How much time have I spent in this kitchen over the past 23 years? All bar a few weeks I have been here alone. Sure, friends and family have visited. But essentially, this has been my space for nearly a quarter of a century. And, next year, I will have paid for it.
I mentioned loneliness to a colleague, who said, what about a lodger or a Ukrainian refugee? But I have only one bedroom now that I have my office. And though I have my office, I still find myself working in the sitting-room, bedroom, conservatory and, most often, the kitchen.
That bookshelf. Initially the idea was that it housed my favourite books. It does indeed house some of my favourite books. Though I have forgotten some of these narratives and others just happen to be there. And yet, when I look up, I can find a spine which calls to mind the feeling of that particular story. Or rather, of the me reading that particular story. Or perhaps what emerges from the connection between the two.
There are paintings that I like. Not necessarily my favourites or the best ones, but those which... wanted to be on those shelves. There are cards from friends and a family snap.
That bookshelf is an image of a part of me. Perhaps a better part of me. A part of me that I can recall and think, 'She would not give up.'
I was just looking at your bookshelf image again - and love how it represents important bits of you and your life. I recognize a couple of the paintings x