Memories and Reflections
Covid-19: To say the last few years have been horrible would be an understatement, with all the restrictions and so many lives lost. I caught Covid myself in April 2022, but even so, I find myself looking to the future with a new sense of optimism. Now I just need to make a full recovery. Today I finally tested negative, and after a week of self-isolation, I get to see my baby daughter again. I’ve missed her more than I can say.
Introspective: This is one of the few photos of myself I’ve genuinely come to love, partly because I had no idea it was being taken. There’s something honest about a photo you didn’t pose for. I only learned it existed about a decade ago, through a chance encounter with my old secondary school teacher. He’d kept it all those years, and handed it to me so many years later. It was a surprise, too, to see other familiar faces in it that I’d almost forgotten. Thank you, sir!
Nighthawks When I first saw the Nighthawks painting a few days ago, I was taken aback by how Edward Hoppe managed to capture a sense of silence. This painting raises so many questions. What are these people doing so late into the night, do they know each other (e.g couples/friends or even strangers) etc. The painting captures a feeling of loneliness and isolation that matches Hopper’s description of it as “literally an illustration of loneliness.” Edward Hoppe, American, 1882–1967
Plant Hunter. I discovered this plant shop by accident opposite the Genesis cinema, nestled among all the restaurants and off-licenses. It’s so refreshing to see a different type of business on this road.
When we entered the Plantonium, we were greeted by a young lady who was passionate about the plant! She cheerfully answered all our questions.
The Plantonium has a wide selection of potted plants for most inner-city plant hunters and the price was reasonable. I plan to buy a Bonsai tree on my next visit.
Schrodinger’s cat. Came across this cat during my lunchtime walk resting on the wall daydreaming. Trying to elicit a response to capture an image was met with indifference. The cat ignored me and closed its eyes. It was only when I was walking away it took an interest to look back with a disapproving look!
That’s me. It’s a crop from a larger family portrait taken in Bangladesh, on a hot summer’s day at a local bazaar. Beyond that, my memory of the day has faded — much like the photograph itself. I’d almost forgotten it existed until a family friend in Spain sent it over, and seeing it again stopped me in my tracks. Time and the tropical humidity had nearly destroyed the print, and it struck me how close this little piece of my childhood came to being lost forever. I’m so grateful to my friend for sending it.
This is my first attempt at restoring a photograph. The image on the left shows how badly it had faded.
Final curtain call. After tending to the Deshi Naga Morich (chillies) for 10 months. With the onset of autumn, it’s time to say goodbye to this splendid specimen. This type of Naga is indigenous to Southeast Asia, and it has gained popularity amongst the younger Bdeshi gardeners in London! Also see gardeners’ world for different varieties of chillies grown in the UK.
Experiment. By the time I went out today after work, it was already dark.
Morning walks. Working from home from a small study can be isolating, but today I enjoyed watching the snow falling while preparing for online meetings.
Monday 8th February 2021
Ephemeral Beauty. Today’s photo was sent by the young guest contributor (Jenny) during her early morning lockdown run. It is remarkable how fog can transform a landscape into something magical!