Tag Archives: books

Wisdom through the lens

23 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in Art, philosophy, photography, reading

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During another bookcase sorting, filter and purge this weekend, a few dozen items eluded the donations box.

I am not doing very well with this purging concept.

It’s a difficult process, almost like saying goodbye to old friends – or acquaintances with whom you have yet to sit down and get to know better. 

It has been almost three months since I started on this endeavour. The objective was to tidy up the bookcases, to take a break from writing attempts and all the sitting at the computer it involves.

books on bookcase and in boxes

One section of the personal library, sorted, categorized and tagged for potential purging.

In-between five sweaty laundry room trips on a Saturday night, I tackled the non-fiction bookcase again, rearranging sections according to quantity of remaining books.  It became a curious exercise in space and logic.

During a bout of romantic whimsy, I was kinda hoping that Matthew McConaughey would show up.

Okay… Back to earth.  

Some of the remaining books “fit” into more than one category.  One seemed to fit into Art & hobbies, Philosophy and perhaps self help.

Book cover Wisdom through the lens - A practical guide for photography as a means for self transformation

Wisdom through the lens – A practical guide for photography as a means for self transformation by Pierre Poulain

I obtained this autographed copy after attending a Cultural Diversity event in Ottawa a couple of years ago. I think it deserves another look after my recent dabbling into smart phone photography and deep, urban reflections.

tree branches in january

Winter 2015 – Two trees with naked branches outstretched into fractals of themselves as they greet and mesh into each other.

I think I should get into photography more since it would get me outside often for fresh air and moderate exercise. I’d like to capture sharper images with devices other than my Windows Phone and the Canon Powershot.

What would you recommend as a simple camera?

Requirements:

  • Must be digital
  • Affordable
  • Idiot-proof (simple to use)
  • Display screen for previews
  • Good for outdoors

Thanks for dropping by, for your comments or recommendations.

T

Dilemmas and distractions

26 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by in libraries, reading, therapy, writing

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As I sort through the books in the library of le petit apartment, I feel emotionally drained. 

books on bookcase and in boxes

One section of the personal library, sorted, categorized and tagged for potential purging.

In addition to supporting a family, performing full time work and nestling into a new volunteer role, I have let this project take over a month and will likely let it drag on through the summer. I am letting it prepare me for a quest that is doubly draining and has suffered from my procrastination.

It’s a daunting task to sort and justify keeping or discarding books. Some brought joy, inspiration and comfort. They are like old friends.

Some brought knowledge and helped build skills. Some skills are transferable; some are no longer applicable in today’s job markets.

I think back to 20 years ago, to my foray into dialup connectivity, HTML web design and website usability. While I balanced family, work and survival, these books challenged my creativity, nurtured my fascination with hyperlinks and supported my appreciation of online communities.

Books about web design misc.

Favourite oldies, books about web design, usability and succinctness of Twitter

The concepts in some of these books could still apply while some have been left in the dust due to fast-paced development and evolution of technology. Do I keep them out of nostalgia or donate to the community? Will they even be of value to somebody else?

Then there are the books that reinforced my love of nature, justified a moderately paced life style, and encouraged one to take action in preserving this earth for future generations. We can’t give up.


Next time:  We look at Biographies and Poetry.

Thanks for dropping by.  What are you struggling with in your personal library or de-cluttering projects these days?

If you need a distraction from your projects, you can read the novel I wrote under my pen name. Flo is old school but she’s getting hip to the ways of Twitter. Please visit Smashwords to download a sample of the e-book for The Year of the Rabbit. You could choose to purchase a copy. It’s only 99 cents or you can pay what you feel is a fair price. It’s okay, I wrote it mainly to share a story. Some people liked reading it. If you enjoyed the novel, please mention it to others.

Although it is not quite the same, may you be spared the emotions of sorting through your e-book libraries one day.

T

Keeners and coffee drinkers

24 Sunday May 2015

Posted by in community, Health, pets, reading, writing

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For most of this week, I was up and out of the house earlier than usual.

I was not bright-eyed and bushy-tailed yet I was fuelled on at least one cup of instant coffee in addition to a rushed breakfast. I think my early departures had one of the cats concerned although he received his breakfast and a hug from the servant woman –  plus she took time to scoop out the litter box.

Black cat in bed with comic bubble

I attended a three-day conference that is prominent in my annual learning plan at the work place.  This year’s theme was Design Your Destiny. Live the Change. I was pleased when organizers announced the theme many months ago.

It was great to catch up with old volunteer acquaintances, to listen to interesting session presentations and inspiring keynote speakers.  We were well-fed, body and mind.  By Friday afternoon I was tuckered out, body and mind despite the nutritious meals and copious cups of coffee during the day.

As an introverted person, I can become overwhelmed and tired out after too much socializing and networking.  I need to retreat to a quiet corner to rest, reflect and re-energize. I am not being rude :-] 

At least I managed to focus and scratch out handwritten notes in the program booklet and identify key points. This afternoon, I deciphered my handwriting and created a point-form report (in the rare event that my boss would ask). Next I created a word cloud (Thanks, Wordle) to highlight the frequent words from key messages.

word cloud

Word cloud from key points in my conference notes

This weekend, I started my first day of a new volunteer gig that requires less time sitting. Momma needs to move her body more.

Due to a combination of communication assumptions by a resident message-taker and unintentional omissions, I arrived by city bus three hours early.

That’s okay.  I was able to take in a healthy walk, have an early lunch and become familiar with my surroundings.  The ensuing volunteer activity was slightly overwhelming yet provided an educational experience. It was the beginning of new opportunities to support literacy in my community. I look forward to more.

Today, I serendipitously tripped upon a quote by one of my favourite authors:

I can control my destiny, but not my fate. Destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choice as to whether we fulfil our destiny, but our fate is sealed. ~ Paulo Coelho

During web distractions between today’s glamorous domestic duties, I also learned possible explanations why cats bolt from their litter boxes after pooping and run around the house like fools.

Now you know too. You’re welcome. 

Cat box haiku. Apologies to the serious poets.

Thanks for dropping by.

T