An ex-pat finds a home in the bookstore cafe
by Catherine on Mar.20, 2012, under Archive, Writing
I’ve joined the forces of those who use the neighborhood bookstore cafe as their home office. We hover around the electrical outlets, plugging in our laptops so that we can work at full power. We pay for our seats with extra large coffees and bookstore memberships so we can access the wi-fi. We ask complete strangers– our office mates– to watch our things while we head for the restrooms and do a quick browse on our way back.
What brought me to my office away from home? Mostly it’s the realization that once I’m home, the distractions are overwhelming and chaos seems to reign. My creative output slows to a trickle, and even dries up. And so I’ve fled my refuge to find a place where distractions are more easily shut out, including my neighbor who is singing while wearing headphones. I’m an ex-pat from my house.
The ambiance here is casual but studious. The piped-in music is soft. I’ve learned that eavesdropping can be fun. The typical drivel I block out by second nature. But every now and again, the most fascinating conversations tickle my ears; quiet discussions between complete strangers who are just whiling away some time, relaxing and sipping their coffees.
The new strategy is working out thus far. I’ve set up a schedule, and I’m ticking things off my to-do list. I’ve updated my LinkedIn profile, and re-written the About page on my website. I’ve caught up on some other writing; I’ve made notes for some new blog posts.
I look forward to my nights in the bookstore cafe. Do you have a special place where you find you are more productive? A bolt hole to escape to? Tell us about it in the comments below.
March 26th, 2012 on 7:34 pm
Woh I like your posts, saved to bookmarks!
March 26th, 2012 on 9:43 pm
Thanks very much. I hope you’ll follow my blog. I took a look at your blog, and plan to comment on your post about improving cognition with video games. Thanks again for dropping by.
March 27th, 2012 on 8:28 pm
Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
March 28th, 2012 on 9:55 am
My Twitter handle is @wowlibrarian. Thanks for reading my blog.
March 28th, 2012 on 12:54 am
Your blog has definitely inspired me to really completely re-think the way I blog. Just saying thanks for all your hard work.
March 28th, 2012 on 9:56 am
Thank you!
March 28th, 2012 on 5:15 am
A better magazine theme would make the blog nicer.:)
March 28th, 2012 on 9:56 am
I’ll take that under consideration. Thanks.
March 29th, 2012 on 11:12 am
Your domain “http://wowlibrarian.com/2012/03/an-ex-pat-in-the-bookstore-cafe/” is fantastic. If you ever want to sell, please hit me at Mulneix@gmail.com