The wonderful Sonia from Leaves of Grass came up with this terrific idea. And that idea was to post on your blog pictures of the books in your home on your Bookshelves....This was the post I had been working on for weeks, really, and which got eaten up completely by some magical horror....I'm not blaming anyone, (lol), but what you are about to see and read, is a completely new and improvised version...Okay. I have one whole room, pretty much devoted to my books. There are books in other places, too...my Bedroom, the floor, and storage....But I am only going to share the books and the shelves in my Den/Library.
What you see above is a close-up of some of the subjects that I not only am interested in, but have devoted my life to....As you walk into this room from the Living Room, the picture below is the first thing you see....
Then, as you move into the room further, here below is what comes into view.
The doorway to the right, in almost the middle of the picture goes to the hallway on the way to my Bedroom. The other door, which you can actually see better in this next picture.....
....goes to the hallway and the front enrtyway. I had these shelves bulit over forty years ago, and they grew as the gentleman was building them because I realized it would be lovely to surround the two couches with books, and I loved the idea of the three wals being covered with books---where possible....Then, as we move further into the room and look to our left, this is what we see, below.
And as you can see, over on the left, there are some built in cabinets below the book cases, which hold my Record Collection....(Before CD's, folks....I've lived here a long time, remember...lol), and my Sheet Music Collection, as well as the Stereo, Tape, and CD player, plus a Turntable to play those old records....Here below is a better picture of just that wall....!
As you can see, there are a lot of CD's on the top of the cabinets over there...I must do something about this. What, I don't know. But these CD's are covering up quite a few wonderful books. And up top over on the right, you can see one of the four speakers that are in this room. You can tell by the size how old they are....lol....And as you can see in the picture below, there are quite a few other things on these shelves---knick knacks, photographs and other things, too....
And also, we have now come full circle and we are at the large doorway where we first entered this room....Oh My Lordy! Seeing all those CD's in this picture makes me know I absolutely must do something about finding a better home for them and freeing up that area, once again.
Putting this post together, the first time round, I had kind of an "Aha" moment. I realized that my whole life is in this room, one way or another, and I don't think that thought has come into my head before....Just in this one area alone, for instance...the books, of course, but the objects on the shelves, too....Like that silly looking little green person with a Sombrero on his head over on the left side...?-LC-05-22-07+024.jpg)
When you turn him on, he moves as if he is dancing in place and he sings in a Below-The-Border accent, "I am a Cactus, I Am A Cactus"...to the tune of La Coocarocha! So silly and dear...He makes me laugh, every time, and everyone else, too. My dear old pal and co-worker, Joyce Van Patten gave him to me years ago....I treasure him equally along with that pitcher that is up on one of those shelves in this section...
This is a Picasso Ceramic Pitcher, Limited Edition, created and fired by the famous Gallerie Madoura in Vallouris, France. I visited the South Of France in the summer of 1969, and went to the Madoura Gallerie to a showing of some new Picasso Ceramics. And bought the pitcher at that time, along with this next piece....-LC-05-22-07+022.jpg)
If you look carefully, you can just barely see that there is a second Picasso Plaque lying down in front of this one where you can actually see the image....These were in the show that opened the afternoon I was there. And they both just spoke to me....shouted, really! (lol) They both are limited editions, too, as is the pitcher, though the edition if the plaques are much smaller. Picasso was there that day of the opening and here below is picture that I have from that amazing afternoon.
Picasso, me, and my father....It was a fabulous afternoon and in fact, the whole trip was a fantastic and memorable one, and meeting Picasso certainly was one of the highlights...!I am going to stop now, before anything bad happens....but there will be Parts 2 and possibly 3, as soon as I can put this all together again.....See, the way this works for me, I had no idea that doing this post would lead me down such a path of nostalgia and great memories....but, I am having a really wonderful time looking at these shelves in a deeper way. I hope you will enjoy it, too....Thank You Sonia, for opening up a whole fabulous trunk full of rememberances for me because of your very special idea...! Do go visit Sonia, if you don't on a regular basis....She is a marvelous talented woman, who lives in Brazil...A Journalist, Author, Mother and Wife....!
More To Come.....
- had this to say:
What an impressive collection and also a lot of interesting books and CDs and pics - thanks for sharing!
All this is like fine vine; get better with age- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 12:46:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
OMG...you met Picasso! I saw his work at the San Francisco MOMA and remembered feeling like I had had a brush with greatness. But you MET him!
Gaa...how cool is that!
OK, I'll stop fawning now. That is just so neat.
I found your pictures immensely comforting. I've always wanted to have a library in the house, a room surrounded by shelving that would be home to every book I've got. It'll be nice to get my beloved volumes out of their boxes and on display. Just seeing them there makes me happy.
Lovely entry, Naomi. It speaks of home in such a powerful way.- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 12:49:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Wow you met the great Picasso! Simply wonderful and amazing!
I really like looking at those collections of books and CD you have. It is like a library and truly beautiful sight to behold- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 2:20:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
OOh Naomi! You met Pablo and came out alive! What a fantastic post! What I love is that the books and teddies all looked well handled and loved. How i wish my own were so well organised and what a boon to have it all in one room. We must have been in France about the same year but I was mainly in Paris.
I can't help thinking it was a good job your father was there to keep an eye on you:) Picasso was very partial to brunettes.- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 3:02:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Holy cow! That's a lot of books!!! I love books. Going to your Living room for a week would be a fabulous vacation for me.
I have quite a few books, but I either give them away or sell them when I reach a certain level. A level I'm quickly approaching as we speak.
Here from Michele's today.- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 3:20:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
How fabulous to meet the great one! I agree with Pat, it was good your dad was there too...LOL (you look fabulous!)
I have always wanted a whole room full of bookshelves, so I could have them all in one place. You were very smart to have those shelves built, and you are right, yopu need to do something about the CD's!- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 4:29:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
It's not possible for the visitor to look deep into your sea of books and other memorabilia, but it's a deeper look into the life of a most amazing lady. I just spent the early morning hours visiting with your post and also visited Sonia...Thanks for a perfect and inspirational way to begin my day.
- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 6:30:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Holy Fabulous Artwork, Batwoman! You stood next to Picasso!?! You stood next to Picasso?!?
Your book room reminds me of Half Price Books. No, wait. It reminds me of my brother's books room. When our home burned down in 2002, we lost about half that many books, but they were not all in one room. So make sure they're well protected and insured. That's a great and peaceful room you showed us. Thanks.- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 6:31:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Okay, you talked me into it. I'm gonna put you on my blogroll.
- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 6:32:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
OMG Naomi!! I love it! I love books even if we have different subjects lol.. You are a Library on to yourself!
I think seeing someones books/ and "collections" of any sort tells a story of that person. I love that room!!!- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 9:09:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow! You actually met Picasso?!!! How wonderful. You must post more about this sometime. The ceramic tablet is absolutely gorgeous. I can see why it called to you. It would have the same effect on me!
I would love a room with so many books in it like yours. Sort of like a personal library. Unfortunately I never have enought space and as I can't afford a bigger house I either have to get rid of books or store them.
Your shelves look fabulous. There is something about a room full of books that is just so comfortable, do you know what I mean?
Thanks for the first part of the tour :) Michele sent me this time!- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 9:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Good Saturday morning, Lady !
I love books ! Love them, love them ! Reading is such an incalcuable pleasure ! (sp?)
Your house immediately looks like a warm and comfortable and inviting home with them all over !
And having seen your garden in the pictures that you take, and the flower arrangements that you love, you have created a magical home for yourself !
And the picture with you and your father and Picasso -- what a great memento !
Books are a treaure...- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 10:57:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I finally know someone who has as many books as me [huge grin].
Impressive library Naomi.......- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 11:14:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Love your book room. I have always always wanted a room with shelves floor to ceiling like that. It reminds me of Arundel Books on Beverly. :)
I especially love the Biographical Encyclopedia of Who's Who in American Theatre.:)
To have met Picasso. Wow.
~S- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 11:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a wonderful post, Naomi! I am so glad with your participation on Bookshelves Post! Thank you so much! You really made a good job here! What a great and impressive collection of books and CDs! Love the beautiful shelves in your Den/Library. Your room looks very charming and inviting. It is a perfect place to the book's lovers! And how lovely memories those books brings to you!
Wow! You met the great Picasso! Truly wonderful and amazing! Sure an unforgettable moment!
Last but not least, thank you so much for your kind words about me! So sweet of you!
Have a lovely weekend surround by your treasures!- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 12:59:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
N - it's a saying A home without books are an empty nest.
Anna and I allways, when visiting new friends/places/homes -first thing we are looking for: Books.
wow. in 2008, we will visit our family in US, maybe our path will be in your area..- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 1:45:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
What a fantastic post!
I am frend of Sonia, and she recomendet your wonderful blog.- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 1:53:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I think the only word I can say is wow! That goes for the whole post...your book collection...meeting Picaso...wow!
Your book collection is like my CD collection...My book collection is almost all harlequin novels...my not so guilty pleasure.
Michele told me to say hi :)- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 2:42:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I was GOING to marvel at all those books, but Picasso? THE Picasso! He has to be my favorite artist! Many people don't understand his work and think some of it's wacky, but of course, I understand! I love his very colorful pieces.
- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 3:02:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Add me to Carmi's fawning! OMG...YOU met Picasso??? I never knew this! You're full of surprises! WOW! I visited his museum in Paris, so I'm very impressed with the photo of you and HIM! How neat.
LOVE your room of wall-to-wall books. What a great room. I would get lost in there and spend days...lol
Thanks so much for sharing all of this, Naomi. I truly enjoyed it!- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 3:18:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm sooooooooo envious of your shelving! I have just one small bookcase and it's jammed. I'd be embarrassed to show it to anyone. Ha!
- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 6:28:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
First, that room is part of my dream, all the books, and then the time to read them. Second, Picasso?! Do you realize what an amazing life you've lived in all the people you've met, gotten to know, experiences you've had? So when will your memoirs be published? :-)
- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 7:29:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Finally! someone with more books than me!
I also can't believe you met Picasso! Okay, yes I can. Once again let me state...amazing!- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 7:46:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh my Gawd! You MET Picasso!!! Not only that you have a picture!!! Wow!
Lock me in your book room..I would love to just live in there for a few weeks at LEAST!!! What an awesome room! And I LOVE the green guy!
Prior posts..Awesome pictures with the bees! Takes me cane and whomps the crap out of blogger for ya...
I will be away again after my Sunday post..
You are never far from my thoughts dear.
I will miss you.
I hope to be back soon.
Thank you so much for your visits and support. I can't express how much they have meant to me..
Huggles and Love,
Raggedy- Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 7:47:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Fantastic collection of books and rtifacts. The Picasso casting is interesting, as, of course, is meeting him! An I suspect there are plenty more stories around those walls!
I smiled when I saw the little table with all the books piled up on it. Thats like my 'reading in progress' pile!
And here, today, via Michele!
rashbre- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 1:58:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Holy Cow! You met Picasso! NOW I am jealous! You "amaze" me with all the "Hollywood" talent you know - but it doesn't make me jealous in any way. But PICASSO??? Oh my gosh! Picasso! Naomi... you're LIFE is one big treasure!
- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 4:01:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Isn't it an amazing feeling of discovery (and comfort), that this book-filled, memory-laden room, where that man carved special bookshelves is your life?
I've always wanted a comfortable, inviting library as a separate room that is only for reading and/or discussing books. Upon first notice of this marvelous kaleidoscope of you, it feels inviting and so rich with the past and present of your life.
(I don't know if you have any small areas of wallspace? Small shelves are made specifically to store CDs, or someone could custom make them. Also, I think there are CD storage units of various types so some could fit on a side table within easy reach, or maybe something could be put into an ottoman that doubles as storage?)
To share this with us, is a visual treat beyond words. I think back to your posts as I try to read the titles of your books and think about what you have shared of your life. I'm glad you love your library. It's a treasure, like you.- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 4:40:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
You never cease to amaze me! You and Picasso??? You're the coolest chick I know!
Love your library. My ultimate fantasy, as it relates to my home, is to have a library with one of those rolling ladders. Books are like family photos for me... they conjure up memories and tell so much about us.
Re your CDs, if you got an iPod you could load all of that music on it (or pay a college kid to do it) and get rid of them. OR, you can buy a CD jukebox and load that up.
Here by way of michele today!- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 4:46:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi,
Meeting Picasso? Major bonus in life!
Here are some rather appropriate quotes for this post:
Cicero: "A room without books is like a body without a soul."
"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves." ~Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times, 7 August 1991
"Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind." ~James Russell Lowell
" 'Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are' is true enough, but I'd know you better if you told me what you reread." ~François Mauriac
"A house without books is like a room without windows." ~Heinrich Mann- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 7:04:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow. All I can say is WOW. First of all, I want your library. I thought I had a lot of books, but I have nothing compared to you. And what an amazing room. I love it.
And then the Picassos...and the photo of you, your father and the artist. What a treasury. Again...WOW.
Thank you for sharing Naomi. I'm just stunned. Michele sent me here this morning and I'm so glad because I haven't been here in a while. I hope you are well. Hi from warming Wisconsin.- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 7:54:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
WOW that's a LOT of books! :D
And...
You met Picasso! :D Another "WOW".- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 8:32:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing this Sunday morning, Lady ! Hope all is well !
I am reading a book called 'Free Food for Millionaires' right now, about a korean girl. Very interesting- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 8:46:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a great library and room in which to enjoy the books. The personal items you have chosen to go along with them are equally great. I am sure that was a great memory to have met Picasso.
- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 9:18:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
And I thought WE had a lot of books. My hubby has a ton of books and all of mine are in storage this time in CA. We still need to move some things from CA, if you can believe that!
Your library room is so neat. Your idea to surround the furnishings and every available wall space with bookshelves was a great idea. You certainly had MORE than enough books and knick knacks to fill those shelves and then some.
You said you have a sheet music collection. Well, when I get around to coming to South Pasadena to visit my brother, we will come visit you and he will play you ANY of those musical pieces that you want. He sight reads music as easily as reading a book, and he can play anything you put in front of him. What fun that would be!!
You look FABulous in that photo with Picasso and your father. You are slim and tan and simply gorgeous. Va-Va-VOOM!! Of course, you are still a gorgeous lady today, inside and out. :-)- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 10:41:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh my!!!Look at that picture!!! That is just amazing...such a wonderful moment...I love your library!!!
Love,
Maria- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 10:43:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi, Michele sent me. Great photo's and I loved the story of your room. I have 3 walls of books in my living room, but not nearly as crammed as yours.. but I'm working on it!
- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 2:45:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
WOW!!!
All I can think of is how do you dust???
And meeting Picasso, that would be a highlight I must say...
Here from Michele's this morning...
Bernie- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 4:42:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Not only is your library a room I could settle into with glee, but I love your piles of CDs and the photos perched here and there, and the singing cactus. To me that is a perfect room, just the way it is.
I'd love to open most of those arts books! Your CD and record collection is no doubt something I'd really dig. What a great idea for the post. Thank you so much for taking us into your reading room.- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 5:10:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
wYou met Pablo omheck, I have said it once and will no doubt say it many more times you have the BEST stories ever Auntie Em.
I am only sorry we didn't have longer to visit in "real life" and I know I stood in the library for AGES looking at your treasures.Good thing I live so far away I would be holed up at your house reading for the rest of my life LOL.- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 7:04:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, thanks for the visit and nice comments about my wedding flowers. The 2-car garage in my home is set up like a flower shop design room. I have 6 large tables and a work station, a professional cooler and 2 refrigerators. There is everything but running water, and that is only a few steps away in the kitchen. I have a TV out there (on cable) and while it isn't airconditioned, I don't mind too much, as I have 2 fans trained on me at all times.
- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 8:01:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
I just yelled upstairs to Toonces, "I swear Naomi knew Picasso." He said, "She knew Picasso?" I said,"Yes, here is her picture with him!"
You just kill me! I just never know what I am going to find out about you, I love it! And the vase/pitcher piece, that is so nice! Your dancing cactus is nice too but I'm betting not as valuable huh?
I love the way you have surrounded yourself with books! I so much enjoyed this post. I am going to bed with a smile. BTW, you look very hot in your Picasso photograph!- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 8:03:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh you sexy thing!! That was a great picture....very Hollywood'esque. I love it!! Oh, the life you lead. I hate to say it, but I am jealous. I am so glad I can live vicariously through your blog. =) And the books!!!!! I adore books. And books. And more books. My shelves are not nearly as to capacity as yours, but someday they will be. Mark my words!
- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 9:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
holy maloney!!! and you have a picture too...you and picasso!!! biggie!!!!!!!! and i think we all have to move into your house...ahhhhhh the books!!! great great great post...stay safe
- Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 10:31:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You met Picasso!!! Wow... blasts from the past, wonderful! Sonia sent me here!
- Monday, June 4, 2007 at 11:51:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I love the Picasso plaques! I can't think of anything better than to be surrounded by books.
- Monday, June 4, 2007 at 2:13:00 PM PDT
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I'm late getting here, but here I am playing catch up!!!
You certainly have lots of books Naomi!! I love books too and always have. When I was in grade and high school my favorite place was the library. I used to think I would love to work in a library! I think I would still enjoy that but that isn't how my life went.... but anyway.... I do so love all your books, and your other wonderful treasures!! How neat that you got to meet Picasso!! You amaze us with your stories you know!! You have had an amazing life and I certainly enjoy hearing all about it. I'm off now to read the 2nd part! xxoxx- Monday, June 4, 2007 at 8:15:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a wonderful collection of books Naomi. And I do love the shelving... And you met Picasso?? That is fabulous!!!
- Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 4:12:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Sorry was just able to open now. I love the way you captured that bee flying towards the flower. And oh, those are lots and lots of books.
Just dropping by to say hello.- Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 8:25:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi, this post also brings back such a lovely memories of all those years ago... That was a fun post indeed.
What a gorgeous room surrounded by bookshelves... Love so much seeing again your beautiful, charming and inviting house, Naomi!
I will be always enchanted and amazed with your impressive collection of books and cds.
What a great photo with Picasso! Just wonderful and amazing!
Many hugs to you my dear friend.
I hope you have a nice Sunday.- Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 9:42:00 AM PDT
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