Sunday, September 8, 2013

A New Adventure

Most of you know that I LOVE books, but many of you may not know that I've spent the last seven years teaching English at the university where I earned my M.A. in Literature.  


Last year I was offered a new job in University Administration, and though I absolutely love the work I'm doing now, it's been a BIG transition!


One of greatest challenges was getting organized, and part of that had to do with making my new office feel like home. I spent a year learning a new profession, and I just simply didn't have time to do anything with my office space.


But I'm finally starting to get situated in my new position. I've cleaned out my inbox...


...and started sprucing up my work space!




I began by papering my bookshelf and bulletin board with pretty vintage prints.



Then I added a few warm accents...



...and a familiar friend...


I also decided to create a piece that would remind me of the last seven years I spent in graduate school and working with students in the English courses I taught.


I pieced together several excerpts from my favorite literary passages and the notes my beloved students have given to me over the years.
 

I also made sure to place my favorite collection of poetry on the closest bookshelf to my desk.



The transition into this new role took some time...


But I believe that our past always prepares us for the new adventures that await...
 
~ Nel ~ 

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23 comments:

  1. It's meSeptember 8, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Enjoy a happy sunday....love Ria...x !

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  2. SusieSeptember 8, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    Nel, The after photos are much warmer. When you spend that kind of time away from home, you need some warmth. Blessings. xoxo,Susie

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  3. Castles Crowns and CottagesSeptember 8, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    Nel, I didn't know you taught at the university level! Good for you. I too am learning a new position this year; I taught fourth grade in the French Immersion program but now I'm teaching French at the high school level and also 8th graders. A LOT OF TRANSITION FOR SURE!

    Let's make this a good year! Anita

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  4. NanaDianaSeptember 8, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    HA, Nel! I knew you were a smart girl. You will LOVE what you are doing and I love what you have done with your space to make it your own. My own Dad taught English lit at Penn State before I was born. I bit my teeth on poetry. lol xo Diana

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  5. TARYTERRESeptember 8, 2013 at 11:37 AM

    LOVE that familiar face.

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  6. LynneSeptember 8, 2013 at 11:37 AM

    I LOVE that you shared this brilliant fact about you, Nel!
    You have created a beautiful "room to muse"!
    I wish you continued success!
    w/L.

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  7. louiseSeptember 8, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    I love what you've done. Your office looks like home from home :-)

    I love books too - Ann Tyler is a big favourite of mine

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  8. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmarySeptember 8, 2013 at 12:43 PM

    Congratulations on your new position.
    Your office looks great and shows your love of books.
    Have a great year.
    Mary

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  9. Sue McPeakSeptember 8, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    Congratulations on your new position. I believe you are well prepared for all new adventures. You new space is very warm and inviting and you will no doubt have many moments to continue your positive journey. I'm sure there is a Walt Whitman quote to punctuate that thought. He's one of my favorites, too.

    Thanks for stopping by CollectInTexas Gal today. I too am looking for just the right 2014 Calendar.
    Sue

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  10. andrea@townandprairieSeptember 8, 2013 at 3:04 PM

    Aren't those notes from students the best! I save those forever. Sometimes they need to be re-read to keep me motivated.

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  11. RobinfromCASeptember 8, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    Now that looks like a cozy and peaceful work environment! Very nice and a job well done to have your inbox empty!
    Robin

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  12. Lavender and LinenSeptember 8, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    You are a busy lady! Congrats! It's looks like it's going to be a very nice atmosphere!

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  13. Ivy and ElephantsSeptember 8, 2013 at 5:10 PM

    Congratulations! Glad when people get to do jobs that they really love and makes them happy. Your office is going to be just gorgeous! I love all the personal and meaningful touches.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  14. Hayu MaselliSeptember 9, 2013 at 3:25 AM

    Wow, beautiful vintage bookshelf Nel.
    You did well job.
    have a good day

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  15. PatriciaSeptember 9, 2013 at 3:38 AM

    What a stylish and lovely workspace you have created for yourself, Nel!

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  16. Red Rose AlleySeptember 9, 2013 at 10:37 AM

    Nel,
    Your office is looking great! I loved going shopping with you and trying to find things for your work space. That little owl is sooooo cute, and makes it feel like home. Where did you find that?

    ~Mom

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  17. Susie SwansonSeptember 9, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    It looks so pretty. Thank you for sharing with us. Hugs, xo

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  18. Susie SwansonSeptember 9, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    Hi Sheri, thought i'd pop back over and tell you I have one son that's soon to be 42. 3 grandchildren and one great grandson. They are so much joy. Thank you for the sweet words on mine. xo

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  19. Attic ClutterSeptember 10, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    oh wow beautiful
    Nel
    (:)
    Sheri
    peaches oh love peach pie.. well might make a peach cobbler (:)
    hugs,patty

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  20. DeseraeSeptember 10, 2013 at 8:50 PM

    Congrats on your new position! Your new space is so pretty...I love what you did with the back of the shelves :o)
    ~Des

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  21. SandySeptember 10, 2013 at 9:07 PM

    Sheri sure has some smart gals! Love the way you decorated your office. After all, you probably spend a lot of time in there you want it to be warm and filled with your personality. I didn't know you taught at the university level. That's wonderful!

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  22. BarbaraSeptember 11, 2013 at 4:33 AM

    Clever idea to line the bookshelves! Glad you made time to work on your office space...always helps to surround yourself with things you love.

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  23. Jemma@athomewithjemmaSeptember 14, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    Nel,
    I have been reading several posts by all of you-such a rich and delightful life you have. I love what you are doing with your office-such warm, interesting and inspirational touches!
    Jemma

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