Going High-Tech in My Library

As you may know, there are several buildings on my Bedford property, and when I first bought the place, one of my dreams was to utilize an entire structure as a library, housing my collection of more than 7,000 volumes. I thought a great deal when designing this building, and it was very exciting to watch as skilled craftsmen lined the walls with gorgeous bookcases. When the painting was complete, cartons and cartons of books were moved into the building. You might wonder how one would organize and keep track of such a collection. Enter computer technology and a very practical yet inexpensive computer program called Book Collector, with which anyone can become a librarian.

My MacBook Air helps to make the task easy, as it is nice and light!

 

When using this program, you simply type in the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), or the title and author. An optional wired or wireless Bluetooth scanner is available for recent books printed with barcodes. Book Collector automatically connects to sites such as amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and the Library of Congress, where all possible data on that particular book is retrieved.

In addition to the correct title and author, up pops the year it was published, the particular edition, a summary and description of the book’s contents, and even photos of the book's cover. This information is then stored in the database for easy retrieval, and the volumes can then be placed into proper categories on the shelves. A book can then be located in your library by searching the database by author or title. Another wonderful feature of this program is that the can be loaded onto a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or an iPod. This is especially helpful if you travel a lot, as I do, and are always searching for new books to buy.  With your database at your fingertips, you'll never again purchase the same edition twice.

Comments

[alisonmaude]

Martha,
I just adore the color of the walls and trim in this room. I would love to paint our nursery this color. It's such a vibrant happy shade. Could you please tell me the names of the color and brand of paint used. I'd appreciate it so much!

[Lori]

I am so sorry to hear about Paw Paw. Your posting was beautiful. I loved the photos, especially of the beautiful morning sky. Thanks for allowing us to share this with you.

[Brandi]

Dear Martha,
I am truly sorry to hear about the passing of Paw Paw. As with many others, your eulogy for Paw Paw has brought me to tears. I send a huge hug with my respects. You are a role model for pet owners and I can imagine how much love Paw Paw received...you can see it in the beautiful pictures. Paw Paw is at peace now, walking in green ground coverings as far as his eyes can see!
Thank you for sharing~

[Joseph Brennan]

Martha:

The picture of your library and bookcase is beautiful. Please show us more photos of the Library.

Although I already left a comment on the "Paw Paw" blog, I just wanted to say again how truly sorry I am for you and the rest of his family.

I was very touched by all the personal photos you shared with us. The picures of you with Paw Paw are particularly honest and very poignant.

Thank you for sharing Paw Paw with us all.

God Bless

Joseph

[donnalee]

Dear Martha,

I am so sorry. I have just lost my 89 year old Mother and 2 cats in less than a month. I feel very sad and so empty.

I love the picture with your face buried in Paw Paw's fur.

I know that you will miss him forever...

[suemare]

I would love to see you very soon with a new chow chow puppy by your side.
You've always been known for having chows. It would seem unusual to see you without one.
Have a peaceful healing.

[Debra Maciejewski]

I was so sadden to hear of your beautiful and regal Paw Paw's passing.May the love you have for him stay forever in your heart and alway put a smile on your face.
I started to cry when I saw the photos as Paw Paw has he has grown up in front of so may people, we are all saddened at his passing.
Bless you for sharing,may there be peace in the days ahead for you and your beloved Paw Paw.

[Jim]

Very clever method. Thanks for the link about Book Collector!

[cheryl m.]

Dear Martha,
It breaks my heart to see you saying goodbye to your best friend. I have learned so much from you in all aspects of life, most important of all, we have to just keep moving forward.

[Andrew Ritchie]

Martha,

You really must write a book about your homes: their design, their function, their histories. It should be big and hardcover with lush photographs and an accompanying DVD or CD Rom featuring 'virtual tours' of some of the rooms and grounds.

What do you say?

-Andrew

[Debbie Chick]

Dogs love Us unconditionally,
Soften our Lives with sweetness and affection,
Such treasures can never be forgotten.
So sorry for your loss.

[bobbi hewitt]

dear martha, my beloved dog left us this past december and i received a poem which comforts me and would like to share with all those who have found a great friend in animals
the rainbow bridge
there's a beartiful story that tells of a bridge connecting heaven and earth. it's called the rainbow bridge because of its many vivid colors. just this side of the bridge is a hand of lush grass and flowers, and hills and meadows. when a beloved pet dies, it goes to this place of beauty and peace. there's always food and water and warm spring weather. the old and frail are young again, and those who are maimed are made whole. they play all day with each other in happiness and health.
ibkt ibe tgubg us nussubg,,, tget're not with that special person who loved them on earth. so, they run and play until the day comes when one stops and looks up. the nose twitches! the ears are up! the eyes are staring! one runs suddenly from the group! you have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take them in your arms and embrace once again.
your face is dissed again and again and again! you now can look once more into the eyes of your trusted pet. then you cross the rainbow bridge, never to be separated again.
in memory of yingling

[Robin]

Martha, I was so saddened to hear about Paw Paw's passing and my thoughts and comfort go out to you. It has been a very tough year for you I am sure as it relates to loss, losing your wonderful Mom and then your beloved Paw Paw. But, it might be comforting to think that somehow they are together and stil surrounding you with love. I have two senior cats and I give them so many hugs and kisses they are sick of me, but I want them to know I love them everyday and I am sure Paw Paw felt that from you as well.

[joan vogt]

Martha
I am sitting here crying over a dog I never met. Your Paw Paw was so special and I always looked forward to seeing him on your show. The pictures on the blog are a wonderful memory. Having gone through this process several times in my life we feel for you.

[Susy]

That's awesome.. thanks for sharing.

[Laurie]

Dear Martha,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know Paw Paw was not only your precious pet, but a faithful friend as well. All of us who are animal lovers and have walked this journey, share in your grief.

Laurie Foster

My Forever Pet
There's something missing in my home, I feel it day and night.
I know it will take time and strength, before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,
my heart-- it needs to mend, though some may say it's "just a pet" I know I've lost a friend.
You've brought such laughter to my home, and richness to my days...
A constant friend through joy or loss,with gentle loving ways.
Companion, pal and confidante, a friend I won't forget.
You'll live forever in my heart, my sweet forever pet...

[alice glenn]

Godspeed Paw Paw. We had 3 chows (two mixes). They all lived to over 16. The last was Mister, who lived to 18. I've always loved your Paw Paw and thanks for sharing the photos.

[Mary Jane Jordan]

I am sorry to hear about the loss of Paw Paw. I received this in my email today and thought it hit the spot for "US" dog lovers! My thoughts are with you! ENJOY!

JUST A DOG

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog,"
or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog,"
but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,"
and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand
phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust,
and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away
from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog",
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
"just a man or woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog"
just smile...
because they "just don't understand."

by Richard Biby

Tulsa, Oklahoma
Contributing Editor VHD

From "The Versatile Hunting Dog"
NAVHDA's Magazine
February 2006

[Shane]

I am deeply saddened by the news of Paw Paw,(as I sit here crying as if I knew him personally), but I know he lived a full and happy life with you. As someone already mentioned, you are a great role model for pet owners everywhere. I know you will miss him. Just keep all the good memories near you. He knows he was loved. My thoughts are with you.

[Jan Garber]

As in all loss, remember the LOVE, always the LOVE!!

[Michelle]

Hi Martha, we are very saddened to hear of the passing of your Paw Paw. My Mother-in-Law also passed on last week & was a great lover of dogs. Our dog gave her much comfort in her final days. Animals are so much a part of our families & give endless unconditional love to us. We will miss seeing your beloved Paw Paw with you & thank you for sharing him with all of us.

[Birute]

Martha! What a terrific idea! I use a similar program from the same company called Movie Collector and Music Collector. It is great to know they have one on Books! Very useful tools that help you keep track of collection (even when you loan the item out to friends and family). Thank you for blogging about this and sharing pictures of your library! I Love It!

[Jane Vanecek]

Dear Ms. Stewart,
I was very sad and sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful Chow Chow. My prayer is that Paw Paw is in heaven with my beautiful Ming Ming.

May God's love comfort you.
Jane Vanecek

[Patti]

Martha,
I'm so sorry for the loss of Paw Paw, I have been a fan for years. I lost my beloved chow chow Sasha (Sasha Rose Troubles) on August 5th from Cancer. She would have been 14 on June 2nd and I had her since she was a baby also. Much love and I hope Sasha and Paw Paw find each other at the Rainbow Bridge.

[Kathie Tonnessen]

Dear Martha,

Paw Paw (I would like to think) is running and playing at the Rainbow Bridge with my three cats that passed away (all within 8 months of one another). Michael from cancer, age 5, Storm from heart disease, age 13, and Lightning from cancer, approx. 13 years old. These past 8 months have been overwhelming and we can deeply understand your grief. These babies lived with us, amongst many others, that we rescued from the street and were our inspiration to start our group called Communities Altering The Strays (CATS).

No matter how they come to us, nor how many we have, we love our pets with all of our hearts and we lose a little bit of ourselves with every pet that we lose.

Though our time together with our pets is too short, we will see them again. I have to believe that.