Standing alone,

the air thick.

Almost sticky

No real resistance

Soda crackers

Variety of peanut butter

Odd things to notice,

Almost as odd as the dish liquid next to the flour tortillas

People move in and out.

Number 34!!

Hot sausage and peppers sandwich

The television is spinning.

One earthquake

Politically charged debates.

The door chimes.

People still move in and out.

The paper crinkles before it falls into the trash.

Scratching off the lottery numbers

He is.

Rustling through the nameless packages of diapers

She is.

Tuesday

Midday

It is the cashier, man in a green Adidas jacket.

Gold watch glistening on his wrist, that strikes the most observation.

Face mostly expressionless, voice always even keeled.

He tells the mom the diapers are free.

She insists she pay, searching for change.

He waves her off.

Number 35!!

Hot sausage and peppers sandwich

A man, dressed in worn jeans and a worn orange construction shirt reaches.

The cashier says drink and chips for free.

The door chimes.

People move in and out.

Life,

Behind the scenes

She drives down the highway in a red convertible, top down, music blasting. Black sunglasses with gold trim cover her deep blue eyes.  The yellow and black silk scarf she placed around her neck waves in the wind as she drives.

The curls in her hair sway as the wind flows past them. Sometimes they fly up, hitting her in the face, but she doesn't seem to care. Her right hand is on the steering wheel and her left is making waves in the air outside the driver's side window.

Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" blasts through the car speakers. Her lips curve into a smile as she begins to sing along. She sings louder as the chorus starts, nodding her head as she nearly shouts.

The sun is sitting in its place in the blue sky above, like a king on his thrown. Small, puffy clouds pass in front of it from time to time before slowly floating away. The sun's warmth on her skin feels comforting.

A paper bag is laying in the road ahead. She drives over it and watches in her rear view mirror as it flies up and swirls in the air before falling back to it's resting place in the road.

Fields line both sides of the highway for as far as she can see. Mountains in the distance seem to grow as she moves closer to them. No cars are behind her and no cars can be seen for miles ahead. It's just her, her convertible, and the open road.

She reaches up with her right hand and adjusts her mirror. She notices her bags in the back seat and another smile creeps onto her face. It had been time for a change for so long. She finally decided today was the day.

She accepted that job offer in California. She rented an apartment and told her old boss "Peace out." She packed up her things, hired a moving company, and hit the road. Her new job didn't start for 2 weeks so she decided to make the move a vacation.

A roadrunner darts across the street a few feet in front of her and disappears in the brush on the side of the highway. That's when she decides to pull over, gets out of the car and looks around at the world surrounding her. She closes her eyes and takes in a deep, cleansing breath. She takes in the landscape, she feels the soft breeze as it caresses her skin, and she listens as the sounds of nature fill her ears with hope.

She remembers the conversation with a stranger at a bus stop that had helped her come to this life-changing decision. "There is more to living than just breathing and existing. You must experience the world around you." The stranger closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. After letting it out, she smiled, opened her eyes and said, "You must smell it, hear it, see it, feel it and experience it. You have to take risks. Then, you are really living."

She decided in that moment to follow that advice an take some risks, experience new things, and to take in as much as she could. Now, standing on the side of a highway, she feels at peace. She grabs her journal and her favorite pen and climbs onto the hood of her convertible, leaning her back against the windshield. She chews on the end of her pen as she looks out at the mountains in the distance.

Then, she begins to write. She takes it all in and even notices the air is fresher when you are in the middle of nowhere.

Peace. She has been searching for it her entire life. Now, with the advice of a wise stranger on a bus stop bench, she takes in another deep breath and feels nothing but peace.

Waves far along the coastline 

Mysterious and wild 

Pull me in deeper

As I watch the tide rise 

 

Currents hold me back  

The distance growing further 

Whispering full words 

But all with empty meanings 

 

Why do I long to drown in you?

There are Octobers in my dreams,
Penning the tales on fallen leaves,
Singing the tune with angels’ psalms,
Rejoicing peace through Autumn’s fall.
When mornings paint the heaven’s arms,
There are Octobers in my soul.
There are rich colours in my thoughts,
Drawing fresh hopes at daylights’ gates,
Pinning pure joy in magic knots
As golden sun life celebrates.
When earth turns fortitude to bliss,
Complete, sublime, heavenly kiss,
There are Octobers in my dreams.
© Simona Prilogan
Image by Screamenteagle from Pixabay

Cottage Doors: A Blend of Vintage Style and Modern Comfort

Many people love cottage doors because they’re super stylish and functional. In fact, cottage doors are unique because they have old-fashioned charm and will keep your home comfortable, whether you live in an old-fashioned cottage or a more modern house.

In this article, we’ll talk about what makes cottage doors so special. Before we get into why cottage doors are so charming and functional, though, we’ll discuss what cottage doors actually are.

What Are Cottage Doors?

The word “cottage” refers to a small house that’s often in a rural or semi-rural setting. So, a cottage door is one that complements this style. Cottage doors are meant to be inviting and somewhat nostalgic.

Despite their old-fashioned roots, there are more modern cottage door styles available today. Their designs usually feature simple, yet charming details (like panelled wood and even windows).

Cottage doors are usually made from natural materials, like wood. You might also notice that some cottage doors have carvings or other types of decorative elements. This should help add a bit more character to your home.

Why Are Cottage Doors So Charming and Beloved?

One of the main reasons why people love cottage doors is because they fit a vintage aesthetic. After all, there’s something quite timeless about a wooden door that was clearly made with care (usually by hand), don’t you think?

Some cottage doors have small glass panels and/or distressed wood finishes. Some even have classic barn-door designs. One of the things people love most about cottage doors is that you can pick out a specific design that matches your home’s aesthetic.

While the classic, vintage look of cottage doors is one reason why they’re so beloved, homeowners also value their practicality. Today, cottage doors are designed not only to look good but also to meet the needs of modern living.

This means you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of your cottage door without sacrificing comfort or energy efficiency. Many modern cottage doors are made with insulated materials (like solid oak) that help keep your home warm during the winter. Since you won’t have to run the heater as much, you should save a lot of money on energy bills.

Can You Customise Cottage Doors?

Yes, you can absolutely customise cottage doors. These days, homeowners want their homes to stand out. For this reason, there’s been a growing interest in having cottage doors made specifically to fit people’s different tastes.

Cottage doors — especially internal cottage doors — come in all sorts of different styles. In comparison to other types of doors, they’re quite versatile in this regard. Here are a few ways you can make your cottage doors stand out:

Why Solid Oak Cottage Doors Are Better

When it comes to the material of your cottage doors, solid oak is one of the best choices. Oak is incredibly durable, and it has good insulation, too. This means your solid oak cottage door will hold up over time, and it’ll do a great job of keeping you warm during the winter months.

You’ll also be able to save money on energy bills, since you won’t have to run the heater as much due to the insulation that solid oak cottage doors provide. Since solid oak cottage doors are more energy efficient, you’ll also be leaving a smaller carbon footprint, which is always a plus.

How Cottage Doors Can Be Used in Modern Home Design

Modern homes tend to be quite simple when it comes to interior (and exterior) design. That doesn’t mean you can’t install a cottage door, though. Some cottage doors are quite vintage and “whimsical,” but others fit a more modern aesthetic, especially these days.

There are certain things you can do to make your cottage door fit more seamlessly with the modern design of your home. For example, if you have an open floor plan, a cottage door could help define different areas without breaking up the flow of the room.

You’ll also want to take colour into account. Most traditional cottage doors are brown, auburn, or sometimes even grey in colour. These colours work well for most aesthetics, but you can always use bolder colours if you feel like they’ll suit your modern home better.

Conclusion

These days, cottage doors are a fantastic choice for anyone — whether you live in an actual cottage or a modern-style home. If you want your home to have a more “vintage” feel to it, you certainly can’t go wrong with installing cottage doors. They’re also super functional and long-lasting, which is always a plus!

I float like I did in your belly

I bob gently catch each coming wave

 

from the shore the tide breaks

like my voice on the phone

 

you’re an ocean apart from me

days lost                     years past

 

yesterday        I almost           drown

I felt you in my stomach

 

still attached to your umbilical cord.

 

Today I just float

as if you are holding me up

 

if you call                   now

I’ll dive for the phone

 

When you hear my voice       you’ll talk

I’ll still be out here on the lake

 

I’ve lost the hope I held out for you

It’ll                  never               happen

 

I will keep drifting

I’ll spill a few words in the wake

 

and I’ll hang on to what’s washed ashore

something minor to remember it all by.

 

My love I gave freely,
it cost me my mind.
Silenced
with my spirit eroded,
to you, I became tied.
The weight of the shackles
became heavier every day
until I finally buckled.
My body will never recover,
some days I can barely raise
my wings.
But at least I am no longer
a bird trapped in a cage
and I have the freedom to sing.

 

I’d rather be embarrassed than curious. Put that on my gravestone. So I send the risky texts, and I say I love you first. A meteor is coming and the sea is getting hot as soup, so I may as well do what I please. May as well stay up too late and walk home from the venue while I’m this young with an apartment in the live music capital of the world. It's something a woman can still do here, at my own risk of course.

I have corporate meetings, and a mentor. He tells me that a shark doesn't always look like a shark. You can get the things you want with a soft tone, too. He tells me though, if you’re not growing then you’re dying and to think a little bigger. Think so?  Yeah, bigger than that too.

I remember the idea of savoring glimmers while I walk the park barefoot at night, the summer breeze floating through my deep blue shirt that I bought just for the richness of color. It looked like something the person that I want to be would wear. The wind flaps the bottoms up so you can see my skin and my skin can see you. It wants to see you. I file away in my brain that you can hold onto moments if you are intentional enough. Snapshot, deep breath, maybe you can keep this.

I dice salsa by hand and listen to a podcast, instead of the news for a little bit. I text my partner pictures of the finished product to show her how pretty I processed my rage at the world.
“I just felt like holding a knife for a while, that's all.”

My spotify recommends meditation music, metal, and podcasts on interpreting symbols. What's sexy and powerful to me may not be the same for you. Maybe you hate roses. Hope you still let me grow mine though. We can have salsa in the garden together, because I seem to have a lot these days.
Plenty to go around for everyone.


Everything can be approached with curiosity. You can cast aside any preconceived notions and just jump in to see what's what. For yourself. There are probably no sharks, only warm water and sun streams on your soon to be freckled skin. I didn’t say absolutely zero sharks, but you look tough.

You can swim, right?

If you are reading this,

You are sitting in paradise.

Where the sunflowers are swaying in expansive fields

The clouds are taken from portraits.

The rainbows are as bright as neon lights.

If you are reading this,

You are sitting on a golden throne of lilacs and magnolias.

The ocean is crystal.

You see butterflies flying in the wind.

Your favorite music is an everlasting cassette tape.

If you are reading this,

I hope tears no longer fall from your eyes.

Pain no longer is a canvas.

Rest is secure.

If you are reading this,

I know these words have reached you.

In life

In eternity

There is a place somewhere

in the desert called

the blue room

you will only find it

if you wander

far enough

alone

with no water

because the more you

thirst

the easier it will be to see

the blue room

and when you finally

come

inside the blue room

you will feel

the rain

bursting forth from the

cumulus

clouds above

drenching the floor

the sofa

and the lovely lady that

you have been

desiring

and crying over for

a while now

and when you both

finish

drying off

you can cuddle and

gaze at the

lush

flora on the mountain through

the window

in the blue room

until the daydream ends and

the blue room

disappears

along with the sofa

the beautiful scenery

and the lady that you have always

prayed for

and now you are back in

the desert

and you have to figure out a way

to escape

this cruel environment that you

have managed

to get yourself into.

The other day I found a little journal that I kept in 8th grade through high school. Looking back at the young girl I 

 

This little book contains a list of books I read over the summer from 2007-2008, my first time using a pilot pen, where I declare “ I love this pen” which is a love that has remained strong and true because it is still the only pens that I use exclusively. 

 

This book provides a snippet into my world as a teenager. While other kids were starting new lists of parties they have attended, boys they had kissed and meeting new people. 

 

The lists that I was keeping were lists about our taco Tuesday orders and who ordered what, and the names and what they borrowed from my home library of movies and books that were always stocked up with new goodies from my job at Used Kids Records. 

 

While those are fun little memories to look back on. The biggest insight that this journal holds for me is what I loved and was drawn to and my internal thoughts as a teenager from the quotes that I wrote down that I loved from my favorite movies and books. 

 

I had always been a kid that was completely absorbed in a story. Reading was my favorite escape and form of entertainment. 

 

I wish I was kidding when I saw that eating my lucky charms at breakfast and carefully going over the Scholastic magazine to finalize some of the picks that I wanted to get. I remember asking my parents for money and the cash or check was in one of those little envelopes that perfectly holds money. 

 

Stories were where I was seeking to learn about the world and where I learned to find myself and spend time in a world with people like me, albeit a fictional one. 

 

I was always so shy and in school, with my family, I was never able to voice some of my opinions and thoughts. My head was filled with things to say, my perspective of situations, funny things I had read. But I was too shy to speak them out loud. This quietness led to me being unknown in high school and not remembered, in an ironically tiny school. 

 

But after looking through the quotes that I took the time to write down it’s clear that I found so many people like me. I felt so seen in those books. 

 

My favorite books were the ones where people would share all the details about what they loved about someone. I was reading everything I could get my hands on from Sarah Dessen, Sarah Manning, Rachel Cohn, and Meg Cabot. 

 

These women showed me that girls like me existed in the world and that there were complicated families like mine and that feeling your feelings was a good thing. They showed me that you could be your true self and that there would be a cute boy that saw you for you. 

 

These women raised me and created worlds that I still think about sometimes even 18 years later. 

 

You know in When Harry Met Sally when Billy Crystal tells Meg Ryan 

“ I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night” 

 

That. I lived and still live for that. 

 

To be so seen by someone that they notice all your little quirks. 

 

The YA novels I was reading in Middle School and then re-reading in high school set me up with an incredibly high standard for love.

 

While I may have become more cynical as my dating life has yet to live up to these proclamations of love that I loved so much, I am still a hopeless romantic in that I believe that one day someone will write all this out to me.  Although my experience with Hinge says otherwise. 

 

Even if the dating experience isn't accurate for the world I’m living in, the strong women in these stories and the lessons they taught me still live on today. 

 

They taught me to be true to myself and that you don’t have to always be the loud girl if that doesn't come naturally to you, that you can be strong and soft. Funny and smart. You can be whoever you want to be. I love that my younger self sought out books like this and that I absorbed and learned from these authors. 

 

I recently re-read The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen and that book still spoke to me as much at 29 as it did at 12. 

 

So cheers to these women, but also like still waiting for my Wes. IYKYK

 

What was your favorite YA book? 

“There are two kinds of light - the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.”― James Thurber

I discovered the great dichotomy within myself as a young girl. I would be having fun and experiencing my friends, while at the same time I would be scripting the moment,  my imagination creating something beyond the occasion, so that I was caught between reality and a daydream.

Over time, the dichotomy took on various forms. There was the athletic me, who loved to move and sweat, and the reflective me, who craved books and stories and loved to journal and write for hours in solitude. There was the version of me who loved being with people, and the version of me who craved solitude and time and space to reflect. There was the version of me who loved sleepaway camp up in the country, and the version of me who never wanted to leave the hustle and always-on vibe of New York City. What became clear to me in my teens was that you could live multiple lives which took you down various paths and find enjoyment in a myriad of ways.

When I entered the world of work, the dichotomy took on its next shape, born from my career in publishing, and attending graduate school at night, as I pursued a master’s degree. It was hard to juggle climbing the ranks in my publishing career, and the endless hours of reading and writing papers that a Master in English entailed. Wherever I was those years, I felt that I wasn’t giving the necessary time and dedication to the other areas of my life, which always left me coming up short.  When I entered my next graduate program – a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing – the dichotomy grew, as it was hard to live in the world of my short stories while also working away each day creating academic books. I won’t even mention juggling the multitude of relationships in my life.

I began to feel like a stranger in a strange land. Where did I belong? Was this the curse of having multiple passions and interests? Would I ever feel truly at home in any one place? There never seemed to be enough time in any day or week to fit in all the elements of my life; I began to wake up at 4:30 am trying to fit more in. I didn’t understand how anyone managed. How did people work all day, raise children and families, and keep growing as individuals? How could it be that each one of us was made up of so many different parts, yet functioned as a single entity?

By chance, two pivotal events occurred in my mid-twenties: I started to run, which enabled me to catch up with myself each day, and I began to practice yoga and meditation. Running and yoga taught me about the present moment, and the value of showing up to whatever I was doing and experiencing those moments. I learned to regret less and be present more, although I had to remind myself of this often, and commit not to listen to the people in my life who liked to tell me, without prompting, that I could not possibly do it all. Alternatively, I felt committed and driven to see my pursuits through. I developed a mantra that helped to keep me sane: the world would wait, I told myself, for me to be where I was, and then move on to the next thing when the timing was right. The world would wait, I’d tell myself, if I was truly present wherever I was and giving my all to the pursuit. It was like a magic trick: to still my uneasy mind, I just had to immerse myself in whatever I was doing, and trust that all else would be there, waiting for me – or not – when I was done. Showing up and being present helped to quell the regret and longing I often felt when one aspect of my life was taking precedence over the other.

Over time, with effort and practice, I made peace with myself. The rhythm of running taught me about arriving with each step, and the cadence of yogic breathing taught me to take it all in and let it all go with each breath. It slowly began to click for me that everything you do in life defines who you are, and that it’s not about choosing, but about showing up to the moments of your life. There was not any one element in my life that was more important than any other – it was only my mind that created those distortions. As I was in a process of becoming, it was up to me to make peace with all my pursuits. If I wanted to keep exploring the paths of my life, I had to let go of the fear that I was coming up short or not being enough.

Counter to what many instructed me about having to choose paths in life, about not being able to do it all, I realized that dichotomy was gift rather than a hurdle or obstacle to bypass. The multidimensionality that pursuing multiple paths provided made me a richer human being who encountered each new episode of my life with a variety of perspectives. I could see things in a pragmatic sense, a creative way; and as someone who understood juggling, assess process and timing.

Throughout each decade, the dichotomy of my life took on different forms: there were the years my mom battled cancer, while I evolved in my career as both a consultant and a professor. During those years, I struggled the days and weeks I was apart from her while she was at MD Anderson, and I was at work. Every moment mattered and I wanted to be with her. But she was clear and centered and insisted that I didn’t stop living my life. She helped me to find ways to balance work and caring for her, and also insisted I try to take care of myself when I could, even if it meant running (versus driving) to see her in the hospital at 6:30 am a few mornings a week. She reminded me throughout her illness that how you felt and what you needed to accomplish some days didn’t always align and that while pushing through hard times helped, taking time outs some days was okay, too. Perhaps most importantly, she taught me about the power of optimism when your whole world was falling apart and how it shifted your perception. That lesson in dichotomy permeated my being in the most positive ways.

It took so many years for me to realize that it all mattered – everything I did in each context, mattered. The hours I spent waiting at airports for a plane to take me where I had to go mattered just as much as the hours I sat and wrote a story or the hours I worked my corporate gig or sat with my mom as she underwent chemotherapy. Because each of those minutes and hours, I was learning to cultivate who and what I was and how I was going to show up to life. I could be frustrated and defeated, creative and thoughtful, or kind and courteous. Coming undone at times was not the end of the world if I reflected and made conscious decisions on what or how I could change. While it’s easy for us to deceive ourselves into believing certain aspects of our lives are more or less important than others, in reality, it all matters. Each of the moments and days, we are becoming ourselves. The great dichotomy is not so much about our divided selves; rather, it’s about how the divisions within us are what fuel each of us to become the best versions of ourselves.

In a world that wants us to choose this or that – to be one thing or the other – perhaps our dichotomies are the threads within us that remind us that we are multidimensional beings who can host a variety of ideas, feelings, and interests all at the same time, all of which make us more human, more empathetic, and more resourceful.

“I just don’t think I can pull it off”

I can’t tell you how many times I hear that during a show. Certain bags, gold jewelry, and always the bandanas, seem to make people uncomfortable in some way.

I fall into this trap too, thinking that I wouldn’t look good in bandanas or hats and that I wasn’t “pulling it off”.

 

But a couple of years ago I had seen this quote on Pinterest:

 

"You owe it to yourself to become everything you ever dreamed of being."

 

And it kind of made me stop in my tracks. In so many areas in my life, I always felt that there would be a time in the future when I would do certain things. When I get older I’ll start wearing heels to go out, or I’ll wear lipstick when I have a salary.

 

Whether it’s our own unfounded rules that we make for ourselves or rules that we follow in the fashion world that is dictated by no one in particular and are enforced by us only in our head. I know that I have held myself back from things that I have always wanted to wear because I was listening to these rules.

 

A lot of these things that I was hesitant to embrace or do or try were things with my appearance. I think many of us have insecure moments with things that we wear and how we feel and how we look. I think that once we find something that works we get scared to rock the boat or try something new because we have all heard comments about our appearance that we had never asked for, and trying something new with the way we look and wear makes us all feel incredibly vulnerable.

 

Just this last year I had decided that I was going to be a hat person. I spent so many years seeing women in hats and being envious of their confidence to wear them and how cool they looked. A hat to me seemed loud and bold and like it called attention to the wearer.

 

Is any of that true, probably not, it’s just that I was scared to take up space and was shy and scared to be noticed. It also didn’t help that for a few years I would be teased by my mom and sister about wearing hats and it made me feel self-conscious when I would try them on.

 

So when I got those beanies in the shop from Mimi & August I loved the colors and style and loved how they fit and how it made me feel, that I didn't even care how they looked, and that is the moment that changed how I saw things.

 

When we think we can’t pull something off, it has way less to do with what we look like or think we look like it has everything to do with confidence and how we feel. The person who is breaking fashion rules or wearing an amazing look, that we are a bit in awe of is someone who is feeling confident because their style brings them joy. We are seeing someone who loves what they are wearing.

 

When I wear a hat now it’s like I’m reminded of this lesson, again and again. And you know what the funny thing is, I get compliments on my hat all of the time.

 

And when people say I wish I could pull that off I say “oh but you can”.

 

Buy the hat or bandana that made you stop in your tracks, the one that you want to love. Do it for your confidence. Do it for your joy. Do it for your future self.

I love the quietness of the night, the way darkness wraps itself around me,  gently rocking and swaying until the day is a distant memory. A cascade of emotions slowly dissipates,  emotions are hard but they make you strong.  The slow rise of breath appears and my eyes close, ready to be launched into a deep slumber and a reel of dreams start its premiere, until the light of the day makes its entrance.

Vivienne Mcwey

Before we achieve milestones such as relationships, marriage, dream jobs, and cars, we should know ourselves, at least a little bit. A lot of people might say that we haven’t reached particular goals or milestones in life because we simply do not know ourselves as individuals. Some people may have the luxury of learning who they are while experiencing great moments such as weddings and dream jobs, but not me. 

Every great mom strives to be a great mom, and not every great mom may feel like she’s ready for the job, yet she’s brave enough to answer the calling. If you’re like me, the life you lived and the person you were before you became a mother is dead and gone, and now you have to find yourself all over again. If you ask me, that’s probably one of the best parts of motherhood. We have a clean slate.

Yes, clean slates sound great and everything, but this one is both a little and a lot more different. It’s like pouring concrete. While we’re pregnant, we tend to become more mindful of the things we put into our body, whether it be food, TV, music, energy, or thoughts -- the concrete is mixing. Then once that baby pops out, we begin to pour that mix into our child. 

As a new mom myself, I realize that I now need to do everything with purpose and intention. The number one thing I want to teach my daughter is to love herself. I am wise enough to know that I can’t just tell her how to love herself; I have to show her. I have to love myself.

Literally, everything about me is different. From my body to my skin, from hair to my confidence. I have to get to know this new me, embrace her, and treat her right for the sake of my newborn daughter. In a sense, I feel that her life depends on it. 

So the real question is, where do I begin?

  1. Take it One Step at a Time.

Everything good takes time, and this process is not gonna happen overnight. By taking things one step at a time, we can focus on the small wins and, over time, build healthier habits that our children will soon inherit. Monkey see Monkey do. 

2. Be Intentional

Pick three things to be intentional with each week, and yes, they can repeat. Three isn’t a huge number, and it isn’t too small to not be a challenge. One thing I love about setting intentions rather than goals is that we can give ourselves grace if we don’t quite make it to where we want to be. It allows us to be human. It allows us to be moms. 

Here are some examples

  1. Self-Care (skin care, exercise/physical activity, healthy diet)
  2. Spending time with God (reading my bible and prayer daily)
  3. Showing Gratitude (saying thank you, acts of service, and gratitude journaling)

3. Start Now

There’s no better time than now. Now is the time we have been blessed with, might as well maximize it. 

A gaming desk isn't just a piece of furniture; it's the centerpiece of any gaming setup. With the gaming world continuously evolving, having a desk that not only fits the practical needs of gamers but also matches the aesthetic of the room is important. Selecting the right gaming desk involves considering both functionality and design to blend smoothly with the style of your room. A well-chosen desk can improve the overall gaming experience, making each session more enjoyable.

When choosing a gaming desk, size and shape are important elements that influence how well it fits into a room. Sleek gaming desks offer a modern look while maximizing space, which can be perfect for smaller rooms. Adjustable desks or those with built-in features like cable management systems are worth considering. These options not only save space but maintain a clean, organized look, making for a better gaming environment.

Color and material are also significant when picking a desk to suit a room's style. Desks made of wood or with a matte black finish can add a classic or contemporary touch. On the other hand, desks with colored LED lights or unique geometric shapes can create an exciting, futuristic feel. For those wanting to explore more styles and options, there are various gaming desks to choose from, each offering different features to match any room's decor.

Determining Your Room's Style

Choosing a gaming desk that matches your room’s style involves paying attention to color schemes, decor themes, and how your room is laid out. The right desk can blend seamlessly with your room and also accommodate the space you have.

Identifying Color Schemes and Decor Themes

Understanding the color scheme of a room can help in selecting a matching or complementary gaming desk. Start by observing the colors already present in items like walls, curtains, and furniture. Are the tones warm, cool, or neutral? Reflecting these tones in the desk choice can create harmony.

Consider the overall decor theme of your room. Is the style modern, rustic, or minimalist? Each theme interacts differently with colors and desk styles. For instance, a modern room might look great with a sleek black desk, while a rustic room might favor wooden textures. Matching the decor theme guarantees the desk adds to the room's vibe rather than distracting from it.

Understanding Space and Layout

The layout of the room influences where the desk can be placed without disrupting flow. Measuring available space is a practical first step. Consider areas near power outlets if the desk will house electronic devices.

Think about the shape and size of the desk relative to the room's dimensions. A small room might benefit more from a compact desk, while a larger room could accommodate a wider one. Keeping pathways clear guarantees movement and accessibility, making it easier to fit other furniture pieces like chairs or shelves. Making these considerations helps create a functional yet stylish gaming setup.

Selecting the Perfect Gaming Desk

When choosing a gaming desk, consider how it fits with your room's style while also focusing on functionality and comfort. Balancing looks with practical features guarantees a gaming setup that is both stylish and efficient.

Matching Desk Styles with Your Room

The style of your gaming desk should complement the overall theme of your room. If the room has a modern feel, a sleek desk with clean lines and a glass or metal surface might be suitable. For a room with a rustic vibe, a wooden desk with a more traditional design could fit well.

Color is also an important factor. A desk with a neutral color like black, white, or gray can blend with most room styles without clashing. It may also be helpful to look for pieces that include matching accessories. Items like bookshelves can tie the room together while providing additional storage.

Evaluating Desk Functionality and Comfort

Practical aspects of the gaming desk are important for an enjoyable experience. A desk should provide enough space for the setup you have imagined, including any monitors, keyboards, and other equipment. Sturdiness is necessary, especially if multiple monitors are part of the setup.

Comfort is key for long gaming sessions. The desk height should allow the user to sit comfortably with arms at the right angle on the desk or armrests. It's a good idea to select a desk that offers cable management solutions. This keeps cords tidy and accessible, reducing clutter and improving overall appearance.

Balancing Aesthetics and Practicality

Combining beauty with function can complete your gaming space. A gaming desk isn’t just a surface for equipment; it impacts the entire gaming experience. Desks that feature ergonomic designs can make gaming more enjoyable without discomfort.

Consider storage options, such as drawers or shelves, which can help keep the gaming area organized. Extra features like built-in USB ports or headphone hooks can also strengthen a desk's usefulness. Matching a desk's looks with real-world needs helps create a well-rounded gaming area, giving you a productive yet stylish space.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gaming desk can transform a room's look and feel. It's about more than just fitting equipment—it's about reflecting personal style and the space it inhabits. Important factors include size, materials, and features like cable management and storage.

Key Considerations:

The perfect gaming desk should balance function and aesthetics, improving both performance and atmosphere in any gaming setup.