From Kitchen Pantry to Peaceful Library

I LOVE books. . .it's my one weakness (smile). . .So it wasn't a major decision to clear the pantry shelves and make a library retreat for myself. . .

I'm trusting you with my secret hiding place. . .my 'hidey-hole'. . .Here I can retreat from the world and take some time for myself surrounded by all the books that I love. . .Over the years I have acquired quite a collection on subjects that I enjoy. . .books on decorating, architecture, quilting, 18th and 19th century history, local history, costumes and vintage fashion, cookbooks. . .Oh My. . .the cookbooks!!!!

Maybe I have one more weaknesss. . .Here's just two shelves of them. . .I have. . .let's see. . .one-two-three-four--five shelves of nothing but vintage cookbooks. . .AND. . .more hidden away in the wicker baskets above. . .

I prefer 18th, 19th, and early 20th century cookbooks, whether original or reprints. . .I simply cannot pass one by. . .I pick them up at yard sales and flea markets mostly and at little expense. . .

I know what you're thinking about me housing so many books. . .In this new age of tech and ebooks and readers, why bother with a library? . . .Why not depend on Pinterest for recipes and inspiration? . . .The simple reason is that I love holding a real book. . .I love the way it feels. . .I love the way it smells. . .and I can certainly flip through a number of books much quicker than running through Pinterest pins. . .Don't get me wrong. . .I love Pinterest. . .It's great for visual inspiration. . .but when I want more, I turn to real books.

While John has been putting down the new living room floor (photos later), I've been cleaning out the library. . .simplifying. . .Looking for the floor underneath so much clutter. . .Clearing shelves of down-right junk. . .I've carried boxes and boxes of donations to Goodwill and over a hundred extra books to the public library. . .Once the floor was found (grin), I decided to move the comfy wicker chair in--much more relaxing than the cane bottom chair I had. . .With a few more comforts of pillows and a throw, I've found it hard to stay away. . .

It's small. . .but cozy. . .in fact, it's so cozy that I've been known to doze off into a dream world from time to time. . .a GOOD THING on any cold, wintry day. . .

I did make space on the shelves for any books I might find in the future. . .although, if I add too many more, it will require another purging or a larger library. . .Hmmmm. . .That's something to think about. . .I think I've told you that I have one more house to build in my lifetime?

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I'll soon be reworking parts of this blog. . .updating the tabs and adding new links. . .We've changed our home almost entirely from the beginning of this journey. . .My bedroom is in the process of change and John is almost finished with the floors. . .Once those are done, I can begin final work on the living room, too. . .This year promises to be THE YEAR that the major renovations to our house are finished on the inside. . .I'm so excited about it. . .Sure hope you'll stick around for the finale. . .

I'm sharing this post at: * Share Your Cup Thursday * Simple and Sweet Fridays * Home Sweet Home * Feathered Nest Friday