Where I Write

I have to admit, being an independent writer has its perks. I get to choose where I want to  work every day. For me, this is a big deal. I had jobs in offices for most of my life. Being confined to one place day after day, and on someone else's schedule, doesn't cut it for me.

My mobile office consists of:

• Laptop
• iPhone
• Backpack full of the essentials:

             1.  Pad of paper
             2.  Pen and pencil
             3.  Lip-gloss
             4.  Money for coffee (or tea)

I create my day from the minute I wake up, literally. Rolling out of bed, I throw on some clothes - something along the lines of yoga pants or jeans, a tank top, hoodie and running shoes. First matter of the day is exercise - not always my favorite thing to do. The early morning hours are the best because it's still chilly enough to go for a walk or a hike. June in Sedona, AZ is hot during the afternoons.

Once out and walking through my neighborhood, I feel great. I stroll down the hill listening to the birds chirping, breath in the fresh air and feel the sunshine on my face. Seriously? Not exactly. Some days are like that, but some are not. I struggle to get out of bed and out of the house. No matter what mood I'm in, I always feel better after my morning walk. 

Where do I want to work today?
This is the fun part. There are lots of coffee and tea shops nearby and they all have wifi, a necessity for a traveling writer. Starbucks is the closest coffee shop and I do go there quite a bit, but recently that's gotten stale. An Eastern Indian chai shop caught my attention. With balconies and sitting areas with large pillows and Tibetin rugs, I feel right at home. Belly dance music plays while I sip a coconut-milk rose chai and snack on a cumin cookie. A small private balcony with a colorful fabric-upholstered seat and small table is my office for that day.

Independent coffee shops are my favorite. They offer the local blend of hippies and artists, not to mention unique espresso and healthy food. (Vegan and gluten-free aren't always part of my diet, but my conscious feels better after I eat them.)

Today's work space - Creekside Coffee. With plenty of tables and comfortable seating, incredible views of the Sedona red rocks and Oak Creek, this is where I want to be today. At 11:00 a.m., the morning rush is gone. I'm drinking a small decaf coffee (what's the point of decaf, right?), and just finished the most delicious cheese danish I have ever had in my life. 

As my day unfolds, I create and re-create it, being where I want to be. As a writer, sitting too long in the same place makes my work stagnant. I need to mix it up. Today, Creekside Coffee; tomorrow, The Chai Spot; this weekend, maybe a funky little place in Jerome. The choice is always mine.

Where are you working today? 

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Peace,
Zushka