Minimalist Me Part 2, by Magdalena Scott

 

Photo by Aleksi Tappura on Unsplash

Since I had quite a bit of interest in last month's post about my minimalist home, I thought I would tell you about my office. 

You're assuming one of the things in my office is a desk, right? Gotta be honest here--it's only a desk because that's what I call it, and how I use it. If you saw it in the wild, so to speak, you would think it was a folding table. 

I've had actual desks. But I really love my nice, plain table. 

My big printer sits on one end. On the other end is a filing tray (currently overflowing), and the little alphabetized file box that's supposed to contain some of those papers in the filing tray. There's also a copy stand to the right side of my keyboard and a pretty coaster to the left. I try not to have a lot of clutter on the desk. I find visual clutter quite distracting. (I know, I know, just file the papers already...)

Next to my desk is a little metal cabinet. The top section opens upward and holds envelopes and cards. The six shallow drawers contain all of my office supplies. This piece of history belonged to my parents. My dad kept his Exacto knives and drawing tools in it. My mother's paintbrushes were sometimes in there too. The occasional splotches of paint inside the drawers make me smile.

Also in the office: a vintage office chair, and right next to that, a side chair with a cat bed on it. Of course, Selina wants attention when I'm working. She's quite happy to curl up in the chair next to mine and have a nap. 

A small white bookcase holds writing-related books. (Many of my writing-related books are in ebook format, thus requiring much less space.) A tall cat tree has a view out the window. 

Out of sight in the closet is a two-drawer file cabinet for items I don't often need to access.

And that's it. Simple but functional. Because I find my office peaceful, I'm better able to focus.

Bonus: My desk can serve as a table if I have lots of company for a meal.

What type of office setup works for you?

Website: https://magdalenascott.com/

Minimalist Me, by Magdalena Scott

Photo by Daniel Ray on Unsplash

As a minimalist, I don't spend much time shopping. When I do shop, the process is complicated by my concerns for the environment. I'm also a list-maker, an overthinker, and, for what it's worth, a Libra (constantly weighing options).

In other words, life is easier if I avoid buying anything except for food and ebooks.

Last summer I finally took all of my photo albums out of the boxes in which they'd been stored for eight years, since my husband's death. In a local shop I stumbled upon an antique wardrobe that had been fitted with shelves. (Reusing = a win for the environment, plus most of my furniture is also vintage or antique.) The wardrobe is the perfect way to display photos in frames, and all of the albums fit inside too. Major bonus--when the doors are closed, nothing gets dusty. 

You'd think I wouldn't be buying another piece of furniture just 12 months later. But a few years after giving away my couch, this spring I decided to buy a daybed to serve as both living room seating and extra sleeping space when I have overnight guests. 

(Another thing about being a minimalist--I prefer items that can serve multiple purposes. Additional example: using pint jars as mini canisters, flower vases, freezer storage for soup, or for homemade iced coffee.)

Photo by Emily Rose on Unsplash

But back to the daybed...

I lucked into a cute metal daybed at a garage sale. Like the wardrobe, this is a win for the environment, since I'm reusing something that was manufactured several years ago. I ordered a mattress from a nearby manufacturer that doesn't use weird and perhaps not-so-healthful materials found in many mattresses.

The daybed has been a big hit. Drop-in guests enjoy it in couch mode. When I have overnight guests, they sleep in my bedroom on the double bed, and I'm comfy on the daybed's twin-size.

Selina, my cat, is also a fan. She seldom hangs out on the daybed alone, but she and I snuggle together to watch TV. Oh yeah, the snuggle factor is another reason we "needed" this daybed. 

I can also prop up in one corner and work on my current novel, or--ta da!--compose a blog.

Do you like antique or vintage items? Do you lean toward purchases that can serve a variety of functions?

Website: https://magdalenascott.com/

What would you take? - by Magdalena Scott

If your house is on fire and you had 60 seconds to escape, what is the one thing you would take with you?

This question is posed in one of my favorite Rom-Com movies, Leap Year. Handsome, exasperating Declan asks the question of spunky, starry-eyed-for-a cardiologist Anna. If you haven't seen the movie, check it out. Such fun. Glorious Irish scenery. And Anna's realization of her fiancee's answer to this important question.

A friend and I each recently faced a situation where we packed a car in preparation for a trip that might be one-way. We were allowed more than one thing, of course. My list began with my cat, Selina, and included boring stuff like paperwork, and chargers for my phone and laptop.

If I could take only one "thing," it would be Selina.

If taking a carload, I'd hope to include at least one scratching post.

I also need to give you this link to Francine Jay's post about intentionally walking away empty-handed. It's powerful reading. (Full disclosure: I'm not sure when, or if, I'll ever achieve this level of minimalism.)

What about you? Do you know what you would take?

USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott is a practicing minimalist, having downsized from a 3,000 square foot house to a studio apartment, where her Giant Closet continues to resist taming. When not writing at home or spending time with family and friends, she loves to travel–carry-on baggage only–and is always pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers.


Website: https://magdalenascott.com/

Book Club - by Magdalena Scott

I recently joined my first book club ever! It meets monthly at my public library. The book we're reading this month is Circe, by Madeline Miller.  I remembered a little bit about Greek mythology from school days, but have had quite a brushing-up while reading this novel. Last month's read was nonfiction - The Library Book, by Susan Orlean.

I eagerly await the next meeting when the results of our secret ballot are revealed, and we get the next bestseller to take home and immerse ourselves into.

I've heard that if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. 

I don't know who first said that. But whoever they are, they'd know I'm in the right room during book club. Each woman (yep, all females so far) in the room is probably better-read than I. Small town note: two of them were my junior high school English teachers. Win!

Going to book club is a gift I'm giving myself. 

Like beginning to play dulcimer last fall, adopting a cat this winter, and increasing my efforts to eat healthy and exercise, book club adds to my well-being. (With the possible exception of a nightmarish dream about Greek mythology, but nothing is perfect, right?)

What about you? Are you a book clubber? How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott writes sweet romance and romantic women’s fiction. A lifelong resident of Small Town America, she invites readers into her world to find out what’s hidden just below the surface of those tiny dots barely visible on the map. Romance, mystery, and the journey to be one’s best self are all part of a day in her neighborhood. Readers have commented that they’d like to move to the imaginary towns Magdalena writes about, which she takes as high praise indeed.

Read her two series, Serendipity, Indiana, and The McClains of Legend, Tennessee.

Magdalena is a practicing minimalist, having downsized from a 3,000 square foot house to a studio apartment, where her Giant Closet continues to resist taming. When not writing at home or spending time with family and friends, she loves to travel–carry-on baggage only–and is always pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers.

Website: https://magdalenascott.com/

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Tiny House - by Magdalena Scott

Last weekend, I attended an event about tiny houses. It was held at the Bartholomew County Public Library in Columbus, Indiana. (Yay, libraries!) The young woman who spoke was a high school senior. Researching a topic and giving a presentation was a project for school, and she did an excellent job.

Photo by MJ Tangonan on Unsplash

The man who spoke is taking architecture classes in Columbus, where there is LOTS of amazing architecture. He is also a sculptor, and generally very creative guy. After his portion of the indoor presentation, we went outside and were able to tour one of his tiny house creations. You can see some of his work at his website, Carpenter Owl. He also runs a tiny house Air BNB in Bloomington, Indiana.

Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

I am fortunate to live in what a friend describes as the perfect tiny house. At 500-ish square feet, my second-story studio apartment isn't what you normally think of when the words tiny house are mentioned. But it is small--the whole thing is about twice the size of the kitchen in our big house--and it is perfect for me. I adore my apartment, my landlords, and my neighborhood, in the small town where I grew up. 

Photo by Timothy Buck on Unsplash

I drastically downsized in 2012. Could I cull my stuff yet again, and fit what I want to keep into something much smaller, even 100-ish square feet? I believe so, as long as I had enough windows--very important! I may never do it, but it's fun to consider the possibilities.

Photo by Travis Grossen on Unsplash

What about you? Have you ever toured or stayed overnight in a tiny house? Does it look like a lifestyle you would enjoy full-time?

USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott writes sweet romance and romantic women’s fiction. A lifelong resident of Small Town America, she invites readers into her world to find out what’s hidden just below the surface of those tiny dots barely visible on the map. Romance, mystery, and the journey to be one’s best self are all part of a day in her neighborhood. Readers have commented that they’d like to move to the imaginary towns Magdalena writes about, which she takes as high praise indeed.

Magdalena is a practicing minimalist, having downsized from a 3,000 square foot house to a studio apartment, where her Giant Closet continues to resist taming. When not writing at home or spending time with family and friends, she loves to travel–carry-on baggage only–and is always pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers.

Website: https://magdalenascott.com/

Meet Selina! - by Magdalena Scott

If you get my monthly-ish email newsletter, you have already met Selina, the new member of my family. I had just about decided it was time to adopt a pet again, when this girl popped into my life. She is a year old, and a total sweetheart. Although she came home less than a month ago, it's hard to remember what my days were like without her. 

I named her after the heroine in a book I was re-reading, by my favorite author, Rosamunde Pilcher.

Do you have a pet? If so, how did you choose a name?

USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott writes sweet romance and romantic women’s fiction. A lifelong resident of Small Town America, she invites readers into her world to find out what’s hidden just below the surface of those tiny dots barely visible on the map. Romance, mystery, and the journey to be one’s best self are all part of a day in her neighborhood. Readers have commented that they’d like to move to the imaginary towns Magdalena writes about, which she takes as high praise indeed.

Read her two series, Serendipity, Indiana, and The McClains of Legend, Tennessee.

Magdalena is a practicing minimalist, having downsized from a 3,000 square foot house to a studio apartment, where her Giant Closet continues to resist taming. When not writing at home or spending time with family and friends, she loves to travel–carry-on baggage only–and is always pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers.

Website: https://magdalenascott.com/

The Slate is Clean, Sort of ~ by Magdalena Scott

On December 26th, I dismantled my vintage aluminum Christmas tree, and took down the hand-stitched and sequined "Joy" banner that was a gift years ago. Jingle bells and the brilliant red bow were removed from my all-season door wreath, and the mistletoe I kept forgetting about was muttered at and jerked out of its spot above the door. These and the other decorations are all stowed away for next year. (Even the mistletoe. Surely next year I'll remember to look up, all innocent-like, and say, "Oooh! Mistletoe!" at the correct moment.)

I had a lovely Christmas. It was filled with family, friends, beautiful music, and delicious food. But the minimalist in me delights in removing the extraneous. Although I greatly enjoyed my decorations, after a month they had begun to look and feel like clutter to me.

Making Space

When I took the four boxes (the smallest of which contains the tree) out of the closet the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I decided they wouldn't go back in until there was space on a lower shelf.

It wasn't a great idea to be on tiptoes on my little step stool to get them from the top shelf in my ten-foot-high closet, and I refused to re-enact that dangerous move. (A bad ankle sprain in September helps me be realistic about some things.) The boxes sat out longer than I'd like (talk about clutter!) but before holiday guests arrived, I re-arranged things enough to nestle them one shelf lower.

The decluttering and re-arranging hasn't ended yet. I'd love for it to continue indefinitely!

But here's my guilty admission. I'm hosting a luncheon on New Year's Day, and was shifting some dishes around looking for a better way to store them...

Guess Who Still Owns a Deviled Egg Plate

Yep--that would be me. I also unearthed the big etched-glass plate that would have been perfect for serving something somewhere in the last five years. When I didn't find it (whenever that was) in the only place it could possibly be, I decided the beautiful antique had sold at our auction.

Nope--not sold. Just over-owned. You would think (or at least, I would think) that, as limited as my storage space is, and as much as I've embraced minimalism, I wouldn't get all weird about whether or not a specific item answers roll call.

Sigh. Somebody still has work to do. And part of it is mental work. It's much easier to shift stuff in a closet than it is to shift thinking. But hey--I'm up for it. And I'm excited about it! Do you know why?

It's Time for a Clean Slate

Did you read Mary Alford's post here yesterday, about 2018? If not, take a moment and do so.

I won't ask for your resolutions; Mary has already begun that conversation. I will ask, what are you leaving behind in 2017? I'm leaving over-commitment, lack of organization, and negative thinking. When the clock strikes midnight and the new year begins, I will not carry those heavy burdens with me into 2018.

Incidentally, another thing that will not accompany me into the new year is an item received at the extended-family gift exchange on Christmas night. Due to some confusion, I didn't end up with a gift. And that, my friends, was the very best I could have hoped for. Instead of having a new belonging to read instructions about, store, dust, etc., I left the gathering with empty hands but a heart full of memories.

If you're interested in simplifying your life, I have a suggested reading list on my website. You can find it here: http://www.magdalenascott.com/p/simplify-your-life.html

I also wrote a romance about a young woman who realizes she can't reinvent herself after a near-fatal car wreck unless she leaves behind the burdens that tie her to the past. Find Emily's Dreams here.

Until we meet again,

Happy reading!
Magdalena Scott

www.magdalenascott.com

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Be Happier? ~ by Magdalena Scott

Due to interest in my posts concerning minimalism, I thought I’d touch on the subject again this month. (Quick background: in 2012 I became a widow, sold our house and most of our furniture, etc. at a huge auction, and moved into a studio apartment. I went from 3,000-ish square feet to around 500.)

I recently read a blog post listing 21 benefits of owning less. I completely agree with, and relate to, 20 of them, including Less Spending, Less Stress, More Freedom, Easier to Clean. The one that stopped me—and when I clicked the reference link I was still shaking my head—is this one: Be Happier.

Don’t get me wrong. I am happier with less, but I’m not certain this is a realistic guarantee. If I lived alone in our big house as the curator of all our possessions, I’d be miserable. I’m guessing that each time my son and daughter-in-law came to visit, I’d try to foist something off on them.

Another fact to consider is that each of us may have our own definition of minimalism. A bit of guidance I use is this, by William Morris: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”  

Happiness is never guaranteed, but if you’re interested in dabbling without committing, here are some ideas:

• Box stuff up that you don’t love, and see what your place looks like when it’s streamlined. (It’s important to ask yourself What do I want to keep? instead of What do I want to get rid of?)
• Use your favorite dishes, pack the others up for donation (but don’t donate yet), and see if you miss what’s no longer in the cabinet.
• Put your seldom used clothing, shoes, handbags in the back of the closet, or another closet, and experience a smaller wardrobe for a while. (Confession: I still haven’t conquered my wardrobe!)
• If you have grown children whose belongings are still in your home, invite said children to come and pick them up. Perhaps they will, or perhaps those items are just there because nobody’s had the heart to re-home them. (Warning: this work is not for the faint-hearted. It can be quite an emotional drain.)
• Live in a smaller portion of your current home and “try on” small space living. (Hint: Windows help the small space seem larger.)

Owning fewer things and renting a small apartment has set me free to travel (photo above is in San Francisco this month), do the work I love, and donate to charity. I like to help spread the word about this lifestyle, but I know it’s not everyone’s cup—or dozens of cups, with matching saucers—of tea. You get to decide.

Magdalena Scott


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Magdalena is a USA Today Bestselling Author, and writes sweet romance and women's fiction with small town settings. Connect with her and read about her books on her website: www.magdalenascott.com

Recent Release: Book Two in the Serendipity, Indiana series, Emily’s Dreams. Emily Kincaid is recovering from an auto accident, and sheds her past—emotionally and physically—in order to move toward her future. Stories in the Serendipity, Indiana series always have a surprise ending, and I think you’ll love the resolution of the nudging voice Emily hears throughout her journey.

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Sign up for the Sweet Romance Reads newsletter and keep up with Sweet Romance Reads! Scroll down the right side of our blog and enter your email address under Newsletter Signup. 

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My Interior Decorator is Named Attila ~ by Magdalena Scott

I don't know if you have met him before, but this is Attila, the Kitten from Heck. Please do not let the sun's glare fool you: THAT IS NOT A HALO.

Along with our beloved dog, Spot, who is now deceased, Attila and I moved into this studio apartment in 2012. At that time I had a very clear vision of what the apartment would look like. Our family had gone through lots of events, including a massive downsize. I knew exactly which pieces of furniture to keep, and where each would be located in the 425-ish square feet of our new abode. Smart, huh?

Since then, I have made a few changes--most of them at the insistence of my resident interior decorator, Attila.

He decided that my big picture of Audrey Hepburn (wearing huge sunglasses, looking at jewelry in"Breakfast at Tiffany's") must not be displayed on the chest of drawers, on the pretty wrought iron stand which I'd purchased specifically for that purpose. No, that big picture needed to be elsewhere. His original idea was that it, and the stand, should be on the floor, but we compromised and I hung it on the wall, on a picture rail.

Attila is very picky about what can be set on the chest of drawers. Two small books that need to be returned to their owners are allowed, but a display of a dozen or so books that I own is not allowed. Inappropriate items are nudged to the floor. If I'm lucky, I catch him in mid-project, and move the offending items before they go tumbling down. So far, a photo of my son and daughter-in-law in college grad regalia is allowed. Attila really likes my son and daughter-in-law in person, and I think that's why he leaves the photo there. (I wish there was a way to make him understand that the Audrey picture was a gift from them, but I digress...)

I donated several books to the library last week, and hope they will find more serene homes. Not every cat helps his mom obey her intention to not acquire more than storage allows. (Ebooks shall remain a secret between you and me, okay?)

In our apartment there is no table and no desk. Incoming mail, newspaper, receipts, and hastily scribbled story notes land on the 5-foot-long bar which multitasks as dining table, desk, board game play area. Attila is quite clear about the fact that these items must be dealt with by me in a timely manner, or he will intervene. Down to the floor go the offending items.

Attila is so helpful to me by his unflagging enforcement of the minimalist vision I had for the apartment. Even last night he insisted that I get the dishes washed, dried, and put away, and all the notes and mail dealt with before I was allowed to go to bed. When I woke up this morning, one of my five gratitude items was that the "kitchen" area was clutter-free.

Yep, the place is neat and tidy, thanks to him. Except of course for his cat tree and 8' x 3' portion of the floor which he claims as his lair, spreading toys and tissue paper around as boundary markers. Now, to me it looks messy--and I won't post a photo because you might think so too. But I'm sure that through his eyes, that area is always perfect. There is a set of teeth ready to convince any who disagree.

Lucky me to have found such a talented kitten at the shelter, when all I was looking for was a cuddly, purring fur ball. I guess life has a way of giving you what you need instead of what you think you need. How's that for looking on the bright side?

Magdalena Scott writes sweet romance in small town settings. She is a contributing author to the Ladies of Legend, Tennessee series which is now up to 30 titles. She also is writing a new series, set in Serendipity, Indiana. Learn more about Magdalena at her website: www.magdalenascott.com

Traveling Light ~ Magdalena Scott

As I mentioned in a previous post, I had a lovely long weekend with girlfriends this summer. After that, I had one day at home, and then got on a plane. I flew from Louisville, KY to Dallas, TX to San Antonio, TX for the annual conference of Romance Writers of America.

I had a wonderful conference experience, including a chance to meet in person for the first time with several of the authors from Sweet Romance Reads: Melinda Curtis, Margaret Daley, Denise Devine, Patricia Knoll, Kristin Wallace, Merrillee Whren.

(Ladies, if I've forgotten to list a name, please give me a shout in the comments!)

The girlfriend weekend was shorter but I took a larger suitcase because I traveled by car. Yes, you read that right. I went on a longer trip with a smaller suitcase.

I didn't want to check any luggage, so I took only my laptop bag (with my skinny purse stuffed into it) and one carry-on.

I have always wanted to pack light, but this is my first time actually doing it. It always seemed it would be more adventurous to have a great vacation (or conference) without dragging along every item I own.

For RWA I took two black dresses exactly alike, a black/white dress, and five lightweight jackets: red, white, black, blue, green. Also a sparkly silver shawl for the awards event. I packed one pair of shoes. Every day I would wash a dress in Woolite and hang it in the shower to dry. My roommate Maddie James was gracious about letting me do this.

Here were the disadvantages:

• I couldn't bring back tons of books. Tons of books are given away at RWA. It's wonderful! But if I had brought them back, or shipped them to myself, I wouldn't have had anywhere to put them. (I downsized and no longer have a bookcase, per se.) I would have had to give the books away... So I gave them away while in San Antonio. I mostly read ebooks, if you're wondering.
• I can't think of any more disadvantages. Unless you count having to do the Woolite thing, which to me was part of the adventure.

Here were the advantages:

• No extra stuff to drag from the cab to the check-in thingie. 
• No extra charge for a checked bag.
• Zero time spent at the baggage retrieval thingie.
• I got home five hours earlier.

Does the last one surprise you?

My flight out of San Antonio was delayed, which meant that I would miss my connecting flight from Dallas to Louisville. I did a little research, and then confabbed with This Guy who was going to pick me up at the Louisville airport. He agreed to my idea, that instead of flying from Dallas to Louisville, KY, I would get a plane from Dallas to Indianapolis, IN. It was two hours more driving total, but we got back to our little town in Southern Indiana closer to 7PM than Midnight.

It was a win in our opinion, and it was easier to manage because I didn't have to worry about where my suitcase would land.

This is one example of how my life has been simplified by adopting more of a Minimalist lifestyle. I have found that having less gives stuff gives me more time/energy/space/freedom to enjoy life.

Oh! The photo above was taken by my terrific cousin who drove from Waco, TX to meet me for breakfast and then take me to the airport in San Antonio. That was another part of my great conference experience!

Magdalena

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Magdalena Scott is a bestselling contemporary author of the Ladies of Legend series. Please visit her website.