Personal Space Northwest

Rhonda Franz; photographed on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in her favorite place -- the back deck of her Lowell home
Rhonda Franz; photographed on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in her favorite place -- the back deck of her Lowell home

Rhonda Franz

Where I live: Our address is in Lowell, but we live outside town. We're practically in Springdale. We're just a few minutes from Beaver Lake. It's rural, and it's in the woods. We just have one acre, but there's an empty lot next to us. We can see neighbors, but we're well spaced. I grew up in a city, and I like to be able to walk places. This was an adjustment for me.

Occupation: I'm a stay-at-home mom, writer and editor. My background is in teaching. I'm still a certified teacher in Arkansas, and used to teach in Kansas. I stay at home now and do some work for Arkansas Women Bloggers. I've done some editing for websites.

Favorite space: A corner of my deck that has a table and an umbrella.

Why? I like to be outside. It's kind of an area that serves many purposes. It lets me get outside and see the sun and the woods. It's relaxing. It has a bird's-eye view of the whole deck, so, when the kids are out there playing, I can sit and work at that table or they can have a bunch of Legos on that table. It's nice to get away in solitude there by myself, but it's also nice when the kids are playing outside and I can see them and hear them from that spot.

If I could do one thing to improve the space, I would: Get retractable awnings, because there is no roof on the deck. I would love to be able to sit out there in the rain.

Family on 01/31/2015

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