Brenda at THE BRENDA BLOG has organized a fun tour!
We are to show you our blogging or creating space!
I thought I would share where I spend a great deal of time editing photos (they require lots of editing--they never look right without some work), writing posts, visiting blogs and hugging my critters.
A small room serves as our office. Because this room is one of the first seen when you enter our front door, I hope to find something that will hide all of the clutter associated with a computer set-up (and my dirty coffee cups and wily cats! Of course I was just teasing---I wouldn't put a cat in a cabinet--on purpose!) We have been in this home a little over three years and I have yet to find the perfect desk/cabinet. . . . . . so for now this is what it looks like in my space. My desk top is actually a closet door my husband trimmed out, then stained and varnished. He did that nearly 40 years ago---so this little number qualifies for the term "vintage"! At that time we were broke and needed a coffee table so we decided to "make one". After he spruced up the door, I built two pillars out of bricks (to serve as a base) then put the door on top of them. Instant coffee table! Years later, when our son needed a desk, I bought two file cabinets (navy to go with his bedroom color scheme at the time) and put the door on top of them. Instant desk! We eventually moved the same arrangement ito a spare bedroom/TV room and set the TV, VCR and any other electronic devise possible on top of the door. Instant entertainment area! So, the door my husband finished many years ago has seen lots of use--especially since I started blogging! I bought NEW black file cabinets this time and BAM. . . . Instant computer center! In the photo above you can see me as I look pretty much first thing in the morning. . . . I hope you're not too shocked. I know I am when I see that face each day--whew, what time has done! I tried to go for the real life look without scaring you too much. It took about four attempts of me setting the timer, grabbing the kitty, tripping over the tri-pod legs, falling in the chair and waiting for the camera to click. I am holding Twiggy---who was fascinated by the flashing light on the camera. God love her---she takes such cute pictures! I attempted to hold her completely in front of my face to hide the lack of make-up, but she resisted that effort. She has claws on her back feet and they were digging into my lower lip with that pose. . . .I promptly repositioned her for the next shots. I am just about ALWAYS surrounded by my little fur babies whenever I'm in the office. I'm not certain just why they seem to gather in there with me. Maybe it's the soothing sound of the computer keys clicking, mixed with my occasional (and not always so delicate) words of dismay as I unintentionally delete something I've worked on a long time. Maybe it's the sound of laughter I emit when reading funny or joyful blogs. Maybe that's the most entertaining spot in the house to be at the moment---so sad. Whatever the reason, they are my little companions and, many times, my source of inspiration. My kids are really glad to be grown. Otherwise I am certain they would be the topics of many a post. They provided me with lots of entertainment when they were little---whether they meant to or not. The black cat is Frankie. He's not a lap cat, but he needs to know exactly where I am at all times. When we're gathered in the office he spends his time looking out the front window. He lets me know when a bird is perched on one of the iron chairs on the porch. I just wished he would rattle the window when he sees one----to scare them off before they leave their cute little "calling card" dribbling down the back of a chair. When he's not being a "birder" he's curled up peacefully in a corner taking a nap. You've met Twiggy. She is a rescued kitty. When I found her about three months ago she was skin and bones and very near entering kitty heaven. I knew the moment I connected with her that she was an amazing little girl. A lover and a survivor. Don't you think she takes great pictures? This is where she spends her time while I'm on the computer. She just keeps me smiling all day---and busy picking cat hairs out of the keyboard.
When Izzie, my Grand Dog, started spending more time at our house I realized she liked curling up by my chair during my stints at the computer. I resurrected an old rag rug and placed it on the floor for her. She likes it best when THE STONE RABBIT comes in to keep her company, too.
There you have it----my little corner of the blogging world, surrounded by my buddies. It isn't elaborate or pretty or stylish, but it keeps me happy and my husband guessing.
Don't forget to check out Brenda's blog for a list of all the other creative spaces---I can hardly wait to see their "nests"!
DANA
I couldn't wait to see your blogging corner. I love your blog and I look forward to reading about the Stone Rabbit. What a great space and with all of your critters it must be a lovely place to be in to create the posts we all love to read. Karen
Posted by: karen | August 23, 2008 at 11:43 PM
I love your space & your adorable buddies!!! Thanks for sharing! I am really enjoying the tour and love your blog! Patti
Posted by: dreams and decor | August 23, 2008 at 11:50 PM
I love your blogging space and the door story is great. It really is whatever you need it to be. I love all your animals but Twiggy does take the most fabulous pictures. I can't get a picture of my cat looking at the camera. She will be looking straight at the camera and by the time the picture takes has her eyes closed or mostly closed.
Posted by: Darlene | August 24, 2008 at 05:47 AM
That pix of kitty peeking out from behind the puter has got to be ONE of the CUTEST pix of a kitty I've ever seen, honey pie!!!! Just so precious. You'll have to check out my "space", chickee, it's pretty NON-glam!!! LOL
Smoochies,
Connie
Posted by: Connie | August 24, 2008 at 06:47 AM
Great story about the door! That door has been repurposed & repurposed again & again. You have a nice creative space as well as creative way of showing it! :)
Posted by: perennialgardenlover | August 24, 2008 at 06:50 AM
Dana- Thanks for sharing with us-love your kitties-I have on on my lap as I type this-Maddy Joy dog may be editor in chief but the others are always involved as well. Gracie is spell checker I think. I too have two file cabinets with a desk top I bought for 25.00 on top of them.
Posted by: Susan M. Hickam | August 24, 2008 at 07:05 AM
I loved your door story and your wonderful companions take the best photos. My Mouse aka Morning Glory is always wherever I am but she definitely is not a lap kitty and she takes the worse photos ever. Her ears are always flat and she looks like she is mad at the world. Have a great Sunday Dana. ~ Lynn
Posted by: Lynn @ theVintageNest | August 24, 2008 at 07:12 AM
You have quite a crowd in your creative space! I love the "tourguides"! Thanks for sharing!~~~XXOO, Beth
Posted by: elizabeth holcombe | August 24, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Hi Dana, I so enjoyed seeing your creative blogging space and the adorable fur friends you share it with. What a dose of inspiration each day for you. I love the firt pic with you holding your sweet kitty. So adorable you both are.
Also the pic of your kitty behind the monitor is so sweet. Those eyes say it all. Beautiful.
Thank you for the tour.
Happy Creating and Blogging.
Celestina
la rea rose
Posted by: Celestina Marie | August 24, 2008 at 08:09 AM
That Twiggy is a grand poser like my Clyde! Clyde hails from a dumpster, by the way! You are always so full of fun, Dana. (I never wear makeup. I'd just sweat it off in the garden. I'm a no muss/no fuss kind of gal! Going to age naturally). I've got four 4-legged critters, and they're always where I am too. Cat hair abounds, and I find myself spitting it out while I type!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | August 24, 2008 at 08:22 AM
You don't need elaborate or pretty when you've decorated it with gorgeous furbabies!!! Can't think of a more cozy place to be. And I ain't scared one bit by that beautiful face of yours!
Posted by: nikki | August 24, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Hi Dana :)
It's so great to see where you create those fantastic posts of yours. I don't know why, but I expected a lot of pink LOL That desk has seen a lot of family history! It's also inspired some of the funniest posts I've ever read :)
Those furry babies of yours are adorable and that little cuteness you call Twiggy is just precious. You look fantastic without make-up... are you kidding me?? You don't notice me posting one like that do you?! LOL
Thank you for showing us where your imagination creates it's magic and for those very sweet complements about my space.
Hugs,
rue
PS. Did you see anything written in that notebook?? I think that answers your question about whether it helps or not :) LOL
Posted by: rue | August 24, 2008 at 09:03 AM
I like your office nook. Your co-workers are always eager to please, I'm sure.
Jill xoo
Posted by: Jill | August 24, 2008 at 10:25 AM
How clever-- a door desk! You remind me, too. Hubby and I had an entertainment center in our early years built of concrete blocks and painted boards. The arrangement was the rage back then.:) Such a friendly creative space, warm with kitties. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: CurtissAnn | August 24, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Happy Sunday, Dana.
I would say you have made a perfect space for yourself and your companions. Using the door sounds like something we would do. We have used doors many times for garage sales.
Posted by: Beverly | August 24, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Wonderful post, Dana. I enjoyed seeing your creativity space!
The Pink Saturday post was a hoot!
About those butterflies. I've tried and tried to get a photo of one of them with the wings open, when we're at the Butterfly House in Faust Park. Never any luck! Loved your photos!
Posted by: Pat | August 24, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Well that is high praise coming from the queen of pink saturdays! I'm glad I could return the favor after all your wonderful posts that gets me laughing! I'm glad you like my editor in chief.
Posted by: Susan M. Hickam | August 24, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Oh Dana, when the photo of you and Twiggy popped up, my mind raced back to the "pink curler" post, and I immediately thought the caption above Twiggy should read "Thank goodness I didn't get caught up in the pink curlers!" Your blog is a favorite of mine, I love your sense of humor! Your space is really neat, thanks for the tour!
Posted by: nola, of the alamo north | August 24, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Dana, I tagged you. Now I don't know if you have already done this meme, but I thought of you immediately.
Posted by: Ceekay | August 24, 2008 at 03:28 PM
looks like you have good company while you work!
Posted by: karla nathan | August 24, 2008 at 04:37 PM
'but it keeps me happy and my husband guessing' is my motto! Thank you for sharing your space and your sweet babies!
Posted by: Carla | August 24, 2008 at 06:57 PM
'but it keeps me happy and my husband guessing' is my motto! Thank you for sharing your space and your sweet babies!
Posted by: Carla | August 24, 2008 at 06:58 PM
A perfect place for you and your fur babies to create your wonderful adventures.
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | August 24, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Hi Dana,
I have a quick question. Mamma Mia has the musical which is touring and will be coming to OKC in Sept. I want to go BADLY...my question is this...is it appropriate for a 9 year old? It says 13 and up is recommended due to some of the content. I think my daughter would LOVE it but if parts of it are too racy I don't want to take her. What would your opinion be?
Posted by: Darlene | August 25, 2008 at 04:23 AM
You have a great blogging space...thanks much for sharing.
Posted by: bj | August 25, 2008 at 07:52 AM
I love the part about the door. When we were first married we had a huge wooden cable spool as our kitchen table and an old lobster trap as a coffee table - now those were the days! Recycling at its best!
Posted by: Debbie | August 25, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Hi Dana! We are too alike, I tell ya! I almost always have the little kitten in my lap or laying in front of the keyboard while I work in the office. And quite often the older cat is on the chair next to me with the dog either at my feet or staring out the window.
I love how your closet door has repurposed itself many times! What a great vintage treasure you have there!
Have a wonderful day!
Kim
Posted by: Kim V | August 25, 2008 at 10:25 AM
I found your blog recently and I have enjoyed reading several posts. I really appreciate your humor. Twiggy is a beauty. What a blessing she found your home. I have three fur babies in reach as I type, dogs and kitties.
~Lallee
PS It's such fun to see where the stone rabbit will fit in at the end of each post.
Posted by: Lallee | August 25, 2008 at 01:06 PM
You look lovely Dana! And I love your fur babies and door table! It's nice to see where your wonderful posts originate!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | August 25, 2008 at 01:34 PM
I just recently found you, and love your blog. Love the Stone Rabbit - he is wonderful! My post today mentions you. And your post about the hunt for pink shoes made me laugh until I cried!!
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon | August 25, 2008 at 01:59 PM
IF YOU LIKE BUNNIES--PLEASE VISIT MY BLOG---LOVE YOUR BABIES
SUE
Posted by: Sue Whitfield | August 25, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Hi Dana,
This is such a great post and you didn't scare me one little bit! Love your glasses. Twiggy does take an outstanding photo, Frankie does too and I can't quite tell from Izzie since he's sleeping, but I bet he does too.
It's so nice being able to see where you create. Your vintage desk has seen many different rooms and has many stories to tell, that's the best.
I need to let you know: When I visit here, I feel like you're talking to me. You're fantastic with words.
Happy night!
xo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie - My Petite Maison | August 25, 2008 at 07:09 PM
I love your fur babies. That cat is adorable. They are great companions while you type away...my Riley boy is laying right next to me at this very moment. cherry
Posted by: cherry | August 25, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Hi Dana I think I fixed it so you can post..but I had to put it to anynonmous as well so when you are able to could you try to post at my blog. cherry
Posted by: cherry | August 26, 2008 at 12:09 AM
I think your spot looks very comfortable, Dana! I blog from my kitchen table and my mess of papers all around me isn't a pretty sight at dinner time. I wish I had the luxury of an office but this will ahve to do for now...lol. My kitty sits near me too, and if my husband isn't around (shhhhh-- our secret)I let him sit on the table next to me and he loves it! Cats are such good company aren't they? Your Twiggy and Frankie are so cute!
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | August 26, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Yes Dana...I sent you a reply. Thanks so much for answering my question. I think we are all going to go. :)
Posted by: Darlene | August 26, 2008 at 02:21 PM
I absolutely adore your blog and I nominated you for a little something over on my blog. Come on over and check it out!!!
Karen at "BQ"
Posted by: Karen | August 26, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Such fun to see where The Stone Rabbit takes shape...and to see your fur-babies too! Happy Day, Dana ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | August 27, 2008 at 05:50 AM
It's 8:20 pm - still at the shop transforming it for Santa Cali Gon....I needed a little pick me up and you provided it (as always) and I wasn't a bit diappointed - you look cute as button with no make up. Love you, Love your Blog (also Frankie, Twiggie, Izzie and The Stone Rabbit). Sharleen
Posted by: Sharleen | August 27, 2008 at 06:28 PM
What fun! And you look marvelous, especially when surrounded by such precious faces...yes, and i AM including stone rabbit in that comment! * laugh *
Love,
Sue
Posted by: Sue | August 29, 2008 at 03:07 PM