There. That’s what my desk is supposed to look like. Space to maneuver and use the things I need.
Along the top: My planner and notebook off to the left.
My fidget toy and mini Slinky.
The textbook I’m using for my self-guided study of Folklore and Mythology. I have an article to read over the weekend, then I’m launching into the Preface and Ch 1 next week.
It’s on top of a pile that still has my Wawak catalog and some mail that I need to keep handy.
The all important laptop connected to a large external screen so I can actually see what I’m writing.
A pile of tags from the last project I wove (I still need to wet finish and trim it before I take a picture), and a blank project sheet. I’m going to work on keeping better records of my weaving and crafting this year and since I plan on warping my loom for a new project today, I may as well begin as I mean to go on.
Then there’s the tea and the mouse and the knick-knacky things and the nail polish since I can type with wet nails and my desk is the only place I’ll reliably sit for the few minutes they need to dry.
Along the bottom is the beanbag I use as an elbow rest. I nearly got into trouble a while back with what they used to call “Scholar’s Elbow.” It’s where you sit and lean your chin on your hand while you read or scroll, and the weight of your big brain and/or thick skull compresses your elbow onto a hard surface. Beanbag under the joint means it’s not resting on a hard surface, means no more pain.
And just below that is my “Hey, did you forget how books work?” reminder. It’s a chart of Michael Hauge’s Six Stage Plot Structure that I use to keep my story moving when I get stuck. Ah yes! I’m at about the 20% point of this story. That means there’s a Change of Plans coming and it’s time to wrap up Act 1. Let’s make sure I’m more or less on track with that. It’s a quick brain tickle about standard fiction structure. If you ever get a chance to take one of his classes, do it! He’s a great teacher and once you recognize this structure, it’s like a light turning on in your head.
There’s some other stuff on the far edge of my desk — cups full of pens, bill organizer, box of tissues, that sort of thing, but nothing interesting. But at least there’s room to move and make again.
Loom Blossom 