Today, determined to downsize my hoard of books, I set about this difficult task.  I plead guilty of being easily distracted. 

All went smoothly with the DIY shelf. My sons will confirm, I rarely read instructions, much less DIY books.  Most are still pristine. Out they go.

The same with cook books.  I never follow recipes.  My recipe is what do I have handy? The meal results are definitely mixed. The Barefoot Contessa would be proud.

Money and investment books.  I scanned Tyler Cowen's  Create Your Own Economy.  It begins by telling me the physical design of the IPod is compelling.  My bookmark is stuck in page seven. I can part with this.

The box is filling up.

And then - the distraction: Books I've received as gifts. Books as a gift, unless you know the recipient well, or the title was requested, is chancy.   My friends seem to know me well.  I had to read every message.  Recall each individual.  Thumb prints and spilled coffee adorn many pages.

It was a glorious afternoon.  Thanks to all the book givers, readers, and authors. You make life more interesting.

# # #