Save a Tree or Two, Buy a Used Book
by Cindy ~ June 29, 2008
I’m usually a somewhat organized person. In the past, if I needed to find something, most generally I could have it in my hands within minutes. That’s all changed. Although I’ve sorted, filed, packed away and gave away many items that I no longer use since my illness, I’m still swamped. Our housekeepers (there’s been 4 of them so far- that’s a book in itself!) have all put things away in places that are forgotten then lost for weeks on end. So, thinking we’re out of x,y and z, we purchase more of x,y and z only to discover all too late, that we’ll NEVER have to add liquid soap or soy sauce to our grocery list again. Ever.
One area that needs a complete overhaul and sorting out is my collection of books. I couldn’t count them all if I had to. They overflow into every area of my life- our home, our vehicles (aren’t center consoles made for umpteen field guides?) and even my purse. (Nothing like a small book to keep you occupied during long waits in reception rooms).
Over the past year or so, I’ve been receiving books from Houghton Mifflin and a few other publishers to review then critique. I’ve read a few of them and have yet to put up any reviews. (Some were worth reading, a few were nothing more than a waste of good paper products) They remain hidden behind the now huge pile of large print books, that have eliminated my need for a magnifying sheet. I unsubscribed from most magazines quite awhile ago, but my passion for books is still very much alive and well. I purchased many used books in the past, and still do. Many out of print editions and newer reading as well- I figgure I’m helping to do my part in our countrys’ ever growing consumption of paper products that boggles the mind, not to mention is causing rapid deforestation all over the world. A used book reads as well as a fresh-off-the-press edition.
Reading is still an effort in patience for me. My hands remain numb and my left eye is still patched. Holding a large heavy book in bed is a sure recipie for bruises on my face or head. Then I loose my place, not remembering just what passage I had been reading before the latest mild concussion. (I actually came close with a heavy mag glass that was resting on my headboard before crasing into my skull. It’s now tucked safely away , I think it’s tucked away in a desk, unless somebody moved it again)
So, as an atempt at simplifying and un-cluttering, I’m saving up for a wireless reading device- a Kindle, with a revolutionary electronic-paper display that provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper. Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing. No bruises!
I’m also going to be setting up an Amazon ’store’ to sell many books that I no longer need. Many natural history books, field guides, non-fiction, coffee table books, American Indian history, photography, gardening, crafts, biographies, recipies/cooking, homeopathic remedies, etc etc etc.. The list of reading material that has GO is too long to type. I’ll provide a link to the store once I sort out the stacks. (It goes without saying that if a friend would like the book, I’ll send it to them at no cost.) It’ll take a few weeks I’m sure, even with my hubbys help.
Speaking of clutter, I’ve been practically pulling my hair out trying to locate an image that a hotel chain would like to purchase for display in their suites on a large scale. I’ve searched high and low for it, through external hard drives, cd’s and dvd’s I have yet to burn, hundreds that have been copied and saved, and yet it still eludes me. Since it would pay for a more than a few wireless reading gadgets, I’m vey reluctant to tell the buyer ‘sorry, I ‘ll have to pass, it’s lost in too much clutter, and my nose is still throbbing from the book that creamed my face.’.