Man caves have been in the news lately. Supposedly, men return home from the jungle of office politics and restore their energy in their man caves. Their wives have conflicting goals that include discussions of feelings and the day’s events.
I’m not sure how easily men can establish a cave in the average household today. I wouldn’t mind setting up a woman cave. Perhaps a cave of our own would decrease our disappointment when we fail yet
I dream of using my deck to create a four-season room. Glass walls would let me watch a winter storm batter the landscape while I remain warm inside. A small fountain and pond would provide repetitive and relaxing sounds. Jasmine plants give off a delicate scent. My deck isn’t humongous so the space could maintain an air of intimacy.
An ergonomic chair, my laptop, and an e-reader would provide opportunities to create, listen to music, and read favorite authors and authors that I have recently discovered. I’d keep a stack of yellow legal pads and pens that don’t leak for ideas and first drafts, and shouldn’t forget a bowl of nut fudge and a bowl of Braeburn apples.
The only visitor I’d allow is my daughter who loves to read. She chooses stories based on empathetic and interesting characters. She’s not my first, only or final critic but, if she doesn’t care about a character I’ve created, I think seriously about scrapping it.
So that’s my dream cave. Meanwhile I use the writing space I have and imagine the sound of a fountain, the smell of jasmine, and a softer light.
Perhaps, whether you’re male or female, you already have the perfect cave.
I don't have it perfected yet, but mine includes a treadmill that I actually exercise on, a television set large enough to see and a Lazy Boy chair plus two walls of floor to ceiling bookshelves.
ReplyDeleteA screen porch is just off my office, so I'm happy with my set-up. The only thing that I would change would be the setting, but I would have to move and that's not happening now.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience, the writing area is never quite perfect so there's always room to dream. A different view or an addition does change perspective.
ReplyDeleteI have to do a lot of imagining to make my space ideal! But I'd like a window that overlooks either a babbling brook or a small waterfall. I have a nice fountain for my desk, but can't use it because the cat bats the water all over, then drink the rest.
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