Everyone has their favorite place to sort out their thoughts
and write. They also have their favorite writing buddies, such as something to
munch on, sip on, listen to, or see. My favorite place to write my thoughts and
heart is beside my sliding back door. I pull the blinds open, and sit beside
the clear glass (when there are not little hand and paw prints all over it),
looking out into my back yard where the dog and children play. When they are
all inside, I get to enjoy the vision of little, colorful birds flying around
and sitting on my back porch, enjoying the open, big yard with nothing but
space and peace to enjoy.
In a house with four children and a dog, and of course my
loving husband and myself, it can be hard sometimes to find a peaceful place to
think and write. Doing school work is sometimes a rather eventful thing for
this momma. But even in the chaotic times, when kids are fighting and supper is
being made, I am behind in an assignment for a class, the baby’s diaper needs
changed, my husband isn’t home yet, and the dog is digging holes instead of
playing with his toys…I find myself sitting at “my spot” at the table, in the
middle of the craziness all around me, and close my eyes…and…breathe. I then
open my eyes to the view of the back yard, sometimes heavily obstructed by those
little, muddy hand and paw prints all over the glass door, and sometimes
clearly seen, with a sigh I enjoy the sight for a moment………..and then I send
the children out there so that my entire house will be as peaceful as the back
yard appears to be from my spot at the table.
My main issue now is determining that where I sit is “my”
writing spot. My challenge is discovering where my children prefer to call
their spot , “my spot”, and it is indeed a challenge, as Titus has a horrible time
staying in a spot to do homework or projects. Levi has the attention span of a
squirrel on a caffeine high, and Angel pretty much plops wherever the crayons
are at the moment. Micah has a spot for the time being…my lap. I am ok with this,
most of the time, because he enjoys just sitting, and I enjoy his little self
being with me. This is half the fun, I suppose, as I do my best to discover
along with my children their learning styles, place preferences, and
communication styles as well. I look forward to helping Titus get settled in
his “spot” so we can begin moving forward with his studies.
And I have to remember that my spot is mine. They don’t want
it. And although I may THINK I want them to want it, I truly do not want them
there. Why? Because I would, then, have to find a new spot. Four little bottoms
sitting in my thinking/writing place would not be welcome when I go there to
find my brain now and again.
I used to think that my spot was only that special to me
because I do not have a desk in that part of my house. But the more I think on
it, if I were to have a desk in there, I would do my best to place it right
there, beside my table, facing out the back door. There’s just something about “that
place” that sooths the mind, and often eliminates writer’s block. Ah yes,
writer’s block: the worst enemy of a paper deadline, which is exactly what I
have today. Glad I’m in my spot!
