The Haven: A creative Escape
Juggling the responsibilities of a mother of three, working full time all while managing a small farm can quickly turn life into a whirlwind of activity and noise. For years, I dreamed of carving out a serene personal retreat—a sanctuary where I could immerse myself in my favorite hobbies without interruption. This dream took the shape of a “she shed,” or, as I affectionately call it, a “bitch barn.” I longed for that special space where I could escape the chaos and cultivate my creative spirit, a place to let my thoughts flow freely.
At last, the moment I had envisioned arrived. My husband and I decided to take the plunge and invest in a space of my own, feeling confident in our financial situation. This dream has transformed into reality, and now, my beloved retreat is proudly known as: “Becky’s Bitch Barn.” Finally, I have a dedicated haven designed to inspire creativity and reflection—a true escape from the bustling demands of daily life.
Creating my ideal reading and writing haven will undoubtedly be a gradual process. I intend to approach it at my own pace, but I’m more than willing to share my vision for this perfect retreat.
Choosing the right location
I discovered that the perfect location for my little sanctuary was surprisingly right outside my front door. Although there are other potential spots I could have chosen, having it so conveniently located makes life much easier, especially as I juggle my responsibilities as a mother. There’s no need to trek across the property, so I can quickly slip away for a brief five-minute respite whenever I want to collect my thoughts. This proximity allows me to take a moment for myself without any hassle, transforming those fleeting breaks into simple yet important opportunities for reflection. The windows also look out onto my pasture, so I can enjoy the view of my animals as they graze.
From the ground up, literally
It was essential to prepare the space for movement and utility. Although the interior wasn’t visually appealing yet, there was no reason to delay putting everything to use. An important step was to install some sort of flooring. While the exterior of my little retreat has been completed, the inside remains bare wood. Given that it was mid-December when it was delivered, I wanted to avoid tracking in mud that could damage the floors before I even get a chance to enjoy the space. It would be logical to address this first rather than having to move all my belongings out to do the flooring later.
For this project, I opted for snap-together laminate flooring. This choice was driven by its simplicity and ease of installation. I selected a stunning grey oak design that adds a touch of elegance.
Organizing the Chaos
Once the flooring project was completed, I took the opportunity to begin the process of relocating all the items that I don’t use on a daily basis into my bitch barn. This included my collection of paints and craft supplies, my workout equipment, and a variety of personalized knickknacks that I plan to use for decorating my new space. My intention is to fully utilize what I already own before considering any new purchases. The first piece of furniture to grace my reading and writing corner was a stylish grey bookshelf, which I chose to complement the aesthetic I envision for the area.
Fostering my Creativity with comfort
Creating a comfortable environment is crucial for fostering creativity. I’ve envisioned a delightful corner in my space where sunlight will stream in, enveloping me in warmth as I delve into my reading or writing pursuits. While I previously mentioned wanting to utilize what I already owned, a reading chair is currently a lawn chair 😂 ; therefore, my plan includes setting aside funds to purchase this adorable chair that will complement the serene look I’m going for. However, I remain open to exploring more affordable alternatives that might catch my eye. If anyone has suggestions for similar chairs that won’t break the bank, I would greatly appreciate your input!
Cozy and Bright
One important aspect that I need to address is the routing of electricity in my space. As I previously mentioned, I’ve positioned my reading nook adjacent to a window to take advantage of the natural light during the day. Nevertheless, having the flexibility to illuminate this area after sunset is also a priority for me. I’ve been exploring solar-powered lighting solutions as a potential option, but I still haven’t finalized my plans. Additionally, I will require electrical access to support my craft section, adding another layer of complexity to my decision-making process.
Grateful for the Escape
I am incredibly thankful for my own personal sanctuary, which serves as a commitment to my creative development and an opportunity to fully embrace my passions. This space is not merely for reading or writing; it represents my all-encompassing “everything Becky.” While my workout equipment does occupy some room, I also have a complete workbench dedicated to various craft projects. This versatile area is open for my children to join in should they wish to explore any of the creative activities available.
For those considering the creation of a creativity haven, there are countless possibilities to choose from. You don’t necessarily need a shed or barn like mine unless that’s part of your future vision. Starting small can be just as effective; I personally began with a simple corner of my home. Utilizing room dividers, curtains, or even a tall bookshelf can help define your own creative space. I found peace in rising early, before my children awoke, allowing me to engage in whatever I felt inspired to do in tranquility.
