Thursday, October 25, 2007

I've been bitten....

.....by the decluttering bug again. With Jos being away, I have decided to take this week to clean and declutter my bookshelves in the living room. I have now dusted and cleared out each shelf. With time, it is too easy to just shove a book on the top of the other books thinking I will put it away later. I must stop buying books until I get to reading some of these.

This is the book carousel I mentioned before. I have some of my smaller blue books on it. The doll was handmade by my sister and she is holding a miniature version of a book from my childhood. We no longer have the book but I found this tiny version once and fell in love with it. There is a ball of wool holding two vintage wooden knitting needles which belonged to my favorite aunt before she passed away.

Here are more of my vintage and antique books. I really do strive to have my bookshelves full of only these kind of books one day.

"The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,
And all the sweet serenity of books."
~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~~


Thank you all for the kind comments about the new door color. We are so pleased with it and as Dena said, we do 'smile with satisfaction'. Our next step is to place the wrought iron gate we have had made. I can't wait to share it with you! It is really beautiful.

Lynda ~ There is no ledge or anything. If we have to do anything at the back of the house, we have to place a VERY long ladder in the water. We do have the French doors on the living room side of the room which means we can reach out to everything from there.

16 comments:

Kristen said...

I recognize the dolly! I love the knitting needles and the books are perfectly displayed. I love it! Books are wonderful decorations for the home!!!

Nancy said...

That mini book is just so cute. I have not seen any of them. i am used to seeing your bookshelves but I never get tired of it.
Love you, Mom
PS: Hurry and read, I have more for you

Nancy said...

Very pretty Heidi! I like your book carousel.

By the way, how deep is the water that your house is built into?

Anonymous said...

Now, Heidi, I though *I* had a lot of books! lol!! Great job getting all that organized ~ it looks great! Thanks for letting me know about the painting ~ that makes changing colours interesting, doesn't it? I'm cutting back on my computer time (really) so hopefull things will settle down. ~ hugs, Lynda xo

Anonymous said...

Heidi, I love your bookshelves. they really reflect all your loves, not only in books but favourite mementoes from loved ones too. It's lovely to see these things displayed together. I love the dolly and the knitting and shoe forms but I also love the beautiful framed print of the two girls - it's behind the display. The other framed print in the last picture is one I have seen many times before. Do you know who is the artist of both pictures?
A few years ago my sister and I saw an article in a house magazine and there was a picture of a bookcase of nothing but old books with beautiful spines and we both decided that is what we most wanted :>)
Hugs, Angela

Andylynne said...

What do you mean "STOP BUYING BOOKS" you can't mean that, can you:)
What neat orderly book shelves you have, I could take a lesson from you. Or I could say I should take lessons. The book dolly is wonderful. The minature book brings to mind the small samll books that were collected in John Dunnings " The Bookmans Wake " I didn't know they were as popular and collectable as they are. What a nice setting you have in that room.

Nunnie's Attic said...

I'd love to spend a few hours in your home just pouring through all of those books. Everything is so beautiful and tastefully displayed. But yet, I would still feel so comfortable in there.

Love,
Julie

Anonymous said...

Heidi,

I have the same picture of the two ladies reading (that is on your bookcase by the chair and doll). I also have a chair almost identical to yours. Mine is hanging on the wall. Sitting in it is a stuffed cat that looks like a "little girl" - and she has a knitting basket with yarn on her lap!

Linda in VA

Mary said...

Heidi, Your bookshelves are lovely! I love that you have added such personal touches as your aunt's knitting needles, and the doll from your sister. So beautiful! I know what you mean about cramming them full of books; I think mine need a good sorting, too! :)
xoxo,
Mary

Nan said...

I'd love to know the titles of the books, Heidi, if you wouldn't mind taking the time to post (some of) them. I love those old books so much.

Mia said...

The book carousel is just wonderful. And all the lovely vintage and antique books you have. You have been really good too, cleanin, dusting and clearing in you bookshelves. I do catch the decluttering bug every now and then as well, and eagerly go throught my stuff, clearing and cleaning.

Thank you for all your lovely comments in my blog. It always pleases me to see that you have stopped by.

Teresa said...

Heidi, your home is beautiful. I like the new color of the door. I just discovered this blog today. I need to read it from the beginning. It was good to visit you here.

Solstitches said...

Heidi,
What a wonderful library you have!
I wish I could come and browse.
I've never seen a book carousel before- what a charming idea.
The doll is such a lovely keepsake of your sister.
As always I thoroughly enjoyed the glimpse into your house.

Margaret

Ragged Roses said...

One of the things that I can meaning to do is sort through our books! You have inspired me to get on with it, thank you!!!
Ki mx

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

What a great collection of books you have, Heidi. I love books, too!

I've been bitten by the decluttering and cleaning bug as well. I've gotten rid of so many things it's not even funny...you'd never know it though. I've given everything to our church for their annual bazaar. Now, I need to work on the attic...thanks another story!

Thanks for your visits to my "home". You always have such kind words and I really appreciate it!

regina barnett said...

I came across your blogg. I just wanted to say , I just love your books. I am a book person. I love to read fictions, and nonfiction. Books.