When I wake up on a writing day, I ask myself the one question that will determine the fate of the day! Where will I write?
I often write at home.
This is a great choice if I’m thinking purely economically. Once the hubby is off to work and the kiddos are in school, I have the house to myself and the fridge and coffee maker are a hop, skip and an arm’s reach away. Literally. If I sit at my kitchen table, I simple stretch out my right arm, and the coffee pot handle collides with my fingers. No rising necessary. The kitchen table has one drawback: It has a low ridge all around it, making it difficult to cross my legs under it. Which is supposedly terrible for one’s posture anyway, but a lady has to cross her legs sometimes.
Sometimes I write downstairs, in the girls’ study room. Our old kitchen table is down there and I love it. The height is perfect. The chairs are comfortable, and I often find inspiration seep out of the wood panelling as I imagine writing down ideas in the middle of my very own Sherwood Forest. Problem is, in the winter, the lower level gets so cold, the forest turns into the tundra, and my fingers get numb just as I hit the climax of my story. The occasional brain freeze doesn’t help either. Yes. There is heat down there. But by the time I remember to turn it on and it kicks in, the kids are home from school.
The phone ringing, the chores mocking, and the occasional doorbell also pose obstacles that disrupt the flow of progress. And why is it I always have to use the potty more often when I’m home? Anyway, for these multiple reasons, home is not my first choice of this writer’s office.
The place I often venture to, because of their extensive hours and strong coffee is, you guessed it, Starbucks. Besides the coffee that gets my fingers tapping like I’m playing Beethoven’s fifth, I actually do not prefer this popular place for pumping out the pages. Because, I find I am just not that productive at the coffee outlet choice of the masses. For starters, the chairs are not that comfortable. Well, there are a few couch-type seats, but a height-appropriate table never accompanies the cushioned seats, and just as I reach the climax of a story, carpel tunnel tingles zap the juice from my wrists. And I don’t even have C.T. syndrome.
The other downside which is partially an upside is Starbucks traffic. Compared to most places offering free Wi-Fi, customers flow in and out, and if I forget my earphones, chatter surrounds and distracts; in fact, being the social butterfly that I am, I often jump into interesting conversations I hear around me. Like the other day, two guys are speaking rather loudly, commenting on how no one ever visits a coffee shop to socialize anymore. Everyone has their lap tops or iPhones and they’re off in their own little worlds. Apparently, the older gentleman’s daughter walked into a tree the other day while texting a friend. Now she has a fairly large lump on her forehead to remind her to look up between words.
I start laughing. They notice. Next thing I know, I’m drawn into a heated discussion on the isolation social networks have caused in a generation that thinks they are more connected than ever. Great conversation. A downed Grande Cafe Latte and two new Blog readers later, I have typed four words. Four that I end up deleting. Sheesh.
So where do I go? Where is my cave under a waterfall, where words and creativity flow freely and generously?
I actually found it!
It’s a little, privately owned cafe in Glen Cove called GLY. Like Goldilocks having tested every seat, [amazing this clutz didn’t break any], I discovered the perfect writing place when I first set foot into this quaint little coffee shop attached to their very own bookstore. I love this place! The coffee is strong and flavorful. The owner bakes the best red velvet cakes and whole wheat chicken pot pies from scratch.
Speaking of the owner, Peter Holden is one of the nicest people I know. He has been encouraging me ever since I shared my writer’s dream, and he and his wife Liz actually prayed for me before I left for my writer’s conference. Might sound a little odd, but they remind me with their words and actions why their place is named GLY. It stands for God Loves You. I think that’s pretty cool!
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34 School Street, Glen Cove, NY
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The two additional reasons I love writing at GLY are their fruit drinks and their seats. The smoothies are yummilicious and healthy, not an easy combination to find. I have actually adopted my own favorite, not even on the menu. Peter throws fresh strawberries, bananas, blueberries, whey powder, a spoon of peanut butter and ice into a blender when I ask for my “specialty.” Hits the spots every time. They also make taste bud-tickling, fresh juices; my favorite is “Pam’s kiss”—a combination of strawberries, apples, carrots and lemon—the perfect blend of sweet and sour! And regarding the chairs and tables, they are cushioned dining room chairs with tables built at the perfect height for my wrists and the occasional need to cross my legs.
I was wary to share this info with my readers in case I cause a flood of customers, withdrawing me from my Mac and the worlds in which my characters reside. I decide some risks are worth taking.
So where do you go when you need inspiration? What is your cave of choice? Whether you’re a writer or just looking for some me-time, everyone needs their own special get-away. And if they serve an unforgettable cup of joe—even better!
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Where do you find inspiration? Do you have a secret favorite spot that you can only tell us about in code so we won’t steal it?
Love, love, love what GLY stands for. If I ever get up to that neck of the US I will have to search it out.
I forgot to mention, they also serve Dr. Oz’s Green Drink and Wheat Grass shots!! For you health seekers! 🙂