It's Never Too Late

I'm going to go slightly off topic today, but, I believe my musings will circle back to my main purpose and that is; to encourage the creative process no matter what the age.

My husband has been the most supportive person of my endeavors from the moment I met him. He has literally been my No.1 fan following me to L.A. for my career, attending ever single performance I've ever been in (that has been no small feat) and helping me produce my children's DVDs. So, in the past few months when he was trying to decide what direction to take his career we had an interesting conversation that led him to recommit himself to his writing. He is now pursuing screenwriting full time through the UCLA screenwriting program and is getting kudos and support from all directions.

My husband is the type of person that is always there for people if they need help, no matter what it is. For his 50th Birthday I decided that friends and family should come together and help him create something to affirm his new career choice. That "something" is a brand new "Man Cave Screenwriting Hut". Let me tell you, that when a person is committing to something they absolutely love to do, the universe doesn't say "No". The universe comes together with a resounding "YES!" to give support. Our friends and family, in the pouring rain, helped to erect the walls and attach the roof of the MCSH in less than 6 hours. What is being created in our back yard is a glorious place for my other half to escape, reflect, create, and be true to his talent and creative spirit. I also believe that this magical event will serve to encourage our friends to create a space in their own lives to do the same.

We have already committed to assist in building another studio for one of our friends. These kind of activities save people money, solidify friendships, make memories, and it's just plain fun. Don't wait to give yourself a place to be creative. Plan it and ask for help.

We first decided to do the MCSH a little over a month ago. This was our process in a nutshell:

1. We looked online for backyard studios we liked and sketched one to scale using bits and pieces from ones that resonated with us. Here is one that we particularly liked and used as a jumping off point:

2. We looked for materials on Craigslist, i.e. windows, door, lumber, OSB, roofing, roofing felt, etc.
3. We also found a gorgeous desk that was originally $550.00 for $125.00 on Craigslist and a black leather office chair to go with it.
4. We already had a preexisting 10' x 12' concrete pad with electricity so that saved a bunch.
5. We sent out invitations for an Old Fashioned "Mat Man Cave Screenwriting Hut" Barn Raising. 
6. In the month before the party (while we were working and going to school) we built the foundation, subfloor, and my husband also assembled all 4 walls and painted all the siding so that on the day of the party we literally had the walls and roof joists up in a couple hours. (Trust me, I wish I would have thought of doing this in the summer! It was pouring rain, but, we were thrilled there was no wind!)
7. Because of the weather and time of year we were lucky that my in-laws had a 20' x 20' circus tent that we put up. This was a life saver! It kept our materials and us dry on the big day. And it was crazy festive with big yellow and white stripes.
8. The day after the party we finished the roof and put up the tyvek and part of the siding. 
9. Now we just have to finish the siding, install  windows and the door and start on the interior finish work.
10. We have left over bamboo flooring from the house that is the exact amount we need for the floor.
11. The walls are going to be bare, but, sealed OSB with stainless steel rivets in the corners and wainscot on the ceiling. We are going for a modern, semi-industrial look.
12. We will hang a few movie posters that are on our top 10 list and Mat will be off and running, writing the next great screenplay.

I will post pix of our finished and fabulous MCSH at a later date.

FYI - Check the building permit codes in your county. Most structures under 144 sq. ft. don't require a permit. Ours is 120 sq. ft. so we are good. Plus, this is the 3rd structure in 33 years that has been on this concrete pad. There had been a hot tub with gazebo and a storage shed before.

Another idea is to turn one of those utility sheds into a backyard office for writing, art, quilting, sewing, etc. There are some amazing prefab office sheds that you can buy and have assembled. The cost for one of these is $5k up to about $60k. We purchased and built this amazing studio for between $2500 and $3k. Quite a big difference. It also helped that Mat had a ton of construction and roofing experience.

It really is never too late to commit to your own creative desires or process, and even if you feel like you didn't get that freedom as a child, go ahead, do it now. I promise, it will be the best thing you ever did for yourself.

To be continued. . .