who have given their lives to protect ours. God Bless the U.S.A.!