Tuesday Slice of Life : February 14, 2017.
The day has been full of loose ends begging for my attention, interfering with my work on the things I had prioritized, the tasks I’d numbered this morning in my bullet journal. I’m working in what is called a garden room–a room on the southwest corner of our house with two walls of windows and a door to our yard. But we’ve always call it the music room because it houses our piano. I’ve spread my work across a table retired from former kitchens. This is one of my favorite spots to work — especially on a cold winter day, especially when I feel the need for sunshine, especially when I want to sit at the edge of neighborhood life that passes along our street.
Between tasks, I push back — thinking about what I haven’t completed and wondering how the hours slip away so quickly. The sun has begun its descent in the southern sky. I long for it’s more northerly route of spring. The blue sky belies the chill of the winter wind which is shaking bare branches, causing them to cast dark dancing shadows through lacy curtains that once covered my mother’s windows. A scentsy candle releases the smell of fresh-baked cookies. And I sip the comfort of mint from my warm cup of jade citrus mint green tea (even its name speaks tranquility). Love Songs of the Beatles float over this Monday afternoon. Life is good, and I am blessed.
❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️
Writing about my writing.
- In the last sentence of the first paragraph, I crafted a pitchfork–used the power of three. Do you see it? Did you feel the power of it? What do you notice about the construction of the three prongs of the pitchfork?
- I worked to include all five senses. What words signal each sense? Are all five present?
- What mood have I crafted? Which words contribute to this mood?
Thank you,
Two Writing Teachers,
for hosting Slice of Life!
Join in and share a slice of your life.
Wonderful sliver of a slice. I especially enjoyed your reflections on the process.
Thanks for recreating this space in words, then sharing it. I like your stance in ‘writing about my wriiting’ — a clever, insightful touch.
Thanks for sharing that. I always enjoy reading about a writer’s thinking and process behind a piece.
Sounds like the perfect place to relax. If work gets done there, fine. If not, fine. One of our goals is to enclose part of our patio and make it a sun room. Some day.
Don’t let “someday” wait too long. Sun rooms are wonderful!
Just so beautifully written – you transported me to the serenity of your room.
Thank you, and so glad you stopped by, Tara!
Your ‘music’ room sounds like quite a space for lingering, Alice. Perhaps that’s why the hours pass so swiftly. I love hearing about it!
Thank you, Linda. The word “lingering” is a good one for this space.
This line grabs me the most: “The blue sky belies the chill of the winter wind which is shaking bare branches, causing them to cast dark dancing shadows through lacy curtains that once covered my mother’s windows.”
It’s the lace curtains that were your mother’s that resonate the most–that take this passage and elevate it by anchoring it to something less fleeting–something enduring.
Thanks for sharing that, Mary Ann. I almost didn’t put that part in. Your point about it being an anchor is spot on.
Very well written! I enjoyed your imagery! 🙂
Thank you, Linda. I’m glad you stopped by.
Lovely imagery all around … soothing ..
Kevin
Thank you, Kevin.
Windows are a mixed blessing for me when I’m working as I’m continually distracted by the bird show in my garden. You’ve captured a lovely moment here.
Ah, a bird show in a garden sounds lovely. 🙂
that is an excellent picture
Thank you, Jennifer.
You made me want to create a space to linger in. The repetition of especially makes me want the space even more. Thank you for the reflection on your process. Purposeful and playful work!