I wanted to post this last night, but a freak lightning storm left us without power for a couple hours and The Hubs and I got wrapped up in a candlelight Scrabble game (which I won, much to his dismay). Better late than never, though...right?
My gift for Day 7: BOOKS!
One of my goals for the new year is to declutter our home and simplify our space. That being said, I'm starting with my overflowing bookshelves and have managed to lighten the load by an entire bookshelf (and the bookshelf itself, we will be donating). The photo below is only part of the collection I donated to our local library and doesn't include a box I sent to a friend on the East Coast.
In the past, I have either sold my books online or donated them to the Salvation Army...and in both options, someone profits from it. In the spirit of giving for the greater good, I like to think that donating to the library accomplishes two things: (1) The book will continue to be shared (I love this idea) and (2) I'm doing my small part to help keep the library in business. It's really sad...two of our local libraries have had to cut costs by reducing their hours of operation and closing the library for an extra day during the week. :(
It was a simple gift, but a gift for the right reasons...or at least I think so.
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And I'm curious...does anyone agree that Wally Lamb needs to write more often? I recently finished The Hour I First Believed; he is a brilliant writer and one of my favorites...but always leaves me eagerly anticipating the next!* * *
Today's Gratitude List: 1) The thoughtful package we received from Phil's brother.
2) Our friends dog passed away; I am grateful that we were able to spend his last full day with him at the beach, playing together in the sun. :(
3) Rain. Without rain, there are no rainbows.
Oooo I had to comment because I SO AGREE with you. Wally Lamb is also one of my fave author's & 1 book every 10 years is just NOT enough!! I love the donating the books idea to your library. I love it so much, I'm going to do it too:)
ReplyDeleteNext time you do a bookshelf cleanse, send me some! hehe! I love reading. What a great idea to give to the local bookstore. I'm sure they were over the moon to receive these books! You're such a sweetheart! We have about two huge shelves filled with books that were left here when my mom & dad divorced. I haven't seen him in about 10 years and these books are still here & they are a constant reminder of bad times but also a reminder that life with my mama has been amazing since then and we are closer now than ever! We were trying to figure out what to do with these books but you just figured it out for me! We have tons of little local book stores that would love to have these! Thanks for such an encouraging read this morning. Sorry for my novel. Oi.
ReplyDeleteps. Your candle lit Scrabble game sounds so adorable! Congrats on the win! Aloha! xo
That is such a great idea. You are simplifying your life by removing the clutter off the shells. As well someone else is benefiting from it. I had to swing bye to see what your Gift #7 was today. Sometimes I guess what it could be but you always surprise me! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Kate
How great that you donated books to your local library! What a great idea... I need to use my library card more often...
ReplyDeleteWally Lamb is awesome--i totally agree.
ReplyDeletekeep your posts coming...i love em'!
I read your post tonight and realized I hadn't been by since you posted Day 1, so I had some catching up to do... You also having me doing some thinking... That is a good thing, you inspire! I just wanted you to know that!
ReplyDeleteAnna, The Pilot's Wife
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Parting with things is so amazing. I love cleansing. It is so funny you two played scrabble. That is exactly what Jimmy and I did a few months ago when our lights went out.
ReplyDeletexo Marcie
Such a great idea Ang. This is the gift that will keep on giving through all those people who will continue to read it and enjoy it. You're awesome and inspiring. I love you!
ReplyDeleteXO
Sherri: I know, right? ONE book every 10 years is just mean! Teasing, of course...but if it means that each book will only be better than the last, well, then guess I can wait another 7 years!
ReplyDeleteMelissa: Oh, I wish I had posted about this sooner---I would have loved to send you some books! I will definitely keep you in mind for the next book-purge.
It sounds like you have a lot of books that you can afford to unload (and I am SO glad to read that life is good for you and your Mama) for more reasons than just decluttering your bookshelves. Donating these books sounds like it could be a good emotional cleanse for you both as well!
Never apologize for the long posts...I love reading what you all have to say! xo!
Kate: Hello sweet girl! xoxo right back atcha!
Melissa: So happy to see you here again!
ruthy ann: I'm loving that there are so many Wally Lamb Fans out there! Thanks so much for reading along!
Anna: Thank you!
Marcie: Scrabble has always been our go-to game when the power is out...great minds think alike!
Preema: I love you too, my friend! xoxo.
I love this! I may do it when I get around to unpacking the HUGE container of books I have in storage!
ReplyDeletePS--You have been NOMINATED @ my blog. CH-CH-CH-Check it out!