A gypsy’s studio

One of the things I love best about my little black Apple laptop is the fact that with it, and a few books, I can create a writing studio just about anywhere. Something about the cold (and probably the whirling tornado of details) at home has driven me out to various nooks and crannies of coffee shops to accomplish my writing for the week.

I meandered downtown today, dappled sky overhead, Josh Groban as soundtrack. I made my way to a little coffee shop in old Colorado city called Agia Sophia. It’s run in part (I think) by the local Orthodox church, and is a delightful spot for study and contemplation. I am in the second story bit of the shop, the unofficial study center. A studious hush pervades this big old room with the cool grey light slanting in through its narrow windows from the mountainsides. But there is warmth; in the red of the walls, in the weathered brown of the leather couches and old tables. Dimmed light glints off old brass and the gold of frames cradling rich, eastern paintings. Delicately carved bookshelves line the walls, crammed with theology and philosophy, and a tantalizing assortment of fiction. There is music; a rare combination of classical, George Winston, and when I first came in, the rich, harmonic chant of Scripture.

I am trying desperately to finish a solid draft of my book on books by March 1st, so I am typing away. But I thought I’d say hello to you all from this adopted studio o’ mine. I wish you dappled day light, vanilla tea (like me), and a space in which to think long, winter day thoughts.