Reflections on My 40 Years in Umbria

An extra bedroom in our house, over the years, was used in various ways: as a guest bedroom, our second child's bedroom, his playroom, my study. Maurizio had always used our "real" study as his home business office/study.

For many years I have wanted to take over the "real" study creating an oasis for my creative work... but kept putting it off. Just recently we made the decision to exchange. It was quite a job, moving all the important files and folders and odd papers. I also took advantage of this change to unclutter both rooms... always such a good feeling...and to set up my new space with many of my favorite things around.

I was able to put the printer/copier on a separate table to allow more working space on my desk. The study, just off the entry and living room, has two windows, one looking out onto the side of the garden, the other over the valley towards the hills and the inn. I love looking out onto the olive trees, crimson roses, centuries-old cipressi, flowering bushes and lawn...to watch and hear the birds and see the swaying branches as they dance to the breeze.

My CD player plays to suit my mood, the thick lead crystal doors isolate me from any and all house noise...allowing me to enter a private mode where creative thoughts can flow undisturbed and unconditioned.

my cheerful new mouse pad from one of my macro photos

Since I spend quite a bit of time in my study whether it be on marketing the inn, on reservation correspondence, on creative writing or on blogging, this change is bringing me considerable daily pleasure. It is such a lovely room which I am enjoying immensely! By the way, notice the new Deruta pattern and a new Brozzetti grape motif center piece. Beautiful!