June 27, 2004
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Basics
I've been thinking about paring down to basics, what do we really need, what's just surplus. I realized after I got to Arkansas that I had at least three outfits in my suitcase that I should have donated to Goodwill. They are clothes I love, but they just don't fit. Anybody need a forest green suede shift dress in a size 16W? I bought it in January and then proceeded to lose 20 pounds - now it doesn't fit. I don't regret the weight loss, but I hate it that I won't be wearing this dress, it's beautiful. Still, I don't need a dress that doesn't fit.
I thought I was traveling light when I came here. But I have at least four outfits that have yet to be worn. I obviously have things to learn about traveling light. Now I'm thinking that a change of underwear and a visa card and I'm set. I'm getting really tired of lugging baggage around. And I still have the two biggest trips to go.
I have to admit that none of the books I brought are extras. I've had every one of them open at least once though there are a couple I've only used for quick reference.
Do you have books that you consider absolutely indispensable? I do. And all you people out there snickering - I'm not talking about the full truckload of books I'm planning to haul across country. I want all those, but if someone pushed me off a cliff, (Okay I was going to say "if push came to shove, but that's not nearly as interesting ...) there are only a few volumes I'd reach for on the way down.
Strunk and White's Elements of Style would be one I'd want on hand. I'm convinced that anytime I try to write without frequent consultations with this little volume I'm just a bad hacking waiting to happen.
Webster's New Encyclopedic Dictionary - Jackierabbit recommended this one in such glowing terms that I had to have my own copy and I love it.
When Tim and I separated, he took the thesaurus, which was fair, it belonged to him. So I picked up a new one for my library last night, and I'm such a Geek, I've actually spent time this afternoon reading the thing. It's fabulous. Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus (In Dictionary Form). One of the coolest features of this volume is the unique concept index in the back. Who knew?
And the final volume I can't live (or at least write) without, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne and Dave King.
So there you have it, a change of underwear, a visa card, and these four books. AND oh, this I really couldn't live without - my computer. I have gotten so spoiled in Arkansas with this cable modem and broadband. No more waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for pages to load. yes. Life is basically good.
Comments (11)
Ok, so it sounds like... a change of underwear, the four books, a laptop, some kind of fast internet connection and a bag to carry all of it around in... That would probably cover me, though my book selections might differ.
Mike
I have indispensable books, too. I just can't remember where or what they are.
Been doing a little of this myself lately. Sometimes I have to talk myself into throwing something out. It feels better once I do, though. I call the process de-junking.
can't you have it altered?
While my choice of books might be different, the essential basics - underwear, Visa card and books - are the same. I think I would pack a toothbrush, too, but that's me.
I'm terrible for packing too much. I usually have a suitcase just for MY stuff, nevermind Jason's.
klu - I think if there were any way this dress could be altered to fit, I would do it. But I'm just going to have to face the fact that I'll have to go shopping for another.
I'm glad to hear this "Life is basicaly good". Very glad indeed. And I am impressed that you've whittled it down to four book. I never thought I'd see the day!
I like the Synonym Finder, and I guess I'd have to keep two of my own creations -- my personal collection of favorite quotations, and my notes I have taken from favorite books, if I couldn't have the books themselves. I probably could stand to take a look at Strunk & White again.
I used to like editing other people's work. It gave me a lot of satisfaction to pull together a thesis or a book. I didn't like doing autobiographies though, people take anything other than compliments as criticism. Quite a lot like Xanga in that respect.
oh! i just read the best book! i was waiting for the right victi er...person to tell. heee!!!
The title is Forever and the authour is Pete Hamill. Oh my goodness. I just fell in love with the main character and the plot line...just a danged good read.
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