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For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb
Psalm 139:13

Wednesday 8 July 2015

where books belong



We've just moved home.
We're knee deep in boxes and I'm indulging in the sheer joy (see also: endless frustration) that is finding a place for everything. A couple of days after we moved in, I woke up at 6am (why body, why?) and spent a delirious three hours arranging and re-arranging our little blue bookcase. I gleefully sorted the books by subject matter and theme, then stacked and wedged them onto the shelves, plugging any gaps with Russian dolls. When I'd finished, I settled in the armchair opposite the bookcase and soaked it in. I cannot begin to describe the bizarre sense of satisfaction this activity provided. And of course I was immediately seized with the compulsion to re-read ALL THE BOOKS. To date, aside from the kitchen, that lovingly-arranged bookcase remains the only part of our flat that's actually sorted. It's a happy reminder that everything belongs somewhere, if only we can take the time to figure out exactly where that is. 

It takes a while to get to know a new city, but I feel like perhaps we are well-loved volumes that have finally found their place on the shelf. 


8 comments:

  1. I can completely relate to this, I always love rearranging my bookshelf, and hoping to be able to have a similar excuse as you for rearranging it next time in the coming years! best of luck in the new home! jenny xx

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    1. Thanks Jenny! I feel like I've been arranging non-stop. So glad I wrote this to remember why I enjoyed it! We're getting there slowly, it's feeling like home :) x

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  2. I think you've set the right priorities in home-decoration!
    I'm of the opinion that, when you enter someone's house for the first time, you can tell a lot about a person by (the absence of) their bookcase. Never trust someone without books in their home! ;)

    I love Gaiman and Pratchett, I notice you read them too!

    Best of luck in your new house, hope you have much fun figuring out the rest of those boxes!

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    1. Too right, Nisse! Books and yarn were my priorities. As long as I can reach my paperbacks, hooks and needles, it's all good.
      I do love Gaiman, but must confess that the Pratchett hoard is my husband's! :) x

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  3. Sending lots of luck to you in your new home and city. Hope you have lots of fun in a new chapter of your life :) xox

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    1. Thanks so much Sammy! Still lots to do, but we're nearly there now. :) x

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  4. oh, rearranging the books is the best part of moving! every time I start thining I need to purge some books and begin going through my shelves, I just find things I want to re-read.

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    1. I'm proud to say that we managed to get rid of a few books before the move, but I cleared waaaay more out the wardrobe - priorities! :) x

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penny for your thoughts . . .

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