I did it!

For years I have hoarded books: the good, the bad and the indifferent. The only time I dispose of books is to lighten my load when travelling and I have a few regrets on that score.

I was prompted to rethink my policy by a few people. Blogger Susan Petersen has been very brave; in her downsizing effort she has just about discarded all of her her print library in favour of ebooks. My best friend is also about to move house and she has started to cull her book collection. I thought that if these bookaholics could do it then maybe I could too.

At home our bookshelves are overflowing and we really shouldn't buy more. The internet with its proliferation of online bookshops has given me access to places where I can buy a book for peanuts or I can purchase an ebook version of something I really want to own.

Last week I took the plunge and started to cull the fiction and biography shelves in our hallway.

Once I got started with the task I developed a loose policy. It was easy to dispose of mass market fiction titles like Robin Cook, Patricia Cornwell, John Grisham, Caril, Hiassen, Monica McInerney, James Patterson, Kathy Reichs, Minette Walters,  and some of the fluffy titles I read for light relief.

I baulked at tossing Australian authors and historical fiction so they still have a home. More difficult were the biographies; I was only able to dispose of a few that I considered poorly written or on uninteresting subjects. Those that told tales of travel had to stay because I may need to read them before setting out on a journey to foreign  parts. My collection of Agatha Christie's still has a home, whenever I reread one of these I find I can never solve the mystery!

Mr GeniAus has already taken one load up to our local Vinnies store and we'll be sending those pictured below for sale at the local Giant Rotary Book Fair.

I'm on a roll. I need to go downstairs to our garage where I have several bays of old library shelving bursting with books and find other treasures to move on. Some of the older books that are yellow, daggy and faded might just have to go into the recycle bin.

And because I have made space on my bookshelves I will be able to order a swag of books from my favourite online charity bookstore Brotherhood Books.

First $1000

This morning I have a big smile on my face because I have reached a milestone in my support of the charity Kiva. As you can see from my lender portfolio page below I have now lent $US1000 to entrepreneurs in third world countries for an investment of just $US332; that money has helped 40 people improve their lives.

My latest loans were to Sulita in Samoa and Ana Elizabeth in El Salvador. It gives one such a buzz to help out these workers who don't enjoy the lifestyle we take for granted in Australia.

At the moment generous benefactors are supporting free $25 loans to new users to try out Kiva. It will only cost you a few minutes to help some one out. Here is your invitation:
http://www.kiva.org/invitedby/jill4772

I am a member of the 275 member Genealogists for Families team on Kiva made up of genealogists from around the globe (but with a strong Australian representation) who loan because "we care about families (past, present and future)." When you join Kiva we would welcome you to our team.

A Helping Hand

Kiva gives you the chance to make small loans to borrowers working to start businesses and improve their lives. I’m already lending on Kiva and thought you'd like to join me with a $25 Free Trial. Redeem your Free Trial while they last!

Pictured below are some of the people I have helped; looking at his gallery makes me realise how fortunate I am and how easy it is for me to make a difference to their lives.

-Jill

St Jude

In my very short career as a nurse I was looked after by a nun, Sister St Jude. She informed me she had taken that name as St Jude was the "hope of the hopeless" and that's what she considered herself to be.

I just finished an inspirational book "St Jude's" by Gemma Sisia who happens to also be an ex-student of my Alma Mater, Vinnie's. I remember when I was on the staff of Vinnie's that Gemma came to address some of the girls; it must have been my day off as I missed out on the visit.

When I saw Gemma's book at the recent Galston Rotary Book Fair I purchased it as it was on my "To read" list. I couldn't have predicted how much I would enjoy the book and how touched I would be by the guts and determination of young woman who has set up a school, The School of St Jude, for poor children in Tanzania. In her book Gemma constantly referred to St Jude, the saint to whom she prayed when things seemed hopeless; she called the school St Jude because of all the support she has received from St Jude.

I commend this book (available from St Jude's Online Store); the story of how Gemma started with just $10 and a dream.

$50 well spent

True confessions time - I have an addiction - BOOKS

Even though I am a former librarian I prefer to own books rather than borrow them. I love fetes and op shops where I sometimes pick up pre-loved  books for a song.

Today I found that an Australian charity has put their bookshop online. From their website I learnt that "Brotherhood Books is a new Social Enterprise from the Brotherhood of St Laurence and is intended to encourage the recycling of high quality books and to contribute funds to the Brotherhood’s charitable operations."

Brotherhood Books Home Page www.brotherhoodbooks.org.au

Before I blogged about this fantastic site I joined up and did a little shopping. I allowed myself a budget of $50 and, as I wasn't looking for anything in particular except books relating the Australia's history, I restricted myself to books under $10. 

For that sum I purchased eight books with no extra cost for shipping. I am now anxiously awaiting the arrival of my purchases:

Immigrants in Western Australia
Families in Colonial Australia
Ella Norman: or A Woman's Perils
A Portrait of Bathurst
In Sunshine or in Shadow
A City on a Hill
Chosen: The Jews in Australia
Old Canberra

This is a fantastic initiative from a charity. I encourage all my Aussie friends who share my passion for reading to support this venture. You can keep up with their news at Brotherhood Books on Facebook

Culture on the high seas

1 December 2012

Boat Building Competition

Needlepoint, bridge, enrichment lectures,deck sports, trivia games, bingo and casino capers are some of the activities available to amuse guests while at sea.

Vocalists, instrumentalists, jugglers and stage productions provide evening entertainment.

Tonight we attended the fourth recital on board given by concert pianist, Panos Karan, an exceptionally talented young man. Even Mr Geniaus who is not a fan of classical music (and tonight it was a heavy Chopin program) enjoyed Panos' performances. A spot of culture doesn't go astray on the high seas.

I am looking forward to attending Panos' lecture tomorrow about Keys of Change a charity he founded in 2010 to promote and establish musical education and its benefits in remote areas around the world.