Early Birthday Presents

Evidently April 8th is the day for my giving myself an early birthday present. (next month) And it's always something serendipitous that appears as the time is evidently right. Last year was more frivolous, in a way, being an artist signed limited edition of 10 longboard. Mind you, I don't even skate. But it's beautiful, and I enjoy sitting in my studio with my morning coffee and looking at it. I have never bought something so rare, for myself.

This year, I'm getting through some technology issues, and trying to work efficiently and healthily. Switching to a standing desk, higher chair so that when I do sit to work it's not causing the problems it has been. Trying to make everything simpler as well with the de-cluttering. Well, 3 days ago I discovered an ad for 2 bookcases 8 by 4 feet, 7 adjustable shelves per case. For an extremely reasonable price. Anyone whose searched for ones this big knows they're not easy, and expensive when you do find them. Ever since I was a child I have thought this house would be awesome with 2 bookcases on either side of the fireplace in the living room. I have figured I would one day get some built in. (But I would never spend money on something like that for myself, hence it's been 22 years and never been done. There's always a bigger issue to fix first. So I knew I had to jump at this chance!

Now one side of the fireplace has always been more complicated, it has a woodbox door and an air cooler cut through the wall above it. (This side will just have to be custom if it gets done.) but the other side is perfect with a little space for the fireplace vent. And the second case is going over by my art table to hold art books and supplies! Another perfect fit on that wall, with an inch to spare. These couldn't be more perfect. And that they fit exactly in the suburban with the seats down 48x94 If they had been an inch more on any side they would not have fit!

So that's my gift to myself. And if I estimate right I will get rid of 3 smaller bookcases and 2 dvd storage racks. I will admit I have books/cases in just about every room, except bathrooms and my daughters room, (only because hers is full of action figures and toys.) I have a spare room with a 3/4s wall of built in book cases, That's been full for 22 years, and another bookcase in the garage full. I've gotten rid of a lot of books through the years. But I've always had a passion for collecting them, and even though I do audiobooks now mostly because I can do art and listen. I will likely never get rid of all my books. But I may cull some more from the herd. I have $100+ in book credit at the used book store already. I see this being a huge project over the next couple days. It will be so worth it though. As soon as the paint is dry. I'm painting them to match the trim on the walls. Once I start a project that makes me love my house more, I'm all over it. And I already love it a ton. I will be lucky if I can sleep tonight thinking about it, the last couple days have been rough, deciding and thinking on it!