TJ, yes, I know all about the traps of mixing home and work. There's something really wonderful about the idea of a work-life blend/balance, and also something really impossible about it, isn't there? I really love being able to take a break from my client work to go outside and water my garden, and I love being able to sit on my porch while I do my writing. When it gets down to it, though, a clear line still must be drawn between home and work—each must be protected for what it is, and what it is not.

Rebecca, I've been thinking about a co-working space like this for a couple of years, too, and even played with the idea of starting one myself. I was surprised (and very happy) to find out that our small Midwestern town was already getting into co-working—now I'm excited for more people to discover it and populate the space.

Jason, I love thinking about your daughter (who I've never even met) creating wonderful works of writing and art at her desk. I would think there's a very good chance she'll remember that space, that legitimized her creativity, much like I remember my childhood desk.

jenx67, I have NEVER been able to get any real work done while my kids are in the house with me, other than after they're in bed for the night. Even their naptime wasn't good work time for me, partly because I'm feeling sleepy myself, and partly because naps tend to be unpredictable—just worrying that they might wake up much sooner than expected was distracting. Anyway, I'm very impressed with all you seem to do, and I hope you can soon find a better work place/space, both physical and mental.

Elaine, I can't imagine not having a dedicated work space when you work with paint—there's so much setup and cleanup involved! And you've been a committed artist for so long! I can't wait to hear about the studio space you will one day have. In the meantime, I'm sure there are ways your space limitations create interesting artistic constraints and challenges, right? :)

Trina, thanks! It does feel like a big step, somehow.

Emma, OK, now I have a new book for my reading list! And, like you, I'm truly thankful for cafes. They have been a refuge for me these past years, particularly when my kids were very little and I needed a place to relax and think (even more desperately than I do now!). I'm sure I'll always gain creative energy from spending time in the cafe near my house, and I still plan to take my work there a couple days a week, when I'm not at the co-working space. (For now, I have a M-W-F plan.)

Blackwasp19, I love imagining your cafe conversations about the "sociology of dietary behavior" and other random, interesting topics! So great. But you're right, the editors/clients/professors don't take too kindly to those excuses when you've missed a deadline. Regarding academics using the co-working space, that's definitely a market that's being targeted here. It's especially ideal for people who share offices on campus (or don't have one, as you mentioned), and for people who are on sabbatical but staying in town, trying to finish a book and not wanting to run into all of their students and colleagues. It would be a great place to write a dissertation, too. The plans are very flexible and affordable.