Well, I’m no celebrity, but I’m out of the Jungle and have returned, in one piece (I think), to my Summerhouse.  At last I can begin to catch up on all those long-overdue blog posts!

Many moons ago, lovely and talented Jo, accomplished author, wonderful friend to me and writers everywhere, tagged me for  My Workspace Blog Hop.  I’m excited to take part, thanks so much Jo, and many congratulations too! Jo has recently published her latest book, Echoes of Narcissus in the Gardens of Delight (which I seriously can’t wait to read).

Having a workspace (other than the kitchen table), much less an office, seemed a distant reality for years: we never seemed to have the room and I didn’t even have a computer of my own until recently.   We shared the ‘communal computer’ tucked away in a corner at the top of the stairs, which, as the (three) kids grew up, caused more arguments than shopping for a TV on Black Friday.

Thankfully, those days are behind us.

As a child, I spent long hours playing inside the summerhouse at the end of my grandparents’ garden: lost in a world of make-believe, I loved pretending it was my own little house.  So many happy memories of summer afternoons sitting with my grandparents in garden chairs on its little wooden porch drinking tea and eating fairy cakes…

I longed for a summerhouse of my own, but I had to wait a long time. My dream came true at last when, three years ago, Hubby built one for me in our back garden:

Summerhouse in Snow
(c) Sherri Matthews 2013

Soon enough, it became a wonderfully peaceful and distraction-free setting for my writing and from there, came the idea for the name of this blog.  What better way to share the view with you, dear friends, no matter the weather (or mood) than from my Summerhouse?

The view isn’t at its best at the moment (dirty windows from the rain for one thing, and no snow this year for another), but I look forward to sharing a prettier, brighter view with you when my spring bulbs burst into bloom.

A hint of a view…
(c) Sherri Matthews

I had to stop using my Summerhouse for a while last year due to internet issues and problems with my old laptop, so I tapped away in the living room, sitting on the sofa with my laptop on my, well, lap.

This was fine except I was working and living in the same space, day in, day out. For months. Stir crazy? You bet.  Now, even though only feet apart,  I can divide my time more efficiently between work and home, separating the two, which helps tremendously.

Here’s the view of the inside of my Summerhouse, my workspace sanctuary:

There are few bits-and-bobs hanging around, reminders of holidays and travels
from years gone by:

Mobiles, chimes, bunting…yes, I love all that!
(c) Sherri Matthews 2015

There’s also a bookcase for  ‘stuff’ and a couple of important books.  You might notice the electric fan heater which keeps the chill out on bitter winter days…

(c) Sherri Matthews 2015

It might be small,  but there’s plenty of room for all; no matter how cold it is outside, you will always find a warm welcome at my Summerhouse.

Welcome To The Summerhouse! (c) Sherri Matthews 2015

My friend Steven calls it ‘The Summerhouse of Secrets’.  Perhaps not so secret now… ? Hopefully I’ve managed to keep some mystery…

Speaking of visitors, thank you so much to Merryn, Sarah and Andy for dropping by with some lovely, shiny awards to jazz up the place:

Merryn, a new blogging friend, left a sweet message on my ‘About’ page to let me know that she had nominated me for The Liebster Award. Do visit her over at her lovely blog, Humble Heart Scribbles.

Sarah so kindly nominated me for One Lovely Blog Award.  Some of you already know Sarah from her ‘One Lovely Blog’ Sarah Potter Writes where she shares her poignant, humourous and insightful thoughts through her beautiful poetry, flash fiction and photos.

Andy is also known by a few of you.  A great thrill and honour when he invited me into his WordPress Family Award. He is a blessing to all who know him over at his blog christiangrandfather where he shares delightful stories of a life well lived.

Finally, I need to tag a few of you for the blog hop, but remember, there is no obligation whatsoever.  I always find it so difficult knowing who to tag, but here is one lovely crew, all lovely blogging friends whom I’m delighted to introduce:

Yvette of Priorhouse Blog
Sarah of Lemon Shark
Hugh of Hugh’s Views & News
Pauline of The Contended Crafter
Kath of Minuscule Moments of Inspiration
Norah of Norah Colvin

Now I’m off to get some more writing done.  You know where I’ll be and remember, the kettle is always simmering.  And you never know, there might even be a bottle of bubbly chilling on ice.  Any excuse. Wait? Is that a pop I hear?

Have a great weekend and see you soon!  Love Sherri x