Personal history

Spent part of the afternoon with a lady of 81 who is one of the most interesting people I know. Every corner of her home has something fascinating and beautiful. I've walked past this cupboard in her living room dozens of times, and each time something different catches my eye. Her cupboard of curiosities has many shelves, the back is lined with blue silk. The objects inside are family heirlooms and flea market finds, and each one has a story behind it. It was raining and the light was fading, so I took my chances with the light coming in from the window to capture a corner of her personal history.

You'll see antique pocketwatches, dragonflies, moths, seashells, a little puffer fish, a small pen & ink drawing by her husband (top shelf), miniature shoes, an abacus, assorted bells (each with a different tinkle), delicate wax flowers from her mother, miniature books, pieces from an exquisite China service she had as a child, antique weights, a pipe in a red leather case, a pocket knife, her husband's baby shoe in soft white leather, little wooden plaques with flowers painted on them, and something that looks like part of a sextant.

Look closer.