Scene of the Blog Featuring Laura of Musings!

The sub-header on this week's featured blog is what drew me in: "Musings... on searching for, collecting, and eventually reading, literature." It reminds me of what wonderful journeys books can take us on. Here's how this Pennsylvania book blogger describes herself:

"I’m Laura.  I love sharing bookish thoughts, reviews, and commentary with others.  I hope I can inspire you to read outside your comfort zone!  I’m not taken in by the bestseller lists; I focus on books by and about women, books by authors from outside the U.S., prizewinners, and classics. When I read nonfiction, it’s usually memoirs or narrative nonfiction."

All I have to do when I land on Musings is scroll down through the posts to be reminded of wonderful books I've read in the past, and of books that I certainly intend to read in the future. I always enjoy Laura's thoughts on what she reads. If you've never visited Laura's blog, Musings, before, I hope you take this opportunity to go over and say hello. Don't be surprised if you find yourself subscribing!

If you're visiting from Laura's blog to take a look at her creative spaces, Welcome-- I'm glad you stopped by! If you'd like to see any of the photos in larger sizes, just click on them and they'll open in new windows. When you're done, if you'd like to take a look at previous participants' blogging and reading spaces, click on the Scene of the Blog tab at the very top of my header. There are two ways to search: by Blog Name and by Location. Now let's go over to Laura's house!

Laura's study with blogging buddy, Pumpkin

One of the places I can be found blogging is at my desk in the study.  Behind the desk is a bookcase filled with my collection of Virago Modern Classics (I have nearly 200 and am now in need of more shelf space!).  I like knowing I have so many fabulous women authors looking over my shoulder as I write.  My reading mascot, Pumpkin, also likes to hang out with me, and the closer he can get to the computer, the better!

Laura's reading chair

This is my reading chair, draped with a friendship quilt I received from a dear friend about a year ago.  During the winter it's really nice to wrap myself up in the quilt to read.  My husband is a talented furniture builder, and made the lamp behind the chair for me so I can enjoy my book well into the evening.  Sometimes Pumpkin joins me on this chair, too!

Laura's view

We have a pond behind our house, so when I look out the back windows, this is what I see.  The pond attracts lots of birds and wildlife, and after eight years we've come to appreciate its seasonal rhythm.  Everything about the pond is very peaceful and calming, and when I let go of day-to-day cares I find it can be a real source of inspiration.

That pond certainly is inspirational! I'm afraid that, if I were a neighbor, I'd ask if I could come over with my camera (and a book, too) to see if I could photograph some of the wildlife.

Your Virago collection in your study immediately caught my eye. When I made the decision to purge my shelves, many of my Viragos found a good home with a fellow collector. I was glad to know they would be loved and taken care of.

The quilt is gorgeous, and what can I say about Pumpkin other than he looks like the perfect reading and blogging buddy?

Thank you so much, Laura, for allowing us this glimpse into your home and creative spaces. We certainly enjoyed it!

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Don't forget to stop by next Wednesday when I'll be featuring yet another book blogger in our worldwide community!