Ann G Rusky
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LESS = Keeping fewer books

6/8/2014

3 Comments

 
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So, I decided to tackle my bookshelf. Let me preface that with a statement: I LOVE BOOKS.

You can imagine how painful that was to consider getting rid of even a few. The books I have, I don't just read once. I read them over and over. I refer back to them again, over the years. They are like scrapbooks to me. When I pick up a book, I remember when I was reading it, what stage of my life I was in, and what ideas that it prompted. To consider giving it away was like throwing again a scrapbook. The truth is, I have too many.

I keep my books in sections by topic. I have a 'fiction' section, and a 'reference' section which I keep to refer to. I have 'Homeopathy and Craniosacral' section. I have an 'Art' section. But the section I had the most difficult time even considering letting go of was the 'parenting and childhood development' section.

I tried a few times, in the past, to reduce my bookshelf. Each time, I could maybe find one or two books that I'd be willing to part with, but no more. I know I couldn't part with them until I felt ready to release them.

The other day, I took the plunge. I woke up on a beautiful spring morning, and the sun was shining in the that room. I felt the inspiration to take another look. The 'parenting' section by far, was the hardest to consider. As I looked through the books, I noticed my breathing had changed and I was feeling turmoil inside and a bit apprehensive. 

I sat with the feeling and breathed through it. I had to acknowledge all the hopes and dreams I remembered as I was reading these books. I thought about all the good memories of reading those through my pregnancy, and the times I was frantically searching through them for some magical cure for colic. I had so much invested in those books, but that stage of my life has passed. 

The way I turned things around was to be grateful for their help, and in some way bless them for being there when I needed them. My hope is that they can find their way to someone else who can use their knowledge and wisdom. Maybe I'll write a note inside each one for the new owner.

All and all, I was able to let go of 3 stacks of books. It felt good, and renewed my energy. Hopefully the books I love can find their way to someone who can treasure them, like I did.

3 Comments
Linda LeRoux
6/8/2014 02:51:29 am

I love the feel of books, the smell of an old book that I read on the boat or at the beach.

Very nice job Ann! Love visiting your mind.

Reply
Ann GR
6/8/2014 03:00:35 pm

Thanks for commenting, Linda. I DO love the smell and feel of books and reading at the beach. Thanks for reading what I share. I like to hear your's and other's comments.

Reply
Ann
6/23/2014 03:25:47 pm

I, too, love the feel, smell and "thingness" of books. We have two bedrooms devoted to bookshelves (one dubbed the "Library" and one the "Office". Boxes of books in closets. Recently gleaned my late brother's PG Wodehouse…I am a fan of some, he was a fan of all. It was hard, as I know a lot of people use Kindle or the Kindle app (as do I for my guilty pleasure books). But we have only one son, whom I do not wish to have the chore of disposing of his family's collections. Hard choices, for sure.

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    Hi. I'm Ann.

    Welcome to
    My Drawing Board Blog.

    This is where I post my current thoughts and ideas about the topics that resonate with me, and how I work them out as illustrations. This is my work in progress.

    As an artist, I love to see the beauty in the world around me. I enjoy the play of color, patterns, and light. It is a challenge for me to try to capture the thoughts and images that inspire me.

    Sometimes, I like to quickly scratch ideas on paper. Other times, I like to take my time and work through images with color. 

    Each day brings a new perspective. This blog is my opportunity to share my thoughts and drawing process with you. 

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    ​Getting Creative About Functioning with LESS
    .


    Creativity takes on many forms. Currently, I am on a journey to live with LESS and I am trying to Make <LESS> Work for me and my family. 

    Hopefully my goal will inspire my whole household to make conscious decisions about our home environment and what we REALLY need to own. 

    My personal goal is to eliminate clutter, and make our surroundings creatively functional and beautiful.

    I am grateful to be able to share my thoughts, and illustrations with you.

    We'll see where this journey takes me!


    Make <Less> Work
    < In my Wardrobe
    < Household Products
    < Processed Food
    < Boxes & Stuff
    < Getting More Organized
    ​
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