Monday, March 09, 2026

Tsundoku

I grumble about being busy but free days also are no good for me.

I waffle around, wasting time, dithering, wondering what to do. I look at the study and think I could tidy it. Next minute I am standing in the middle of the study, head in hands, saying, no it's too much. I don't know where to begin.

So I procrastinate and come and blog.

No! I can make a start with my desk. So I clear some rubbish and move some books.

But my book shelves are too full. "Get rid of some books!" I hear Husband's voice in my head. And, yes, it's reasonable: there are books on the shelves I read long ago and I won't read them again but . . . can I do this?

There a small box full of books to go. You can see by the dust and discolouration on the tops how long they've been untouched. I did, however, find quite a lot of books I've not read so they can't go. Some I might never read; some I bought because they were written by someone I was on a writing course with or something; some I bought on a whim; others with good intentions that I never quite found time for; books I've inherited and keep because I think I should; yet more still that are old but I've kept in case one day I want to read a classic. So many good arguments and not enough time to read everything. 

Not to mention the dvds and even videotapes that we don't have a player for.

Oh this is too much. I'm going to sit down and continue my pilgrimage to find grace.

20 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

I remember being loaned a CD but when I got home, I had no way to play it.

Abby said...

I strive for minimalism and find it to be a never ending process! Wondering where it all came from.

jabblog said...

Oh, dear, this is all so familiar . . .

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I have to get rid of a bunch of DVDs too now that I no longer have a DVD player. I'm giving them to a seniors recreation centre I attend classes at -- they have a huge fundraising sale in April which benefits the centre.

Marie Smith said...

I hate to get rid of books too. I share with my eldest granddaughter now.

Kathy G said...

I find it easier to get rid of clutter if I know it's going to a good cause.

The Happy Whisk said...

Wonderful that you're taking a crack at it. I did books last week I think or the week before. Donated the ones that I have zero interest in re-reading. Love a good declutter. Best to you and keep up the great work.

Ann said...

You have the same problem I do. There's just too much and I don't know where to start.

CaptainKirt said...

Getting rid of books and dvds is hard. I have loads (but I do have a blu ray player). I did donate a few books last year but I found it difficult to let go.

Ole phat Stu said...

We have almost 7000 books here, I believe they secretly breed when we are not watching ;-)

Liz Hinds said...

I retrieved a player from the attic but now it's stopped working!

Liz Hinds said...

I have one room, the lounge that is fairly minimal and peaceful to sit and relax in the evening. As for the rest of the house . . .

Liz Hinds said...

Twas ever thus!

Liz Hinds said...

Even charity shops are reluctant to take dvds now.

Liz Hinds said...

My daughter has no compunction about getting rid of books so I should give them to her!

Liz Hinds said...

It's not so bad then, is it?

Liz Hinds said...

I still have to take the box to a charity shop though . . .

Liz Hinds said...

It's daunting.

Liz Hinds said...

I could just leave it until I die and my children can do it!

Liz Hinds said...

Undoubtedly. There are lots I don't recognise.