Some days it seems like the world is really alive. Beauty is illuminated, and friendship recalled.

The window is veiled, we cannot see into the world outside, and yet it is inexplicably present, revealed in a moment of light and shadow and colour. The sunshine-yellow Daffodils bask in the light of the lamp, reminding me of friendships forged in this place that is home. Below, almost unnoticed, a wooden bowl that was once my Mother’s has travelled with me since I left home, now contains treasured pebbles from a nearby beach, an empty crab shell, and a Dotee doll, each reminding me of delight, death and the beauty of community.

Hiding at the base of the lamp, a small bendable creature grins, an impulsive gift from dear friends, reminding me to smile.