Here’s an idea for a writing exercise I found recently on Tod Goldberg’s blog. He got the idea from another blogger, John McNally – and wrote a list of what’s on his desk.

Here’s what’s on my desk besides computer and printer:

A yellow post-it on the phone: “4:15 #1458” (a flight my husband took two weeks ago.)

Three pairs of reading glasses that I bought in a bag at CostCo.

A flyer for a visit of Emma’s pre-school to Sea Side Lagoon. (“Sunscreen on. Bag lunch, no heat-ups.”)

A folder with the name Cosmalia scrawled on it – which I think might be a road in San Bernardino.

White note pads with some of the following notes: “Taking up riding as an adult,” “Late Wife – Claudia Emerson,” ““Signs in fields – 30 hours training – 2 way radio police scanner.”

A book review of Thomas McGuane’s Gallatin Canyon from the LA Times.

My friend Alice’s list of summer books – which I keep meaning to list on this site.

An audio tape of William Zinsser’s  “How to Write a Memoir” which I haven’t been able to play because my tape machine doesn’t work.

A thank you note with a line drawing of a dog from my brother’s girlfriend.

Nine books.

A copy of Best Friends animal magazine.

7 copies of The Sun magazine.

A signed form addressed to Hazardous Tree Removal in Running Springs, California

A beautiful rock that I picked up somewhere so I’d always remember the spot where I found it – but now can’t remember where that was.

Stuart and Charlotte’s brush.

6 pens and two pencils

A scary wicker basket that contains stuff I’ve avoided to answer/deal with for the past five years.

My manuscript for the new novel.

Stuart and Charlotte.

To Do: What’s on your desk?  Press the Comment button below and send your list. We’ll have a follow-up post on What People Keep On Their Desks.