Pile Of My Books

Books. I have too many books. I know, I know there have been questions floating around the online world about this very subject. What is too many for me - might not be too many for you. I have to go through the book elimination process pretty hard core every few years. I do not really like it at all. There is generally a build up to it. There is a feeling first. The feeling is generally - an anxiousness. This feeling tends to originate from a not being able to find a book that I am looking for. I do not like being in that position - however, it does alert me to a piling up of books.

There is a lot written about this topic. It can fall into the camp of hoarding books for some. Bibliomania is a term tossed around which means an extreme preoccupation with collecting books. The Japanese term tsundoko - means basically book piling. Each person can determine what their book collection is and means to them. I know for me - when I cannot find a book or things feel out of sorts around this book collection - it’s time for books to go.

I have books in most rooms of my home. I don’t want this to be the case. As I have gotten older I tend to like a peaceful and calm home. When I have lots of books around - even if they are on shelves - it is distracting. My eyes tend to fall on the titles constantly as I pass by. The words jump out at me. Some books like a huge illustrated Ulysses keeps telling me to get to it. I don’t pick it up. With so many books around in my life, it can become somewhat chaotic in determining which book I want to pick up. I have more non-fiction books than fiction.

I would say that three-quarters of my book collection is non-fiction. I have always leaned this way. I do read other things like biographies, history, political works, women’s studies, poetry, fantasy, gardening, self-growth, seasonal , anthroposophical, philosophy and myth and fairy tales. That is a pretty wide range of works. I like having a bunch of books that I am able to go and pick up to read in the moment. I am not an organized reader typically. I am more of a mood reader unless I am working on a project and need to do research.

So books. The past couple of days have found me sorting through books again. I don’t necessarily want to ditch them. The idea that usually comes up is - my husband needs to build us a library. His carpenter ways would easily allow him to do this. But, do I really want to add on a library room to my house? That seems like a great idea to me. However, it is a lot of work, time and financial strain. The idea of sitting surrounded by walls with shelves of all of my books with a comfy chair feels like a dream really. It reminds me of all of those books I have read about the very reading places that live in books. So, is this a reality or born out of book reading?! I notice the word feeling keeps coming up.

The other thing that comes to mind is if I just give away a large portion of my books it will suddenly feel easier and less burdensome. That seems like a very fast and final solution to this issue of too many books. I mean - build a library? It is more to my liking of having less books and a more serene environment regarding book collections. The idea of being free in a quickly carried out swoop feels like a big relief. So, would that not be the thing to move toward? One would think so.

Still, it is challenging to face your stack of books and determine will this be the day that you finally take another plunge in toward eliminating the weight and burden of too many books? I can feel it marching toward me. It seems like a small thing in the face of all that is going on in this mad world right now. It is a grounding force in my life at the same time. Books offer solace, comfort, learning and some sense of order and peace in my life. It is these mad times that seem to push me toward lightening the collection of books that work at the edges of my thinking.

A need for less. The need for some sort of order when you feel like you can’t make any. A sense of control might be peeking around the edges. Books and book collecting is a strange predilection that some of us have. It seems unnecessary. It is also grand and worth pursuing. If you love books and all that they contain you might understand some of this challenge. The layered meaning of books and holding them and owning them is not easily understood by those that do not tend toward book and book collecting. Being an avid reader is just another interest that one can partake of in life.

Where do I go with this need to lessen my book collection? I think for me it is time to let go of a large amount of my books again. So far, they have been moved out of the main house so that I don’t have to look at them all at once. I will from there begin a big sort and purge and donate plan. I tend to do it quickly. Just pick up the book and look at it and put it in the donate pile. If I am undecided I will set it aside. I am wanting to be large in my letting go. I want more space. I want some freedom from burden of the background noise of the books words calling to me. There are always more books to find in places and suddenly I will have more than I planned on owning. The time will come to let go again. Books are a coming in and a letting go in my life. I see this pattern continuing into future days.

pears

There is an old pear tree here on our property that looks to be more than a hundred years old. We have not found out the type of pears that grow so abundantly on it. At this time of year when you are outside nearby - you can suddenly hear giant thuds to the ground! Every time it happens - I turn my head suddenly wondering what large beast is tromping through the land. Then, I remember - oh, right - it’s the pears dropping from way up high. This year there are not too many pears on the tree as we had a very late frost locally and this did a lot of damage to the fruit tree crops in New England. It is the first time that I can remember it happening this broadly in a long time. I think the deer are disappointed as it is a favorite autumn place for them to come for easy snacking.

Of Pears and Provenance: A Tale of Heirloom Pears

In the quiet corners of orchards, where time itself seems to slow down, there exists a treasure from bygone eras, hidden in the embrace of gnarled branches and boughs laden with fruit. These are the heirloom pears, a symphony of history, flavor, and nostalgia that transport us to a simpler, more rustic time. Join us on a journey back to the orchards of yesteryear as we uncover the charm and allure of heirloom pears.

The Pear's Timeless Elegance

Heirloom pears, with their soft and curvaceous forms, seem to have been plucked right out of the pages of an old Victorian novel. Unlike their modern counterparts, heirloom pears bear the weight of history on their branches. Each bite tells a story, and each flavor carries with it a legacy that has been cultivated and preserved for generations.

A Taste of the Past

Let's talk about flavor. The heirloom pear, wrapped in its timeless elegance, surprises the palate with a complexity of tastes that you won't find in your average supermarket. These pears come in a variety of enchanting flavors, from the honeyed sweetness of the Seckel pear to the vibrant and tart tang of the Bartlett pear. You can taste the seasons in each bite, as the fruit reflects the care and craftsmanship that went into its cultivation.

History

The history of heirloom pears is a tapestry woven from the threads of time. Many of these pear varieties have been lovingly passed down through generations, from grandfather to father, from mother to daughter. The stories of orchards, laden with pears of all shapes and sizes, bear witness to the tenacity of traditions that have been upheld for centuries.

Time-Honored Varieties

1. The Bartlett Pear: Also known as the Williams pear, this British gem dates back to 1770. Its smooth texture and lush flavor make it a classic favorite.

2. The Comice Pear: Hailing from France in the mid-19th century, the Comice pear boasts a meltingly sweet, buttery flesh that is simply divine.

3. The Seckel Pear: America's smallest pear variety, Seckel pears were first discovered in the early 19th century. They are sweet, crisp, and wonderfully bite-sized.

The Pear's Renaissance

In an age of fast food and modern convenience, heirloom pears represent a renaissance of flavors long forgotten. The slow food movement, with its focus on local, sustainable, and traditional foods, has rekindled our appreciation for the past. In this movement, heirloom pears have found their place, and they're experiencing a revival in popularity.

Savoring the Heirloom Pear

If you're lucky enough to find heirloom pears, whether at a local farmer's market or in your own backyard, consider yourself part of a time-honored tradition. These pears are best enjoyed fresh, their flavors unraveled slowly with each succulent bite. They're also perfect for pies, jams, and preserves, bringing a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen.

A Sweet Conclusion

In a world that rushes forward, there is comfort and wisdom in revisiting the past. Heirloom pears are a testament to the enduring allure of history and the power of tradition. They remind us that the past is not to be forgotten but to be savored, just like the sweet and storied pears themselves. So, take a step back in time, and relish the timeless elegance and flavors of heirloom pears – nature's enduring gift to our palates and our hearts.

Our Pears

Bringing heirloom fruit trees into our living ways, community ways, future food forest planning ways is an important step in coming into agreement with hope. The time for planting fruit trees will vary on your location of course. Here in my location early spring is the ideal time to plant. However, it is also possible to plant them in early autumn - you just need to be able to give them plenty of water. Think about the kinds of fruit trees you and your family might enjoy and try out those varieties.

Trees of Antiquity has pear trees of different varieties.

Comfort comes from having a fruit tree in your backyard or on your small homestead. Some communities also grow fruit in their gardens that is free for the picking. You might also want to ask a neighbor if you can have their drops if they look to be sitting untended. Always ask first as a polite courtesy to the grower.

Here's a short list of some of the best fruit tree growing books specifically tailored to the New England region:

1. "The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener" by Eliot Coleman - While not exclusively focused on fruit trees, this book provides valuable information on organic growing techniques that can be applied to fruit trees in the New England climate.

2. "The Holistic Orchard: Tree Fruits and Berries the Biological Way" by Michael Phillips - This comprehensive guide offers insights into managing fruit trees holistically, with a focus on pest and disease management in a New England context.

3. "Apples of New England: A User's Guide" by Russell Steven Powell - This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in apple varieties specifically suited to the New England region. It provides information on apple history, heritage varieties, and growing tips.

4. "The Pruning Book: Completely Revised and Updated" by Lee Reich - Pruning is a crucial aspect of fruit tree care. This book offers practical guidance on how to prune and care for fruit trees in New England's unique climate.

5. "The Backyard Orchardist: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruit Trees in the Home Garden" by Stella Otto - While not region-specific, this book provides fundamental information on growing fruit trees that can be applied to the New England climate.

These books cover a range of topics, from organic growing methods to specific fruit varieties suited for New England, and should help you get started with successful fruit tree cultivation in the region.

Fedcoseeds is the fruit tree source for those us living in my community. They are a tried and trusted source of seeds and trees.

Orchard

H.D. (Hilda Doolittle)

1886 –1961

I saw the first pear
as it fell—
the honey-seeking, golden-banded,
the yellow swarm
was not more fleet than I,
(spare us from loveliness)
and I fell prostrate
crying:
you have flayed us
with your blossoms,
spare us the beauty
of fruit-trees.

The honey-seeking
paused not,
the air thundered their song,
and I alone was prostrate.

O rough-hewn
god of the orchard,
I bring you an offering—
do you, alone unbeautiful,
son of the god,
spare us from loveliness:

these fallen hazel-nuts,
stripped late of their green sheaths,
grapes, red-purple,
their berries
dripping with wine,
pomegranates already broken,
and shrunken figs
and quinces untouched,
I bring you as offering.

Pears and Flowers