Books, specifically history books, are integral to what I do. They are also a source of great delight and pleasure, even though sometimes they are the stern taskmasters calling me back to a disciplined life of research and writing.
When I am in the midst of writing something on history, books tumble off the shelves in great piles, to be quickly skimmed, thoroughly read, or regretfully discarded, as the quest for understanding drives me on.
This means that when I am immersed in a book project for a long period of time (as was the case in the 1 1/2 year writing of Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries), my library and my desk become a messy labyrinth of hundreds of titles.
When Romans was finally completed (in April), I suddenly realized just what a mess had been created. And, of course, I wondered who I could get to clean it up!!
I have a friend who is a professional organizer by trade, and she was duly invited to do this job. But, sorrow upon sorrow, she was too busy.
My daughter is gifted by God in organization and structure, and she was also duly invited. But, increasing sorrow, she was otherwise engaged during this time.
I knew that if the library didn't straighten up, it wouldn't fly right as I took off on the next book, World Empires, World Missions, World Wars. However, I was running out of options.
Several weeks ago, I woke up with a sudden idea of how I might put the library back in to shape. (I must add that this is solely the history books -- everything else in book form lives in other places with a less ominous sound than "the library".)
The idea was to begin at the beginning -- Creation -- and work my way up chronologically, book by book, until I reached the 1960's.
As I shared it was my husband, I got more and more excited about what it might look like to have ALL of the books pertaining to a particular era in the same grouping, instead of having Christian biographies here, certain types of historic literature there, etc., etc.
So. . .with a huge amount of optimism and a certain measure of skepticism (in my own ability to do anything this organized) AND a lot of prayer (!), the library project commenced.
Four full days, long days, of taking books off shelves, sorting, reading brief amounts (if necessary), and putting them back on shelves. . . And, suddenly, the deed was done!!
Weeks later, I continue to revel in the joy of walking into the library and being able to know where ALL of the books on the Napoleonic era are. . .
Moral of the story: It was worth all the time and effort!
And, slight detail: World Empires, World Missions, World Wars revision is under a head of steam, and I've begun to write! It's going to be amazing. . . (at least, what I'm learning in research is amazing!!!).
Maybe you should get a twitter account at www.twitter.com. That way you can post brief updates/links, etc. fast without having to write a full blog post or send out a newsletter. I've noticed a lot of authors doing that lately.
~you are an inspiration to my family of readers. My daughter asked me once at the library if she was embarassing me by checking out 34 books at once. She could barely carry them. And they were all finished within 2 weeks.
You're not THE diana waring are you? wow! lol we have all your tapes and cds and stuff and have listened to them for ever! lol i Love your stuff...is it really you, idk, lol...
Extremely happily married since 1979, Bill and Diana Waring home schooled their three children for more than twenty years. The Waring kids were the proving grounds for all the precepts, concepts, and encouragements Bill and Diana teach--the real-life examples of the wonders of home schooling! Now, new grandparents and somewhat empty nesters, Bill & Diana travel all over the world to share the joys of loving learning, honoring one another in the family, and enjoying the journey.
• Oct. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
What an accomplishment.
Great job.
Candy