IS THERE SOMETHING WHICH HAS GAINED NEW SIGNIFICANCE DURING LOCKDOWN?
This is a variation on the “What possession would you try to save if the house were on fire?”, but relating to something hitherto unnoticed/taken for granted.
I can’t in fact come up with anything other than two of my long-standing most treasured possessions: a life-sized carved wooden ‘Young Moorhen‘ by Walter (Wally) Cole, who could capture the essence of his subjects with the simplest of lines. This is lovingly kept polished to a high gloss by me.
The other is an elegant oval Indian pillbox of the snowiest white marble, inlaid with a graceful, rich blue flower pattern in lapis lazuli. I think of this as my own little piece of the Taj Mahal.
What I have noticed within the limited bounds of my regular local Lockdown walk is that my senses are greatly enhanced ~ colours are brighter; scents (and smells!) stronger; birdsong sweeter and clearer, and distant sounds such as far-off bleating lambs are carrying further. I’m noticing the textures of petals and leaves; berried fruits are succulent, and plain water (well, filtered and cooled) is delicious.
I have also noticed that I’m seeing afresh familiar things around the house, and have made small changes in their arrangement.
Cynthia Reavell
Guestling, near Hastings