I finally found what I was looking for! In the bookshelf department, that is. I've been looking for a couple years. Actually, more than a couple. And it's a good thing I waited. For at least 8 years, I've watched Costco repeatedly sell a tall dark wood bookcase, which if I remember correctly, began selling for $150. Not a bad price at all for the quality. However, back in those days, I never had an extra $150 to burn. So each time I saw it, I would covet it, but figure I'd wait until the next year. They continued to improve it slightly, added a light to it . . . I continued to show self restraint. A time came when I knew I probably could afford it, but still kept waiting. Eventually, I began passing it by because I decided I liked a more rustic look. Well, you would think it would be easy to find a bookshelf. WRONG!
After months of 'Not' finding what I wanted, I tried reducing my book collection. I did reduce it, but not enough to not need a book shelf. I actually weeded through several times, giving away and donating books. But if you know me well, you know that I like to buy books and learn their content by osmosis . . . I hold it long enough to digest the information without reading it. OK, so I have a book addiction! Could be worse.
Anyway, I love to stop in a Hobby Lobby whenever I am near one, bc there isn't one within 30-40 minutes from me. So the other day, I went for birthday celebration for one of my besties, Kim Speck, (also one of my followers and fellow bloggers!) and we happened upon Hobby Lobby. I knew going in that this was NOT a good time to spend money. The day before, we had bought a car which required a down payment, which we had saved up for . . . most of you know the deal. But isn't that how it always happend? When you have money to spend, you can't find squat! When you don't, you find exactly what you are looking for! At least that seems to be a pattern in my spending life. If I could just figure out how to switch that up.
Like most good girlfriends on shopping missions, we split up the moment we entered the store. Why waste time chatting. Of course I was finding lots of great little decor items which were reasonably priced that weren't going to hurt my budget. So I was filling my cart . . .
As I rounded the last corner of the store, 45 minutes in, there I saw them. Not one, not two, but three small bookshelves. Rustic. Weathered paint. Most important - aqua-ish color! Plus a shelf with large shelves for my scrapbooks which I have forever been trying to store. Well, you all know what happened. Luckily, my instincts had compelled me to empty out my van and stow the seats in case someone had made a large purchase.
And so, one thing leads to another. I came home, looked around, considering arrangement. Decided to move my oversized cheap, flimsy, particle board, and wrong-colored-wood desk (which I'll add that my hubby NEVER wanted me to buy in the first place.) First problem, it had to be taken apart and there was no way on GGE (God's Green Earth) that I could move it. Next problem, I had to wait for my husband and his Father to do the task. (I'll hold my comments about this process! Loved the helpt though!) Then, trying to figure out where to put all the junk that my desk held . . . how to re-arrange . . . Finally I figured out where to put things and realized that now, half the other stuff doesn't look good. So out with more stuff, in with more, including a trip to Elements for a cabinet that had my name on it (more money!). I also realized, in this process, how much I really do need a desk. So I began discussion with Elements, one of my favorite stores! about having a desk custom built. Wouldn't want to spend 5 more years looking for something to match.
I guess this is life: You begin one project with enthusiasm and energy . . . and then the multiple little projects in between twist and turn, drain your energy and bank account . . . Hey. I'm not that impulsive thought. I'm sitting here typing on my grandma's antique secretary desk (which my laptop barely fits on). My furniture includes a chair and phone table from my god-mother's house, and an old church pew that my parents salvaged from somewhere. If I were that impulsive, I'd have a nice matching set, new from . .. wherever.
Next project, tackle the closet so I can have room for what used to be in my desk -
OH BOY, here I go!
