he Baron's Desk

aron Von Lodge was the head of a small country known as Lilliland near Switzerland. The time was the early 1900s.

The Baron, as the head of a small country, had an active position with a lot of responsibilities. His role was not just as a figurehead. The Baron came from a long line of Von Lodges who led Lilliland with courage and accumulated a fine record in diplomacy among other nations. The fact that Lilliland had always been a neutral country reflected the philosophy of many generations. Nothing is really ever solved by war when diplomacy can bring about better resolutions of the problems and relationships between countries.

The Baron pondered the future plans for Lilliland in the very large office in the castle. The office was oak paneled with a fireplace at one end and a private reference library at the other. Most impressive of all was the very fine hand carved desk behind which the Baron sat. The Baron said that he needed to consult with his chief advisor Professor Hamblin. In great confidence he mentioned to the professor that when he sits behind the desk he feels less than inspired. He said that he is just not a desk person. The Baron said that his mind becomes stagnant for hours on end. If he stands up and walks around the room a bit, it seems to break his lack of concentration.

Professor Hamblin asked the Baron if, when he feels the need to walk around the room, is there any special part of the room where he seems to end up? The Baron said that next to a large window looking out on the swans of Castle Lake is where he always seems to end up.

The professor suggested that the Baron spend some of the office time sitting with his notes on a private bench overlooking the lake near the swans. The Baron's secretary could have a chair nearby to take notes on his decisions. One does not have to sit behind a desk to put one's brain in gear, the professor reminded the Baron.

The Baron had a park bench placed near the lake in a private section near the castle. The Baron's secretary had a chair and small table placed near the bench.

After a few days of trying to work from the bench by the lake, the Baron declared the plan a success. He told the professor that he gets more work done by the lake than in the time he would have spent behind the desk. Occasionally the Baron would take some bread to feed the swans on the shimmering Castle Lake to thank them for their inspiration. The Baron and the professor were both very happy.