Happy Writing: Having a Study

petercwhitaker

Mar 2

I used to have a study. Well, to be honest, it was not mine; it was a space we created for my wife when she enrolled in university. We bought a large and very functional desk that would allow her to use the computer and spread various books and pieces of paper around her as well. It was situated in a converted loft. In winter it was cold and in summer it was hot. After she graduated the study became mine and I used it. In fact, I really enjoyed using it. Then I had surgery on my foot and lower leg and could not climb the precarious stairs for several months. As a result, the loft became a dumping ground and I eventually lost my study.

As the Christmas decorations are housed in the eaves of the loft I had a reason to go back up there in November and I remembered my long neglected study. I made a vow to reclaim it as my own again. Now, the Christmas decorations are put away again and there is a surprisingly empty space near my desk. It is not the same piece of furniture as my wife used; we got rid of that as it was too large for me. I have broached the subject of redecorating the loft and clearing out a lot of the junk so that I can have somewhere to work after I leave my current job. My wife surprised me by being wholeheartedly in support and with only one caveat; she wants me to set up her jigsaw table so that she can sit with me while I write.

So, my study is going to be reborn. The plan is to redecorate, fit new lighting, have a new work area for me, complete with a table for me to do crafts on, a comfy chair for Donna to use when she is completing her jigsaws, some music, and a kettle for hot drinks. Also, I am going to install some bookshelves for my modest collection. I have always liked the idea of having specific spaces for specific tasks. The notion of having somewhere to go to write, draw, and make things is very appealing, not least because it means that I do not have to put everything away before I have completed a project, which is what I have to do if I use any other room in the house.