Tidy Desk Edition

When the Oilman and I searched for a house, I told him I needed room for just two things: My piano and my books. Two kids later, I realize how lucky I am that we just happened to buy a home with a very large laundry room and a hardworking mudroom — because, let’s be honest, I now spend far less time reading and playing piano than I do washing baby clothes and bundling Sweet Potato to go outside.

Lucky, too, that we bought a home with a dedicated office space because, as board books and toys have crept slowly out of the nursery and into the living room and kitchen, this room remains one of just two “adult” spaces in our home (the other is our bedroom). I write at this desk, but I also write in bed at 2:30 a.m. and in the living room when the Oilman is home and I want to be with him while I write. Because I spend far less time at my desk than I wish, it’s usually pretty tidy, but I spruced it up especially for this edition of {pretty, happy, funny, real}.

The “Graphic Divine” tile at the far right edge of the desk — a reprint of Raphael’s “The Crucified Christ with the Virgin Mary, Saints and Angels” on a marble tile — is {pretty}.

The mirror above my desk — a recent heirloom from my beloved paternal grandma, who died in May of last year — makes me {happy} — a small piece from one of the holiest women I’ve known.

The little antique box hiding behind my water cup — while also pretty and happy and much beloved — is {funny} because the dear friend who gave it to me sweetly suggested I use it to store Sweet Potato’s teeth once she begins to lose them (it currently stores a rosary)!

And the contents of the middle drawer are oh-so-very {real}: Among other things, it contains the most recent edition of TurboTax, a reminder that April 15 inevitably arrives sooner than I think it will (no picture of that, as it would just undo the {happy})!

More {pretty, happy, funny, real} from the past week:

{Pretty}

This exquisite tablecloth on my mama’s table — hand-crocheted by her mother:

{Happy}

Sweet Potato swinging in the backyard at Lolo’s and Boppa’s:

{Funny}

Mint Julep looking like a little old man:

{Real}

Devon layoffs and sick days!

What is {pretty, happy, funny, real}? It’s a feature of Like Mother, Like Daughter. To me, it’s just a great framework within which to think positively — but realistically — about this life.