Desk Set

I love getting a peek at other people's desks. They usually include favorite pictures, and treasured bits and pieces of a life. They can be utilitarian or beautiful, or sometimes both. I guess I like the fact that they can be a window to the personality. Does this make me nosy? Probably.

I am lucky to have two desks. This red one belonged to my mother. My father bought it somewhere second-hand, and painted it for her. She used to keep her favorite prints in the drawers, and small porcelain statues in the slots. It now stands in our library, and I use it to keep my camera, some small prints that need framing, and cherished photos. There is always a bit of old fabric on it, and lots of ever-changing bits and pieces of china. The lyre-backed chair belonged to my aunt.

My second desk is in our bedroom. My husband and I bought this together when we were first married. It actually came with a top piece that has glass shelves and a pediment, but I like it better without. This is where I keep our important documents, and several sentimental things that belonged to my mother and my aunt.

I love small flower prints, so right now there is a painting of a yellow primrose leaning up against the back. Above it we have a group of family pictures, and underneath are pretty boxes for all those boring documents. The caned chair was my mother's, and a needlepoint pillow makes it a little more comfortable.

What do you keep on your desk?