Q: The bookcase will look more striking if the backdrop is darker than the surrounding walls and shelves. Consider painting the back of the bookshelves to create this vivid effect. For open-backed bookshelves, hang a cloth between them and the wall. Know what you'll be working with before you start filling the shelves. Vases, fancy tableware, figurines, trinkets, candlesticks — your house is your oyster. Gather more things than you think you'll need, so you can test more options. Vertical, straight-lined objects look similar to the books. This creates an austere, rigid appearance. A few bowls, baskets, or other round objects lead to a friendlier atmosphere. Set aside the largest decorative objects, and oversize books if you have them. Space these out along the bookcase, leaving plenty of space between them to create separate focal points. A zig-zag pattern works well, placing these on the left end of the first shelf, then the right end of the second, then the left end of the third. Catch the eye for longer by varying the position of your books. Stack books on top of each other on some shelves, and vertically next to each other on others. Try a pyramid of books, topped with a small trinket. As you place your books, add a decorative object wherever it looks needed. Use colorful objects in contrast with drab book covers, or vice versa. A pair of tall candlesticks frames a row of short books nicely. Bookends come in handy and a variety of decorative shapes. Alternatively, you can use any heavy object to keep your books in place. Gaps often look better than a shelf clogged with paperbacks and origami. This is especially important for open-backed bookcases placed in the middle of a room, which need a large amount of space to let light through.
A: Create a dark backdrop (optional). Collect possible decorations. Start with the largest objects. Shelve books in different orientations. Use small decorations for contrast. Shore books up with heavy objects. Leave plenty of empty space.

Q: Don’t wait for your friend to reach out.  If you want to reconnect, make yourself available, either by reaching out or by inviting your friend to meet with you.  A phone call or an email are quick, easy, and respectful ways to convey your interest to speak or spend time together. However, you should consider your options regarding how to reach out. Depending on the degree to which you’ve grown apart, there are different recommended routes to take. The depth of your previous friendship, and the context in which you drifted apart are important factors when considering how you should approach an old friend.  If you simply haven’t seen or spoken with someone in a while, reach out casually.  A message on an online media platform that you both use may work.  An email is better because it is a more reliable and secure method of communication.  People also tend to check their email more frequently. Consider sending a letter. If you had gone through a conflict with your friend, be wary of rekindling old animosities.  Take care not to make them feel as though they are under pressure to respond. Don’t just call someone you had a falling out with; this may make them feel uncomfortable or may even upset them. A note or card gives them time to think and contemplate a response. Do more than just text. While texting is great way to convey information of send a quick hello, it is not a productive method to rekindle a relationship.  If you feel your relationship is casual and comfortable enough to contact a friend via text but you haven’t spoken in a while, give them a call.  The more personal approach will indicate your interest to truly reconnect. Don’t feel as though your friendship has ended or become less important. Friendships often change when people get married, move, or have kids.  If you’re missing an old friend, there’s a good chance your friend misses you as well.  It is always appropriate to try to reconnect.  Recognize the importance of circumstances.  If you had drifted apart because your friend went through a major life change, and you recently went through a similar life change, you may soon find you have even more in common now than ever before!  Don’t wait any longer! The more time you spend missing your friend without acting on it, the further you may drift apart.  Know that it’s okay if you haven’t spoken with someone in a while.  You may actually make their day by letting them know you’ve been thinking about them and would like to reconnect. If your friend doesn’t respond, or does so hesitantly, you can try to convey your hopes to reconnect again.  Don’t rush though.  Allow time in between contact.  If they simply don’t respond, accept the fact that they may not be ready or willing to reconnect for the foreseeable future.
A:
Take the first step. Reach out in the right way. Don’t worry about how long it’s been. Be persistent, but not over-eager.