Sanctuary!

How about that? Two posts in just as many days. Don't start expecting that.

I think it is important for everyone (especially readers and writers) to have a place of their own. A sanctuary. A sacred and private space they can go to to read and write, decompress. A place that is their own that they don’t have to share with anyone. I’m lucky to have three such places, well, four, actually.

My husband and I don’t have any kids, unless you count Sass, so that means that we have two extra bedrooms in our house to play with. For a long time, they were empty, filled with junk. Then Hubby and I got hobbies and the rooms evolved.

 Hubby’s room was transformed to a workout slash reloading room (also storage) and my room was transformed into the reading and purse room (Yes, those are some of my purses hanging on the wall). Hubby has no desire to enter that domain, but it is none-the-less understood that it is my sanctuary. There’s a large window, a loveseat I snuggle into the corner of, and bookcases (which I need to get more of).

This is where I go on lazy Sunday afternoons or any evening and read. I randomly pick a book off a shelf and dive right in. The door is always open, so both Hubby and Sass come wondering in from time to time; but for the most part it is my own, and I have to say, my most favorite room in the house.

My other places are just as special, but not as private. We have a patio set on our front porch, and I have to say that is my second most favorite spot to read and edit my current novel (I never write out there). Right now, Fall is coming, so it’s crisp and cool outside. The leaves are turning and falling and my cats like to snuggle up next to me. I look forward to Saturday and Sunday mornings because I get to pour an over-sized cup of coffee and sit out on the patio and just read. Sometimes Hubby will join me, but for the most part, it’s just me and the cats (and the annoying yips of my neighbor’s dog).

The corner of our couch is a good spot, too, but I often have to fight Hubby for that one, especially during football season. One of the MANY local Starbucks is where I usually go to write. That’s kind of cliché now a days, but I think that's because it works. There’s something about the atmosphere that Starbucks creates—busy, loud, a hub of activity, just constantly moving. I grab my coffee, bagel and usual seat, plug in my HP mini and iPod and get to typing. I also get a lot of work done (the most, actually) at work during my lunches. It’s amazing how little I write in the quietness of my home—I think there are too many distractions.

But, whatever the place—whether you have different ones for reading or writing or working out your zen, or they are the same—keep it your sanctuary. Make it your own so you can have a place to relax and get in “the zone” of whatever it is you’re going to be doing. It’s the best feeling in the world.

--Me