Do you have an inspiration board at home? Maybe you have a bookshelf full of your favorite books, linked only by the fact that you love them. Maybe your nightstand is piled high with things that make you happy, that inspire you. Chances are you have created special places in your home that speak to you, that soothe you. Me, too.
I've also created a place like that at work. As an elementary teacher, I am able to create my work environment in a way that many people can't. I didn't get to choose the Barney-purple or the buttered-toast walls, but the rest is all me. I love how cheerful and happy the room feels without ever seeming cluttered. I'm very aware that I am not the only one who "lives" in my classroom. I'm creating an environment for twenty other people. Twenty very little people. Still, I refuse to decorate with sports posters or cars or Pokemon or some such. I do live here, you know.
Some day, if you're interested, I'll give you a tour of my classroom and an explanation of my choices. I just love talking about teaching, you know. For now, I just wanted to show you a peek of my inspiration corner. I set this area up behind my desk in a little corner of the room that I keep all to myself. The students own the rest of the room, but this spot is all mine.
I'd love to see a glimpse or two into your workspace. How do you personalize it and make yourself happy to be there? Is your decor at work very different from your choices at home? Do you keep a few things around to inspire you? What about family pictures? Tell me about the work environment you've created, won't you?
29 comments:
i now feel inspired. thanks!
love that book the dot ;)
Ish is wonderful, too. Maybe even more wonderful. The one book I always keep to hand that didn't make it into the picture is 14,000 Things To Be Happy About. I really, really, REALLY love that book!
YES...I have little inspirations everywhere, but my studio is full of it....it's my happy space !
and YES....show us that classroom !
I love the black and white! My office when I worked wasn't very "me". I had a picture of my kids and that was about it. It wouldn't have been appropriate to make it fun. Now that I have no office, I've taken over my daughter's room. She's been out of the house 2 1/2 years now and I'm getting ready to paint and get new pictures for the walls etc. I'll keep her day bed, but will get different bedding. My desk is there already. I want her to still have her room when she's home, but it will be my space 99 percent of the time.
Sue
Look forward to seeing more ... what a fun idea ...
What a terrific encouragement, Relyn! Like you, I have my coffee table next to my couch PILED with books I love, some I haven't touched for a year, but they're there 'just in case'...I also have a few little portable art items, though my studio is upstairs...You never know when the inspiration will strike so I keep my journal handy beside me, some colored pencils and oil pastels and a drawing pad...
Right now I'm reading Brennan Manning's "Ragamuffin Gospel", which is definitely adding paint to my palette if you know what I mean...
Thanks for the peek into your world, Relyn; I noticed a few of the angels you have...I have one that says "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the second best time is now." Isn't that great!
Happy Night, Relyn : )
I would love to see the classroom, it looks beautiful. You must be a wonderful teacher. I did homework with my little 7 year old godchild tonight. we had fun. Now I am inspired to fix my space into a more workable office...I think one of my nephews is coming to help me! so if it gets done I will post about it.
Beautiful and creative is all that you do
I love you
Relyn, you have always been so creative. I especially love the tables that you set. I've been to your classroom and know it is definitely you. I always try to remember your talent when I have guest and set my table. You are an inspiration to me. God has blessed you with such talent and I am so thankful that you are a part of my life. I love you. Aunt Rita
Your classroom looks like such a cheery place. Your students are lucky to have you!
thanks...I spend sooo much time at the office...I am always changing things around...I work with men...a few girly things are in order. THANK YOU so much for some inspiration!
Yes, I have alot of little things in my work space that make my heart sing. My daughter came in recently and pointed to some of them and said look you are surrounded by Mom things. It is still a work in progress, but one of these days I will post on my blog. I found a small trellis at the antique mall which I hung on the wall and tuck cards and pictures people have sent me.
Relyn,
I just love how cozy and inviting your creative space is! I just want to settle in and relax with all the fun stuff you have set up.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Love your spaces & corners of inspiration, Reyln! I have two large-ish inspiration boards in my studio and change the "line up" to reflect current moods and inspirations. I also have a small bookshelf in my studio of which the top has some things sitting out that make me happy--gits from family & friends, photos, etc. I'm in my studio for many hours each day so I like to make it as cheerful a spot as I can. Fun post today, my friend! :o) Happy Day ((HUGS))
i really see you here in this corner...filled with happy things!
i like your creative corners. yes i have inspiration all around me. my office at work is different than my office at home but still very much filled with things that make me happy. maybe i'll share them sometime.
i have missed my visits here.
when should i schedule my time off for our visit in spring? : )
I'd love to see your room. I have often thought I need a visit from an interior decorator. There are so many desk and so little room...
what a great idea! I'm going to re-think the area where "I" work. Surely there is a better way, an easier way to be inspired.
it is always nice to have a little corner to ourselves. i like the space you have created for yourself. have a wonderful week.
I'd love to see your room! Love your corner. I teach in a trailer these days. It was thrown together rather quickly after the tornado and not much has been done since. One year from now: NEW SCHOOL. I'm going to remember your happy place and create my own in my new classroom!
Hi Relyn,
My workspace is the storeroom; small and functional! The shop offers a little more scope and I ought to be more adventurous but ....! You're fortunate to be in an environment where everything is stimulating for little minds.
I'm afriad to post photos of my office for fear the fire marshall may read blogs! My space is as cluttered as home, with lots of my favorite photos, pictures of orange and orange/white cats (not all mine!), photography from artist friends, and way too many postit notes! A good challenge, I think!
I'd love to see your classroom someday!
Hi! Loved the post- what fun an Inspiration Corner would be! From my past post about this, I still decorate for the holidays and have a tree I keep up all year long with seasonal decor on it and lights. I have lights on my white boards as well. Funny thing- this year my 7th graders LOVE to draw and are really creative, so I have TONS of hand drawn holiday art hanging from all spaces. Also I have a silly stuffed candy corn figure that I put up at Halloween. They wrote a petition that the "Candy Corn Dude" needed to stay out all year long and be decorated for the holidays. Pretty funny. He is currently sporting a scarf one of the girls brought in! Too funny!!!
Would love to have a tour of your classroom! Love your corner too. And I'll have to have a look at that book.
Happy Day to you!
Kirsten
Simply lovely and inspiring.
I am glad you created your inspiring niche in the classroom, as it indirectly will touch and inspire your own students.
I love this Relyn. I don't have a corner as such, but I do have little elements of things I have chosen to put up because they please me, and hopefully others will enjoy them. I share my classroom with 85 very little people and 5 big ones so that is a lot of people to please! I would be very interested to see you classroom some day.
i really love yours relyn and would love to see more of your favorite corners or classroom.
i would love to share some of mine after i finish having this baby- there is so much i can do at the moment! lol!
Your little space is just lovely Relyn...how I would love to see the whole room!!
Hmmm..and I quite like the purple.
;)
Hmmm, I haven't personalized my workspace at all. I don't like my work and perhaps it will help. It seems I'm resistant to leaving even a bit of myself there.
I want my (unborn) children to have you as a teacher!
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