The Library

The library is a quiet and dark place. Just like a library should be, I think! It is probably the second largest room in the house with the basement "playroom" coming in first. The library is adjacent to the dining room and the foyer and most likely served as the formal living room. It is a large rectangle with two windows on the exterior wall. There are no overhead light fixtures or wall switches. Perfect for nine six feet tall book cases and then some.

I'd like to say that the library contains all of our books, however there are two bookshelves in John's room and two in Orion's room. And if I recall correctly, there might be two or three boxes of books left in the garage. (And a whole bunch more in my office at school!) At one time I could give you a precise number of books owned, but not any more. With every move I have given several boxes away. With every trip to Half-Priced Books in Overland Park a few more books find their way home. To limit my habit, I try to purchase only hard back books. This new approach is working and my book whoring had slowed considerably.

In addition to the innumerable books, the library contains two comfy chairs a floor lamp, a roll top desk, the dissertation table (ugh!), and a lot of tchotchke. One of my favorite items is pictured left, a wind chime from S. Korea that Tree and P.D. sent to Orion when he was born. Below are some additional pictures of the library.

(Letter writing central)

(Children's literature corner)

(Wall of books and dissertation table; view from the dining room)

(Looking toward the foyer from the dining room)

With the dissertation and so many of my favorite items residing in the library one would think I would spend more time there. I wish I did.

Four and a Half Books

I am guilty. Guilty of a secret pleasure! And I must confess. For the past week I have been consuming books as if they were popcorn. I cannot seem to stop. I have not read for pleasure (other than the books that Orion and I read aloud) since the end of last semester. It all started with Nora Roberts' book, High Noon. In the past week I have found myself gobbling up three books by author James Patterson (an old friend in Arkansas introduced me to his books several years back!): See How They Run, Black Friday, and Midnight Club. These were some of his earlier books and a few of them had been published under different titles the first time around. It was interesting to see how his style has changed over the years and what has stayed the same. I really enjoy reading Patterson’s books.

I also reread just over half of The New Encyclopedia of Modern Sewing edited by Frances Blondin, copyright date 1943. My grandmother, Josephine, gave this book to me when I was in high school and I have read bits and pieces over the years. There is some serious information on altering patterns to make them fit any type of body. There are also great ideas for curtains, slipcovers, bedspreads, and even a chapter on reupholstering. I have found a few shops that will clean and oil my grandmother’s old Singer (circa 1932) and I am ready to get busy. Orion’s getting new pajamas for Christmas!

Oh, and by the way, I started Tami Hoag’s The Alibi Man this morning.