Some time back I bought a book called “At Work At Home” about building the perfect office space. It had a multitude of ideas, none of them practical for me–my budget didn’t stretch that far. Since that time I’ve perused many books on the same topic, and keep coming back to a favorite kind of space. It’s a cubby with a sofa, surrounded by bookshelves on top and each side, bursting with books. Add a spacious desk nearby and I know I could be inspired by something like that.
Instead what I have is much simpler. A small corner desk in my spare bedroom, a room which doubles as a storage space, and a few sparse bookshelves in my living room. I don’t have room for anything more. Still, somehow, I manage to write on a regular basis. I read every work day at lunch in my car, although I’ve learned not to buy books, in part because I don’t have room for them and in part because on hot summer days the binding comes apart. So I Kindle it.
Let’s face it, I’ll likely never have a dream reading and writing space. So I work on ways to make mine better. A nicer lamp, for instance, instead of the thirty-year-old thing I’ve got. I can’t even use the lampshade because it’s too dark, so my lamp is this unattractive base with a light bulb on top. Okay, let’s move on from there. I could be better organized. I have papers overflowing the desk file holders I have. I’d like the walls to be less sparse. Perhaps I could hang up something besides my Peanuts “Happiness Is…” calendar?
If I kept looking for the ideal space, I’d never find it. But dreams are good. They fuel the imagination and give us hope. I guess that’s why I still haven’t gotten rid of my copy of “At Work At Home.”
Image Credit: Office Space © thejokercze–stock.adobe.com Glasses on book © Sippung–stock.adobe.com
My World With Words 
Wow. The picture of that writing room is the stuff of dreams…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more.
LikeLike
I love that room in the picture! You’re right – dreams are good. They keep us moving towards something!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t that room great? I’ll keep dreaming.
LikeLike
I had an at home office for many years from when my husband was self employed and I did the accounts. I did it up a few years ago, not really a place to read but definitely an escape room to listen to music, store paperwork and write blog posts. If I can find the ‘before’ picture (it became a dumping ground) I’ll do a blog post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love to see it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing. I have quite a few books and yet my Amazon book list keeps growing. We won’t talk about Bookbub and Kindle. I promised myself I would complete fifteen to twenty this year. It’s January. I am hopeful. I have gone from three shelves to eight now. I would tell you I have no more room but I tend to find some. That’s what I was thinking before I brought the last one in a week ago. Lol…My granddaughter decided she would count them. In her attempt, she came up with a little over 200. My thing is I am a hard-copy girl. Oh well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I buy more books from Kindle now and use the Kindle app on my phone. I like the feel of “real” books, but just don’t have the space for them. I’ve hauled off boxes and boxes to a local non-profit used bookstore (they support the local library). I truly don’t have room for any more. I envy your 200!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I must admit, I am trying to limit my hard copies. I can put some upstairs in the library here in the complex. It is a 2025 later this year project.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love photos like the one you shared here, Belinda, but I’m not sure I’d be happy surrounded by books. They collect dust, so I wonder if I’d feel claustrophobic after a while. I’ve downsized my book collection considerably and could probably give away even more, but there’s something comforting about seeing a stack of them.
When my daughter moved out I gradually turned her room into a writing room and used what I had from other rooms to make it cozy. She had an extra desk and brought it over and the only thing new I bought was a plant, an Asian Council Tree, that takes up a good amount of space, but we share well. Lighting is everything in a room such as this, and a new lamp may make it feel like a new room. I enjoy listening to books instead of reading them. 🧡
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand your fear of feeling claustrophobic, but I have to admit I love the bookshelves I have and wish I had room for more books. I’ve also downsized my book collection quite a bit and probably will have to do a little more. The only time I listen to books is when I travel, but I’ve enjoyed those. Much better than listening to my meager CD collection or trying to find a radio station in each city I pass through!
Thank you for your comment and for visiting my site!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have friends who have floor to ceiling bookshelves and it looks delightful in their home. Maybe because my home is tiny? Listening to books has enhanced my listening skill and I’ll bookmark something memorable to easily refer back to. Driving is an excellent time to listen. You are welcome, lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person