Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Personal space

- — Laurie Marshall

Where I live: Chapel Hill subdivisio­n, Bentonvill­e Occupation: executive coach My favorite space is: My “library”

Why? The library is on the second floor of the house, in what is really just a landing area near the bedrooms. When we bought the house, I had the bookshelve­s built to fill in the area. And, well, I did want/ need bookshelve­s somewhere anyway.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved reading. Books invoke emotions, challenge perspectiv­es and provide refuge. Some say everything there is to say in a handful of words and illustrati­ons; others leave you wanting more even after hundreds of pages.

The shelves hold everything from business to biography, travel to etiquette, more than one dictionary, and lots of books about books. But there are also treasured photos of travels, pictures from childhood and beloved pets over the years, mementos from various life events, several clocks, coin banks made from old post office boxes with the original dial faces, sea glass and rocks from beaches all over the world, journals (lots of journals!), and magazines (I do love magazines too). Mostly stuff that just makes me happy … and reminders that I have an amazing life.

While there is also a wonderful chair there, and it is quiet and peaceful — cozy really — I mostly just keep my books there.

If I could make one change to improve this space, I would: Definitely build more bookshelve­s. I could never have enough.

 ?? NWA Democrat-Gazette/BEN GOFF ??
NWA Democrat-Gazette/BEN GOFF

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