Surrounded by Books

Have you ever seen that episode on "Two and a Half Men" where Alan totally loses it in the book store? He's sad and upset that his little boy is growing up and doesn't need him as much anymore. So, Charlie, actually trying to be helpful, tells Alan that now he'll have the time to do the things he really wants to do. At first, Alan agrees and is happy, thinking about reading....and then becomes unglued, thinking he doesn't have enough time left in his life to read all the books he yearns to read. He starts yelling as he pulls one book after another off the shelves, and finally slips down onto the floor, sobbing as he drops books everywhere. (I found it hilarious, but then I have a warped sense of humor.)

 (courtesy: Google)

Yesterday afternoon I was attempting yet again to de-clutter my loft. It's such a beautiful room, with large windows, a ceiling fan, overlooks our entry foyer. I also have my collection of CD's, a few books and knick-knacks on a shabby-chic bookshelf. But, since we really don't use the room, over the years it's become my "craft" room. I work on my homemade cards there. I stash old photos, magazines and books in there. All with the promise to myself that I'll get it cleaned up and organized soon. But, unfortunately, the minute I walk past it, going down the stairs, I forget about it...until the next time I come up the stairs, go down the stairs, etc.

So, yesterday, I said to myself, "Self, you are going to get a good start on this room. You have no excuses, particularly since you're in kind of a writing slump!"  Hmmm...KIND OF?!

First things first. Pull out all the books that are in the shelf with really deep shelves, and then dust it. OMG, I found all kinds of books that I'd completely forgotten I had! It was like Christmas.....at first...but then, I began to feel a little like Alan. I have all these books I WANT to read. Some I even began at one time, but for some reason, just couldn't get into. Novels, memoirs, How-To books about writing (boy, do I ever need to start on those!)...

       (photo: courtesy The Overweight Bookshelf blog)

So, I began stacks of books.

One - books to definitely read asap.

Two - books to read after I read all in stack number one.

Three - books to donate to library

Four - books to use in my blog give-aways

Five - books to sell in our Saturday Writers Silent-Auction

I found myself completely surrounded by books and feeling overwhelmed. That's when the TV episode crossed my mind. I also felt a bit like the girl in the photo above, only I was sitting on the floor. How had this happened? Why wasn't I reading as much as I used to? I can think of two reasons: The time I spend writing my book, and the time I spend blogging. I need to make up my mind what the most important thing(s) are in my life (besides family & friends) and spend quality time on those. And reading is being pushed up to Number One for the month of July.

What about you? Do you have a task you keep putting off? Do you feel you are spending your time on what's really important to YOU?

Welcome to my newest follower: Jo. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! 

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." —Louisa May Alcott